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.
VS
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want a great companion. Choose Boston Terrier if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Boston Terrier
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
11–15 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
4/5Better
3/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
2/5
1/5
Grooming
1/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$600–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Boston Terrier's $600–$2,000. That's a $1,950 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Health & Lifespan
Boston Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs11–15Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Boston Terriers live 11–15 years on average, while French Bulldogs live 10–12 years.
Family & Social Life
Boston Terrier is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Boston Terrier has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Boston Terrier's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Training & Intelligence
Boston Terrier is generally easier to train.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Trainability
3/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
The Boston Terrier has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Boston Terrier tends to catch on a bit faster.
Exercise & Activity
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Boston Terrier 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 Boston Terrier.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs5–11
Height (cm)
28–33
vs38–43
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The French Bulldog weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs) and the Boston Terrier weighs 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
When you live with a French Bulldog, you'll notice their playful, adaptable and affectionate character in everything they do. A Boston Terrier, by contrast, shows a friendly, lively and intelligent nature.
Grooming & Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
Shedding
2/5
vs2/5
Grooming Needs
1/5
vs1/5
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.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Boston Terrier has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), better with children (5/5), better health profile (3/5). For most families, the Boston Terrier 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?
Choose French Bulldog if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- • You want easier to train
- • You want better with kids
- • You want better health
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Boston Terrier is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Boston Terrier easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the French Bulldog's 3/5. The Boston Terrier's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Boston Terrier?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Boston Terrier costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,020 for the Boston Terrier. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Boston Terriers live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years. The Boston Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Boston Terrier live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Boston Terrier (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.