French bulldogs are quickly becoming some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These adorable pups are small, energetic, and lovable. However, there’s reasonable confusion when it comes to the differences and similarities between French bulldogs and Frenchtons. So, what makes these breeds unique?
The difference between a French bulldog and a Frenchton is that a French bulldog is purebred, whereas a Frenchton is a mix between a Boston terrier and a French bulldog. Frenchtons usually have more energy due to the Boston terrier in them. French bulldogs love pleasing their owners more, though.
In this post, we’ll break down the numerous differences between Frenchtons and French bulldogs. We’ll also discuss a handful of physical and behavioral similarities to help you decide which one is right for you. Enjoy!
Frenchton vs French Bulldog – What’s the difference?
Frenchtons and French bulldogs are different for the following reasons:
- French bulldogs typically weigh a little more than Frenchtons, but they’re also a bit shorter. Doggie Designer shows that French bulldogs usually range between 16 to 28 pounds, whereas Frenchtons can weigh up to 25 pounds. However, Frenchtons can be up to three inches taller than French bulldogs.
- Frenchtons require more exercise than French bulldogs because Boston terriers need lots of movement to stay healthy. If you get a Frenchton, you should expect to dedicate about 10 more minutes of healthy play and exercise each day than you would with a French bulldog.
- French bulldogs aren’t as energetic and lively as Frenchtons, but they’re still a bit bouncy at times. Boston terriers are packed with energy, which is why some Frenchtons are always on the move. This trait makes them an excellent option for families who always have someone home.
- Frenchtons usually live a couple of years longer than French bulldogs. While genetics, diet, and exercise are much more influential, being mixed with a Boston terrier can add a couple of years onto the breed’s lifespan. Frenchtons often make it up to 15 years, which is a little longer than French bulldogs.
- French bulldogs have rounded ears, whereas Frenchtons often have semi-pointed or floppy ears. Many people refer to French bulldog ears as ‘bat ears’ due to their wide, rounded base. Frenchtons have similar ears to Boston terriers, which are pointed and slightly narrower than a French bulldog’s ears.
As you can see, there are several reasons why these breeds are quite different. The added Boston terrier makes Frenchtons quite dissimilar from French bulldogs. That being said, there’s no denying the commonalities between these beloved breeds. Let’s discuss them in the following section.
What Are the Similarities Between Frenchies and Frenchtons?
The similarities between Frenchies and Frenchtons include the fact that both breeds have French bulldogs in them, they’re both short with stubby noses, and they don’t get much bigger than 30 pounds. Also, both dog breeds are pre-exposed to genetic illnesses due to their shortened respiratory systems.
According to French Bullevard, it’s almost impossible to predict the exact genetic makeup of a Frenchton. For this reason, you won’t know how similar they can be to French bulldogs or Boston terriers until they grow a bit. Breeders can mix these pups, but they can’t let you know what color they’ll be, what their ears will look like, how tall they’ll be, and so on.
In other words, your Frenchton might look, act, and live just like a French bulldog. You can expect a Frenchton to always have a short nose and mouth, much like a Frenchie. Both breeds have trouble breathing after too much strenuous exercise. This issue can increase as they get older, so it’s important to know their limits and stay in contact with a veterinarian.
Which Dog Is Better for You?
French bulldogs are better for you if you don’t have a lot of time to exercise with your dog or you want a purebred pet. On the other hand, Frenchtons are the better dog if you want to take them on outdoor adventures or prefer a dog that lives a couple of years longer. Nevertheless, both breeds offer excellent qualities.
Ask yourself the following questions to know which dog is right for you:
- Do you have at least half of an hour daily to exercise with your dog? As mentioned earlier on the page, Frenchtons need more exercise than French bulldogs. You’ll have to allot about 30 minutes per day for a Frenchton. French bulldogs only need about 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise.
- Can you handle an energetic pet? Frenchtons and French bulldogs both have more energy than large breeds, but Frenchtons undoubtedly have more energy than French bulldogs. If you’re ready for the commitment, Frenchtons can be quite rewarding with their loving, loyal behavior.
- Do you intend to compete with your dog? Dogell shows Frenchtons aren’t an accepted breed by any professional competition. Sadly, the new breed has a lot of leaps and hurdles before it’ll be on any list. That being said, French bulldogs are listed by the AKC and many other well-known dog clubs.
- What is your budget range? Both dogs cost around the same price, but Frenchtons can often be found for a little bit cheaper if you find the right breeder. They typically cost between $1,500 to $2,500, whereas French bulldogs can cost up to $3,500 or more. Always check the dog’s ancestry before adopting them.
These answers should help you know if you should get a Frenchton or French bulldog. While most cross-breeds have genetic dispositions, Frenchtons are known to have slightly fewer health problems. However, new data is constantly emerging since this breed is relatively new and fairly uncommon.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about French bulldogs and Frenchtons, you’re one step closer to finding out which one is right for your household. Both breeds make for excellent pets and family members. They love being around people, playing, and obeying commands. Both breeds live well over a decade, too.