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
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny terrier with a huge personality, the Yorkshire Terrier is a spirited, glamorous companion. Despite their small size, Yorkies are bold, confident, and make excellent watchdogs.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want better with kids. Choose Yorkshire Terrier if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Yorkshire Terrier
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
2–3 kg (4–7 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
18–23 cm (7–9 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
13–16 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
5/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$800–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs13–16Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Yorkshire Terrier: 13–16 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Yorkshire Terrier.
Grooming & Shedding
French Bulldog sheds more; Yorkshire Terrier is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs5/5
The French Bulldog sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Yorkshire Terrier (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Yorkshire Terrier has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
Better3/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs3/5
For families with children, the French Bulldog is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 4/5, the French Bulldog's playful nature makes it a natural family companion.
Cost of Ownership
Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,900
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Yorkshire Terrier is $800–$3,000.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs5/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The French Bulldog is typically playful, adaptable and affectionate, making them well suited for apartment living, families, first-time owners, seniors and singles.
Size & Appearance
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Yorkshire Terrier is more compact.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs2–3
Height (cm)
28–33
vs18–23
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Yorkshire Terrier measures 18–23 cm (7–9 in) and 2–3 kg (4–7 lbs). The French Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (French Bulldog: 3/5, Yorkshire Terrier: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value better with children (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Yorkshire Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You have young children — French Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Yorkshire Terrier if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Yorkshire Terriers are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Yorkshire Terrier's 2/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Yorkshire Terrier. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Yorkshire Terrier costs $800–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,250 for the Yorkshire Terrier. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Yorkshire Terriers live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Yorkshire Terrier lives 13–16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Yorkshire Terrier (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.