Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: 15 Key Differences to Help You Choose (2026)

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Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: Two Similar Breeds, Many Differences

At first glance, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs look like cousins — compact bodies, flat faces, bat-like ears, and irresistible personalities. They’re often confused with each other, and both make exceptional companion dogs. But once you dig deeper, the differences become clear.

Whether you’re trying to decide between the two breeds or simply want to tell them apart at the dog park, this comprehensive comparison covers every important aspect: appearance, temperament, health, costs, and which breed fits which lifestyle best.

Origins and History

French Bulldog

Despite the name, French Bulldogs originated in England as miniature versions of the English Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, lace workers from Nottingham brought these small bulldogs to France, where they were crossed with local ratters and terriers. The breed became hugely popular in Parisian society, and the distinctive bat ears we know today were solidified by French breeders. The AKC recognized the breed in 1898.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a true American breed — one of the few developed entirely in the United States. The breed originated in Boston, Massachusetts, around 1870 from a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Originally bred for pit fighting (hard to imagine now!), they were quickly refined into the gentle, dapper companion dogs they are today. The AKC recognized them in 1893.

Physical Appearance Comparison

Size

French Bulldog: 11-13 inches tall, 16-28 pounds. Compact and muscular with a heavy bone structure.
Boston Terrier: 15-17 inches tall, 12-25 pounds. Taller and more slender with longer legs.

The most noticeable difference is body shape. Frenchies are stocky and wide with a low center of gravity, while Bostons are more athletic and “leggy” with a square, balanced build.

Head and Face

French Bulldog: Larger, squarer head with heavier wrinkles. More extreme brachycephalic (flatter) face. Loose, soft skin around the face.
Boston Terrier: Rounder head with fewer wrinkles. Still brachycephalic but slightly less extreme. Cleaner facial lines.

Ears

French Bulldog: Large, rounded “bat ears” that stand erect — the breed’s most iconic feature.
Boston Terrier: Pointed, upright ears that are smaller and more angular than Frenchie ears.

This is one of the easiest ways to tell the two breeds apart. French Bulldog ears are notably rounder at the tips.

Coat and Colors

French Bulldog: Comes in a wide range of colors — fawn, brindle, cream, white, and many non-standard/exotic colors (blue, lilac, merle, etc.).
Boston Terrier: Almost always black & white, brindle & white, or seal & white. The tuxedo-like white markings on the chest, face, and between the eyes are a breed hallmark — earning them the nickname “The American Gentleman.”

Tail

French Bulldog: Short, thick, stumpy tail — often described as a “cork” or screw tail.
Boston Terrier: Short but straighter and more refined than the Frenchie’s tail.

Temperament and Personality

Energy Level

French Bulldog: Low to moderate energy. Happy with short walks and lots of couch time. The ultimate lap dog.
Boston Terrier: Moderate to high energy. More playful, bouncy, and active. Enjoys longer play sessions and is more athletic overall.

If you want a couch companion, the Frenchie wins. If you want a more active, playful partner, the Boston is your dog.

Trainability

French Bulldog: Intelligent but famously stubborn. Training requires patience, consistency, and plenty of treats. They’ll learn quickly when motivated — they just don’t always feel like cooperating.
Boston Terrier: Eager to please and generally easier to train than Frenchies. They respond well to positive reinforcement and tend to be more food-motivated.

Sociability

Both breeds are social, friendly, and great with strangers. Neither makes a good guard dog (though both will alert bark).
Frenchies tend to be slightly more laid-back and calm with other dogs.
Bostons can be more excitable and may play rougher, especially as puppies.

With Children

Both breeds are excellent family dogs. However:

Frenchies are more patient and tolerant of rough handling (within reason).
Bostons are more playful and energetic, making them better play companions for active kids.

Separation Anxiety

Both breeds can develop separation anxiety, but French Bulldogs are significantly more prone to it. If you work long hours away from home, a Boston Terrier may adapt slightly better — though neither breed does well being left alone for extended periods.

