If you’ve never heard of a Frenchton or are looking to learn more, you are in the right place! A Frenchton is a great companion and a mix of two adorable dogs: the French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier.
A Frenchton may be called Boston Bulldog, Boston Frenchie, Faux French Bulldog, Faux Boston Terrier, Bulldog Terrier, Frenchbo, and Frenchie Terrier.
There’s so much to know about this loveable breed, including where they came from, how they differ from the purebred French Bulldog, traits of a Frenchton dog, Frenchtons’ health issues, and how to purchase and care for a Frenchton.
Where Did the Frenchton Breed Come From?
The Frenchton Breed isn’t one that everyone has heard of, and this is because they haven’t been around for very long. It is said that the first Frenchtons were bred in the 1990s in the United States.
You get this charming pup when a Boston Terrier is mixed with a French Bulldog. Typically, you will see a 50/50 split of a Boston Terrier and French Bulldog purebred parents or a 75/25 split of a French Bulldog crossed with a French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix.
It is said that the Frenchton breed came about to avoid some of the common French Bulldog health issues. Keep reading for more on this.
French Bulldog vs. Frenchton Dog
While a Frenchton is part French Bulldog, here are some differences between the two dogs.
- Origin: French Bulldogs are originally from England, and Frenchtons are originally from the United States.
- Breed Type: French Bulldogs are purebred, and Frenchtons are a crossbreed.
- AKC Certified: French Bulldogs are recognized by the AKC, and Frenchtons aren’t. This is because the AKC only recognizes breeds that have been around for a very long time.
However, Frenchtons are recognized by other organizations such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.
- Cost: French Bulldogs can cost a little more than a Frenchton since they are purebred.
- Health: The Frenchton has a longer snout because of its mix, which can prevent some health complications found in purebred Frenchies.
Physical Traits of a Frenchton
Frenchtons are popular dogs for many reasons similar to that of a French Bulldogs including their small size, temperament, and charm. There are also some differences.
Short in size and stocky in build, a Frenchton is like a Frenchie. Physically, these two pups are quite similar.
Size
Typically, a Frenchton is between 13 and 16 inches tall and has an average weight of 13-25 pounds. To get an idea of what size a Frenchton will be when full-grown, you can add the weight of its parents and divide by two.
Appearance
A key feature of a Frenchton is their erect ears that may look too big for their body. Like a purebred French Bulldog, a Frenchton has short, smooth hair that minimally sheds. Another feature of most Frenchton dogs is their short tails, like a French Bulldog. Read about their short-tail issues, fixes, and more here.
Colors
Frenchton colors include black, black and white, brown, brindle, cream, tan, gold, and white. They may be solid in color or have a mix of colors. Because they are a mixed breed, Frenchtons colors and patterns vary depending on their parents.
Personality Traits
A top reason why many pet lovers may want a Frenchton to join their family is because of their loving personality. Frenchtons are known to be loyal, affectionate, and easy to get along with. They aren’t commonly aggressive and get along well with other pets and people once they get to know them. Because of their great personality, Frenchtons are a great family pet.
Keep in mind that because Frenchtons are loyal and want to protect their owner, they may bark from time to time to point out a strange or uncomfortable situation.
Potential Issues
As mentioned before, it is said that breeders started mix breeding the Frenchie and Boston Terrier to avoid health issues often seen in the French Bulldog. While a Frenchton may have fewer health issues than a purebred French Bulldog, this isn’t to say they won’t have any at all. Here are some possible health issues:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Syndrome (BOS): A small skull results in breathing issues, but since the Boston Terrier, part of a Frenchton, has a bigger skull, a Frenchton is less likely to have this issue.
- Intertrigo (Skinfold Dermatitis): Inflammation of the skin caused by rubbing skin folds. This may occur if a Frenchton has wrinkles like Frenchie.
- Cherry Eye: The eyelid can become infected or injured, which causes a red, swelling eye.
- Perineal Hernia: This is a condition in which the pelvic and abdominal organs are often displaced due to the size and shape of a French Bulldog.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy): The Frenchie part of a Frenchton is prone to allergies to substances in the environment.
- Luxating Patella: A dislocated kneecap or ‘patella’ is also often caused by the size and shape of a French Bulldog.
