French Bulldog Vs. Boston Terrier: How Do They Differ?

Certain dog breeds are often mistaken for others because they look so much alike, including Boston terriers and French bulldogs — especially the black-and-white ones. They're both small breeds, they have erect ears, and their snouts appear similar. With these commonalities, it can be hard to tell them apart, especially from afar. 

However, a closer examination reveals several key physical and behavioral differences between these breeds. They differ in their facial appearance, their body and height, their coat and fur, their temperament, and their drooling level. 

The French bulldog and Boston terrier also have dissimilarities beyond the ones you can see. For instance, they have differing origin stories, as their names imply. Frenchies were popularized in France, and Boston terriers originated in the city of Boston. While both of these breeds can make great pets with their affectionate, friendly nature, you might prefer one over the other after learning more about their physical and behavioral differences.

At first glance, everything from the neck up on a Boston terrier and French bulldog looks the same, but if you take a closer look, you'll notice some variations. One of the most obvious, with a side-by-side comparison, is the ears. Although both upright, the Frenchie's ears are slightly larger than the Boston terrier's. They're also more rounded at the top, giving them a bat-like appearance, while the terrier's (pictured above) are more pointed.

A second difference involves the shape of the face and head. While both dogs are brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed) with a frown-like appearance, the French bulldog's face sags a little more than the Boston terrier's, creating a more square-like face shape. The Frenchie's overall head shape is also more square-shaped than the terrier's. Another facial/cranial dissimilarity between these two breeds involves the presence of wrinkles in one breed, but not the other. Frenchies typically have facial folds near their snouts as well as wrinkled heads while the Boston terriers' faces and heads are smoother.

Both of these breeds can make great "lap dogs" that you can easily cuddle with and walk without worrying about getting pulled like you might with a large breed. However, one breed is slightly taller and heavier than the other. The average adult Frenchie stands about 12 inches tall and weighs anywhere between 16 and 28 pounds. The average Boston terrier is about an inch shorter, on average, when fully grown. It also weighs a few pounds less, reaching a maximum healthy weight of 12 to 25 pounds.

Although only one inch separates the two breeds' height, the larger weight difference stems from their body types. Boston terriers, the lighter of the two, have leaner bodies than Frenchies. Frenchies, like the set in the photo above, tend to be noticeably stockier, more dense, and more muscular. Even if you never pick up either dog, you can determine their weight difference by their differing bone structure and muscular build.

Like many other breeds, Frenchies and Boston terriers come in various colors. Purebred Frenchies can be born with one of 10 colors or color combinations, including brindle, brindle and white, all white, and cream. Although not accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a "breed standard," French bulldogs can also have black-and-white, all-black, and black and tan coats, among other colors. On the other hand, the AKC does consider black-and-white to be a breed standard color for purebred Boston terriers. Other breed-standard colors include black brindle and white, brindle and white, seal and white, and seal brindle and white.

In addition to the varying coat colors, French bulldogs and Boston terriers have contrasting shedding levels. Both have smooth coats, but French bulldogs shed a little more than Boston terriers. If you happen to share your home with both breeds, expect to sweep up more of the Frenchie's fur, but there are always ways to minimize dog shedding for any breed.

In addition to the aforementioned physical variations, these two breeds have contrasting personalities. The average Boston terrier is a little more energetic than the average French bulldog, so expect more running around, jumping, and playing from this breed. If you prefer a slightly less energetic dog, go with a Frenchie (pictured above). Terriers also bark a little more than Frenchies, but the overall barking level is relatively low, compared to other breeds.

Their adaptability levels differ as well, but not all sources agree on which breed is the most stubborn. French bulldogs typically adapt well to change, which could be in the form of a new home, a new food brand, a new dog park, or a new dog-friendly outdoor activity. In contrast, Boston terriers tend to be less flexible and more resistant to change, however, some claim Frenchies are the ones that tend to be more obstinate. Ultimately, their personality will be up to the individual dog.

Drooling isn't exactly a favorite trait of any dog breed. After all, it can be difficult to keep your house clean with a dog that drools, but both the French bulldog and Boston terrier drool, due to their facial anatomy. The Frenchie drools noticeably more than the Boston terrier, though. The Frenchie is considered a moderate drooler, however, the breed has been included in some top lists of dog breeds that drool the most. The Boston terrier is considered a very light drooler in contrast.

The good news is that the drooling level of French bulldogs, though moderately excessive relative to their size, is not a deal breaker for many dog parents, based on the popularity of the breed. The French bulldog is one of the most popular around, toppling the previous most popular dog breed record holder. However, if you're on the fence about which breed to adopt, and you'd rather not deal with so much drooling, you might be happier with a Boston terrier. Drool aside, whatever breed you pick is sure to be a steadfast, loving, and loyal companion.