French Bulldogs vs. Boston Terriers

French Bulldogs vs. Boston Terriers

It’s no wonder that people research both the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier when they want a lovable dog for a pet. That pug face and square head promotes plenty of smiles and snuggling. But they’re not exactly each other’s doppelganger. Although both breeds harken back to the English Bulldog, they’re as different as some of their celebrity owners. Would you rather share an L.A. lunch with Chrissy Teigen and her two French Bulldogs, Pippa and Penny? Or would you sit down at a Boston bistro with Christy Turlington and her Boston Terriers, Fitzy and Micky? Both women have been successful American models. But each stands up for her own issues and sports her own style: fun and a little funky like Chrissy or classic and a little preppy like Christy. And so here it is: the breed battle between the Frenchie and the American Gentleman.

Yes, the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier both share that flat, pug face. Its short nose is inherited from the English Bulldog, sometimes known as the British Bulldog, resulting in some respiratory issues from time to time. Here are a few of their other similarities:

Both breeds are…

• Very playful
• Very easy to groom
• Fairly easy to train
• Easy to take your French Bulldog on walks
• Friendly towards strangers
• Highly adaptable to apartment living
• In possession of a low prey drive
• Prone to flatulence and drooling
• Susceptible to respiratory issues

and

• About the same medium build in need of a climate-controlled environment

 TIP: Make sure to use a dog harness for Boston terrier!

Main Differences Between French Bulldogs And Boston Terriers

The breeds’ differences center around other traits and topics. Here is a list of some of the key differences between the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier:

The French Bulldog or as he is known in France, the “Bouledogue Français” was originally from England. Legend goes local lace makers of Nottingham kept small bulldogs as pets and for thankfully getting rid of rats. The lacemakers lost their jobs to industrialization and many moved to France, taking their little dogs with them. In France, they were also popular with shopkeepers and soon became known as the French Bulldog or Frenchie.

The Boston Terrier originated in the U.S., in Boston, Massachusetts. His black and white coloring led to his nickname, the American Gentleman. All Boston Terrier descend from a dog named Judge, a cross between a bulldog and a white English terrier. Other names the Boston Terrier has had have been Round Heads, Bullet Heads, and Bull Terriers. The Boston Terrier adopted its official name in 1889 and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1893.

Between these two breeds, the French Bulldog is the more laid back of the two. He might laze around with you on the couch, resting or taking in the game or a good movie, but that means he needs minimal exercise. A short daily walk will suffice, making it easy for the owner.

Exercise for the Boston Terrier will keep possible behavior problems at bay. He can be a couch potato or go out for a run, whichever you prefer. His active ways means he’ll need a daily walk, at least. He can be trained to excel in doggie sports: flyball, obedience, rally, and agility.

The French Bulldog has charm and personality to spare. He’s easy going about meeting new people and adapting to new environments. They are rather quiet (no yipping here). Yet, the Frenchie will bark if something is amiss. Although he can be a bit stubborn, the French Bulldog is easily motivated with positive feedback. He likes toys, especially those that squeak but be careful to avoid rawhides and dental chews, which are choking hazards for the Frenchie.

The Boston Terrier is an enthusiastic dog, active, and playful. He can be sweet and smart. Cuddling on the sofa, he’ll want to hang out with you. The American Gentleman will probably get along with the other family pets, even cats. He likes your attention but will socialize wherever and whenever a warm body is around.

The French Bulldog appreciates the attention and is good with people. He becomes quickly attached to his family. He needs company and cannot live outdoors or in the garage. Be sure to put the Frenchie inside, where the temperature can be controlled: not too hot, not too cold. He’s not always on his best behavior with little ones or cats. The French Bulldog behaves best when he has some company throughout the day.

The Boston Terrier gets along with children if there is a mutual respect (no mauling, please!). Training will help provide socialization for getting along with kids, as well as other pets and even strangers. He also is an inside dog, requiring air conditioning in the summer. His teen years (between the ages of 6 months and 2 years) can be a bit trying, but he’s better if you don’t let him get bored or leave him unsupervised for long periods of time.

The French Bulldog is typically under 28 pounds and around a foot high. He is can be a myriad of colors: from black to fawn; from chocolate to cream. Another color is called brindle, a dark tone mixed with lighter colors. Whereas the Boston Terrier is typically about 13 to 16 pounds, definitely under 25 pounds in total. The American Gentleman is typically black with white marks. A variation would be brindle or seal (a blackish color with red undertones) with white markings.

PRO Tip: Make sure you choose the best French Bulldog harness when taking your fur baby on walks.

Pros and Cons of French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers

The French bulldog has its pros and cons, as does the Boston Terrier. Frenchie is a charming companion who will make his family laugh. He’s easy to be around and is easy to groom since he doesn’t shed much. The Boston Terrier is a good companion who will appreciate the attention of his family. He’s also easy to groom, shedding very little. A simple brush of his coat weekly and a bath every few months will keep him coiffed nicely. Frenchie has some cons: he can develop certain health problems, such as the brachycephalic airway syndrome, where his airway is obstructed, making excessive exercise a no-go. The Boston Terrier’s flat face means that his eyes are at risk for diseases, such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma. Many are deaf in one ear, and some are completely deaf, which should be discovered as soon as possible so his training is not impaired.

Ultimately, the Frenchie can be a sweet companion who becomes a full part of the family, even with his flatulence and snorting. Maybe especially because of his flatulence and snorting. The American Gentleman is an all-around good pet, a sturdy dog who’s typically good-natured. But some displays overactive behavior, especially when greeting visitors. The French Bulldog, on the other hand, is less likely to bark than most other dogs his size. He adapts to city living or to suburban sprawl, no problem. His sense of humor makes him a happy addition to the family. And his popularity is growing and growing.