Dog breed comparison
French Bulldog vs Bulldog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Bulldog is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The French Bulldog tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | French Bulldog | Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 16 to 28 pounds | 40 to 50 pounds |
| Life span | 11 to 14 years | 8 to 12 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.
Drooling
The Bulldog drools more than the French Bulldog.
Good with other dogs
The French Bulldog gets on better with other dogs than the Bulldog.
Copes alone
The Bulldog copes better when left alone than the French Bulldog.
General health
The Bulldog tends to have fewer health problems than the French Bulldog.
Energy
The French Bulldog has more energy than the Bulldog.
Exercise needs
The Bulldog needs more exercise than the French Bulldog.
Which to choose
French Bulldog or Bulldog?
Choose the French Bulldog if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Choose the Bulldog if…
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the French Bulldog or the Bulldog bigger, and which lives longer?
The Bulldog is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The French Bulldog tends to live about 3 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 Bulldog?
The French Bulldog is generally easier to train than the Bulldog. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the French Bulldog or the Bulldog?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
