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
Non-Sporting Group
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting 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.
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.
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 | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Bulldog | Boston 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.
Boston Terrier Temperament
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
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
French Bulldog
Rating: 5/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Boston 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.
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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
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
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Problems
- Eye Issues
- Heat Sensitivity
Boston Terrier Health Profile
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.