French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier
French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are two breeds of dogs that can be mistaken for each other due to their similarity in appearance. This similarity is caused by their common ancestor, the English Bulldog. Boston Terriers are a product of breeding an English Bulldog with a terrier breed while the French Bulldog is a cross between the English and French breed. There is also speculation that a French Bulldog was used to produce the Boston Terrier instead of the English variant.
The French Bulldog is associated with France while the Boston Terrier is an American breed. Owners of French Bulldogs affectionately call the breed “Frenchies” while there is no ‘pet name’ for the Boston Terrier.
The over-all appearance of both breeds is not the same. French Bulldogs are shorter with stockier builds and larger bone structures. They are also heavy and wider in body shape. They have so-called ‘bat ears’. Their legs are also short.
Meanwhile, Boston Terriers are lighter and taller. They have a slim build with long legs. Their ears are small but pointed. The ears of a Boston Terrier are characterized as drop ears.
The faces of a French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier are likely the same because both breeds inherited the same pug face of the English Bulldog. The face is large and square-shaped. The French Bulldog has well-rounded cheeks with heavy wrinkles. In contrast, the Boston Terrier has flat cheeks and unwrinkled skin.
Boston Terriers also have distinguishing white markings. These markings are found on the dog’s head, neck, chest and legs. They are in combination with the dog’s color. On the other hand, French Bulldogs don’t have these markings and typically have only one color on their whole body.
Both breeds exhibit the same temperament – very sweet, deeply affectionate and friendly. They are also intelligent dogs. However, their energy levels are very different. Boston Terriers are very energetic and require a lot of exercise and activities. French Bulldogs need only the exercise to prevent them from becoming obese.
Both the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier share similar health issues including breathing problems and heat intolerance due to their short, fine smooth coats.
Summary:
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Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have many commonalities. These include ancestry, pug faces, similar health issues, temperament and physical attributes including the quality of the coat.
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French Bulldogs are often called ‘Frenchies’ as their pet name. Boston Terriers are not called by any other names.
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The main difference between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier is their appearance. A French Bulldog is small but stockier with short legs. It is also heavy with a large bone structure. On the other hand, the Boston Terrier is larger with a slim build and long legs. It is lighter in comparison.
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The ears are also a point of contrast. French Bulldogs have ‘bat-like’ ears while Boston Terriers have ‘drop’ ears.
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French Bulldogs are also known by their well-rounded cheeks and wrinkles in their faces. Meanwhile, the Boston Terrier has no wrinkles and flat cheeks. Another distinction of Boston Terriers is the white markings on their head, neck, chest and legs.
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Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are very affectionate and friendly breeds. However, the French Bulldog is known to monopolize its owners.
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Boston Terriers are known to be more energetic and athletic compared to French Bulldogs. They need constant exercise to boost their energy. French Bulldogs require exercise only to prevent obesity. Boston Terriers are also reported to be great barkers.