Is the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog better for families with children?

Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog?

The Boston Terrier and French Bulldog shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog?

The Boston Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Boston Terrier or French Bulldog bigger?

Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?

For apartment or apartment living, French Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: Which Is Calmer?

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: full comparison

Trait	Boston Terrier	French Bulldog
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	13 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Boston Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the French Bulldog is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boston Terrier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The French Bulldog needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Boston Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The French Bulldog is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boston Terrier is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The French Bulldog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Boston Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas French Bulldog will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, French Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Boston Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boston Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the French Bulldog if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog better for families with children?: Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog?: The Boston Terrier and French Bulldog shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Boston Terrier or the French Bulldog?: The Boston Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Boston Terrier or French Bulldog bigger?: Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?: For apartment or apartment living, French Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog