Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog

The decision of whether to bring home a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog can be a tough one for many, but our look at the similarities and differences between the two breeds should help you figure it out. Although they are quite similar in a lot of ways, the differences can be significant, too.

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: How Do The Breeds Compare?

History

The Boston Terrier was the result of breeding between English Bulldogs and the now-extinct White English Terrier in the 1860s. Hooper’s Judge is a famous early Boston Terrier who most believe is the ancestor of all Boston Terriers who have followed.

The origins of French Bulldogs date to around the same time period when lacemakers in the English region of Nottingham resettled in France. Many of those workers were accompanied by English Bulldogs who inter-breeded with various other small dog breeds already located in France to create French Bulldogs.

Energy

When you examine the Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog, energy level is important to consider.

Although both breeds generally require moderate amounts of exercise to be healthy, Boston Terriers tend to be a little more active and are also more apt than French Bulldogs to experience impressive bursts of energy from time to time.

Boston Terriers can also go on runs with humans. It’s important, however, to be careful with them if it’s hot out or the run is an extensive one as they can easily overheat due to their short snouts and breathing issues. French Bulldogs can go running too, but take note that they are slightly less apt to be as energetic as Boston Terriers. Otherwise, the warnings are the same.

Movement Style

Boston Terriers tend to be the more sure-footed of these two breeds with a generally balanced rhythmic gait. However, French Bulldogs are apt to be more unrestrained and free with their walking style.

Barking

Although neither of these breeds barks on a regular basis and generally only do so if something urgent must be communicated, Boston Terriers do tend to bark a little more than French Bulldogs.

Protection

Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs will generally bark and alert others in the house if an intruder has entered. However, one significant difference is that French Bulldogs will often be proactive at protecting those who they love. The Boston Terriers are not apt to be quite that active and aggressive in these types of situations.

Training

If the primary intent when deciding which of these breeds to take home is trainability, it’ll probably be best to go for a Boston Terrier. These dogs are, in most cases, a better choice for those who are first-time dog owners or who do not have a lot of time to put into training their new canine companion. But it’s important to note that these dogs can get territorial, so ensure that they are socialized with other dogs and other people early.

With French Bulldogs, owners should be more authoritative in their training early in the process. This includes positive reinforcement when the circumstances call for it. In many cases, French Bulldogs should go to obedience school in order to be more fully and effectively trained.

When it comes to Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog, the differences in training needs is an important consideration.

Size

Although both of these breeds are small in stature, Boston Terriers are the slightly larger ones of the two. This is because their legs are a little longer. As a result, they tend to about 14 inches tall and weigh about 22 pounds. Conversely, French Bulldogs are, on average, 12 inches tall and weigh 28 pounds.

French Bulldogs do tend to carry a more muscular build while Boston Terriers have slimmer frames and legs.

Colors

Boston Terriers have been compared to gentlemen with their black-and-white “tuxedo” fur. They also can be brindle and white or gray and white.

French Bulldogs can be found in a variety of colors as well. Black and white is popular, but they can include other colors like brown, cream, brindle and fawn.

Grooming

This is one area where Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs share significant similarities. Both have short hair, little to no odor and mild shedding, so grooming requirements for both are relatively low.

Health and Life Span

Health issues that need to be most watched out for in relation to Boston Terriers include allergies, cataracts, deafness and seizures. French Bulldogs, on the other hand, often have issues related to their back, eyes and heart. Additionally, French Bulldogs are somewhat more apt to be obese if they eat too much or do not exercise as much as they should. Although both types might ask for more food if the possibility exists, it is essential to their health to not overfeed them.

On average, Boston Terriers will live about 13 years while French Bulldogs have average lifespans of 10 years.

When looking into the Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog, health issues and lifespan can be a deciding factor.

Adaptability to Urban Environments

Since both breeds do not need as much exercise as other breeds, such as Labradors for example, they can be quite content in an urban environment. Of course, they should still receive regular exercise and be encouraged to be active. Due to having slightly less energetic temperaments, French Bulldogs are probably best for apartment living.

Climate Preferences

Neither of these breeds is comfortable in exceptionally hot or cold weather. Their shortened muzzles tend to cause both to overheat more quickly than is the case for most other breeds while their short coats tend to cause both of these dogs to get quite cold when the weather is chilly.

American Influence

Boston Terriers are one of the very few breeds that actually originated in the United States. Conversely, although French Bulldogs have their origins in Europe, they became especially popular amongst Americans after they started being brought across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 1800s.

Price

The exact price depends on a variety of factors, but, in general, Boston Terriers will cost around $900 while French Bulldogs will be about $2,500. As you explore Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog, the significant price difference could be a consideration.

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: How Do You Decide?

The choice of Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog isn’t any easy one. The breeds are very similar and both make great pets. At the end of the day, it all depends on your lifestyle, what you’re looking for in a dog and available pups in your area. Good luck!

Jessi Larson

Jessi is a marketing strategist for Fortune 50 companies who loves to research and write about all things dog. She is the proud mom to Toby, a giant Labrador Retriever who thinks he’s a lapdog. He inspires her to be a better pet parent and to share advice with other dog owners.