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Boston Terrier VS French Bulldog

Boston Terrier VS French Bulldog

The Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are two similar breeds. They are about the same size, similar weight and their facial structures resemble one another as well. We aren’t sure who would be the winner in a Boston Terrier VS French Bulldog competition. For us both of them are winners and both are accepted by the American Kennel Club. But how to tell them apart? Is there a way to do that?

Yes, there is! But for that, we will have to take a closer look at these breeds separately. So let’s start!

Boston Terrier VS French Bulldog Appearance

French Bulldogs are small dogs. They grow about 11 to 12 inches tall. When it comes to their weight, males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, and females 16 to 24 pounds.

The Boston Terrier is also called American gentleman, because they look like they are wearing a tuxedo. This breed originated from Boston Massachusetts and comes in three weight classes. First-class weighs under 15 pounds, then 15 to 19 pounds, and the third weighs 20 to 25 pounds. When it comes to their height, they typically stand 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder.

When it comes to their appearance, the Boston Terrier is leaner and taller. The French Bulldog has the signature “bulky” body which would make it harder to pick them up.

Additionally, their ears are different. Boston Terriers have erect, pointy ears. The French Bulldog has “bat” ears, which means that they are a lot more oval in shape.

Everything you should know about the Boston Terrier

But, the biggest difference between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog is their coat color. Both breeds are often black and white, but, a terrier will often be bi-colored with an even distribution of white or even chocolate, liver, and seal. Also, he’ll almost always have a white stripe between his eyes. We also have to add that both breeds have short coats.

Boston Terrier VS French Bulldog Personality

As mentioned above, the Frenchie is very affectionate and loyal. This breed will thrive with an owner who spends a lot of time at home, for example, if you work from home. They’ll enjoy just lying next to your feet while you work.

Frenchies tend to be a bit mischievous, so they need an owner who will be consistent, firm, and patient with them. Besides this, they are also very smart and will learn quickly.

Boston Terriers are known for being very intelligent, lively, and affectionate. Although, sometimes they tend to be very stubborn and hyperactive, and they often clown around.

They are very loyal and love to spend time with their owners. But, they do tend to be a bit reserved with strangers, so early socialization is important. Training them is also a must, just like with any other dog. We always recommend that dog owners use positive reinforcement when training their dogs. Generally speaking, they are quiet, gentle dogs, not prone to being yappy or aggressive. 

Both of these dogs are similar when it comes to their personality. They are affectionate, loyal and funny. If you can afford to spend a lot of time with your dog — both breeds are a good fit for you. You will need patience, and you will need to give them a lot of attention. But either way, both of them make great pets!

Boston Terrier Vs French Bulldog Health

Unfortunately, nice-tempered French Bulldog bred with structural deformities that lower their quality of life. Their flat snout gives them especially trouble breathing. Make sure to protect your Frenchie from heatstroke. If your summers get super hot — your home needs to be air-conditioned. Along with respiratory disorders, Frenchies also suffer from spinal disorders, eye diseases, allergies, heart disease, and joint diseases.

Similar to French Bulldogs, breeders deliberately breed Boston Terrier dogs to be deformed too. Their short face and domed head give them a lot of respiratory trouble. They suffer more than their share of health issues – breathing, eye diseases, epilepsy, cancer, joint diseases, heart disease, and more.

Ten facts about the French Bulldog

Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are both brachycephalic breeds. That means they’re frequently prone to respiratory diseases and breathing problems. Due to their flat faces, both have a risk of obstructed airways. In some cases, surgery will even be necessary.

Avoid heat and hard exercise for both of these dog breeds. That can only worsen their breathing problems.

Additionally, both of these dog breeds are prone to allergies, eye conditions, joint diseases, and heart problems.

The lifespan of a Boston terrier is 11–13 years, and for a French bulldog, it’s 10–12 years.

Conclusion

We truly can’t pick a winner when it comes to these two dog breeds! In the fight French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier there is no winner. As you could tell, they are pretty popular dogs and very similar when it comes to the key factors. Both of them are friendly pups with a joy for life. But, both of them are prone to certain diseases too.

Both of these dogs, the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, are for owners that have a flexible lifestyle and can spend a lot of time with their dogs. The main difference is in their appearance, so decide for yourself which one you like better.

If you would like to learn more about mixed breeds, check out our “Dog breeds” section, or you can take a look at the following articles:

My name is Katy and I am 27. I love to travel and you would be surprised how good I am at karaoke. 🙂 Passionate dog lover and a "mother" to a beautiful toy puddle named Zara. I work as a volunteer in a local shelter and I am a veterinary assistant helping our four-legged friends every day.