Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog, which one is for you? If you’re considering getting a dog and are stuck between these two breeds, this post is for you! I’ll compare and contrast the two dogs, to help you decide which one is right for you.
Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog: Which Dog Is Right For You?
A Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog are two breeds of dog that look similar. They’re both small breeds with big heads, short legs, and massive ears. Both dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns, but some of the most common include brindle, white, and black & white. But despite their similarities, there are several important differences between them as well! Before you decide which one to get as your new pet, let’s take a closer look at these two dogs.
What Breeds Makes A Boston Terrier
A Boston Terrier is a cross between an English Bulldog and an American Pit Bull Terrier. Therefore, the Boston Terrier is actually a mix of two different breeds! The result is a small dog with lots of spunk and personality.
What Makes a French Bulldog
A French Bulldog is not the same as a Frenchie (which is what many people call French Bulldogs). A Frenchie is actually just one specific type of French Bulldog. However, now that we know this distinction exists, let’s take a closer look at them.
A French Bulldog is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Pug. In the same way that Boston Terriers are a mix of two different breeds, so too are French Bulldogs! This explains why they look similar to Boston Terriers – but there are some significant differences as well. For example, Frenchie’s typically have shorter muzzles with smaller noses than their American counterparts.
Difference in Terrier and Bulldog Size
When it comes to size, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are both small breeds. A full grown French Bulldog weighs an average of 30 lbs (13.5 kg), while a grown Boston Terrier weighs 38-50 lbs (17-23 kg) on average. That’s quite a difference! Of course, there are always exceptions – some dogs will be larger or smaller than that – but those measurements can serve as a general guideline for what to expect from them as adults.
Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog Price
Another difference between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog is price. A French Bulldog will typically cost more than a Boston Terrier, though it’s not uncommon for these prices to overlap. Depending on where you buy from, this can be $200-$1000+ difference in price. The reason for this is that both breeds are becoming increasingly popular, so breeders have been increasing their prices in recent years.
Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog Health
Both breeds of dogs are prone to certain health conditions, but there are some specific concerns worth noting between them! There are several genetic diseases that affect both breeds or one breed much more often than the other.
For example, French Bulldogs may experience patellar luxation more frequently than other breeds, whereas Boston Terriers are prone to the skin conditions demodectic mange and zinc responsive dermatitis.
Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog Exercise
Does this sound familiar? Your new dog will need several long walks a day! This is one of the biggest things that differentiates these two breeds apart. While both dogs enjoy exercise, they do it in very different ways. For example, French Bulldogs have shorter legs than other dogs, which means it takes them longer to get around.
Temperment
The biggest difference between these two breeds is temperament. While both dogs are friendly and intelligent, the Boston Terrier is much more active and playful than the French Bulldog. For example, a Boston Terrier enjoys going on walks in order to explore their surroundings and get a little extra exercise in.
They’re also known for being very enthusiastic when it comes to playing with other dogs – which makes sense considering their history as a fighting dog!
How does this compare to the French Bulldog? Well, while they certainly enjoy walks too, these dogs are much lazier than the previously mentioned breed. That’s not to say they’re lazy, but you can expect them to appreciate exercise more than actively seek it out!
As a result, they tend to move at a slower pace when on walks or playing with you. In contrast, Boston Terriers have long legs that allow them to move around quickly. This makes them more suited for activities like jogging or playing fetch, where they can release all their pent-up energy!
Personality
Both Boston and French breeds have fun personalities and love to interact with their people! They’re both extremely social, so they do well living in an apartment or other type of home where they have a lot of human company.
They do best with at least one walk per day, preferably more, to keep them active and happy. But be aware that they need some time to warm up to strangers – they can be friendly but also protective of their parents!
Excercise & Training Needs
Both breeds need exercise and mental stimulation, in order to stay healthy and happy! This means taking them out for several walks every day, and spending time playing with them indoors. A bored dog will get into trouble quickly! Be sure to supervise your new friend when you take it outdoors too, because both breeds are likely to wander off if they’re not on a leash or in a fenced area.
Grooming Requirements
Both breeds have short coats, which are relatively low maintenance. They typically need to be brushed every couple of days to get rid of loose fur and prevent tangles from forming. Dogs that don’t get brushed often enough can end up with a dull coat, flaky skin, and lots of other problems! The reason they develop so much dander is because they don’t shed very much, unlike dogs like Labs or German Shepherds .
Popularity
The breed you choose could matter in terms of popularity at your local dog park. There might be certain things you enjoy doing with your pet that aren’t as well-suited for one breed or other, such as agility competitions.
For example, the Boston Terrier has a lot of energy and loves to play fetch with their human parents – which might make them better at activities like flyball than other breeds. On the other hand, French Bulldogs can be stubborn and independent so they may not enjoy playing fetch as much as other dogs do!
Adoption & Rescue Costs
Both breeds are fairly common in shelters across the country, but don’t expect to pay anywhere near retail prices if you adopt one. There are many Boston Terriers available for adoption through rescues and shelters, where they’re either mixed-breeds or purebreds without papers .
You can also find French Bulldogs available for adoption online, although some of these dogs come with pricey shipping fees if you don’t live near the breeders.
