The Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix is a cross between two very popular breeds.
French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers alike are seriously sought after right now.
With two well-loved parent breeds, this cross sees a lot of attention.
Especially due to claims that this cross fixes health issues that are present within both breeds.
However, it is unfortunately not that simple.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix.
Designer Dog Controversy
As the Frenchton is a mix between two recognized purebred breeds, it is known as a “designer dog”.
Designer dogs have come under a lot of fire in recent years.
With many concerns being raised about the health and welfare of these new breeds.
There have also been accusations that breeders of designer dogs are just capitalizing on a fad for monetary gain.
One study found that purebred dogs were at higher risk of genetic disorders in comparison to mutts.
Another study in 2013 found that mixed breed dogs tended to live 1.2 years longer on average.
This is suspected to be due to a concept known as Hybrid Vigor.
Where increased genetic diversity promotes better health within a dog.
Misconceptions About Crossbreeds
There are many misconceptions surrounding crossbreeds.
We have an article here that further delves into these misunderstandings.
It provides the scientifically-backed truths behind these matters.
Advocates of pedigree dogs state that it is very difficult to accurately predict the resulting puppy of a cross.
As they can take after either parent breed in any aspect, it is impossible to guarantee what traits will be passed on.
However, it is much easier to predict the traits of a purebred dog.
While this statement is true, many dog lovers enjoy the random aspect that comes with crossbreeding.
There are many concerns that the designer dog scene contains a lot of bad breeders.
Crossbreeding isn’t as tightly regulated as pedigree breeding, so many believe this allows for more bad breeders.
However, even with the tighter regulations present within pedigree breeding, bad breeders are still prevalent.
It always pays to research a breeder’s trustworthiness beforehand, and check the health of the parent dogs of any given puppy.
So with that, let’s take a look at everything there is to know about the French Bulldog cross Boston Terrier.
Origins of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog actually holds its ancestry within England, where in the 1800s a toy size bulldog breed had found some favor.
They were especially common in the city of Nottingham, becoming a mascot for the town.
Nottingham was well-known for its lace trade, but during the Industrial Revolution, these jobs as lace makers became increasingly threatened by new technology.
Many decided to relocate to France and bought their toy Bulldogs with them.
From there the toy bulldog was bred with various other breeds until it became the French Bulldog we see today.
By the end of the 19th century, the breed had become popular all across Europe and America.
Origins of the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier traces its lineage back to the unfortunate time in England when bloodsport was still incredibly popular.
A bloodsport is a brutal form of entertainment based on the violent bloodshed of various animals.
Dog fighting was an especially popular pastime, and breeders of the time were fixated in crossbreeding Bulldogs and Terriers.
They created a breed that could excel in both pit-fighting and ratting competitions.
From these breeding attempts, a dog named Judge was born who is widely believed to be the very first of the Boston Terriers.
He was purchased by an American and was brought back to their hometown of Boston, hence the origin of their name.
Today, the Boston Terrier has been bred to be a cute companion rather than a fighter and is incredibly popular throughout the world.
Size, Height, and Weight of the Frenchton
The Boston Terrier is the taller of the two breeds at 15-17 inches.
However, they are also the lighter of the two breeds, commonly weighing around 12-25 pounds.
French Bulldogs are slightly smaller at 11-13 inches but can weight up to 28 pounds.
As for the Boston Terrier French Bulldog mix, they could potentially range in height from 11-17 inches and weigh around 12-28 pounds, depending on which parent they take after.
If they take after the Frenchie, they may end up significantly more heavyset for their size.
Characteristics of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix
Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are known for having a flat face.
While this is a cute and appealing aspect to many, it is a deformity bred into the dog that can severely impact the health of both of these breeds.
The French Bulldog in particular has another structural deformity known as Achondroplasia.
This is the cause of their stout front legs, and can also lead to health issues.
We will talk about the problems these structural deformities can lead to later in the article.
Boston Terrier Appearance
Boston Terriers have a stocky body with a short and sleek coat. They have a very short tail which is commonly referred to as a nub.
They have large, erect ears that are rather akin to a bat and bulging, prominent eyes.
French Bulldog Appearance
As for the French Bulldog, they are a bit lower to the ground than the Boston Terrier and are even more stocky and muscular.
They have a short, fine and sleek coat that can come in white, fawn, or cream.
Their coat can be patterned or a single color.
They have similar ears to the Boston Terrier and the same prominent eyes.
However, their face is a lot more wrinkled, and the Frenchie holds a lot more loose skin.
They have a short tail, which may be straight or screwed.
Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix Appearance
As the parent breeds share some characteristics it is very likely these will show within Frenchton puppies.
The short and sleek coat, bat-like ears, flat face, and prominent eyes will most likely all be present within dogs of this cross.
If the puppy takes after the Frenchie parent, they may end up with more loose skin, leading to a more wrinkly face and body.
Temperament of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix
Despite their history as a fighting dog, the Boston Terrier is a friendly and bright dog with a gentlemanly air about them.
Provided that they have been trained and socialized well.
They can be quite the entertainer!
As for the French Bulldog, they are smart and loving like the Boston Terrier but can be a bit warier around strangers.
Therefore, early socialization is critical to curbing any potential negative behaviors.
They tend to have a bit of a stubborn side and have a reputation as independent free-thinkers.
But like the Boston Terrier, they love to entertain.
Caring for the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix
Both the Boston Terrier and French Bulldog have easy to look after coats.
They require a standard weekly brush to remove any dead hair and keep them looking at their best.
The Boston Terrier does shed a little more than the Frenchie, but both do not shed a lot in general.
Both parent breeds have relatively low grooming requirements, and therefore the Frenchton dog will likely have low requirements too.
However, it is recommended to regularly clean the wrinkles and skin folds.
These areas are prone to infection and irritation.
Health Issues of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix
This cross does nothing to fix the severe health issues that come with being a Brachycephalic breed.
As mentioned earlier, both parent breeds are known for having a flat face.
This is due to a deformity bred into the dog that shortens the skull, leaving them with little to no muzzle.
While some may find this cute, this characteristic compresses the nasal cavity which can severely impact the dog’s ability to breathe.
This is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog have reputations as loud breathers.
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This is due to the amount of extra effort these dogs need to go through to breathe.
The compromised breathing of these dogs is exacerbated further by hot weather and exercise.
Therefore, if you own a Brachycephalic breed they must never be taken outside on a hot day.
Exercise should always be kept light to moderate.
Their difficulty breathing could eventually lead to a severe condition known as Laryngeal Collapse.
This quickly worsens the dog’s breathing and requires immediate vet attention as this can be quickly fatal.
Unfortunately, difficulty breathing is only one issue brought about by being a Brachycephalic breed.
Issues with Eyes, Skin and Achondroplasia
Due to the shortened skull, the eyes of Brachycephalic breeds bulge, and are poorly protected.
They are much more prone to irritation, infection, and injury.
Back problems can also be more common in these breeds, especially those with a screwed tail.
These issues can potentially be debilitating and may require complex and expensive surgery to correct.
Skin problems are also rampant within Brachycephalic breeds with a lot of loose skin.
It can be easy for irritation and infection to occur with the skin folds of these breeds, like the French Bulldog.
Many Brachycephalic dogs are unable to give birth naturally, due to the large heads of their puppies.
Caesareans are usually necessary.
Poor health is almost inevitable
As both parent breeds are Brachycephalic, it is certain that puppies of this cross will be too.
They will require a lot of care and could potentially be suffering from debilitating issues their entire lives.
Despite the good intentions of this cross, it could potentially introduce a second structural health issue into Frenchton puppies.
French Bulldogs have short, stout front legs.
This is another deformity known as Achondroplasia that has been bred into them over time.
This is another issue that may lead to joint problems such as Patellar Luxation or Hip Dysplasia.
Or in more severe cases, back problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease.
It is imperative when owning a breed with Achondroplasia to try and prevent any unnecessary wear and tear to their joints and back.
Disallowing them to run up or down stairs, and preventing them from jumping on and off furniture can help with this.
Other Heath Issues
Despite having generally healthier legs than the French Bulldog, the Boston Terrier is also prone to joint issues such as Patellar Luxation.
French Bulldogs have high rates of cancer, a characteristic which could potentially put Frenchton puppies at higher risk.
The Boston Terrier is at risk for epilepsy, which could be passed down to a Frenchton puppy.
Both breeds are also at risk for Congenital Deafness. This is a permanent deafness with a genetic basis.
Unfortunately, both parent breeds have a lot of health issues that could present themselves in puppies of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog mix.
Some of these could potentially be avoided via taking the proper precautions when purchasing a puppy.
Finding a trustworthy breeder who can prove the genetic health of the parent dogs can help reduce the risk certain health issues.
However, due to both parent breeds being Brachycephalic, this is a characteristic that will present itself in Frenchtons.
Along with all the health issues it brings.
As it is a structural issue that is a part of the conformation of both parent breeds, there is nothing you can do to avoid this.
