The squishy-faced, charming Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog can be difficult to tell apart at times. They have a lot of similarities and differences besides their cute, furry features. This guide will examine Boston Terrier vs. English Bulldog to see which one is the better breed for you.
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Boston Terrier vs. English Bulldog
The Boston Terrier originated from the United States, whereas the English Bulldog is from the United Kingdom. The Boston Terrier is often thirty pounds less than the English Bulldog despite their nearly identical height.
The life span and litter size of both the Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog are nearly identical. Furthermore, they are both low-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a fascinating breed that appeals to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. When you see a Boston Terrier on the street or in the park, you can’t take your gaze away from it. Having one is the pinnacle of happiness for many dog owners.
History
The Boston Terrier is a mix between the British Bulldog and the white English Terrier. Breeders initially designed it to be a fighting dog; however, they have since bred out unwanted traits. The Boston Terrier is now considered an indoor dog that does not tolerate severe weather conditions.
Robert Hooper of Boston purchased a dog believed to be a combination of Terrier and Bull type pedigree in the 1870s, and the Boston Terrier was born. In 1891, canine enthusiasts created a specialty breed club, and the Boston Terrier was declared the Official State Dog of Massachusetts in 1979.
The color and patterning of the breed had become conventional and an essential trait by the twentieth century.
General Description
The Boston Terrier’s vibrant liveliness is what makes it such a charming and desirable pet. It has a kind, friendly disposition that makes it an excellent family pet, and it gets along well with other pets and children. It can live in either the city or the country.
Its short nose is prone to drool and snore, and because of its large, slightly projecting eyes, it is prone to corneal ulcers. The females often struggle with the childbirth process with a small pelvis and may require a c – section.
Appearance
The Boston Terrier is an energetic, strong-willed species with broad, upright ears and an attentive demeanor. It is a small and medium-sized dog with a square muzzle that classifies it as a Bull breed. The dog is small in stature and has a wide range of sizes.
These canines have three categories of weight: lightweight (below 6.8 kilograms), middleweight (not exceeding 9 kg), and heavyweights (above 9.1 kg and below 12 kg). The Boston Terrier has a tiny head and a short, low-set tail by nature.
The hair is short and silky, and it comes in various colors, including brindle with white patches, white and brown, and black and white.
English Bulldog
Initially, breeders intended the English Bulldog to drive livestock to market and partake in the deadly sport of bull-baiting. They’ve evolved into friendly friends that adore children.
History
Bulldogs were not always as they are now as they were taller and had more aggressive personalities. They were entirely created in England approximately in the 1500s.
They were then involved in a play called bull-baiting in the UK, in which organizers staged a fight between a bull and a bulldog. Bulldogs will be ferocious, biting and gripping the bull until they fall to the ground, even if they jump or struggle.
The government outlawed bull-baiting in England, and everyone assumed the English Bulldog would vanish. However, other breeders restructured it and created the current version. Bulldogs were among the top ten canines in America in the 1950s.
General Description
Bulldogs are naturally muscular canines. They are prone to gaining weight quickly; therefore, exercise is essential. They’re ideal for apartment living because they always want to lie down and sleep and also, you will only awaken them to eat.
However, they are incredibly loyal to their owners, and this is evident when they approach you and gaze at you. They are also prone to respiratory difficulties. Although they have a fierce appearance, they are calm and kind towards everyone unless you hurt them or their masters.
Appearance
This dog’s head is round and huge, with a short muzzle making the face flat. Its eyes are dark and set low and broad on the forehead. Its nose is black with a slight upward slant.
It also has massive, broad, and undershot jaws (or “chops”). When the lower jaw sticks out in front of the upper jaw, barely exposing the incisors, you see a funny grin. Its lips have a meaty, droopy appearance.
The cheeks are round and protrude to the side. Their ears are tiny and narrow, and they curve forward like flaps around the forehead.
Similarities and Differences
Despite their differences, these two breeds have a lot of similarities in terms of appearance and personality. Let’s examine their similarities and contrasts to obtain a better understanding of both.
