Dachshund vs French Bulldog
Which breed is right for you?
Quick verdict
Both are small, big-personality companions with similar energy and grooming needs, but they suit different homes. The French Bulldog is one of the quietest apartment dogs and rates Excellent with kids, while the Dachshund is a vocal, stubborn little hound that lives longer (12-16 years vs 10-14). The single biggest difference is noise and breathing: the Frenchie is calm and barely barks but overheats easily, whereas the Dachshund is alert, barky, and built around a fragile long back.
At a glance
| Dachshund | French Bulldog | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound | Non-Sporting |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 7-15 kg | 8-13 kg |
| Height | 20-23 cm | 28-33 cm |
| Lifespan | 12-16 yr | 10-14 yr |
| Origin | Germany | England / France |
| Energy | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Trainability | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Friendliness | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
| Shedding | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Barking | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Good with kids | Good (gentle homes) | Excellent |
| With other dogs | Good | Good |
| With cats | With care | Usually fine |
Choose the Dachshund if:
Choose the Dachshund if you want a livelier, longer-lived dog with a watchdog streak, you do not mind regular barking, and you can protect its back by avoiding stairs and jumps.
Full Dachshund profileChoose the French Bulldog if:
Choose the French Bulldog if you want a quiet, easygoing apartment companion that is great with kids and needs very little exercise, and you can keep it cool and budget for possible breathing and vet issues.
Full French Bulldog profileFrequently asked questions
Which is better for an apartment?
The French Bulldog. It barks very little (rated 1 out of 5 versus the Dachshund's 4) and needs only short, gentle walks, making it one of the best apartment dogs. The Dachshund can also live in a flat but is far more vocal.
Which is better with young children?
The French Bulldog rates Excellent with kids thanks to its easygoing, affectionate nature. The Dachshund is rated Good but does best in gentle homes, and its fragile back means rough handling must be avoided.
Which breed is healthier and lives longer?
The Dachshund tends to live longer, about 12-16 years versus 10-14 for the Frenchie, but its long spine makes disc disease (IVDD) a serious risk. The French Bulldog's flat face brings breathing trouble (BOAS) and heat sensitivity, so both have notable health concerns to plan for.