Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog
Which breed is right for you?
Quick verdict
Both are small, friendly, apartment-friendly companions with flat faces and bat ears, so they share many traits and a similar appeal for city living. The Boston Terrier is the more energetic and easier to train of the two, while the French Bulldog is noticeably quieter and lower in exercise needs but more stubborn and more prone to expensive health problems. Pick the Boston Terrier if you want a livelier, more trainable dog, and the French Bulldog if you want the calmest, quietest companion.
At a glance
| Boston Terrier | French Bulldog | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Non-Sporting | Non-Sporting |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 5-11 kg | 8-13 kg |
| Height | 38-43 cm | 28-33 cm |
| Lifespan | 11-14 yr | 10-14 yr |
| Origin | United States | England / France |
| Energy | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Trainability | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Friendliness | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Shedding | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Barking | 3 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Good with kids | Excellent | Excellent |
| With other dogs | Good | Good |
| With cats | Usually fine | Usually fine |
Choose the Boston Terrier if:
Choose the Boston Terrier if you want a slightly more active and trainable small dog that sheds a touch less, and you do not mind a bit more barking and energy around the home.
Full Boston Terrier profileChoose the French Bulldog if:
Choose the French Bulldog if you want one of the quietest apartment dogs with very low exercise needs, and you are prepared for stubborn training and higher vet costs.
Full French Bulldog profileFrequently asked questions
Which is better for apartment living, the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog?
Both are excellent apartment dogs, but the French Bulldog has the edge for noise-sensitive buildings because it rarely barks, while the Boston Terrier is a little more vocal and energetic. Either way, both need to be kept cool in warm weather due to their flat faces.
Which breed is easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is easier to train. It is smart and eager to please and rates higher on trainability, while the French Bulldog is just as bright but more stubborn and bores quickly, so it needs short, fun, food-motivated sessions.
Which one sheds less and is easier to groom?
Both have short, low-maintenance coats that only need a weekly or occasional brush, and the Boston Terrier sheds slightly less. The French Bulldog has the extra job of cleaning and drying its facial folds often to prevent skin infections.