French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: All Differences and Similarities You Should Know About

At first sight, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs look alike. However, at a closer examination, you will find that they are everything but identical siblings.

In this article, we examine the differences and similarities between Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs. We will also be looking at their temperaments to find out which one is the best family dog. Lastly, we discover their common health issues and what you can do to reduce them.

You don’t know what to choose between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. Let’s find out what sets these two apart!

Characteristics

	Boston Terrier	French Bulldog
Height	15-17 Inches	11-12 Inches
Weight	12-25 Pounds	16-28 Pounds
Type of Coat	Short, smooth, and fine-haired	Short, smooth, and shiny
Colors	“Tuxedo Coat” is white and either black, brindle, or dark brown, but an even distribution.	The same combination of colors but uneven and different from one dog to another.
Lifespan	11-13 Years	10-14 Years
Personality	Playful, Affectionate, Sociable	Active, Stubborn, Independent
Intelligence	Highly intelligent	Brilliant dogs
Social with other dogs	Sociable but highly territorial at home against new dogs	Not good with other dogs unless they are socialized from an early age
Social with people	Sociable and friendly if socialized from an early age	Not good with strangers or children if they are not used to meeting new people
Damage	They have plenty of energy that can lead to them chewing on cables or shoes.	They love chewing on stuff. Make sure your pups always have plenty of toys around.
Energy	Fairly high	Low

Breeds history

While they may look like twins, the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are not closely related. The two puppies indeed have a common ancestor. However, they evolved into two separate breeds starting more than 150 years ago.

You will see the main physical differences between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog at a closer look. However, their different temperaments and activity levels really show the discrepancies between the two breeds.

Where Do Boston Terriers Come From?

The Boston Terrier is a mix of an English Terrier and a Bulldog mix by the name of Judge. The latter was a Liverpool native that reached Boston, Massachusetts, in 1870. There, his new owners bred him to a small, white female called Gyp. After several years and generations of selective breeding, growers obtained the friendly Boston Terrier we know today.

In the beginning, they referred to the dog as Round Head, Bullet Head, Square Head, or Bull Terrier. However, in 1889, they renamed it Boston Terrier as an homage to the breed’s birthplace. In some circles, people refer to it as the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like coat. Nowadays, the modern Boston Terrier is the official dog of Massachusetts and the mascot of Boston University.

Where Do French Bulldogs Come From?

In the middle of the 19th century, people on both sides of the Atlantic developed considerable interest in breeding companion dogs. That’s when a group of French lace makers decided to create a miniature version of the small, toy-like English Bulldog.

They brought the original toy Bulldog across the English Channel and crossed it with other Pugs and Terriers. After several cross-mixing attempts, the French Bulldog we know today was finally born. Soon, the “Bouledogue Francais” became highly popular in both Europe and North America.

What Are the Differences between Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog?

Both dog breeds have a common ancestor in the Bulldog. That’s why many people tend to confuse the Boston Terriers with the French Bulldogs. However, the two canines have several differences that shouldn’t escape a closer examination.

Firstly, with a maximum height of 17 inches, Boston Terriers tend to be slightly taller than French Bulldogs. The latter only grows to about 12 inches tall.

Also, the American Gentleman breed produces lighter puppies. With regular exercise, they shouldn’t exceed 25 pounds. On the other hand, the French breed tends to gain weight more quickly. Most bulldogs of this kind easily reach 28 pounds.

Next, their coloring should quickly tell the difference between the two breeds. Almost all Boston Terriers have a “tuxedo” coat of white and other dark colors. Conversely, French Bulldogs have a mix of white and various colors with no specific patterns.

Lastly, another difference between Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs is their energy level. The Terrier is highly active and likes to play all day long. Contrarily, the Bulldog likes to slouch. And, as it grows older, it will choose the couch over the playground almost every time.

What are their similarities?

Despite their differences, the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog have several things in common. That’s due not only to their common ancestry but to their personal traits as well.

Both breeds are highly intelligent. This helps them socialize better with both people and other pets. However, you will have to ensure a high level of socialization from an early age to ensure they gain this characteristic.

Furthermore, they are both playful. And, while the French Bulldog is more stubborn and gets tired more quickly, it will still be up for games. This dynamic behavior happens in both dog breeds, especially when they are puppies.

Lastly, both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog like to chew on everything they can find. So, you have to teach them differently from an early age. Otherwise, make sure you keep electronic cables under the rugs and your shoes in well-locked cabinets.

Size and coloring – Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog

Both dogs are similar in size. However, when they reach adulthood, Boston Terriers tend to be leaner and slightly taller. Nevertheless, French Bulldogs compensate with their muscular bodies and marginally larger heads.

We already mentioned the distinctive tuxedo coat of the Boston Terrier. So, let’s look closer at what makes the French Bulldogs’ coats different. Firstly, it is just as short and smooth as the Terrier’s, slightly shinier.

