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What’s the difference between a Frenchie & Boston Terrier?
Are you trying to decide between a Frenchie or Boston Terrier?
Obviously, the easy thing to do would be to get a Frenchie & call it a day– but is a Frenchie the right breed for you?
Each breed has its pros/cons
While Frenchies & Bostons are similar, there are a few pros/cons to each breed…
Read on and learn about the difference between their personalities, physical appearances, health, history, and price!
Frenchie vs Boston Personality
The highlight of both of these breeds is without a doubt their personalities.
Both are super playful & loving– you can’t go wrong with either breed!
French Bulldog Personality Traits
When it comes to Frenchies, the biggest personality trait that stands out to me is their stubbornness!
Frenchies are mischievous little buggers that are always getting into some goofy shenanigans.
Frenchies can be…
Boston Terrier Personality Traits
While these two dogs have similar personalities, Boston Terriers are known to be a bit more energetic & athletic than Frenchies.
Bostons are known to be…
- Loyal
- Friendly
- High energy
- More independent
Frenchie vs Boston Physical Traits
They’re often mistaken for each other, however, they both have unique traits that can help you differentiate between the two.
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16-28lbs | 12-25lbs |
| Ears | Rose shaped | Pointy ears |
| Build | Short & stocky | Slender |
| Shedding | Moderate | Mild |
Frenchies and Boston Terriers are two of the cutest “flat-faced” dog breeds out there… and they have a few things in common:
- These breeds are both flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.
- They both have big ol’ ears that stick up
French Bulldog Physical Traits
- 16-28lbs (7.2kg – 12.7kg) on average
- Stockier than Boston Terriers
- More “rose-shaped” round ears than Boston Terriers
- Drool more than Boston Terriers
- Shed more than Boston Terriers
- Less exercise tolerant than Boston Terriers
Boston Terrier Physical Traits
- 12-25lbs (5.5kg – 11.3kg) on average
- More slender & lighter than Frenchies
- Ears are much pointier than Frenchies
- Drool much less than Frenchies
- Shed a bit less than Frenchies (they still shed!)
- More exercise-tolerant than Frenchies
Frenchie vs Boston Health
While Frenchies are notorious for their health issues, Boston Terriers are less prone to health issues– though they still are a brachycephalic breed and experience breathing issues from time to time.
French Bulldog Health Problems
- More prone to health issues
- Common health issues are: hip dysplasia, cherry eye, allergies, and patellar luxation
Boston Terrier Health Problems
- Less prone to health issues
- Common health issues are: cataracts, cherry eye, heart murmurs, and deafness
Frenchie vs Boston Price
You’re going to be spending at least a thousand dollars to get either of these dogs from a breeder (you can always rescue!).
The cost of these purebred dogs isn’t cheap!
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $3,500+ | $1,500+ |
| Vet Bills | Medium–High | Low-Medium |
Frenchie vs Boston History
These dogs have an obvious — and not so obvious — history.
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | United States |
| Year Recognized | 1898 | 1893 |
French Bulldog History
Surely a French Bulldog is French, right?
Did you know that Frenchies aren’t from France?
They actually come from England!
Frenchie History At a Glance
- Recognized as a breed in 1898
- Originated in England
Boston Terrier History
Boston Terrier History At a Glance
- Recognized as a breed in 1893
- Originated in the United States
Should I get a Frenchie or a Boston Terrier?
Reasons to get a French Bulldog over a Boston Terrier
- You want a dog that doesn’t bark much
- You live in an apartment
- You want a highly social dog
If you still aren’t sure whether or not a French Bulldog is for you, check out all their pros and cons!
Reasons to get a Boston Terrier over a French Bulldog
It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention any of the reasons you’d want a Boston Terrier over a Frenchie.
- You want a more active dog
- You want a lighter dog
- You want a dog that sheds less
Frequently Asked Questions
French Bulldog Similar Breeds
These are the breeds that look like French Bulldogs… I don’t know how, but people often mistake these breeds for each other:
- Boston Terrier
- Pug
- Frenchton
- French Terrier
- English Bulldog
Boston Terrier Similar Breeds
- French Bulldog
- Pug
- Frenchton
- French Terrier
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
Is a Boston Terrier a French Bulldog Alternative?
No, that’s not a fair comparison to make for either breed. They are both unique breeds with their own pros/cons.
Types of Boston Terriers
There are tons of Boston Terrier mixes… here’s a few that you might recognize:
- Frenchton: a French Bulldog & Boston Terrier mix
- Boston Bulldog: a Bulldog & Boston Terrier mix
Bolgen Terrier: a Beagle & Boston Terrier mix
Pomstom: a Pomeranian & Boston Terrier mix
Boston Lab: a Labrador Retriever & Boston Terrier mix
Bojack: a Jack Russell & Boston Terrier mix
Bostchon: a Bichon Frise & Boston Terrier mix
- Boston Spaniel: a Cocker Spaniel & Boston Terrier mix
What are the differences between Frenchies & Boston Terriers?
Frenchies are a bit bigger & bulkier than Boston Terriers.
Boston Terriers are slightly taller & more athletic than Frenchies & experience fewer health issues.