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Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog

Both are small, short-nosed city dogs; the Boston Terrier is livelier and more trainable, the French Bulldog calmer and a little stockier.

Boston Terrier profileFrench Bulldog profile

Verdict

The Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog both fit apartments and city life, need little grooming, get along with children and are rated well for first-time owners. They also share the short-nosed face that makes heat a concern, so owners of either need to keep the dog cool and know its breathing limits.

Temperament sets them apart. The Boston has higher energy and trainability and a lively, sensitive, intelligent manner, and it asks for 30 to 45 minutes of activity a day. The French Bulldog sits lower on both scores, is stockier, and often needs only 20 to 40 minutes at an easy pace, with a stubborn streak to match its playfulness.

Choose the Boston Terrier if

  • You want a more agile dog that learns quickly
  • You enjoy a lively, sociable, sensitive companion
  • You prefer a coat that sheds less
  • You can give 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity

Choose the French Bulldog if

  • You want a stockier body and a steadier, lower-energy dog
  • You like a playful but sometimes stubborn personality
  • A shorter daily outing at an easy pace suits your routine
  • You have a plan for heat, vet costs and possible surgery

Side by side

Boston Terrier French Bulldog
AKC group Non-Sporting Group Non-Sporting Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 12 to 25 lb 20 to 28 lb
Height 15 to 17 in at the shoulder 11 to 13 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
AKC popularity, 2025 23 of 202 1 of 202
Shedding Light Moderate
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy Moderate Low to moderate
Trainability Easy Average
Barking Seldom barks Seldom barks
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Excellent Excellent
First-time owners Good Good
Heat tolerance Poor Poor
Cold tolerance Below average Below average
Temperament
  • friendly
  • lively
  • intelligent
  • affectionate
  • sensitive
  • playful
  • affectionate
  • adaptable
  • alert
  • stubborn
Health concerns to know about
  • brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • eye injuries and cataracts
  • patellar luxation
  • deafness
  • skin allergies
  • brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • spinal and disc disease
  • skin fold infections
  • eye problems
  • allergies
Suits
  • city dwellers
  • families with considerate children
  • first-time owners
  • city dwellers
  • apartment households
  • owners who want a low-exercise companion

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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