If you see a Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog together, can you tell them apart? Any ordinary person with less knowledge about dog breeds might get confused between the two. They’re almost the same size and they look almost the same. However, what is the difference between a Boston Terrier and a French Bull Dog?
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What is the Difference Between a Boston Terrier and a French Bull Dog?
A Boston Terrier has pointed ears, while the ears of a French Bull Dog are known as bat-like. A French Bull Dog is short and heavy, while a Boston Terrier is tall but light. A Boston Terrier is more active while French Bulldogs are more relaxed.
You might think Boston Terriers and French Bull Dog look the same, but these two breeds are very different.
Boston Terrier Versus French Bull Dog
Boston Terriers and French Bull Dogs differ in a lot of aspects. These aspects include size, ears, color and markings, tails, snouts, temperament and activity levels. In the next section, I’ll look closely at what sets apart these two dogs from each other.
Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog Differs in Size
In terms of size, a French Bull Dog weighs an average of 28 pounds while it stands 11-13 inches tall. On the other hand, a Boston Terrier weighs an average of 10-25 pounds while the height ranges from 15-17 inches. A French Bull Dog is heavier but shorter compared to the Boston Terrier.
The table below shows the size comparison between the two breeds.
| Boston Terrier | French Bull Dog | |
| Weight (pounds) | 10-25 | 16-28 |
| Height (inches) | 15-17 | 11-13 |
Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog Ears Difference
Although both acquire erect ears, a Boston Terrier has pointed ears. Meanwhile, a French Bull Dog is known for its bat-like ear shape. In addition to that, the Boston Terrier’s pointed ears stand on a round head.
On the other hand, the bat-like ears of a French Bull Dog sit on a square-shaped head.
Markings and Colors Differences Between Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog
A Boston Terrier comes in a few numbers of colors. These colors include:
- Black and White
- Black Brindle and White
- Brindle and White
- Seal and White
- Seal Brindle and White
A Boston Terrier is well known for its tuxedo-style marking in black, seal or brindle in combination with white color.
Meanwhile, a French Bull Dog comes in a wide range of colors such as:
- Brindle
- Cream
- Fawn
- White
- Brindle and White
- Fawn and White
- White and Brindle
- White and Fawn
The French Bull Dog’s marking comes in the following:
- Black mask
- Ticked
- White Markings
- Piebald
Boston Terrier Versus French Bull Dog Snouts
Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog are both brachycephalic breeds – flat-faced with short muzzles. However, the muzzles of a Boston Terrier are wrinkle-free, while a French Bull Dog’s muzzles are heavily wrinkled.
A Boston Terrier’s nose has a well-defined line between the nostril, and its nose is black and white in color. On the other hand, a French Bull Dog has only a black nose except when the dog has no black mask markings in some cases.
Difference Between Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog Tail
Screwed tail is more common to French Bull Dogs than Boston Terriers. A screwed tail occurs when the spine shapes abnormally. This tail abnormality happens when the bones in the dog’s spine aren’t aligned well to their adjacent bones.
Aside from that, both breeds acquire the same tail structure that comes either straight, screwed and tiny.
Difference Between Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog’s Temperament and Energy Levels
A Boston Terrier is more active compared to a French Bull Dog. It loves activities involving high energy like running and jumping. If not because of its snort snout, this dog is an ideal running partner as Boston Terriers are full of energy and love the outdoors.
However, this dog is prone to overheating due to its short snout – similar to a French Bull Dog.
On the other hand, a French Bull Dog’s energy level is one step behind a Boston Terrier. A French Bull Dog is more laid back and likes to relax. Compared to the Boston Terrier, this dog is more clingy to its family owner.
Its clinginess is the reason why this dog doesn’t do well when left alone. A French Bull Dog has a hard time getting along well with other pets, unlike the Boston Terrier.
Why Do Boston Terriers and French Bull Dogs Look Similar?
Although both breeds originated in two different continents, Boston Terrier and French Bull Dog share the same ancestor – the Bulldog.
French Bull Dogs originally came from England as Toy Bulldog. However, these dogs reached France during the Industrial Revolution when mechanical weaving machines replaced lacemakers.
Lacemakers who lost their jobs moved to France. They brought with them Toy Bulldogs, which later on bred with other local breeds. One of the breeding resulted in the French Bull Dog today.
French Bull Dogs reached New York through American businessmen who got interested in this breed.
Meanwhile, Boston Terriers originated in Boston, Massachusetts – as the name suggests. Its ancestors were the Old English Bulldog and the extinct White Terrier in England – originally made as a fighting dog. Judge was the first dog recorded to be the ancestor of today’s Boston Terrier.
Judge is believed to be imported from England as a direct descendant of an English Bulldog and English Terrier.
Related Questions
What Is a French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix Called?
Frenchton is the mix of Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. Its other names include Frenchbo, Froston or Faux Frenchbo. This mixed breed is a perfect blend of both its parents – playful, sociable and sturdy.
Who Sheds More Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?
A French Bulldog sheds more than the Boston Terrier. A lot of shedding happens during the summer months. However, both dogs require low-maintenance grooming only.
Are Boston Terriers Cheaper Than French Bulldogs?
Boston Terriers are cheaper than French Bulldogs. A Boston Terrier puppy costs around $1000 to $2000. Meanwhile, a French Bulldog costs around $1500 to $3000. The expensive cost is due to the costly breeding process that mainly involves artificial insemination and C-section.
Conclusion
Next time you see a Boston Terrier and a French Bull Dog together, don’t get fooled. French Bull Dog and Boston Terrier differ in many ways, such as their body structure, personality and markings. The similarities are mainly due to their Bulldog ancestor, but they are actually different at a closer look.
