French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Differences Explained

Side by side

Size: the AKC lists French Bulldogs at 11 to 13 inches and under 28 pounds, and Boston Terriers at 10 to 12 inches and 12 to 25 pounds. Lifespan: AKC gives 10 to 12 years for the Frenchie and 11 to 13 for the Boston. Popularity: the Frenchie is No. 1 on the AKC list, the Boston No. 23. Coat: both are short and easy-care; VCA notes the Boston's tuxedo pattern is typically black and white or brindle and white.

Energy: both are moderate. VCA describes the Frenchie as a calm housedog needing a leisurely walk or backyard games, and the Boston as playful with balanced energy, needing short walks and playtime. Heat: both are flat-faced and heat-sensitive. Training: both are intelligent but can be stubborn, and respond to rewards. With kids and pets: both are generally good. Best for: apartment and city dwellers who want a companion more than an athlete.

Looks and build

The French Bulldog is a small, heavy-boned dog with a compact, muscular body, a large square head and its trademark upright bat ears. The AKC calls it one of the world's most popular small breeds, especially among city dwellers. It descends from small bulldogs taken to France by lace workers in the 1800s and was recognized by the AKC in 1898, according to VCA.

The Boston Terrier is lighter and more square, with longer legs, large round eyes and a short muzzle. The AKC describes a lively little companion in a tight tuxedo jacket, nicknamed the American Gentleman for its manners. A quick test: if the dog has a muscular, low-slung bulldog body, it is probably a Frenchie; if it looks sporty and stands taller for its weight, it is probably a Boston.

Temperament and training

VCA describes the Frenchie as clownish, fun-loving and affectionate, very good with children, friendly with strangers and good with other pets. It is willing to please but can be stubborn and may rebel against forceful methods, so reward-based training with food or games works best. VCA warns that rough play from children can hurt a Frenchie's back.

The Boston is described by VCA as friendly, people-oriented and easygoing, usually happy around people and other animals, and intelligent enough to respond well to routine positive training, though it may become stubborn without consistency. Both breeds dislike being left alone for long periods and prefer to be with their people, so neither suits someone away from home all day.

Exercise and heat safety

Both breeds are brachycephalic, meaning short-faced, so they cannot cool themselves as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. VCA calls the Frenchie extremely prone to overheating, rates it 1 out of 5 for warm weather, and says indoor games are better in hot weather. For the Boston, VCA notes its airway limits tolerance for intense exercise, especially when it is warm.

Walk both in the cool of the morning and evening in summer, keep sessions short, carry water and never leave either in a parked car. VCA also warns that French Bulldogs cannot swim, so supervise closely around pools and lakes, and consider a dog life jacket. In winter, the Frenchie's short coat gives little protection from the cold, so a coat helps on cold days.

Both are flat-faced breeds that overheat easily, so a cooling mat and a harness instead of a collar are sensible basics.

Grooming and daily care

Grooming is easy for both. VCA suggests brushing a Frenchie about once a week, with average shedding, and a weekly brush for the Boston. The extra step is skin and face care: Frenchies have facial wrinkles, and sometimes folds near the tail, that VCA says should be checked, cleaned and dried daily. Bostons need the area around their eyes and facial folds cleaned routinely.

Both need regular nail trims, ear checks and tooth brushing. VCA notes the Frenchie has a decided tendency to gain weight, and extra pounds make breathing harder for any flat-faced dog. Measure meals, keep treats small and ask your vet what an ideal body weight looks like for your dog.

Health and which to choose

VCA lists brachycephalic airway syndrome, congenital heart defects, patellar luxation, eye problems including dry eye and corneal ulcers, allergic skin disease, valvular heart disease and intervertebral disc disease among Boston Terrier concerns, and notes that its large, prominent eyes are easily injured. Frenchies share the airway and heat problems and, as VCA notes, a back that is vulnerable to rough handling. Ask a breeder about breathing, spine and eye health in both parents, and see your vet promptly about loud breathing, squinting or a red eye.

Choose a French Bulldog if you want a calm, heavier-set lap dog that is happy with short walks and lots of company. Choose a Boston Terrier if you want a slightly lighter, livelier companion that enjoys a bit more play and is easier to lift and carry. Both suit apartments, and both need owners who take heat seriously.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.