Are French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers Related? Frenchies VS Bostons
The French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier are two of the most popular breeds in America, but are they related? There is a lot of debate about these two breeds, some experts say that they are not related at all while others will claim that they are very closely related.
So, are French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers related? The French Bulldog and the Boston terrier are related as they both descend from a common ancestor which is the English Bulldog. The UKC recognized the French Bulldogs in 1905 followed by the Boston terriers in 1914.
So, yes, Frenchies and Boston terriers are related as they are both descendants of the English Bulldog, but both breeds are quite distinct and different. Keep reading to learn about the difference between French Bulldogs and Boston terriers, or jump to the conclusion section to make a decision quickly.
French Bulldogs VS Boston Terriers

Both Frenchies are Bostons make for excellent family dogs, but they are still very different dog breeds. Let’s briefly explore these differences and see how they are similar and what actually sets them apart:
History
French Bulldogs History
The French Bulldog was created in the 1800s when they were bred down to be smaller, with shorter ears and a more pronounced underbite. The most popular story is that they are descended from English Bulldogs which were brought over by sailors who wanted them as companions on their ships.
Boston Terriers History
The Boston terriers were bred to be ratters and they would go down into the sewers and kill any rats that they found. They were originally much larger than their current size, but as time went on people began breeding them for smaller sizes so they could do more different tasks such as becoming circus dogs or family pets.
Appearance
French Bulldog Appearance
The French Bulldog has a very distinctive appearance, they are known for their bat ears and large underbite.
Their skin is loose which allows them to have wrinkly faces just like an English bulldog. They are sturdy dogs with short legs so that they can be very mobile but do not put too much pressure on their backs or joints when they are moving around.
Boston Terrier Appearance
The Boston terrier has a long and slender body, they are very agile dogs that have longer legs which makes them great at jumping. They also have large eyes but unlike the French Bulldog their ears do not hang down by their cheeks.
Temperament
French Bulldog Temperament:
The French Bulldog is an affectionate, loving dog that enjoys spending time with their family. They are very relaxed dogs and love to lounge around but they are also playful especially when children are involved.
Boston Terrier Temperament:
The Boston terrier prefers to be the center of attention so if you enjoy having a lot of attention they are the perfect dog for you. They do not enjoy being left alone by themselves, so it is best to get them a playmate that will keep them entertained when their humans are gone.
Size and Weight
French Bulldog Size:
The French bulldogs come in two different sizes which are standard or miniatures. The miniature Frenchies should not be over 12 inches tall and should weigh no more than 28 pounds. Standard French bulldogs can reach up to 15-17 inches and they weigh approximately 50 lbs.
Boston Terrier Size:
The Boston terriers come in two different sizes which are standard or miniatures, but both of these breeds should not be more than 17 inches tall. Standard Boston terriers should weigh no more than 18 pounds and the miniature version should weigh no more than 11 pounds.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan of a french bulldog is between 12-14 years old, but some can live as long as 15 or 16 years depending on their health. The average lifespan of a Boston terrier is between 12-15 years old, but some can live as long as 17 or 18 years depending on their overall health.
Health
French Bulldog Health
The French Bulldog is prone to several different health problems, including but not limited to: dental issues, ear infections, and eye problems.
Their bat ears are very susceptible to yeast buildup which can lead to bacterial infections if it’s left untreated for too long. And speaking of ears, their ears will not always stand up and look like bat ears, and you can learn more about this in my post on why are french bulldog’s floppy ears totally normal. I also included some solutions that can help your Frenchie’s ears stand up, so make sure to check it out.
Since their skin is loose they also have issues with wrinkles that need regular maintenance to care for, and they are prone to some skin health issues like hives which are more popular in Frenchies than anyone would like.
Boston Terriers Health
The Boston terriers are not as prone to diseases and health problems as the French bulldog, but they can still have issues with their eyes which is a common problem for many dog breeds. They also enjoy being active so if you take them out on walks or to different places it’s important that they wear a harness instead of a collar since
Conclusion: Should you get a French Bulldog or a Boston Terrier?
you should get a French Bulldog if you are looking for a low-maintenance dog that is extremely sweet, gentle, and calm and you wouldn’t mind their health problems, but if you don’t want to deal with some hefty vet bills, you should look elsewhere. You should get a Boston Terrier if you are looking for an outgoing family pet that loves to play with children.
Related Questions
Is a Boston Terrier a Bulldog?
No, a Boston Terrier is not a Bulldog according to the AKC. Both breeds are related as they both descend from the English Bulldog but they are separate and distinct dogs.
Are Boston Terriers Better than French Bulldogs?
Both breeds are great dogs, but each has its own set of pros and cons. You should weigh the differences between French Bulldogs vs Boston Terriers before deciding which one is right for you.
French Bulldogs are better if you are looking for a dog that is super low-maintenance and can really adapt to a more calm and relaxed lifestyle, but if you don’t want to deal with their health issues, a Boston terrier is the better choice for you.
Do French Bulldogs look like Boston Terriers?
While both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are brachycephalic dogs, they have very distinct physical appearances. French Bulldogs are stocky and compact while Boston Terriers are long-legged and leaner. Their faces also look different with Frenchies having flatter faces vs Bostons which have more prominent muzzles.
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