French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier
French Bulldog or Boston Terrier? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-sporting | Non-sporting |
| Size | Small · under 28 lb | Small · 12–25 lb |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 11–13 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth, light shed | Short, smooth, tuxedo |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, easygoing | Friendly, lively, bright |
| Best fit | Apartments, calm households | Apartments, families |
| Energy | ●●●●● Short walks, no heat | ●●●●● Walks and play daily |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Smart, a bit stubborn | ●●●●● Eager, a bit stubborn |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Weekly brush, fold cleaning | ●●●●● Quick weekly wipe |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easy, but health-heavy | ●●●●● Easy, adaptable |
| Observed price | $2,500 median (826 prices) | $800 median (279 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Boston Terrier rates higher than the French Bulldog (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Trainability: the Boston Terrier rates higher than the French Bulldog (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Grooming load: the French Bulldog rates higher than the Boston Terrier (2 of 5 vs 1).
- Beginner fit: the Boston Terrier rates higher than the French Bulldog (5 of 5 vs 4).
The French Bulldog
Bred as a small companion from toy bulldogs in England and France, the Frenchie is affectionate, funny and adaptable to apartments. Its flat face and compact build, however, bring breathing, spine and heat problems that buyers must plan around.
Many Frenchies struggle to breathe, overheat quickly and cannot swim. Spine, skin and eye problems are common, many need surgery at some point, and most litters are born by C-section.
The Boston Terrier
Bred in Boston from bulldog and terrier crosses, the Boston Terrier is a small, lively and friendly companion nicknamed the American Gentleman. It adapts well to apartments and families but has a short muzzle and prominent eyes that need care.
Bostons snore, overheat and are prone to eye injuries from their prominent eyes. Some are gassy and a few are stubborn to house-train. Otherwise they are among the easiest small breeds.
Questions
Is a French Bulldog or a Boston Terrier better for a beginner?
The Boston Terrier rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). French Bulldog: Easy, but health-heavy. Boston Terrier: Easy, adaptable.
What is the main difference between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier?
Many Frenchies struggle to breathe, overheat quickly and cannot swim. Spine, skin and eye problems are common, many need surgery at some point, and most litters are born by C-section. By contrast, bostons snore, overheat and are prone to eye injuries from their prominent eyes. Some are gassy and a few are stubborn to house-train. Otherwise they are among the easiest small breeds.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or a Boston Terrier?
On the prices we observed, the French Bulldog median is $2,500 (826 prices) and the Boston Terrier median is $800 (279 prices).