Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog

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Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between the adorable French Bulldog and Boston Terrier. Apart from their appeal, they have a lot of differences and similarities.  Let’s discuss everything you need to know about these two dog breeds in this Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog comparison.

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog General Overview

Although Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs look the same, they are different breeds. Granted, while they have different colors, they’re very similar in build and size. However, you can tell whether you are staring at a French Bulldog or Boston Terrier once you understand their differences. 

French Bulldog

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are small and weigh about 10 to 25 pounds. Their height is between 15 to 17 inches with an average height of 16 inches. They also have a smooth coat that can be black, brindle or seal with white markings. They require minimal grooming since they don’t shed much.

When it comes to temperament, Boston Terriers are friendly, gentle, playful, and affectionate. They are also obedient and loyal to their owners and are easy to train. However, they are very sensitive and do not like a noisy home or an irregular daily routine. 

Boston Terriers are also perfect for raising in apartments because they rarely bark. Their chances of biting someone are average which also makes them average watchdogs. While they adapt well to different environments and lifestyle changes, they don’t like being left alone.

French Bulldog

Like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs are also compact and weigh around 20 to 28 pounds. Their height ranges from 13 to 16 inches with an average height of 15 inches. Frenchies can either be cream, white, brindle, or fawn. These dogs also tend to be lively, alert, loving, easy-going, and patient. 

They are also easy to train and gentle towards their owners. Unlike Boston Terriers, these puppies aren’t that sensitive. French Bulldogs also bark when it’s necessary and their chances of biting someone are low. 

However, they are average watchdogs and less curious. These dogs also sulk when they are left home alone because they enjoy bonding with their handlers. While they are apartment-friendly dogs, they don’t like chasing and catching something the way a cat does.

Boston Terrier and French Bulldog Notable Features

Knowing the similarities and differences of both types of dogs can help you before choosing one. It can also help you pick the right dog for you to raise as your house pet.

Similarities

Boston Terrier giving a high five to its owner
  • Health Issues: Both dogs are prone to certain health conditions such as cardiac conditions and cancer. So you have to check them regularly with your vet.
  • Apartment-Friendly and Barking: Both dogs are excellent companions for small apartment dwellers as they only bark when it’s necessary.
  • Size: Both dogs are compact although Boston Terriers are a bit lighter than French Bulldogs.
  • Affection: Both dogs are loving, friendly, gentle, and loyal to their owners.
  • Adaptability: Both dogs adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
  • Prey Drive: Both dogs have little desire for chasing and catching things like insects.
  • Territorial and Watchdog Aptitude: Both dogs are average defenders and watchdogs.
  • Trainability: Both dogs are easy to train.
  • Stranger-Friendly: Both dogs are friendly to strangers. 
  • Gestation Period: Both dogs give birth after 60-64 days.
  • Litter Size: Both dogs have 3 to 5 puppies and can only give birth once a year.

Differences

Below is a table to help you understand better the differences between these two dogs.

TraitBoston TerriersFrench Bulldogs
Height12 to 17 inches 13 to 16 inches.
Weight10-25 pounds20-28 pounds
Coat ColorsBlack, seal, or brindle with white markings Cream, white, brindle, or fawn
GroomingRequire regular groomingRequire minimal grooming
TemperamentIntelligent, affectionate, and friendlyKeen, patient, Alert, easygoing, and lively
PlayfulnessEnjoy playingDon’t enjoy playing
Shedding LevelShed moderatelyLow shedders
Biting PotentialHave average chances of biting peopleHave low chances of biting people
Life Expectancy11-13 years10-12 years
Sensitivity LevelDon’t like noisy homes or inconsistent daily routineTolerates noisy environments
Tolerance to Being Left AloneBecome sad when alone Have separation anxiety when left alone
Child-FriendlyFriendly to kidsNot friendly
Energy LevelHave higher energy levelsHave lower energy levels

Major Distinguishing Factor

The two major factors that distinguish these two types of dogs is their face and color. Boston Terriers can be black, brindle, or seal with white markings. French Bulldogs have a coat that is either cream, white, brindle, or fawn.

You can also easily get confused when comparing the faces of these two dogs. Both have smushy faces with large eyes, black noses, and strong jaws. However, Boston Terriers have small, rounded heads with erect ears that are tilted away from their head. 

They also have fewer wrinkles than French Bulldogs. On the other hand, French Bulldogs have square heads with rounded ears that stick out. They also don’t have wrinkles on their cheeks and under their eyes.

French Bulldog lying in grass

When To Get a Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers make the perfect companion and are great with kids. They are also an ideal choice if you want a loving and active dog. Moreover, these little, adorable puppies get excited about new people, diet, and activities.

Due to their popularity, they are also more affordable than French Bulldogs and have attractive personalities. A Boston Terrier dog is perfect for raising in your home if you rarely travel and work from home. 

This is because Terriers love interacting with people throughout the day. You can also invest in Terriers if you don’t mind having your dog next to you constantly.

When To Get a French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs that get deeply attached to their handlers. Although they have varied personalities, they tend to have relaxed depositions compared to Boston Terriers. These dogs also like laid-back lifestyles and enjoy watching TV with their owners.

French Bulldogs are also energetic and require adequate exercise as part of their workout routine. These dogs can be a good option if you don’t intend to be a commercial breeder because they can’t mate naturally due to their hip size. 

They are also an ideal option for first-time owners as they are easy to handle and can bounce back from your irregular training routine.

Which Dog Is Better?

Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are great house pets. They are also prone to excessive drooling due to their flat face and short nose that makes them struggle to cool down. So they tend to drool a lot to get rid of the heat.

The two dogs also have issues digesting foods with grains or soy. They require a diet that contains natural dog foods to aid in digestion and improve their overall health. Natural foods can also help minimize gas-related problems such as flatulating (expelling intestinal gas). 

However, when it comes to lifespan, French Bulldogs can live up to 12 years while Boston Terriers can live for 13 years. This makes Boston Terriers a better choice since they live longer than French Bulldogs. 

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog - Which is Better? Dog vs Dog

Final Verdict

Boston Terrier dogs are better if you’re interested in a dog that’s mood-sensitive and loves the company of other pets and children. French Bulldogs are better if you’re looking for puppies that don’t bite people and require minimal grooming. 

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