French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Similarities and Differences

This French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier blog post isn’t a material that showcases a dog breed that is more favorable than the other. This is simply written to provide an outline of the two breed’s similarities and differences in key areas since they are both descendants and variations of the Bulldog breed.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Appearance

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Origin

The French Bulldog is a dog breed that traces back its roots in old England. It was developed for the purpose of having a Bulldog in toy size. Back to around the 1800s, the lace workers from Nottingham, England brought their little bulldogs with them when they emigrated to France. From there, breeders crossed the Toy Bulldogs and local ratters in Paris, France which resulted to the French Bulldogs or “Frenchie” for short.

On the other hand, the Boston Terrier is a dog breed that came from Boston, Massacusetts from around the late 1800s. There was a dog named Judge and he has a dark brindle color with a white blaze on his face as well as square, blocky head. From him came the Boston Terrier breed that we know nowadays.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Size

A French Bulldog can stand as tall as 11 to 12 inches. Moreover, a male French Bulldog weighs from around 20 to 28 pounds. Conversely, the female French Bulldog weighs from around 16 to 24 pounds. On the other hand, a Boston Terrier can stand as tall as 12 to 17 inches and weighs either lower than 15 pounds, around 15 to 19 pounds, or around 20 to 25 pounds.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Coat

The French Bulldog’s coat is short, smooth, shiny, and fine. Moreover, its signature look is characterized by its loose and wrinkled soft-textured skin around its head and shoulders. This dog breed can be of any color such as fawn, cream, as well as different shades of brindle. Rare colors such as solid black, liver, mouse, as well as black with white or tan implies that the dog is a low-quality breed for not adhering to the breed standard (this is actually to blame on the breeder, not the dog because all dogs are amazing).

On the other hand, the Boston Terrier has a smooth, fine coat that comes in varying colors such as black, seal, or brindle. Rare colors such as solid black, gray, liver, or white implies that the dog is a low-quality breed for not adhering to the breed standard (this is actually to blame on the breeder, not the dog because all dogs are amazing).

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Personality/ Temperament

A French Bulldog is innately affectionate, especially with the people whom its closest to. This dog loves playing around as well as training, more importantly when you give rewards or treats which show that you are pleased with its behavior.

On the other hand, a Boston Terrier has impeccable manners which is also the other reason why it got its nickname as the “American Gentleman.” Their calm temperament is their main personality facet added to its loving characteristic as well as high intelligence.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Health

Every dog breed is more prone to specific diseases or health condition than the other breeds.

For the French Bulldog with a life expectancy of around 10-12 years, hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, allergies, hemivertebrae, patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), von Willebrand’s disease, cleft palate, and elongated soft palate are the conditions that you should look out for.

On the other hand, for a Boston Terrier with a life expectancy of around 11-13 years, cataracts, cherry eye, patellar luxation, heart murmurs, deafness, brain tumors, allergies, megaesophagus, and reverse sneezing are the conditions you should look out for.

• Canine Hip Dysplasia

This is a hereditary problem where the thighbone isn’t fitting perfectly into the hip joint. This may also lead to arthritis as time passes by. Furthermore, the treatments for this are supplements, medications, as well as surgery.

• Brachycephalic Syndrome

This health condition is characterized by an elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, as well as everted laryngeal saccules. This is also usually experienced by dog breeds that are short-headed with short muzzles and noses. These dogs have their throat and breathing passages undersized as well as flattened. Moreover, they may suffer too from a narrow trachea or windpipe, collapse of the larynx, as well as paralysis of the laryngeal cartilages. Furthermore, treatments for this condition include short term therapy like oxygen therapy and steroids as well as surgery.

• Hemivertebrae

This health condition is the congenital deforming of the vertebrae. It develops abnormally and then creates a twisting wedge. Moreover, this may also lead to the twisting and compression of the spinal cord. For mild cases, rest as well as anti-inflammatory drugs are the suggested treatment. On the other hand, for moderate to severe cases, surgery is highly recommended.

• Patellar Luxation

This is a health condition characterized by the dislocation of a kneecap. For Grades II-IV patellar luxations, surgery is certainly highly recommended.

• Invertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

This health condition is the bulging or bursting of the cushion discs between the vertebrae of the dog’s spinal column into the spinal cord space. Treating this can range from conservative treatments up to surgery, depending on the severity of the case.

• Von Willebrand Disease

This hereditary condition is a bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency in a protein called von Willebrand Factor (vWF) which allows the blood to clot. It has to be dealt with or treated as soon as possible because it may cause excessive bleeding and eventually death. In addition to this, there is an available drug called DDAVP that may raise the dog’s vWF as well as other medications that can aid in the treatment of this disease. Of course, controlling the spontaneous bleeding is the main agenda of treatments. Moreover, avoiding situations where your dog can bleed will be of great help too.

• Cleft Palate

This health condition is an abnormal opening in the roof of the dog’s mouth. The two sides of the dog’s palate didn’t come together during the dog’s embryonic development which then resulted into this condition. This one is hard to be treated, but with proper care, dogs suffering from this will survive. Surgery is the option to go to when there are no serious complications and the dog is healthy enough.

• Elongated Soft Palate

This congenital health condition is one of the contributing cases to the brachycephalic syndrome. Surgery may be recommended in order to treat this.

