Choosing between a French Bulldog & Boston Terrier
Are you trying to decide between a Frenchie or Boston Terrier?
It can be a really tough decision…
There are just so many great things about both breeds.
While these breeds may appear pretty similar on the surface, there are actually a few key differences that might make one of these breeds a better fit for you and your lifestyle.
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 to learn what’s similar & different about their…
- Personalities
- Physical appearances
- Health issues
- History
What’s the difference between a Frenchie & Boston Terrier?
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16-28 lbs (7.2-12.7 kg) | 12-25 lbs (5.5-11.3 kg) |
| Ears | Bat ears | Pointy ears |
| Build | Short & stocky | Slender & athletic |
| Shedding | Moderate | Mild |
| Breathing issues | Moderate–severe | Mild–moderate |
| Health issues | Moderate–high | Low–moderate |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 11–13 years |
| Exercise tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Colors | Brindle, Brindle & White, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Fawn Brindle, Fawn Brindle & White, White, White & Brindle, White & Fawn | Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White Seal & White Seal Brindle & White |
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
- Alert: French Bulldogs are known for being alert and aware of their surroundings. They make great watchdogs and will often bark to alert their owners of potential dangers.
- Lively: French Bulldogs are full of energy and love to play. They enjoy running around and playing games, and they thrive on physical activity.
- Playful: French Bulldogs are known for their playful nature. They love to interact with their owners and enjoy playing with toys and games.
- Athletic: Although they have a stocky build, French Bulldogs are surprisingly athletic. They enjoy physical activities such as running, jumping, and climbing.
- Sociable: French Bulldogs are very social dogs and enjoy being around people. They love to be the center of attention and crave affection from their owners.
- Stubborn: French Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit of a challenge. They have a strong will and can be difficult to train if not done properly.
- Affectionate: French Bulldogs are very affectionate dogs and love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. They make great lap dogs and will often follow their owners around the house.
- Clingy: French Bulldogs can be very clingy with their owners and may have separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They love being around people and may become anxious or depressed if left alone too often.
Frenchies are notorious for being stubborn
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.
Boston Terrier Personality Traits
- Loyal: Boston Terriers are loyal dogs and form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their devotion and will often follow their owners around the house.
- Friendly: Boston Terriers are friendly dogs and enjoy being around people. They are known for their affectionate nature and love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners.
- High energy: Boston Terriers are high-energy dogs and require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy running, jumping, and playing games, and they thrive on physical activity.
- More independent: Compared to some other small breeds, Boston Terriers tend to be more independent. They are intelligent and can be trained easily, but they also have a stubborn streak and may need consistent training to maintain good behavior.
- Intelligent: Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs and are known for their ability to learn quickly. They are eager to please their owners and can be trained to do a variety of tasks.
- Comical: Boston Terriers are known for their comical antics and playful personalities. They have a great sense of humor and love to make their owners laugh.
- Curious: Boston Terriers are curious dogs and enjoy exploring their environment. They have a keen sense of smell and are often fascinated by new scents and sounds.
- Sensitive: Boston Terriers are sensitive dogs and can be easily affected by changes in their environment or routine. They thrive on routine and may become anxious or stressed if their routine is disrupted.
While these two dogs have similar personalities, Boston Terriers are known to be a bit more energetic & athletic than Frenchies.
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.
Frenchies are stockier
Frenchies are generally shorter & stockier than Boston Terriers.
They have round bat ears that stick straight up and are round at the top.
Boston Terriers are more athletic
Boston Terriers are a bit more slender and athletic than the Frenchie.
They also don’t have as bad of breathing issues — which means Boston Terriers do better outdoors and with prolonged activity.
But both have breathing issues
While they both have flat faces & breathing issues…
Boston Terriers tend to not have as flat of faces as Frenchies which means they’ll breathe a bit better.
Frenchies and Boston Terriers are two of the cutest “flat-faced” dog breeds out there… and they have a few things in common:
What the Frenchie & Boston Terrier have in common
- Ears — They both have big ol’ ears that stick up straight
- Eyes — They have the most adorable, big, expressive eyes
- Coats — They have short coats that require minimal grooming
- Lifespan — They both have an average lifespan of around 11–13 years
- Smart — Both are intelligent and easy to train— though both are prone to being a bit stubborn
- Flat-faced — Both breeds are flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds— so both breeds will have some degree of breathing issues
French Bulldog Physical Traits
- Build: French Bulldogs have a stockier build compared to Boston Terriers. Boston Terriers are more slender and lighter in build.
- Weight: French Bulldogs are generally heavier than Boston Terriers. French Bulldogs weigh an average of 16-28 pounds, while Boston Terriers weigh an average of 12-25 pounds.
- Coat: French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers both have short, smooth coats, but French Bulldogs shed more than Boston Terriers.
- Drooling: French Bulldogs are known to drool more than Boston Terriers.
- Exercise tolerance: Boston Terriers are generally more exercise-tolerant than French Bulldogs.
- Ears: French Bulldogs have a more “rose-shaped” or round ear shape, while Boston Terriers have more pointed ears.
Boston Terrier Physical Traits
- Drooling: Boston Terriers are known to drool much less than French Bulldogs, which can be a consideration for some owners.