It is very important you consider this before purchasing any puppies.
The Frenchton has a high risk of suffering from Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
So you must consider the fact that puppies of this cross may not have the best quality of life and may require special care and expensive vet visits.
Exercising and Training Your French Boston Terrier Mix
Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog have similar exercise requirements.
A short to medium length walk is usually enough for these two breeds.
As both parents have similar energy levels, a daily walk will most likely be good enough for dogs of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix.
The Boston Terrier can be a breeze to train due to their love of pleasing their owners.
As always, the best method is to provide positive, reward-based training.
French Bulldogs may be harder to train however, as they have a tendency to be really stubborn when they don’t want to do something.
Depending on which parent the Frenchton takes after, they may end up easier or harder to train.
If you are struggling to train your puppy, always enroll in puppy classes and let a professional do it.
Ideal Home for the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix
The Frenchton can fit into many families as a companion dog.
Many homes make for good places to raise a Frenchton, as long as they are well air-conditioned.
This breed with their low energy requirements can do well as apartment dogs.
It can help to make sure that the home does not have any sharp corners or edges at the eye level of the Frenchton.
Their prominent eyes can easily be injured by these surfaces.
They can be good with kids and other pets, provided that they have been socialized well from a young age.
Separation anxiety could potentially be an issue within this breed.
Therefore, it is recommended to house this dog where there is always at least one family member about in the home to keep the Frenchton.
Finding and Purchasing French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix Puppies
As this mix is fairly popular, finding a breeder shouldn’t be too difficult.
Potential breeders can be browsed online or found through more traditional avenues, such as newspaper advertisements.
It’s important to find a breeder who is trustworthy.
Positive feedback from previous customers and recognition from established breeding societies can be signs of a good breeder.
Once you have found a puppy you may like, it is important to check over them.
What To Check in a Frenchton Puppy
Are they breathing loudly, snorting and sniffling?
Are their nostrils open and free-flowing, or are they pinched tight?
Signs of compromised breathing can be a warning sign this puppy may have severe Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
It is also worth considering avoiding any Frenchton puppies who have inherited the short stout legs of the French Bulldog, as this may lead to further health issues in the future.
It is also important to check the health of the parent dogs.
Check their breathing like the puppy, and if they can move without any pain and lameness.
Ask the breeder for proof
Ask the breeder to see proof of the following health evaluations being passed for both parent dogs.
For the Boston Terrier these are:
- Patellar Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- BAER Testing
French Bulldogs will require these evaluations:
- Hip Evaluation
- Patellar Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
The parent dogs passing these evaluations can help guarantee certain health issues will not present themselves within a Frenchton puppy.
Are They Right for Me?
Sadly, we cannot recommend this breed in good conscience to any family.
The Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix does nothing to correct the structural health issues within either breed.
It can, in fact, add another structural problem if the Frenchton inherits the French Bulldog’s short and stumpy legs.
These structural health issues cannot be avoided within this mix. While they can range in severity from dog to dog, they still have a profound impact on the dog’s quality of life.
We would recommend taking a look at some other similar breeds who live much healthier lives before making any decisions.
Some recommendations are:
However, if your heart is truly set on this mix, then a rescue is your best choice. There are other Boston Terrier mixes you might also want to consider!
What are your thoughts on this cross? Let us know in the comments below!
References
- Bellumori, TP, et al, 2013, Prevalence of inherited disorders among mixed-breed and purebred dogs: 27254 cases (1995-2010) Journal of the American Veterinary Association
- O’Neill, DG, et al, 2013, Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England The Veterinary Journal
- American Kennel Club
- Monnet, E, 2015, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome World Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Karabagli, M, 2012, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs Istanbul University
- Bright, RM, 2011, Laryngeal Collapse in Dogs
- The Kennel Club UK
- Jezyk, PF, 1985, Constitutional Disorders of the Skeleton in Dogs and Cats Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics
- Institute of Canine Biology
- O’Neill, DG, et al, 2016, The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England Canine Genetics and Epidemiology
- Hansen, HJ, 1951, A Pathologic-Anatomical Interpretation of Disc Degeneration in Dogs Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
- Strain, GM, 1996, Aetiology, prevalence and diagnosis of deafness in dogs and cats The British Veterinary Journal
- Patterson, EN, 2007, Clinical Characteristics and Inheritance of Idiopathic Epilepsy Tufts’ Canine and Feline Breeding and Genetics Conference
Jon says
French Bulldogs shed A LOT. They have short hair but shed like crazy. Especially in warm weather.