- Intolerance to Heat: Frenchies are known to have breathing problems that cause an intolerance to heat. Too much exercise or long walks can exacerbate this.
The good news is that these health concerns are often seen in purebred French Bulldogs. Frenchtons are part Frenchie, yes, but they are bred with a healthier dog, so have a smaller chance of facing these issues.
If you notice any problems in your Frenchton, contact your vet. This can be said for any pet, but it’s important to also have pet health insurance to alleviate the financial stress medical care can bring.
Purchasing a Frenchton
When purchasing a Frenchton, you may choose to buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue. Remember that it will likely be a long process because these pups are so rare. The most important thing is that you do your research to ensure that you find the right breeder or rescue and get a healthy pup.
Finding a Breeder
While there aren’t a ton of Frenchtons out there, there is no shortage of breeders. The biggest task is making sure you find a reputable breeder. The AKC has a breeder merit program, where they recognize responsible breeders who must meet a number of qualifications. If you find a specific breeder, you can search to see if they are one of the qualified AKC breeders. If a breeder doesn’t make this list, this isn’t to say they aren’t high-quality breeders. Additionally, you can search for breeders online and read reviews.
When you are meeting a breeder, make sure you ask the right questions. The following points are important to note and ask a breeder when you’ve found a Frenchton you could call yours.
- Is the breeders’ environment clean?
- How does the puppy respond to visitors?
- Are there vaccine records?
- Does the breeder provide detailed information and ask you questions?
- Does the breeder seem to want to rush the process?
- Is the breeder willing to sign the terms of agreement?
Make sure are comfortable with the breeder you are potentially buying from. If you aren’t, keep looking.
Adopting a Frenchton
Adopting a dog is also an option. Again, you want to do your research. Your local rescue center or a French Bulldog Rescue like this one may have crossbreeds like the Frenchton to rehome at the time you are looking. Adopting is always a great option because you are saving a life and usually saving money.
Cost
As you probably know by now, Frenchtons are not cheap. Their rarity and appeal come with a price. You will typically find them anywhere from $900 to $3000. Of course, if you can come across a Frenchton to adopt, this cost will be less.
Caring for a Frenchton
Frenchtons need some care and attention but, overall, are a fairly easy pet to have.
Food
For every pound a Frenchton weighs, it should be fed about 20-25 calories. This can be split into 2 to 3 meals per day.
There are many different food options, from dry food to homemade food and more. Protein, fat, fiber and water are most essential for your pup, so if you’re buying store-bought food, always read the ingredients.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, a Frenchton is known to be low-maintenance. They shed very little, even less than a Frenchie. A weekly brush should be enough to keep their coat nice and clean. Baths also don’t need to be too often. Four baths a year or when they get extra dirty is just enough.
Because Frenchtons have flatter faces, they are more susceptible to dental issues. You can prevent these issues with tooth brushing. Ideally, you should do this a few times a week.
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Exercise
One reason Frenchtons are known to be low-maintenance is that they don’t require a lot of exercise. They are truly quite the indoor dog.
While walking your Frenchton is important for them to stay in shape and a great way for you to connect with your pup, a short walk each day is plenty.
Because Frenchtons can be prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Syndrome (BOS), a health defect caused by a small-sized skill, your Frenchton may have difficulty breathing, and they can easily overheat. Be sure that if your Frenchton does suffer from BOS that your walks are limited to 5-15 minutes and aren’t in the heat of the day. Many Frenchtons, due to their mixed breed, don’t experience this health issue.
For indoor activities, a Frenchton is happy to play with squeak toys and tug of war.
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While a lot of exercise isn’t needed, some activity is necessary for your Frenchton to stay healthy and happy.
Is a Frenchton Right for Me?
Frenchtons can be the perfect dog for many people. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering taking a Frenchton in as your newest family member.
- They can be the perfect dog for a family, elderly person, and apartment living because they are small, low-maintenance, and friendly.
- They are known to thrive off of attention, so keep this in mind if you aren’t home often.
- They are prone to health issues but often less than a purebred Frenchie is.
- They are not cheap but are often more affordable than a French Bulldog.
Final Thought
Who knew the French Bulldog breed produced some of the neatest furry friends out there? From the blue French Bulldog to the long-haired French Bulldog and now the Frenchton mixed breed, there are many adorable dogs with the Frenchie gene to choose from.
