Ancestry

• The English bulldog is an ancester of the French bulldog and Boston terrier.George Doyle & Ciaran Griffin/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Boston terrier and the French bulldog share a common ancestor -- the English bulldog. The Boston originated in the U.S. through the cross of an English bulldog with a white English terrier. The origins of the Frenchie are not so clear cut. According to the AKC, the French bulldog probably originates with a toy-sized English bulldog imported to France and crossed with various small dog breeds. Interestingly, the upright, bat-shaped ears were a somewhat later development in the appearance of the breed. American dog fanciers rejected the Frenchie possessing the English bulldog's trait of small, rose-shaped ears. Preferring, instead, the ear shape of the Boston terrier, some terrier breeding was presumably added to the French bulldog to satisfy the American market.
  
  

Physical Characteristics

• Erect, bat-shaped ears are a French bulldog trademark.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The Frenchie is a medium-to-small dog that appears compact, well-muscled, heavy boned and weighs less than 28 lbs, according to breed standards. The Boston is also well-muscled but, ideally, carries less than 25 lbs on a smaller bone structure. A French bulldog appears short-legged and stocky, while a Boston terrier appears longer-legged, trim and athletic.
  
  Both breeds inherited the pug face of the English bulldog with the typical head shape being large and square. AKC standards call for the face of the Boston to be unwrinkled with flat cheeks. In contrast, Frenchies have well-rounded cheeks with heavy wrinkles at the nose. The upright, bat-shaped ears are more rounded at the tips in the French bulldog and more pointed in the Boston.
  
  The Boston terrier is black, seal or brindle with distinctive white markings on the head, neck, chest and legs. Bostons must never be a solid color. French bulldogs, however, are typically solid colored white, fawn or brindle. Brindle with some white markings is acceptable, but breed standards disallow black, mouse gray, and liver colors.
  
  Both breeds have short, fine, smooth coats. Unlike the Boston, the skin of the Frenchie is loose and soft, forming wrinkles near the head and shoulders. Bostons have skin that is close-fitting, firm and unwrinkled.
  
  

Temperament

• Boston terriers are intelligent, alert and playful.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  French bulldogs and Boston terriers are similarly intelligent, well-behaved, friendly and affectionate, which makes either breed an excellent choice as a companion dog. Both are alert, playful and active, however, the Boston tends to be more energetic than the Frenchie. This may make the Boston terrier a better choice for active adults and families with children, while the French bulldog may be better suited to a quiet, adult lifestyle.
  
  

Care

• Boston terriers require well-balanced diet and moderate exercise.Jupiterimages/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Both breeds require minimal grooming. Both require a moderate amount of exercise, but for different reasons. The French bulldog can easily become obese due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. Obesity is rare in the more energetic Boston terrier, who requires a moderate amount of exercise as an outlet for excess energy. The Boston and Frenchie are best kept indoors. The French bulldog easily overheats and may require air conditioning to remain comfortable living in hot climates. Conversely, the Boston does not tolerate cold weather because of its short coat and lack of body fat. Bostons living in cold climates require a warm coat or sweater for outdoor exercise. With these exceptions, there are virtually no differences in the general care and feeding of French bulldogs and Boston terriers.