French Bulldog vs Border Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Border Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Bulldog Overview
French Bulldogs captivate with their distinctive bat-like ears and compact, muscular build. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing a charming, wrinkled face and endearing expression. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these sturdy companions combine alertness with a laid-back demeanor, showcasing their adaptable nature through playful antics and affectionate interactions.
Border Terrier Overview
Border Terriers possess a distinctive otter-like head, alert expression, and sturdy, well-proportioned frame. Their rough double coat, typically grizzle and tan or blue and tan, provides protection in all weather conditions. Standing 12-15 inches at the shoulder, these agile terriers combine a determined spirit with an affectionate nature, displaying remarkable stamina and intelligence in their movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: French Bulldogs are less energetic than Border Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Border Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Bulldogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Border Terriers.
- Trainability: French Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their French Bulldog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while French Bulldogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the French Bulldog and Border Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Bulldog | Border Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Bulldog | Border Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 28-28 lbs 13-13 kg | 11-15 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Bulldog | Border Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Playful, Smart | Affectionate, Happy, Plucky |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Bulldog | Border Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Bulldog Temperament
The French Bulldog is known for being adaptable, playful, smart, 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.
Border Terrier Temperament
The Border Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, happy, plucky, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 French Bulldog and Border Terrier, 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
French Bulldog
Rating: 5/5
Border Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Border Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
French Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Bulldogs 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, French Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Border Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Terriers 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 short, dense coat coat, Border Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
French Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Problems
- Eye Issues
- Heat Sensitivity
Border Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- SLEM
- Heart defects
- Epilepsy
- Eye problems
Pros & Cons
French Bulldog
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Good with children
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Multiple health issues
- Expensive medical care
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and breathing issues
Border Terrier
Pros
- Excellent with families
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Low grooming requirements
- Good with children
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May dig and bark
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the French Bulldog and Border Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.