Health Comparison

Both breeds are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which comes with inherent health challenges. However, there are important differences:

French Bulldog Health Issues

More severe brachycephalic airway syndrome (flatter face)
Higher rates of IVDD (spinal disc disease)
More prone to hip dysplasia
Higher skin allergy rates
More likely to need C-sections for breeding (80%+ of Frenchie births)
More sensitive to heat

Boston Terrier Health Issues

Eye problems (cataracts, cherry eye, corneal ulcers) — more common than in Frenchies
Patellar luxation (knee issues)
Deafness (more common in heavily white-marked dogs)
Breathing issues (present but generally less severe than Frenchies)

Lifespan

French Bulldog: 10-12 years (average closer to 10)
Boston Terrier: 11-13 years (average closer to 12)

Boston Terriers tend to live slightly longer, partly because their less extreme facial structure means fewer respiratory complications.

Cost Comparison

Purchase Price

French Bulldog: $3,000 – $6,000 (standard colors). Exotic colors can reach $10,000 – $50,000+.
Boston Terrier: $1,500 – $3,000. Significantly more affordable than Frenchies.

Ongoing Costs

Veterinary: Frenchies typically cost more due to higher rates of health issues and surgeries (BOAS surgery, spinal issues, allergies).
Insurance: French Bulldog pet insurance premiums are among the highest of any breed — often 30-50% more than Boston Terrier premiums.
Food: Similar costs for both breeds.
Grooming: Similar low-maintenance grooming needs.

Over a lifetime, a French Bulldog will typically cost $2,000 – $5,000 more in veterinary care than a Boston Terrier.

Exercise and Living Requirements

French Bulldog: 20-30 minutes of daily exercise. Perfect apartment dog. Very heat-sensitive.
Boston Terrier: 30-60 minutes of daily exercise. Also apartment-friendly but needs more activity. Slightly more heat-tolerant (but still brachycephalic).

Both breeds do well in apartments and don’t need a backyard, but the Boston Terrier will appreciate more active outings.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	French Bulldog	Boston Terrier
Origin	England/France	USA (Boston)
Weight	16-28 lbs	12-25 lbs
Height	11-13 in	15-17 in
Lifespan	10-12 years	11-13 years
Energy	Low-Moderate	Moderate-High
Trainability	Moderate (stubborn)	High (eager to please)
Price	$3,000-$6,000+	$1,500-$3,000
Shedding	Moderate	Low-Moderate
Ears	Round “bat” ears	Pointed upright ears
Body	Stocky, wide	Athletic, square
Best For	Couch lovers, calm homes	Active families, first-time owners

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose a French Bulldog if:

You want a calm, low-energy companion
You prefer a stockier, more muscular dog
You’re home most of the day (or work from home)
You want more color options
Budget is not a primary concern

Choose a Boston Terrier if:

You want a more active, playful dog
You prefer easier trainability
You’re budget-conscious
You want slightly fewer health concerns
You love the classic tuxedo look

Either breed works if:

You live in an apartment
You want a great family dog
You want a dog that loves people
You don’t mind a flat-faced breed’s quirks (snoring, heat sensitivity)

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with either breed. Both the Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are exceptional companions — affectionate, entertaining, and perfectly sized for any living situation. The decision ultimately comes down to your energy level, budget, and whether you prefer the Frenchie’s laid-back charm or the Boston’s peppy personality.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a loyal friend who will make you laugh every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs related?

Both share English Bulldog ancestry but diverged significantly. The Boston Terrier was developed in America from Bulldog/Terrier crosses, while the French Bulldog was refined in France from miniature English Bulldogs. They’re distant relatives at best.

Can Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs live together?

Absolutely! Both breeds are social and generally get along well with other dogs. Their similar size makes them good companions, though you may notice the Boston trying to get the Frenchie to play more than the Frenchie wants to.

Which breed is better for first-time dog owners?

The Boston Terrier is generally recommended for first-time owners due to easier trainability, lower cost, and slightly fewer health issues. French Bulldogs are also suitable but require more patience with training and a larger budget for potential health care.

Which breed barks more?

Neither breed is particularly vocal. Boston Terriers tend to bark slightly more, especially when excited. French Bulldogs are known for being relatively quiet but will snore, snort, and make plenty of other entertaining noises.

Can you breed a Boston Terrier with a French Bulldog?

While physically possible, crossbreeding these breeds produces a “Frenchton.” These mixed-breed dogs are not recognized by any major kennel club. Responsible breeders focus on improving each breed separately rather than creating designer mixes.