French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier: Why Boston Terriers Are the Dog You Didn’t Know You Needed

Choosing a dog is a little like dating. Sure, you can swipe right on looks alone (and hey, both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have faces worth swiping for), but what happens when the honeymoon phase ends? When you realize your new furry roommate snores louder than a freight train, can’t handle a jog around the block, or racks up vet bills like they’re on a shopping spree?

That’s where the choice between a French Bulldog (Frenchie) and a Boston Terrier gets real. And while we’ll give Frenchies their due—they’re adorable little clowns—it’s the Boston Terrier that truly steals the show. In fact, we’re convinced that if you don’t get a Boston Terrier, you’ll spend years wishing you had.

Let’s dig into why.

First Impressions: The Look-Alikes

Put a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog side by side, and it’s easy to get confused. They both sport the iconic bat ears, short coats, and an irresistible “squishy face” look. But the differences start stacking up once you really look.

• French Bulldogs (Frenchies): Stocky, muscular, compact little couch potatoes with a permanent “I just woke up” face.

• Boston Terriers: Sleek, dapper, tuxedo-wearing comedians of the dog world. They’re leaner, lighter on their feet, and carry themselves like they’re on their way to a dinner party you wish you were invited to.

👉 Imagine this: If a Frenchie is your funny-but-lazy friend who insists on Ubering three blocks, a Boston Terrier is the charismatic buddy who cracks jokes and convinces you to join them for a 5K fun run (and you actually enjoy it).

Health: Breathing Room (Literally)

Here’s the hard truth: French Bulldogs struggle. They’re so brachycephalic (short-nosed) that running, swimming, and sometimes even sleeping can be a battle. Add in the fact that most Frenchies can’t breed or deliver puppies naturally, and suddenly you’re dealing with a dog that needs medical help just to exist.

Boston Terriers? They’re not immune to health quirks, but their slightly longer snouts and leaner bodies make a world of difference. They can breathe. They can run. They can swim. They can live life the way dogs were meant to live it.

💡 Breeder Reality Check: While many French Bulldogs require C-sections and artificial insemination, Boston Terriers can mate naturally and deliver puppies on their own. That means fewer interventions and a more natural, healthy life from the start.

Personality: Where Boston Terriers Take the Crown 👑

Here’s where French Bulldogs simply can’t compete.

• Frenchies: Lovable? Absolutely. But they’re also stubborn, low-energy, and often more interested in naps than games. They’re great if your dream day is Netflix-and-snack on repeat.

• Boston Terriers: Absolute show-stealers. They’re clowns, athletes, snugglers, and mind-readers all in one pint-sized package. They’ll make you laugh until you cry, then curl up in your lap as if to say, “Yeah, I’m the best decision you ever made.”

Boston Terriers have what we like to call the three Ps of greatness:

1. Playfulness – They’ll fetch, run, chase, and even swim. They thrive on activity and joy.

2. Personality – Every Boston has quirks that make them unforgettable. (If dogs were comedians, Bostons would headline Netflix specials.)

3. People-Oriented – They don’t just want to be near you—they need to be near you. They’re family dogs through and through.

👉 Owning a Boston Terrier is like living with a furry stand-up comic who also happens to be your biggest fan.

Lifestyle Match: Who Fits Your Family Best?

Let’s get practical.

• French Bulldog Lifestyle: Perfect for those who want a low-energy lap companion. If your idea of exercise is walking from the couch to the fridge, a Frenchie might work for you.

• Boston Terrier Lifestyle: Perfect for families, singles, couples—basically anyone who wants a dog with energy, adaptability, and personality to spare. Whether you’re a runner, a swimmer, or just someone who loves silly antics, the Boston has you covered.

Imagine your Boston Terrier bouncing alongside your kids in the yard, then curling up at your feet while you read a book. They bring balance—the best of fun and calm in one little package.

Cost: The Hidden Truth

French Bulldogs are expensive—not just upfront, but for life. Between breeding challenges, C-sections, and ongoing medical bills, they can drain your wallet fast.

Boston Terriers, while still a premium breed, are far more cost-effective. Fewer health issues, fewer interventions, and a longer, healthier life mean you’re spending less on vet bills and more on toys, treats, and adventures.

Boston Terriers and Families

Boston Terriers are called the “American Gentleman” for a reason. They’re polite, affectionate, and adapt seamlessly into families. They’re gentle with kids, playful with other pets, and they know exactly when to be goofy and when to be calm.

French Bulldogs? Sweet as they are, they just don’t have the same adaptability. They’re couch buddies first, family playmates second.

Why You’ll Regret Not Getting a Boston Terrier

Here’s the emotional bottom line: If you choose a French Bulldog, you’ll get a cute, lovable dog. No doubt about it. But if you choose a Boston Terrier, you’ll get:

• A running buddy

• A swimming partner

• A comedian in a tuxedo

• A loyal family member

• A healthier, longer-lived companion

Life with a Boston Terrier is richer. Fuller. Funnier. They’re the kind of dog that becomes part of your story—the one your kids will tell their kids about. The one who wiggles into your bed at night, into your lap during storms, and into your heart forever.

Final Verdict: Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog

At the end of the day, it’s not about which dog looks cuter on Instagram (though let’s be real, Boston Terriers clean up nicely). It’s about which dog brings more joy, more laughter, more memories, and fewer heartaches.

And that dog, hands down, is the Boston Terrier.

So, if you’re deciding between the two—ask yourself this: Do you want a dog who will make you laugh every single day, love your family fiercely, and join you in life’s adventures? Or do you want a couch potato with a side of chronic vet visits?

The choice seems pretty obvious.

FAQ: French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier (For the Googlers 😉)

Are Boston Terriers healthier than French Bulldogs?

Yes. Thanks to their slightly longer snouts and natural birthing abilities, Boston Terriers typically suffer from fewer health issues than French Bulldogs.

Can Boston Terriers swim?

Yes! Unlike French Bulldogs, who often sink, Bostons can swim with supervision and even enjoy it.

Do French Bulldogs always need C-sections?

In most cases, yes. Their anatomy makes natural delivery rare. Boston Terriers, by contrast, can often deliver naturally.

Which lives longer: Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?

Boston Terriers average 11–13 years, while French Bulldogs average 10–12 years.

If you don’t bring home a Boston Terrier, you’re not just missing out on a pet—you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest joys. And that, my friend, is a regret you don’t want to live with.