For those new to these two adorable, smooshy-faced breeds, it can be difficult to distinguish between them, so we are going to delve deeper into the similarities and differences between the Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog and see who comes out on top!
History
The French Bulldog is part of the ‘non-sporting group‘ of dogs, as is the Boston Terrier, however, their history couldn’t be any more different!
In the mid-1800s, a toy-size Bulldog found favor in some English cities, which was then a center for producing lace. This tiny Bulldog became something of a mascot for Nottingham’s lacemakers, and as many in the lace trade relocated to northern France, they brought their little Bulldogs with them. Over a span of decades, these toy Bulldogs were crossed with other breeds, perhaps terriers and Pugs, and, along the way, developed their now-famous bat ears. They were given the name Bouledogue Français – The French Bulldog – and became exceedingly popular around Paris, and eventually the world due to their distinctive appearance and delightful temperament.
The Boston Terrier is a native American breed and a fairly modern one with most of the development in the breed occurring in the 20th Century. Known as the “American Gentleman” due to the distinctive tuxedo appearance of his striking black and white coat, which resembles a formal dinner suit, the Boston terrier breed originated around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased from Edward Burnett a dog named Judge (known later as Hooper’s Judge), which was of a Bull and Terrier type lineage. Hooper’s Judge is either directly related to the original Bull and Terrier breeds of the 19th and early 20th centuries, or Judge was the result of modern English Bulldogs being crossed into terriers created in the 1860s for show purposes, like the White English Terrier.
The American Kennel Club cites Hooper’s Judge as the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers. In the early years, the color and markings were not very important. By the 20th century the breed’s distinctive markings and color were written into the standard, becoming an essential feature. The Boston Terrier has lost most of its aggressive nature, preferring the company of humans, although it is important a Boston Terrier puppy is well socialized as they can become difficult with other dogs in adulthood if not.
Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog – Size
The Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are fairly comparable in size, with the Boston maturing at 11-13 inches in height and 12-15lb (6-7kg) at maturity, and the Frenchie typically maturing the same height but up to 28lb (14kg) due to their stockier frame.
WINNER: TIE!
Popularity
According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog ranks #4 in popularity out of all 193 breeds. The Boston Terrier currently ranks a little lower at #23.
WINNER: FRENCHIE!
Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog – Temperament
The Boston Terrier is described in the breed standard as “a friendly and lively dog.” The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier a fabulous companion. If you are thinking of getting a Boston puppy, make sure you spend some time with your potential breeder and ensure their dogs are sociable and friendly with others, as this breed can be prone to some level of dog aggression towards dogs of the same sex. Generally, the Boston is thought to be a more friendly dog with children.
The French Bulldog is meant to be a “well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.” Considered to smart and playful, he is typically very attached to his owner and can experience some level of separation anxiety if left alone, and can be territorial around dogs of the same sex.
WINNER: TIE!
Intelligence
Boston Terriers are known to be very smart dogs! They are listed at #100 (out of 138 breeds) in the intelligence index, but don’t let that fool you – they are clever but they are also known to be stubborn – so they will obey commands exactly when it suits them! So give your Boston a good reason to do something (or a tasty treat!) and you will see exactly how smart they truly are.
Much like Bostons, French Bulldogs are smart but stubborn. The bull breeds were originally bred to be quite independent in their decision making, and this is reflected in their current state. They can be slow to potty train, so be prepared to be patient.
WINNER: BOSTON!
Activity Level
A short walk or outdoor play session each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog happy and fit. Frenchies generally enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. As a flat-faced breed, however, they are prone to breathing difficulties and should never be allowed to exert themselves in hot or humid weather. As an owner, you will have to monitor your Frenchie carefully, as they are an exuberant breed which is prone to over-exertion if left to their own devices.
The Boston’s need for exercise varies between individuals. For some, a brisk walk once or twice a day will be enough. Others will need more time to run and play every day and let off steam. Simply letting a Boston out into the backyard doesn’t count as exercise—he’ll probably just sit at the door waiting for you to come to play. Left alone for long periods of time, a Boston will tend to become bored and develop undesirable behaviors, so you will need to be prepared to offer him plenty of time and interaction. Participation in canine sports such as agility, obedience, flyball, and rally is an enjoyable way to channel the breed’s energy and give him the mental and physical stimulation he needs.
WINNER: TIE!
Health Issues
Typically, Boston Terrier’s are hardy and healthy little dogs. They typically live between 11-13 years of age. It is notable that protecting the Boston Terrier’s beautiful but prominent eyes is of special importance. Responsible breeders screen their stock for eye problems such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma, as well as deafness and patellar luxation (comparable to a “trick knee” in humans). Like all flat-faced breeds, Bostons can experience difficulty breathing when not given adequate shelter from excessive heat or humidity, so it is important you keep your Boston in an air-conditioned environment in summer and limit their exertion in the heat. Ensure your puppy breeder screens their breeding dogs for the following health conditions prior to purchasing a puppy:
Recommended Health Tests from the Boston Terrier National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- BAER Testing
Read the Official Boston Terrier Breed Club Health Statement.
Although they are active little dogs, because of their front-heavy design, Frenchies cannot swim unaided and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or body of water. Make sure you always have a life-jacket on your French Bulldog near any open water. Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and are unable to regulate their body tempreture in hot or humid weather. You absolutely must be able to keep your French Bulldog inside in an air-conditioned environment during summer, and in a heated home during winter. These are not suitable dogs for outdoor living.
Additionally, Frenchies occasionally have eye conditions such as cherry eye, juvenile cataracts, or entropion, and skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders also are known to occur. A responsible breeder will take advantage of available tests to screen breeding stock for conditions that can affect the breed. Make sure you take time to screen your potential puppy breeder and ensure they undertake all the recommended health testing.
Recommended Health Tests for French Bulldogs from the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
Read the Official French Bulldog Breed Club Health Statement here.
WINNER: BOSTON!
Colors
The Boston Terrier is known for his distinctive coat pattern, which resembles as a tuxedo and has given him the nickname of the “American Gentleman”. His smart white markings can occur in combination with black, seal or brindle, with brindle being the preferred color. A lack of white markings is a disqualifying characteristic, according to the breed standard.
The French Bulldog breed standard allows for white, cream, fawn or any combinations of those colors. Allowable markings and patterns include brindle, piebald, black masks, black shadings, and white markings. The breed standard is quite strict on allowable colors, and interestingly, disqualifying colors and patterns include solid black, black and tan, black and white, white with black, blue, blue fawn, liver, and merle.
WINNER: FRENCHIE!
Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog – Cost
The cost of a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog puppy is fairly equal. You should expect to pay around $2500 – $3500 for a puppy. Make sure your puppy has only come from properly health tested parents and is up-to-date on worming and vaccinations prior to leaving the breeder. Read more about finding an ethical puppy breeder here.
WINNER: TIE!
Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog – Final Verdict
Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are delightful, happy, smart and full of personality! They both make wonderful pets, provided you do your research and ensure they are appropriate dogs for your living situation and lifestyle.
The final verdict? WE LOVE THEM BOTH – IT’S A TIE!
Do you have a Boston or a Frenchie? Tell us what you think!
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