Secondly, it combines white with other colors in no particular pattern. This creates several coloring alterations, such as:

• Brindle
• Brindle and white
• Fawn brindle
• Fawn
• Fawn and white
• Cream
• White
• White and brindle
• White and Fawn

Lastly, the French Bulldog tends to have more wrinkles on his face than the Boston Terrier breed. Also, the wrinkles increase in size and number as the dog grows older.

Temperament and Personality

Boston Terriers are high on love and energy. Also, they want to show it all the time, whether to their families or to strangers. Furthermore, they love going on walks and want to play all day.

French Bulldogs tend to be more independent, which may make them less friendly. No doubt about it, they love their families and spending time with them. Unfortunately, they are not so keen on meeting new people or other pets. Lastly, while they like playing, they will only do it for limited periods.

Both breeds need a high level of socialization from when they are little dogs. This way, they should become more sociable when they reach adulthood.

Activity levels and Trainability

If you want an apartment dog that sits in the corner all day, then the French Bulldog is for you. This breed tends to be less and less active as it gets older. In its golden years, Frenchie becomes a stereotypical couch potato.

While French Bulldogs may settle for 15 minutes of daily activity,  Boston Terriers will accept nothing short of 45 minutes. This breed is more energetic, playful, and loves mental stimulation.

Do Boston Terriers Love Dog Sports?

Instead of lying on the couch, a Boston Terrier will gladly join you for runs, long walks, and even hikes. Furthermore, it will accept as much exercise as you choose.

Both these small dog breeds show reluctance to training. However, despite their stubbornness, you can transform them into well-behaved, quickly obeying dogs. And to do so, you must rely on their emotional dependence on their pet parents. Through consistent training and positive reinforcement, you can teach them both manners and tricks.

Health Concerns – Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog

Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs struggle with similar health problems. The most common one is breathing difficulty. Because they are both brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced) breeds, they have short noses and intricate airways. ^[1] Most of these dogs tend to struggle with:

• A high risk of a collapsing trachea
• A failure to develop proper spine bones
• Intervertebral disk disease (IDD)
• Patellar luxation
• Eye problems
• Heatstroke
• Loud snoring

Also, both breeds tend to show separation anxiety. ^[2] Keep in mind that Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are clingy and needy. So, they don’t stand you leaving them home alone all day. And, if you do, you may cause them severe emotional damage. ^[3]

Lastly, both breeds have a life expectancy that exceeds 10 years. For instance, Boston Terriers tend to live between 11 and 13 years. On the other hand, most French Bulldogs live between 10 and 14 years.

Cost – Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog

If you want to acquire either a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog, you should contact a reputable breeder. This way, you make sure that you get a puppy with minimal health issues. Amateur breeders may not be aware of all the biological complexities of these dogs. That’s why some specimens have distressing health complications from an early age.

Boston Terrier Cost

Generally, you should find that Boston Terriers cost between $700 and $2,700. The prices differ depending on the breeder and country of purchase.

French Bulldog Cost

On the other hand, French Bulldogs are slightly more popular than their Boston counterparts. That’s why their prices are somewhat higher. For instance, you can buy a French Bulldog puppy for anything between $800 and $8,000. The latter price refers to premium quality breeds.

Adoption and Shelters

If you are set to get a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog, first try to adopt one. Both breeds produce irresistibly cute puppies. That’s why first-time dog owners purchase them young and abandon them later when the dogs develop health problems.

When visiting your local pet shelter, you may find several Boston Terriers or French Bulldogs. Also, you may find that you can adopt them for a modest price. However, the joy you will bring to that emotionally broken puppy will be priceless.

Additionally, you can contact other pet parents online for potentially new litters. Reach out to the French Bulldog Club or to the Boston Terrier Club. Lastly, the American Kennel Club should also provide you information on possible adoption options.

Last Words – Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog

Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are great options for family dogs. They may look similar, but they have different personalities. And, depending on the pet activity level you prefer, you can choose an energetic Boston Terrier or a lazy French Bulldog.

Keep in mind that the Boston Terrier breed is more friendly than the French Bulldog. Nevertheless, both species are loving and affectionate. With consistent training and socialization, they should quickly develop into everyone’s favorite pups.

Both breeds have low grooming requirements and accessible nutrition needs. However, both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs deal with similar health issues.

Come back to this guide when you are ready to get one of these breeds and find out which one is best for you and your family.

FAQ – Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog

Article Sources:

1. “Caring for Brachycephalic Dogs.” MSPCA-Angell, 6 June 2019, mspca.org/angell_services/caring-for-brachycephalic-dogs/.
2. “Separation Anxiety.” ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety.
3. “Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs.” Battersea, 26 Feb. 2021, battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/stressed-dog-care.