Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
VS
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Dachshund if you want better health. Choose French Bulldog if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
French Bulldog
small
Size
small
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
3/5
Energy
3/5
3/5
Good with Kids
4/5Better
2/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Grooming
1/5Better
4/5
Apartment
5/5Better
Better3/5
Health
2/5
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$5,000
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Dachshund is less expensive to own annually.
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Dachshund is $500–$2,000.
Health & Lifespan
Dachshund tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs10–12
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs2/5
Life expectancy favors the Dachshund: 12–16 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Dachshund.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Dachshund is typically clever, stubborn and playful, making them well suited for apartment living, seniors and singles.
Exercise & Activity
Dachshund needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Dachshund needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Dachshund.
Family & Social Life
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
3/5
vs4/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
3/5
vs4/5Better
The French Bulldog has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the French Bulldog's playful temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Shedding
2/5
vs2/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs1/5Better
Both breeds shed at the same rate (2/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Training & Intelligence
French Bulldog is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs3/5
The French Bulldog has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the French Bulldog tends to catch on a bit faster.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs8–13
Height (cm)
20–23
vs28–33
The Dachshund (7–15 kg (15–33 lbs), 20–23 cm (8–9 in)) and French Bulldog (8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), 28–33 cm (11–13 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's easier to train (3/5 vs 2/5), better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Dachshund and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Dachshund by roughly $400/year.
Choose Dachshund if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Dachshunds cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You have young children — French Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or French Bulldog?
The French Bulldog is generally better with children, scoring 4/5 compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The French Bulldog is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Dachshund or French Bulldog easier to train?
The French Bulldog is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The French Bulldog's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or French Bulldog?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The French Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or French Bulldogs live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Dachshund or French Bulldog live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Dachshund (4/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.