French Bulldogs vs Boston Terriers: A Comprehensive Comparison

French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are two of the most popular breeds in the world, but they have some key differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other.

French Bulldogs are known for their short stature, typically weighing between 16 and 28 pounds. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming.

One of the biggest differences between the two breeds is their exercise needs. French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring short, gentle walks.

Related reading: Boston Terrier Exercise Needs

French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers may look similar, but they have some distinct physical characteristics that set them apart.

The French Bulldog is generally stockier and heavier than the Boston Terrier, weighing in at up to 28 pounds, compared to the lighter Boston weight of between 12 and 25 pounds.

One of the most noticeable differences is their ear shapes. Frenchies are known for their signature bat ears, whereas Boston Terriers have more pointed ears.

Additional reading: Boston Terrier with Uncropped Ears

Boston Terriers are also taller than French Bulldogs, with a maximum height of 17 inches, compared to the French Bulldog's maximum height of 13 inches.

Their head shapes are also different, with Boston Terriers having a rounder head and French Bulldogs having a square-shaped head.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' physical characteristics:

Both breeds have short snouts and big eyes, but the French Bulldog's coat can come in a wider range of colors, including black, red, fawn, beige, cream, blue, and lilac.

Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are brachycephalic breeds, meaning they're prone to breathing problems, especially in high heat and during vigorous exercise.

Their short snouts and flat faces can lead to trouble swallowing or sleeping, and they may be susceptible to cataracts and other eye problems due to their shallow eye sockets.

French Bulldogs are also at risk for developing hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, spinal problems, heart disease, and hypothyroidism.

Expand your knowledge: Boston Terrier Cherry Eye

Boston Terriers, on the other hand, have a higher-than-average incidence of patellar luxation, deafness, and a spinal disorder called hemivertebrae.

Both breeds breathe loudly, even when they're at rest, due to their short noses.

They also swallow a lot of air when eating, which leads to production of gas and can result in some rather...fragrant...emissions.

It's essential to choose a puppy from a reliable, ethical breeder who tests for genetic abnormalities to ensure you're getting a healthy pup.

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is about 10-12 years, while Boston Terriers typically live 11-13 years.

French Bulldogs often have more health problems related to their skin folds and are prone to heat exhaustion.

Because of their front-heavy build, they shouldn't be left unattended near bodies of water, as they're unable to swim.

Recommended read: When Does a Boston Terrier Stop Growing

Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have a good-natured temperament, making them ideal family pets. They are friendly dogs who often make their pet parents laugh with their goofy antics.

Boston Terriers are intelligent, active, affectionate, and lively, bred to be companions. They excel in agility contests, but also have a lazy side and will be content snuggling with you on the couch.

French Bulldogs boast a mischievous and sassy personality, with an independent streak as well. They are happy to curl up next to you for a snooze.

Both breeds love to be near their owners and feel a constant urge to touch, loving to cuddle and snuggle up to their owners. They respond well to training through positive feedback, such as praise and treats.

However, French Bulldogs are more stubborn and may require more patience during the learning process. They are truly free spirits, often doing whatever they feel like.

French Bulldogs are comfortable in both urban and rural environments, but are generally quieter than Boston Terriers. If you live in an urban environment, a French Bulldog may be a more ideal choice.

Both breeds have a low exercise requirement due to their small size. French Bulldogs need 2-3 walks and 15 minutes of play twice a day, while Boston Terriers benefit from thought-provoking puzzle games to keep their minds active.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs

French Bulldogs have a headstrong temperament and think they're big dogs, which is why early training and socialization are crucial. They bond deeply with their people and love to have a good time.

French Bulldogs are great with kids and other pets, but should always be supervised and taught how to interact with dogs. They make amazing emotional support and therapy dogs, and are even good watchdogs, often barking if someone new is at the door.

Additional reading: Similar to Boston Terrier

Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs require regular attention to their skin folds to prevent infection, especially for French Bulldogs.

Boston Terriers need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

They also require moderate and monitored exercise to prevent overheating, as French Bulldogs are prone to this issue.

French Bulldogs only need to be bathed occasionally, but their minimal shedding makes them a great choice for those with allergies.

French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers require regular cleaning of their skin folds to prevent infection, which is especially important for French Bulldogs.

Both breeds shed minimally and only need to be bathed occasionally, making them relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

They make great additions to families who can give them the affection they crave, but there are some things to consider before bringing one of these pups home.

They're suitable for first-time dog parents, but it's essential to think about the responsibilities involved in caring for these breeds.

Exercise needs vary between breeds. Boston Terriers require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

For Boston Terriers, daily walks and playtime are essential. They thrive on physical activity and mental challenges. Short, fun sessions are best, as they can tire easily.

French Bulldogs, on the other hand, need moderate exercise. They can overheat easily, so exercise should be monitored. Playtime should be brief and gentle to avoid exhaustion.

Boston Terriers are more active and require more activities, while French Bulldogs are a bit more laid-back and happy to lounge around.

If you're an active person, a Boston Terrier might be the better fit. However, if you're looking for a low-maintenance companion, a French Bulldog could be the way to go.

Consider your current lifestyle and choose the proper breed accordingly.

When choosing between breeds, it's essential to consider your lifestyle. Boston Terriers are more active and require more activities, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Boston Terriers are more energetic, needing regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. French bulldogs, on the other hand, are a bit more laid-back.

French bulldogs are often described as couch potatoes, content with short playtime and plenty of rest. Boston Terriers, however, thrive on activity and need plenty of opportunities to run around.

Ultimately, the decision between a Boston Terrier and a French bulldog comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

When considering the cost of a new pet, it's essential to factor in the price comparison between breeds. A Boston Terrier can cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars less than a French Bulldog.

The initial cost of a Boston Terrier can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the breeder, bloodlines, and location. This can make it a more affordable option for first-time dog owners.

In contrast, French Bulldogs can be quite pricey, with prices ranging from a few thousand to over $10,000. This is due to their popularity and the high demand for these adorable dogs.

Ultimately, the decision between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog should be based on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

Here's an interesting read: Bulldog Frances Boston Terrier

So, you're trying to decide between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog. The main difference between them is their personality. Boston Terriers are more active and require more activities.

If you have a busy lifestyle, a Boston Terrier might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more laid-back companion, a French Bulldog could be the way to go.

Here are some key differences to consider:

It's worth noting that French Bulldogs can be quite stubborn when it comes to training, as Jeannie points out in her comment. She's raised seven Bostons and has a French Bulldog of her own, and she says that training a Frenchie is much harder than training a Boston.

Worth a look: How to Train a Boston Terrier