• Cataracts

This health problem that usually occurs in senior dogs is an opacity on the lens of the eye(s) which then results into a difficulty in seeing. If your dog’s eye(s) have a cloudy appearance, it may be suffering from a cataract. This condition is treatable through surgery.

• Cherry Eye

This is a health condition characterized by the slipping out of place or bulging of the gland in the third eyelid. This is seen as a red or pinkish blob. Moreover, this results to the weakening and movement of the connective tissue around the tear gland. Pushing the said gland back into its place is the first option of treatment and is also done with a local anesthesia. The other option is to remove the third eyelid which, on the other hand, isn’t highly recommended.

• Heart Murmurs

This health condition is characterized by a disturbance in the blood flow which creates an audible noise called murmur. Of course, this is very distinct with the use of a stethoscope. Now, this isn’t the actual problem that should be treated, but rather the other health problems which caused it in the first place.

• Deafness

This is a hereditary problem that can be aided by training the dog or using vibrating collars.

• Brain Tumor

This health condition is characterized by either an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or a cancer that has spread to the brain from another body part. The possible treatments for this condition are surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

• Megaesophagus

This health condition is characterized by slow motility with resultant dilation of the esophagus or the muscular organ that carries food from the mouth down to the stomach. A primary congenital case as well as a secondary case of this is a lifetime condition that can be alleviated through lifestyle changes and dealing with the problems that caused it in the first place. However, a case that is both congenital and secondary because of a vascular ring anomaly may be treated with surgery.

• Reverse Sneezing

This condition happens when a dog stands, extends their head and neck, pull back their lips, and then inhale repeatedly and forcefully through their nose. Technically, this isn’t a problem, but is actually normal from time to time. On the other hand, you can softly blow on your dog’s face, massage its throat, as well as hold its nostrils closed for a few seconds to shorten its reverse sneezing episodes.

For these reasons, you should certainly be in regular contact with your pet dog’s veterinarian in order to track your dog’s overall health as well as to detect any bad health condition in advance.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Care/ Grooming

To take care of a French Bulldog, make sure to occasional brush their coat to maintain its health. Additionally, they only shed moderately which is just another reason why this dog breed doesn’t require a rigorous grooming routine. On the other hand, their nails do tend to need more attention since they don’t usually wear them down. Obviously, trim those regularly. Moreover, the French Bulldog is known for its facial wrinkles. Although it’s cute and all, remember that bacteria can accumulate in those folds, so clean them thoroughly.

On the other hand, taking care of a Boston Terrier comes with a routine of weekly brushing of its coat with a firm bristle brush as well as bathing with dry, powder shampoo. Moreover, that regular brushing can also help with its shedding which isn’t really a problem at all since it’s so minimal. At the same time, their eyes need more attention since those are huge that redness or irritation is always a high possibility. For their teeth, brush either two to three times a week or you can do it daily too. For their nails, trimming can be done for once or twice a month if the dog doesn’t usually wear them down.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Feeding

For a French Bulldog, avoid too much calories since it’s a dog breed that is at higher risk to obesity. For this reason, watch for the ingredients of the dog foods that you are buying. At the same time, the treats that you should give in between its meals should only be in moderate amount.

On the other hand, a Boston Terrier isn’t only prone to obesity but to flatulence as well. For it to not contract any of these conditions, make sure to feed it with high-quality dry food that is divided into two meals a day. Commercially-manufactured or home-prepared dog foods are both fine.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Exercise

A French Bulldog doesn’t need much exercise, so a little walk and run here and there is fine. Just make sure that its exercise should contain a bit of intense activities since French Bulldog’s are really active and playful together with their moderate energy level.

On the other hand, a Boston Terrier doesn’t need too much exercise even though it’s a lively dog. It’s because it fancies chilling indoors more than going out. So a walk and a bit of play here and there is enough. Moreover, remember that since it’s indeed a very gentle dog, it shouldn’t be shouted at during training or any other activities. The dog will certainly take that seriously, so avoid doing that.

French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Behavior with Kids and Other Pets

A French Bulldog can be bearable for older children. Since they are naturally fun-loving, they love little kids too! On the other hand, for other pets, it’s best to socialize a French Bulldog with them right at its early stages.  This way, they will be more comfortable with these other animals as soon as they grow up.

On the other hand, a Boston Terrier is a natural canine companion for children because of its outstanding gentle nature. At the same time, it’s easy going with other animals or pets, especially if they are exposed to them at an early age.

Final Words

The French Bulldog and Boston Terrier are dog breeds that are both related to the Bulldog breed. Moreover, they are both bred for a single aim which is to create an astounding breed that can serve as an excellent watchdog or a fighting dog. As time passed by, they became domesticated and certainly got to be some of the most popular dog breeds that are good for companionship, especially in the house. Furthermore, with regards to the breeds’ differences, they each have their unique qualities which make them stand out in their own way. The French Bulldog is so affectionate to everyone, most especially to its owner while a Boston Terrier continues to charm everyone with its gentle nature that is certainly too adorable.

If you are an aspiring pet owner and you are looking for a dog that will be the greatest companion of your life, pick the breed that you fancy more or the one which you know is complementary to your personality and lifestyle in general. Well, without a doubt, it’s easy if you can just pick both. But if you are only intending to live with one, you have to choose. Indeed, that is a hard task because both dogs are extremely lovable. But regardless of your choice, happy fur parenting!

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