Comparing Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs
| Breed | Ancestry | Temperament | Size Classification | Average Weight | Average Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Terrier | British Bulldog and the white English Terrier | Lively, charming, playful | Small to medium | 17.5 pounds | 16 inches |
| English Bulldog | Old Asiatic mastiff and the pug | Loyal, calm, kind | Medium | 70 pounds | 18.5 inches |
Similarities
- Grooming is simple for both Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs.
- They both shed hair in a moderate amount.
- They’re both friendly creatures.
- They only bark when necessary.
- These two dogs are less likely to chew, play-bite, nip or harass individuals than the typical dog.
- Both have a moderate prey drive, meaning they don’t have a strong desire of tracking down and catching a cat or any other tiny animal, although it is possible.
- Both the Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog are highly adaptable to various lifestyles and living situations.
- Both do great when a family member is around during the day or if their employer allows them to bring the dog to work.
- They’re both fighting dogs. Unfortunately, people have used these breeds as fighting dogs in the past.
- Both dogs are excellent with children.
- They aren’t the ideal dog breeds for working in an office.
- Both are perfect breeds for senior citizens.
- Due to their defiance, they are not suitable for inexperienced owners.
- Both of them aren’t detecting or sniffing dogs.
- Both are healthy breeds; however, you should regularly examine some health concerns with your veterinarian.
Differences
- The American Kennel Club acknowledged the Boston Terrier as a Non-Sporting breed in 1893, although the AKC does not recognize the English Bulldog.
- The most prominent canine corporation globally (FCI) recognizes the Boston Terrier in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, and Small Molossian Dogs section, unlike the English Bulldog.
- The Boston Terrier is a small dog that weighs 17.5 pounds, whereas the English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog that weighs an average of 70 pounds for males and 60 pounds for females.
- The average height of a Boston Terrier is 16 inches, while the average size of an English Bulldog is 18.5 inches for the male and 17 inches for the female.
- Unlike English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers are a pretty simple breed to train.
- Although Boston Terriers enjoy playing, English Bulldogs are usually not the most bouncy and playful dog breed.
- The Boston Terrier is an excellent example of a dog with a low drooling habit. On the other hand, the English Bulldog is a big drooler; therefore, if saliva marks on your clothes offend you, you should get a dog from another species.
Major Distinguishing Factor
The origin of the Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog is the primary distinction between the two. The Boston Terrier (originally from the USA) is a hybrid of the English White Terrier, the English Bulldog, and other species.
On the other hand, English Bulldogs (originally from the UK) have descended from the Asiatic mastiff and the pug.
When to Get a Boston Terrier
While they were once bred as fighting dogs, Boston Terriers have evolved into kind, devoted companions with tuxedo-like colors that have given them the label “American Gentleman.”
Because breeders have now bred them for company, the best time to get one is when you’re lonely and need someone or something to keep you occupied. You can use this dog as a companion for your child or children because they are also good with children.
When to Get an English Bulldog
As its name suggests, the English Bulldog is a small, medium-sized canine that was originally intended to fight with bulls. Bulldogs were bred and trained for the purpose of fighting bulls in competitions. This fighting began in England in the 1200s and persisted throughout Europe until the mid- 1800s.
As a result, if you want a protective and aggressive pet to protect you and your home in general, you can use an English Bulldog.
Related Questions
Is a Boston Terrier Healthier Than an English Bulldog?
While both breeds are prone to respiratory problems due to their short nose, a Boston Terrier is generally healthier than an English Bulldog. Boston Terriers have a lifespan of around 10 to 14 years, whereas English Bulldogs can only live healthily for eight to 10 years.
Are Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs Aggressive Dogs?
Contrary to popular belief, Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs are not naturally aggressive. Like other dogs, you may only experience slight aggression if you provoke or do harm to them.
Are Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs Very Smart?
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs, although Terriers pick up tricks and commands faster. French Bulldogs are more stubborn, which affects their obedience when learning things.
Conclusion
Compared to the English Bulldog, Boston Terriers are the superior breed, evidenced by their features, appearance, and temperament. They are gorgeous, loyal, and full of personality, and they like nothing more than following their owners. As a result, they are an excellent pet companion for almost any lifestyle.
