Boston Terriers Vs. French Bulldogs: Similarities and Differences
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are some of the cutest dogs out there. However, since they share plenty of similarities, many dog lovers tend to get the two breeds confused.
Read on to find out what makes Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs different from each other, as well as what traits do they share in these key areas:
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
Appearance
Much of the confusion surrounding Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs originate from how similar they are in appearance.
Both breeds are small dogs just a size too big to be considered lapdogs. Both breeds are under 1.5ft tall, though French Bulldogs are typically the smaller of the two. This is because Boston Terriers have longer legs compared to the French Bulldog’s stocky frame.
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs also have different fur colorings. A Boston Terrier is well known for having tuxedo-style fur coloring. Meanwhile, French Bulldogs have brown or white fur.
French Bulldogs also have a famous, distinctive ear shape: bat-like ears. They stand upright and are prominent on their square-shaped head. The ears on a Boston Terrier are not bat-like. Instead, they are pointed, jutting up from their round heads.
Finally, both breeds have short snouts and broad jaws. However, their noses are different. Boston Terriers have black noses with a defined line between the two nostrils. In comparison, French Bulldogs have wider nostrils.
Temperament
Both dogs are known for being great for apartments and families.
Both are super lovable, not prone to barking, and have less demanding energy needs than other medium size pets. Both dogs are happy to chill at home with you, though Boston Terriers have more energy than French Bulldogs. They enjoy running around outside, though they can control their energy indoors. This means that both dogs are great for apartments and other small living spaces.
Additionally, both dogs are known for being great for families. They are lovable and patient with others. Of the two, Frenchies are known for being protective, especially of small children. That means that socializing your Frenchie with other people and dogs is more key than it is for Boston Terriers.
Luckily, both Bosties and French Bulldogs are easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners. Fair warning: French Bulldogs are known to be a little stubborn, so it will be important to establish your authority as soon as possible.
Health
Due to their flatter faces, both dogs are known as brachycephalic breeds. Their tiny nostrils, narrow throats, and long palates can lead to breathing problems. For this reason, many dog lovers have begun to advocate changing the standards of the breeds to allow for rounder noses and less restricted airways.
Their short coats mean that there will be little shedding to deal with, but in return, both dogs are at risk whenever exposed to the cold.
Both breeds are also prone to other health issues:
- French Bulldogs: obesity, problems with eyes, heart, and back
- Boston Terriers: cataracts, seizures, allergies, deafness
As is, both breeds live to be at least ten years old on average, with Boston Terriers averaging 12-14 year life spans.
Their short coats mean that there will be little shedding to deal with, but in return, both dogs are at risk whenever exposed to the cold.
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Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.
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