French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: lifespan, size, temperament, grooming and health.
The Boston Terrier suits active owners who want a trainable, adaptable dog, ranging from 6-25 lb (3-11 kg) and 9-15 in (23-38 cm) tall, while the French Bulldog suits those wanting a compact companion at 20-28 lb (9-13 kg) and 10-12 in (25-30 cm) tall. Choose the French Bulldog for a clownish, lower-energy lap dog and the Boston Terrier for a livelier dog that keeps up with walks and training. Both are brachycephalic, so neither is ideal for hot climates or for owners who cannot manage breathing and heat-sensitivity issues.
| French Bulldog | Boston Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20-28 lb (9-13 kg), males | 6-25 lb (3-11 kg) |
| Height | 10-12 in (25-30 cm) at the shoulder, males | 9-15 in (23-38 cm) at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 11-13 years |
| Temperament | Adaptable, playful, alert, eager to please, and charming | Lively, friendly, amusing, intelligent, and highly adaptable |
| Grooming | Short, smooth coat needs only light weekly brushing, but the facial wrinkles and skin folds require regular cleaning. | Short, smooth, slick coat sheds lightly and needs only routine brushing to stay healthy. |
| Common health issues | Brachycephalic breed prone to breathing problems and heat intolerance, plus spinal issues (hemivertebrae), patellar luxation, and eye disease. | Brachycephalic with limited heat tolerance, plus eye problems (Boston terrier eye syndrome), allergies, patellar luxation, and dental disease. |
Key facts
- French Bulldog lifespan: 10-12 years.
- Boston Terrier lifespan: 11-13 years.
- French Bulldog size: 20-28 lb (9-13 kg), males.
- Boston Terrier size: 6-25 lb (3-11 kg).
Sources
Full breed profiles
Read the complete profiles: French Bulldog · Boston Terrier