- Weight: Boston Terriers are generally lighter in weight than French Bulldogs. Boston Terriers weigh an average of 12-25 pounds, while French Bulldogs weigh an average of 16-28 pounds.
- Build: Boston Terriers are more slender and lighter in build compared to French Bulldogs.
- Ears: Boston Terriers have more pointed ears compared to the round, “rose-shaped” ears of French Bulldogs.
- Exercise tolerance: Boston Terriers are generally more exercise-tolerant than French Bulldogs, making them a good choice for more active owners.
- Shedding: While both breeds shed, Boston Terriers shed a bit less than French Bulldogs, although regular grooming is still necessary.
Frenchie vs Boston Terrier Health Issues
While Frenchies are notorious for their health issues, Boston Terriers are less prone to health issues…
With this being said, they still are a brachycephalic breed and experience breathing issues from time to time.
French Bulldog Health Problems
- More prone to health issues
- Breathing problems tend to be worse due to flatter faces
- Common health issues are: hip dysplasia, cherry eye, allergies, and patellar luxation
Boston Terrier Health Problems
- Less prone to health issues
- Longer snouts lead to less-severe breathing issues than Frenchies
- Common health issues are: cataracts, cherry eye, heart murmurs, and deafness
Frenchie vs Boston Price
If you haven’t heard by now, the Frenchie is pretty dang expensive… and the Boston Terrier isn’t too far behind.
If you want a Frenchie or Boston puppy…
You’re going to be spending at least a thousand dollars to get either of these dogs from a breeder.
Note: You can always rescue a dog and give a home to a dog in need & save money at the same time!
There’s one thing for sure, though: the cost of these purebred dogs isn’t cheap!
Frenchie vs Boston Price Comparison
Frenchie vs Boston History
These dogs have an obvious — and not so obvious — history.
The Boston Terrier originates from the United States (can you guess where?) and the French Bulldog surprisingly comes from England!
Frenchie vs Boston History Comparison
| 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
- 1800s: English dog breeders begin crossbreeding English Bulldogs with smaller dogs to create a smaller version of the Bulldog that is more suitable as a companion animal.
- Mid-1800s: French Bulldog development is influenced by British dog breeders.
- 1862: French Bulldogs are exhibited at the Birmingham Dog Show.
- Late 1800s: French Bulldogs become popular in France and quickly become a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
- 1898: French Bulldogs are officially recognized as a breed by the Société Centrale Canine in France (SCC).
- 1898: French Bulldogs are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- 1905: French Bulldogs are officially recognized by The Kennel Club in England.
- 1910s-1920s: French Bulldogs become popular in the United States.
Boston Terrier History
Boston Terrier History At a Glance
- 1865: Robert C. Hooper of Boston, Massachusetts imports a dog named Judge, who becomes the foundation of the Boston Terrier breed— the dog was originally known as the “American Bull Terrier”.
- 1870s: Boston Terriers become popular in Boston and are known as “roundheads.”
- Late 1800s: Boston Terriers are crossbred with French Bulldogs to create the Boston Bulldog.
- 1889: The American Bull Terrier Club is founded, which later becomes the Boston Terrier Club of America.
- 1893: Boston Terriers are officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
Should I get a Frenchie or a Boston Terrier?
Reasons to get a French Bulldog over a Boston Terrier
- Apartment living: French Bulldogs are well-suited to apartment living, as they are generally more low-energy and require less exercise than Boston Terriers.
- Social personality: French Bulldogs are highly social dogs and enjoy being around people. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, which can make them a great choice for families with children.
- Barking: French Bulldogs tend to bark less than Boston Terriers, which can be a consideration for owners who live in apartments or close quarters.
- Low-energy lifestyle: French Bulldogs are more laid-back than Boston Terriers and are content with lounging around the house with their owners. They require less exercise and are a good choice for owners who prefer a more low-energy lifestyle.
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.
- Weight: Boston Terriers are generally lighter in weight than French Bulldogs, which can be a consideration for owners who prefer a smaller or lighter dog.
- Activity level: Boston Terriers are generally more active and require more exercise than French Bulldogs. They enjoy going for walks, playing games, and engaging in activities with their owners.
- Shedding: While both breeds shed, Boston Terriers tend to shed less than French Bulldogs, which can be a consideration for owners who prefer a cleaner home.
- Trainability: Boston Terriers are generally easier to train than French Bulldogs due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and behaviors.
- Health issues: While both breeds are prone to certain health issues, such as breathing problems, French Bulldogs are generally more susceptible to health problems than Boston Terriers. This can be a consideration for owners who want a dog with a lower risk of health issues.
- Cost: French Bulldogs are generally more expensive than Boston Terriers, due in part to their popularity and the demand for the breed. This can be a consideration for owners on a budget.
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.
What is more expensive? A Frenchie or Boston Terrier?
What has more health problems? A Frenchie or Boston Terrier?
The Frenchie is known for having more health problems than the Boston Terrier.
More specifically, Frenchies have worse breathing and joint issues than the Boston Terrier, but both are prone to their own set of health issues. Both breeds have roughly the same lifespan though.