Ever been at the park with your Boston Terrier, soaking up the sunshine, when someone stops and blurts out:
Oh wow, your French Bulldog is adorable!
It’s a moment every Boston owner knows all too well.
Honestly, it makes sense. With their smooshy little faces, big expressive eyes, and those bat-like ears, Bostons and Frenchies look like they could be brothers.
But are they actually related?
Let’s unravel the bulldog family tree and settle it once and for all.
Are Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs Related?
Short answer:
Yes — but only in the way you might be related to your second cousin twice removed.
Both breeds descend from the old English Bulldog, back in the days when bull-baiting was a (miserable) sport. When that was outlawed, breeders began shaping bulldogs into more companionable dogs.
That’s where the roads split:
- In France, workers brought tiny bulldogs from England. Locals adored their look and bred them into the charming, stocky French Bulldog we see today.
- In America, especially Boston, breeders mixed English Bulldogs with the (now extinct) white English Terrier. The result? A sleek, slightly taller, ultra-goofy dog: the Boston Terrier.
So yes — Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are like distant cousins on the bulldog side of the family.
Quick Comparison: Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog
| Trait | Boston Terrier | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Boston, USA (~1870s) | France (via England ~1860s) |
| Weight | 12–25 lbs | 20–28 lbs |
| Height | 15–17 inches | 11–12 inches |
| Body Shape | Slim, long legs | Compact, muscular, squat |
| Energy Level | Very playful, loves fetch | Laid-back, short play bursts |
| Lifespan | ~11.8 years | ~9.8–10.2 years |
| Common Issues | Mild to moderate BOAS, knees | More severe BOAS, spinal risks |
| Puppy Cost | $1,200–$2,000 avg | $3,500–$5,000+ avg |
Why People Get Them Confused
It’s not just the smooshed faces.
Both breeds have:
Plus, they both have that signature bulldog charm — part clown, part snuggle bug, with just enough stubbornness to keep life interesting.
Personality: Similar But Different
Boston Terriers (like my Dumpling) are little athletes.
They’ll sprint after a ball, bounce off the couch, then zoom around the coffee table just because it’s Tuesday.
French Bulldogs, on the other hand, love a good play session — for about 10 minutes. Then it’s flop time. Preferably on your lap. Or your laptop, if you’re trying to work.
But both are hilariously expressive and bond hard with their humans.
Health: What Every Owner Should Know
Both breeds share a big health concern:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). That’s the fancy name for what happens when their cute flat faces make it hard to breathe.
But studies show:
- About 20% of Boston Terriers develop moderate breathing issues.
- For French Bulldogs? It’s 42%+ — nearly half have moderate to severe airway problems.
They’re also prone to spinal problems (due to their corkscrew tails) and eye injuries.
Lifespan
- Boston Terriers’ lifespan: ~11.8 years
- French Bulldogs’ lifespan: ~9.8–10.2 years
That doesn’t mean a Frenchie won’t outlive a Boston. But statistically, Boston Terriers tend to stick around a little longer.
Cost: Not Just the Puppy Price
If you’re comparing which breed to get (or just curious about why French Bulldogs have a reputation for being $$$), here’s the scoop.
| Cost Type | Boston Terrier | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Average Puppy Price | $1,200–$2,000 | $3,500–$5,000+ |
| Insurance/month | $40–$60 | $80–$120 |
| Vet visits | Moderate | Often higher |
Why so pricey for Frenchies?
Their specialized breeding (often requiring artificial insemination and C-sections) drives up costs — and their common health issues mean insurance and vet bills can add up fast.
Do Boston Terriers & French Bulldogs Get Along?
Yes — they’re practically made to be buddies.
Similar sizes and play styles mean they can wrestle, zoom, and snuggle without anyone feeling overpowered.
My Dumpling’s best park friend is a French Bulldog named Hugo. They tumble around like they’re trying out for wrestling, then collapse in a pile of panting, squeaky snores. It’s therapy just watching them.
The Bottom Line: Related, But Wonderfully Unique
So, is a Boston Terrier related to a French Bulldog?
Yes — in a long-lost-family-reunion sort of way. They’re bulldog cousins, each with their own quirks, needs, and goofy charms.
Whether you choose the playful Boston, the chill Frenchie, or if you’re lucky enough to have both?
Get ready for daily laughs, snorts, and the kind of unconditional love only a squishy-faced bulldog cousin can give.
