Dog breed comparison
French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Boston Terrier tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | French Bulldog | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 16 to 28 pounds | 10 to 25 pounds |
| Life span | 11 to 14 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Exercise needs
The Boston Terrier needs more exercise than the French Bulldog.
Copes alone
The Boston Terrier copes better when left alone than the French Bulldog.
General health
The Boston Terrier tends to have fewer health problems than the French Bulldog.
Energy
The Boston Terrier has more energy than the French Bulldog.
Intelligence
The Boston Terrier is quicker to learn than the French Bulldog.
Good with children
The Boston Terrier is better with children than the French Bulldog.
Which to choose
French Bulldog or Boston Terrier?
Choose the French Bulldog if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Boston Terrier if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
Questions.
Is the French Bulldog or the Boston Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The Boston Terrier tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the French Bulldog or the Boston Terrier?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the French Bulldog or the Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised French Bulldog can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Boston Terrier sheds less than the French Bulldog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
