What’s the Difference Between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog?

At first glance, the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog, or Frenchie, as the breed is commonly called, share many similarities, and with good reason—both breeds were created using the English Bulldog. Both are of smaller stature, have distinguishing pricked ears, and charmingly flat faces.

The bright, affectionate, and adaptable Frenchie was developed in France in the late 1800s, whereas the lively, amusing, and friendly Boston Terrier, known as “The American Gentleman,” is American through and through—the breed was developed in Boston, MA, in the late 1800s by crossing Bulldogs with the now-extinct English white terriers. (It is unknown what other breeds were combined with the toy English Bulldog to create the Frenchie.)

Is it a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog? How to Tell the Difference

You can tell a Frenchie from a Boston Terrier by colour and body type. Boston Terriers have a black-and-white tuxedo-like pattern that includes white on their faces.

Frenchies, on the other hand, can be brindle, white, cream, or fawn, or a combo of some of the aforementioned. The Frenchie is also of slightly heavier build and lower to the ground than Boston Terriers, who have longer legs and are a bit slimmer—Bostons should weigh 12 to 25 pounds. Build-wise, the Frenchie, who should weigh under 28 pounds, looks like a Bulldog in miniature, with the exception of his hallmark large, upright “bat ears” for which the breed is known. 

Both the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier are known to be excellent companions for singles, families, and city dwellers in particular thanks to their portable size. Sturdy, charming, and people-oriented, these two breeds have many fans. Both are within the top 25 most popular breeds, according to AKC registration statistics, attesting to their irresistible nature.

At-A-Glance Differences Between the Boston Terrier & the French Bulldog

At a glance, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are both small, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, but French Bulldogs are typically stockier and heavier with a more square head and rounded, “bat-like” ears, while Boston Terriers are slimmer and longer-legged with a rounder head and pointed, upright ears.

Size and Build Differences:

French Bulldog: More robust and compact with a square appearance. They are shorter in height (11-13 inches) but tend to be heavier (16-28 pounds).

Boston Terrier: Slimmer and more athletic, with longer legs and a more elongated body. They are taller (15-17 inches) but typically weigh less (10-25 pounds).

Head Shape and Ears:

French Bulldog: Square-shaped head with a broad, flat face. Rounded, bat-like ears that stand erect.

Boston Terrier: Rounder head with a shorter muzzle. Pointed, upright ears.

Coat and Colour:

French Bulldog: Wide variety of colours, including black, red, fawn, beige, cream, blue, and lilac.

Boston Terrier: Typically black and white (“tuxedo” pattern), sometimes with brindle or seal.

Temperament:

French Bulldog: Playful, quirky, and affectionate.

Boston Terrier: Energetic, intelligent, and enjoys human companionship.