When it comes down to deciding on a French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog to add to your family, choosing which adorable breed is right for you can be a tough decision. Before deciding, it’s essential to know what these breeds have in common and how they differ.
While both of these dogs originated from England and are delightful pets, they are certainly not the same when it comes to their appearance, personality, health, and more.
French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog Physical Traits
While these two breeds show a big difference in size, other physical traits are alike, from their short noses to boxy heads. One of these breeds does have more wrinkles than the other, believe it or not. Do you know which one it is?
Size
Your average French Bulldog weight is 18 – 28 pounds, while an average English Bulldog weighs in at 40 – 55 pounds. Their weight usually depends on their gender and other factors like diet and exercise. Females typically weigh a little less.
A French Bulldog is also a little bit shorter at about 11- 13 inches tall, while an English Bulldog is approximately 16 – 17 inches tall.
With that said, if you’re looking for a smaller pup, a Frenchie is your best bet.
Skin and Coat
When it comes to the coat of a French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog, they can be quite similar. Their colors include white, cream, fawn, red, or a combination of these colors. They can also have patterns of these colors and/or black.
French Bulldogs can also be a rare color, like blue or lilac. An English Bulldog can also be a unique color, but breeds of these colors are not approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Not only can a Frenchie and an English Bulldog have similar colors, but both of their coats are also short and smooth. Both of their coats can also shed. While they don’t shed a lot, their short hair can drop more than you’d think. Consistent hair brushing and fish oil can somewhat remedy this.
Another cute feature of these dogs is their wrinkles. The English Bulldog has more than a Frenchie, but they both have lots, which can cause health issues. Read more on this below.
Tails
Both a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog have short tails. Sometimes they have a corkscrew or curly tail. Their tail can also be straight.
While some believe their tails are docked, they aren’t. At one time, these dogs had longer tails, but they now have shorter tails due to a change in breeding over time. This change in their tail size is because their tails would get injured when they were used as show dogs.
French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog Character Traits
The French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog note-worthy character is a top reason why these dogs are so loved. Both breeds are affectionate, loyal, and smart. Past that, they have some differences.
Demeanor and Personality
Frenchies are happy, sociable, and ready to cuddle or play. They can also be stubborn and independent.
English Bulldogs are typically calmer and more serious than French Bulldogs. English Bulldogs do like to play but are more content lying around with their human. While they aren’t precisely lap dogs, they’re happy to lay on or near you to keep you company.
Activity Level
If you’re looking for a furry family member that doesn’t need a lot of exercise, you’re in luck because neither of these breeds does. In fact, the French Bulldog and English Bulldog are brachycephalic breeds, meaning that they can have trouble breathing due to their short-shaped face. They can also overheat, so it’s best if your short walk is during the cooler parts of the day and in shady areas.
You can read more about taking a Frenchie on walks here.
Of course, a dog maintains good health by having some physical exercise. You can provide a Frenchie and an English Bulldog adequate movement with a short walk each day or every other day and some chew toys to play with.
How to Care for a French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog
French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog level of care is pretty low-maintenance. As with any fur child, their health, grooming needs, training requirements, and preferred environment are all something to consider. These can vary for the two breeds.
Possible Health Issues and Treatment
While there are many upsides to having a French Bulldog or English Bulldog as a pet, the health problems they may face is not one of them. They are both prone to quite a few health issues due to the features most see as cute: a smushed face and a small body.
There is a long list of French Bulldog’s health issues, as well as for English Bulldogs. Though these complications are due to genetics and can’t typically be cured, there are sometimes ways to help relieve them. Your vet can discuss the proper treatment further with you.
Here are the most common medical problems and how you can treat them.
Brachycephalic Syndrome (BOS)
- Animals with shortened facial features have been bred to have short noses and muzzles. These features result in a small breathing passage and throat, so it can be hard for them to breathe properly. BOS can cause panting, snoring, discomfort, lack of ability to exercise a lot, and difficulty breathing.
- Treatment: Maintaining a healthy weight, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery are ways to treat BOS.
Skin Issues
- The cute skin wrinkles mentioned above do have a drawback. A French Bulldog’s and English Bulldog’s skin folds can cause skin infections and irritations.
- Treatment: Keep skin folds clean by regularly wiping with wet wipes and completely drying.
