Frenchton vs French Bulldog: Key Facts to Help You Choose

Reading time: 8 min

If you’re considering adding a small, lovable dog to your family, you’ve likely come across two popular breeds: the Frenchton and the French Bulldog. Both of these charming dogs are known for their affectionate nature and playful personalities, making them excellent companions. However, choosing between them can be challenging because, despite their similarities, they have distinct traits that could make one a better fit for you than the other. In this guide, we’ll dive into the key differences and similarities between the Frenchton vs French Bulldog to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which breed aligns with your needs, ensuring you bring home the perfect furry friend.

Breed Background and Origins

The French Bulldog and Frenchton share a fascinating history. French Bulldog’s story begins in 19th-century England, where it was bred as a smaller, more compact version of the English Bulldog. These smaller dogs were cherished by lace workers, who brought them to France when they migrated during the Industrial Revolution. In France, the French Bulldog quickly became popular among artists, writers, and the elite, particularly in Paris. By 1898, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, solidifying its place as a beloved companion.

The Frenchton, on the other hand, is a more recent development, emerging in the United States in the mid-1990s. As a “designer dog,” the Frenchton was created by crossing the French Bulldog with the Boston Terrier to combine the best traits of both breeds. This hybrid breed has since become one of the most popular French Bulldog mixes.

Physical Traits and Appearance

When comparing the physical traits and appearance of the French Bulldog and the Frenchton, you’ll notice many similarities, but also some key differences that stem from the Frenchton’s mixed lineage.

Both breeds are small and muscular, with the French Bulldog typically weighing between 16-28 pounds and standing 11-13 inches tall. The Frenchton is slightly more variable in size, usually weighing between 15-25 pounds and standing 11-16 inches tall. This slight variation in height and weight comes from the Frenchton’s Boston Terrier heritage, which tends to produce a slightly slimmer and taller build.

In terms of appearance, Frenchies are known for their iconic bat-like ears, flat face, and distinctive wrinkles. Their compact, sturdy bodies give them a solid, muscular look. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindle, fawn, cream, and even more exotic shades like blue, lilac and merle.

Frenchtons, while often inheriting the bat ears and muscular build of the French Bulldog, may have a more varied appearance due to their Boston Terrier parentage. They often display tuxedo-like markings featuring two colors, usually white and black, but they may also come in red and cream. This mix of traits gives Frenchtons a unique look.

Behavior and Temperament

The French Bulldog and Frenchton are both cherished for their loving and friendly personalities, making them wonderful companions for a variety of households. However, they do differ in certain aspects of their behavior and temperament, which might influence your choice depending on what you’re looking for in a pet.

French Bulldogs are known for their laid-back nature with occasional zoomies. They are typically low-energy dogs that enjoy lounging around the house, which makes them an excellent fit for families, seniors, and apartment dwellers. Their adaptability is one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to adjust easily to different living environments. With their gentle and easygoing temperament, French Bulldogs are great with children and other pets. They are extremely affectionate with their owners and form a strong bond with them. 

Frenchtons, while equally affectionate, inherit a mix of traits from both parent breeds. Thanks to their Boston Terrier lineage, Frenchtons tend to be more energetic and active than their French Bulldog counterparts, although their lively disposition may vary from dog to dog. Frenchtons love regular walks and engaging playtime, making them a great match for owners who enjoy a bit more activity. Similarly to Frenchies, they don’t do well on their own and need to be an active part of their families’ daily life.

Health Considerations and Lifespan

When it comes to health, both the French Bulldog and Frenchton have specific considerations that potential owners should be aware of.

French Bulldogs typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They may be prone to some health issues, like brachycephalic airway syndrome, food allergies, and eye problems. Due to their unique physical structure, Frenchie parents should not allow them to jump from high spaces to avoid any joint issues. They require a high-quality, balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Because of their flat faces, French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat and need careful monitoring in warm weather.

Frenchtons typically have a slightly longer lifespan of 12-15 years. Similarly to Frenchies and Boston Terriers, they are also at risk for health concerns related to their brachycephalic features, including breathing difficulties, joint problems and eye conditions. While they might benefit from the genetic diversity introduced by crossbreeding, careful monitoring and regular vet visits are essential for them.

Grooming and Care Requirements

Both the French Bulldog and Frenchton are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, making them appealing to many potential dog owners.

Frenchies have a short, sleek coat that sheds moderately. To keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding, regular brushing is recommended. Additionally, due to their distinctive wrinkles, it’s essential to clean their facial folds regularly to prevent infections. Like all dogs, French Bulldogs also need routine nail trimming and dental care to maintain overall health. 

Frenchtons, with their short coats that may range from sleek to slightly coarse, have similar grooming needs. They also require regular brushing to keep their coat in good condition. The care of their facial wrinkles is just as crucial as it is for French Bulldogs, as these areas can trap moisture and lead to infections if not cleaned properly. Regular nail trims and diligent dental hygiene are also important for Frenchtons.

Training and Intelligence

Frenchies are smart, but they have a reputation for being a bit stubborn. This means that while they can learn commands and tricks, training requires a good deal of patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement and treats are the key to success with French Bulldogs, as they respond best to rewards and praise rather than harsh corrections. They also enjoy mental stimulation, so incorporating puzzles and games into their training routine can keep them engaged and motivated.

Frenchtons inherit their intelligence from both their French Bulldog and Boston Terrier parents. This makes them eager to please, but they can also exhibit some of the same stubbornness as the Frenchie. Like their French Bulldog counterparts, Frenchtons benefit greatly from positive reinforcement and early socialization. 

Prices

When it comes to price, French Bulldogs and Frenchtons can vary significantly. Frenchies are one of the most expensive dog breeds, with prices typically ranging from $3,500 to $12,000. Several factors influence this cost, including the dog’s pedigree, coat color, and the reputation of the breeder. Exotic colors, such as blue or lilac, can drive the price even higher, as can puppies from award-winning bloodlines.

Frenchtons, while generally less expensive than purebred French Bulldogs, can still command high prices due to their rarity, from $1,500 up to $6000. The price of a Frenchton usually depends on similar factors, such as coat color and breeder reputation, but the mixed-breed status of the Frenchton typically results in a lower overall cost compared to French Bulldogs.

We Vote for Frenchies, But You Decide

Choosing between the purebred French Bulldog and mixed-breed Frenchton depends on your preferences and specific needs. If you prefer a dog with a predictable temperament, size, and appearance, a purebred Frenchie might be the perfect match. Their distinct look, with bat-like ears and a muscular build, along with a strong connection to the breed’s rich history, makes them a cherished choice for many dog lovers. For those interested in French Bulldog shows, competitions, or future breeding, a purebred with a documented lineage is essential.

On the other hand, if you’re open to a bit more variety in appearance and personality, a Frenchton might be the better fit. This mixed breed combines some of the best traits of the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, offering a unique blend. Frenchtons typically bring a bit more liveliness to the table than Frenchies, which can be perfect for more active owners. Ultimately, your choice should align with your expectations and what you seek in a furry companion. Whether you go for the classic charm of a French Bulldog or the lively spirit of a Frenchton, remember to make your decision carefully and prioritize responsible breeding.

If you’d like to learn more about Frenchies, join our Facebook group called TomKings Frenchie Family to read our Frenchie parents’ experiences.

The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 15 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.