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It can sometimes be hard to distinguish between the adorable Boston Terrier and French Bulldog.
They do look quite similar.
But, cuteness and those adorable upright ears aside, there are a lot of similarities and
differences between the two breeds.
Let’s learn more about these lovable dogs and choose a favorite.
If that’s even possible.
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History
When we examine the histories of these two breeds, it’s easy to see why they are often
confused.
The French Bulldog and Boston Terrier share a common ancestor – the English Bulldog.
The Frenchie, as they are affectionately known by fans, actually started life in jolly old
England.
During the Industrial Revolution, English lacemakers took their small Bulldogs with
them to work in Normandy, as their furry companions were originally very popular ratters.
In France, the dogs were then bred with French Terriers to become the French Bulldog we know
and love today.
The breed became popular with Parisian women who championed their bat-like ears.
The Boston Terrier gets its name from, you guessed it, Boston, Massachusetts in the good
ol’ US of A.
In the 1870s, this American-made breed was originally a cross between the English Bulldog
and now extinct English White Terrier called the Hooper’s Judge.
Over the years, crossbreeding with the English Bull Terrier, the Boxer, the Pit Bull Terrier
and the French Bulldog resulted in what is now the modern Boston Terrier.
An interesting fact – the Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting breed created in
the US.
Appearance
The most obvious place to start when trying to determine who is who among these two dogs
is appearance.
While they do have similarities such as short snouts, docked or minimal tails, short coats,
upright ears, bug eyes and adorable smiles, there are some differences that make it easy
to tell them apart.
The French Bulldog has shorter legs and a more muscular build than its Boston counterpart
as well as a heavier bone structure.
It also has a large, square-shaped head, with rounded tips on its bat-like ears.
The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, has longer, leaner legs, a rounded head with pointed
tips on its ears.
Their flatter faces mean that both dogs are brachycephalic breeds.
Their tiny nostrils, long palates, and narrow tracheas can cause health and breathing problems.
Size
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are both similarly-sized small dogs.
The Frenchie is the heavyweight of the two, usually weighing between 20-28 pounds and
standing between 14 to 16 inches tall, while the Boston Terrier, usually weighs between
15-25 pounds at 11 to 13 inches tall.
Coat and Colors
Both breeds have short coats, making grooming low maintenance.
Since their hair is so short, there is little to no odor and mild shedding.
Boston Terriers are known as the “American Gentleman” for their tuxedo-like markings
in brindle, seal or black with white.
The French Bulldogs have a much wider variety of colors that include: Brindle, Brindle & White,
Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Fawn Brindle, White, White & Brindle, White & Fawn And more!
Due to their short coats, both breeds can be sensitive to extreme cold.
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Personalities
They may be small in size, but both Frenchies and Bosties are far from small in personality.
Both breeds are very friendly, loving breeds and make excellent family companions.
The Boston Terrier can be lively, alert and intelligent and can go from having bursts
of energy to wanting to curl up and have a cuddle.
The Frenchie, also nicknamed the “Clown in a Clock of a Philosopher” for its entertaining
personality, has an equally friendly disposition.
Frenchies are renowned for making their owners laugh, are very affectionate and love to cuddle.
Boston Terriers learn quickly and are a great dog for first-time dog owners looking for
an obedient dog who will listen most of the time.
French Bulldogs, like most “Bully breeds”, can be a bit on the stubborn side and may
require constant training to nail down the behaviors you’re looking for.
Activity Levels
Boston Terriers are active dogs.
They love to jump, run, play and chase and are occasionally known to swim.
They can be great running companions as long as you’re aware of the signs they may be
overheating due to their short snout.
Some Boston Terriers can become obsessed with doggie toys and may want to play nonstop.
French Bulldogs are more on the relaxed side due to their heavier build, which makes them
less agile when it comes to running and jumping.
But, they can be energetic, as well!
A long walk or mild hike is a great source of exercise for a French Bulldog, who is prone
to obesity if not exercised regularly.
Both breeds adapt very well to apartment living.
They’re both great at being able to control their energy indoors and are very adaptable
to new living situations.
Both dogs are super loving breeds and make great family pets.
Health and Lifespan
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is over 10 to 12 years while Boston Terriers
live 13-15 years.
Their short muzzles make them both prone to respiratory problems and are at risk of heat
stroke in hot weather.
As stated earlier, French Bulldogs can suffer from obesity if overfed and under-exercised.
They can also have problems with their eyes, heart, and back.
Boston Terriers are prone to cataracts and seizures and may suffer from allergies and
deafness.
And, while this is not a health concern, well, at least not for the dog, the Frenchie is
notorious for its not so pleasant smelling gas.
This little dog can literally clear a room and look at you like you did it.
So, which breed wins this bat-eared battle, the OG French Bulldog or the American Gentleman,
the Boston Terrier?
That’s up to you.
You tell us in the comments.
If there are other breeds you’d like us to compare, shout them out, we’ll give them
a look.
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And as always, catch ya next time.