Boston Terrier vs Bulldog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
Bulldog Overview
Muscular and compact, the Bulldog features a distinctive wrinkled face, pushed-in nose, and undershot jaw. Their broad shoulders and low-slung body create an imposing yet endearing appearance. Known for their gentle demeanor despite their tough exterior, these dogs display a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boston Terriers are less energetic than Bulldogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Bulldogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bulldogs.
- Trainability: Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bulldog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bulldogs adapt better to apartment living, while Boston Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Boston Terrier and Bulldog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 8-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Friendly, Courageous, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bulldog Temperament
The Bulldog is characterized by being friendly, courageous, calm, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Boston Terrier and Bulldog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bulldogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Bulldogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Cherry eye
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Heart problems
Pros & Cons
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
Bulldog
Pros
- Great with families
- Low exercise needs
- Calm temperament
- Adaptable to small spaces
Cons
- Health issues common
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and drooling
- High medical costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boston Terrier and Bulldog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.