Bone and Joint Issues
- These include hip dysplasia, joint injuries, and arthritis.
- Treatment: A healthy weight and supplements can help relieve discomfort.
Cherry Eye
- A tear gland in the eye or eye deviation is caused by swelling behind the third eyelid.
- Treatment: Be aware of symptoms like redness, eye discharge, dry eyes, and swollen eyes. Sometimes surgery is needed.
Allergies
- Bulldogs have the most allergies of any breed, and they include food allergies and skin allergies.
- Treatment: Carefully choose their food. Sometimes limited ingredient dog food is best. For skin allergies, be aware of what environmental factors correlate with your dog’s sensitivity.
If you notice that your pet shows symptoms of any issues, contact your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Having pet insurance can provide you with peace of mind on the financial side if you face a situation where your dog needs medical care.
How to Groom
On the bright side of having one of these exceptional dogs as a pet, grooming them is relatively simple. They do shed some, as mentioned, but consistent hair brushing and a bath at least four times a year can relieve excess shedding. Since French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs don’t spend too much time outside, it isn’t necessary to bathe and clean them too often.
How to Train
A French Bulldog is friendly and wants to please, but since they can be headstrong and independent, it can take some extra effort to train them to learn basic commands.
Since an English Bulldog is also ready to please and more diligent, it may be easier to train than a Frenchie.
Both dogs need encouragement, as dodo any dogs, so always provide positive reinforcement via treats and love when training your dog.
Best Living Space and Environment
Another positive aspect of owning a French Bulldog or an English Bulldog is that they can live in just about any home. They don’t need a lot of space indoors or outdoors. This is also what makes them great apartment dogs.
Do keep in mind that since these dogs can easily overheat and don’t have a lot of fur for warmth, mild temperatures are best. If you live in a very hot or very cold place, this is something to consider.
French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog Cost
What you will pay for a French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog varies, but the price range for both breeds is similar. For each dog, you are looking at paying about $2,000 – $4,000.
This is a wide price range that depends on the breeder. Reputable breeders who responsibly breed dogs to be as healthy as possible will charge more. If you find one of the dogs for well under $2,000, there’s a good chance that they have not been carefully bred.
If you choose to get your dog from a rescue, you can save some on these costs. Rescuing pets is noble because you’re saving a dog’s life, but be aware that it’s hard to be sure of their quality of health.
In addition to the price of the dog upon purchase, there are additional costs, including vet visits, food, beds, and other basics.
French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog Lifespan
Here’s a difference between the French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog. A French Bulldog has a longer lifespan at 10-14 years, whereas an English Bulldog typically lives 8-10 years. While they are some of the best companions while they’re around, their various genetic health problems result in a shorter life than many other dogs.
Tips for an Increased Lifespan
Promoting good health for these breeds could increase their lifespan. The following pointers are suggestions for ensuring that your dog can live a healthy and happy life.
- Provide safety and comfort. If a dog feels safe and cozy throughout their life, their stress level is reduced. The less stress, the happier and longer one’s life is.
- Visit the vet regularly. Stay on top of your dog’s health by taking a trip to the vet about every six months. This will ensure that you know what medical problems your dog may be facing so that you can aim to relieve them.
- Participate in regular activities. Both a French Bulldog and English Bulldog require little exercise, but short walks and playtime can help keep them mentally and physically healthy throughout life.
- Provide a healthy diet. High-quality diets allow for a high-quality life. Dogs should eat foods that have protein, fat, fiber, and water.
- Share your heart. A dog that is loved and cared for is happy. The happier the dog, the longer the life!
Final Thoughts
Choosing if French Bulldog vs. English Bulldog is the right pet for you can be difficult as they are both charming dogs with a lot to offer.
When deciding which is best for you, take note of their key similarities and differences. A Frenchie is a bit smaller than an English Bulldog, but both dogs have short hair and tails. They are both affectionate dogs who require little exercise. They both face several health issues. Both dogs are easy to groom, but a French Bulldog isn’t as easy to train as an English Bulldog. They can each live in big or small homes with or without a yard as long as temperatures are mild. Both dogs are a bit pricey at $2,000 – $4,000. They both have a fairly short lifespan, but a Frenchie usually lives just a bit longer.
Either one that you choose is sure to love you their whole life and will make it easy for you to love them back!