Boston Terriers are generally pretty healthy breeds but they do suffer from certain conditions including cataracts, patellar luxation, and possible brachycephalic problems.
French Bulldogs are also reportedly prone to certain dental issues, which might be one reason why they snore so much!
Lifespan
Both breeds have fairly long life expectancies. The average Boston Terrier can live for about 12 to 16 years, while the average lifespan of a French Bulldog is somewhere around 10 to 15 years. However, there’s quite a bit of variation here depending on whether your pet has purebred parents or not – mixed-breeds typically live longer than purebreds do.
This means that if you adopt from a shelter or rescue organization then your dog could potentially live twice as long as its expected lifespan.
Energy Levels
The Boston Terrier is a very active breed. They enjoy playing fetch, jogging alongside you, or taking trips to the dog park. The French Bulldog doesn’t get too hyper. They do like lounging around with their favorite humans.
Of course, it depends on the individual dog – some French Bulldogs will happily join you for a jog while others prefer snuggling up and napping all day instead. And depending on how old your Frenchie is when you bring them home, they may need much-needed rest rather than extra exercise!
Grooming Requirements
Both breeds require regular grooming and clipping. The Boston Terrier needs to be brushed at least twice a week and bathed when necessary, while the French should be bathed, brushed, and given nail trims about every two weeks (or as needed).
Barking Levels
French Bulldogs are very vocal dogs – they bark, howl, snort, growl, and make all sorts of other odd noises. Some might say that’s just part of their charm, but it can still be annoying for those who live in close quarters with these pups! On the other hand, the Boston Terrier is much less noisy but will still let out a high-pitched yelp if it’s scared or feels threatened. Besides that, they don’t bark very often.
Both breeds will probably be well-behaved and quiet when they’re left alone. However, some Boston Terriers start to whine or cry if they’re not getting enough attention.
Trainability
The Boston Terrier was bred as a companion dog, which means that it can be fairly easy to train them into good behaviors. This breed learns new tricks faster than most other canine companions but does require consistent training sessions at least 2 or 3 times per week.
French Bulldogs are more stubborn but they are quick to learn. With enough patience and dedication, you can teach your Frenchie just about anything!
Health Issues/Complications
The Boston Terrier is generally a healthy breed although they are prone to certain health conditions. This includes cataracts, patellar luxation, glaucoma, heart issues, allergies, and maybe even brachycephalic problems. They should be fed a good-quality diet (high in protein) with limited treats because obesity can also cause other serious medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
French Bulldogs suffer from quite a few genetic disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, dermatitis, cataracts, respiratory problems, patellofemoral luxation (knee dislocation), and hip dysplasia. They have a higher risk of heat stroke, seizures, bronchitis, or pneumonia so be sure to take precautions during warmer seasons.
Breeding Compatibility
Both breeds can successfully mate with each other and produce healthy puppies. While Frenchie-Boston Terrier breedings are not uncommon, it is advised to avoid them in order to reduce the risk of genetic disorders. Also, be sure to choose a reputable breeder. Get one who screens their breeding dogs for health conditions and temperament problems.
Compatability With Humans
Both breeds are very sociable and get along well with kids, strangers, other pets, and dogs. French Bulldogs are more tolerant of children who mishandle them but generally don’t enjoy rough games like tug of war. These two breeds make wonderful companions for the right family!
Boston Terriers love attention from their humans while French Bulldogs are less needy – they typically prefer lounging over cuddles.
Overall Freindliness
The Boston Terrier is not as stubborn as other breeds – they are very easy to train and make excellent pets for first-time dog owners. They can be cautious around strangers but should warm up quickly if their family welcomes them into the home. These dogs are naturally gentle, affectionate, and loving toward their humans.
French Bulldogs are friendly, playful, outgoing pups who love socializing with other dogs or people! The only real downside of this breed is that they need a ton of attention because they become destructive or sick without it. So if you’re looking for a pet to hang out in one room while you work – the Frenchie might not be for you.
Maintenance
Both breeds require minimal grooming and upkeep, making them great for first-time dog owners! A simple brush down once a week will help keep your Boston Terrier from getting matted. Their short coat makes them a low-maintenance breed as far as brushing goes. They don’t shed much but they do blow their coats twice a year – be prepared to clean up some fur!
French Bulldogs have smooth single-layered coats that only need occasional brushing. If you neglect their coat, they can develop a unique odor similar to wet hay or grass which is caused by yeast overgrowth.
Boston Terriers are healthier than French Bulldogs because of their larger size. Meaning, they have less hereditary health problems than the Frenchie.
Both breeds are quick to housetrain and can be walked on a leash. However, French Bulldogs do better in warmer climates than cooler cold climates.
Final Thoughts
These breeds make wonderful pets for the right family! The Boston Terrier is more of an “inside dog” that doesn’t enjoy long periods of time alone. On the other hand, the French Bulldog is more independent and active outside.
If you’re looking for a fiesty, tough-looking breed – either of these dogs might not be for you. They are both cute, cuddly pups who will bring plenty of love into your home. Good luck with your search and welcome to the world of doggy companionship!
