DogMatchUp

French Bulldog vs Boston 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
Small

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group

Boston Terrier
Small

Boston Terrier

Non-Sporting Group

Quick Comparison

Size

French Bulldog Small
Boston Terrier Small

Lifespan

French Bulldog 10-12 years
Boston Terrier 11-13 years

Exercise Needs

French Bulldog 2/5
Boston Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

French Bulldog 2/5
Boston Terrier 3/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: French Bulldogs are less energetic than Boston Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: French Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Boston Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Bulldogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boston Terriers.
  • Trainability: French Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their French Bulldog's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: French 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 French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature French Bulldog Boston Terrier
Size Small Small
Life Expectancy 10-12 years 11-13 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Non-Sporting Group Non-Sporting Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature French Bulldog Boston Terrier
Height
11-13 inches
28-33 cm
15-17 inches
38-43 cm
Weight
28-28 lbs
13-13 kg
12-25 lbs
5-11 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Regularly Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature French Bulldog Boston Terrier
Temperament Adaptable, Playful, Smart Friendly, Bright, Amusing
Energy Level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature French Bulldog Boston Terrier
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
4/5
4/5
Apartment Friendly
4/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

French Bulldog Temperament

Adaptable Playful Smart

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.

Boston Terrier Temperament

Friendly Bright Amusing

The Boston Terrier is characterized by being friendly, bright, amusing, 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 Boston Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

French Bulldog
5/5
Boston Terrier
5/5

Good with Children

French Bulldog
5/5
Boston Terrier
5/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

French Bulldog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

Boston Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

French Bulldog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

Boston Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

ENERGY LEVEL

French Bulldog

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Boston Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

French Bulldog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Boston Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

French Bulldog

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Boston Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

French Bulldog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

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

2/5

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.

Boston Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Boston 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Boston 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

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Spinal Problems
  • Eye Issues
  • Heat Sensitivity

Boston Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 11-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Cherry Eye
  • Deafness

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

Boston Terrier

Pros

  • Great with families
  • Compact size
  • Low grooming needs
  • Adaptable
  • Friendly personality

Cons

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Heat sensitive
  • Potential snoring
  • Some stubbornness

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.