πΆ Boston Terrier
Temperament
Lively, affectionate, intelligent, gentle. Bostons are eager to please (easier to train than most flat-faced breeds) and excellent with children. Generally friendly with strangers and other dogs.
Exercise
45β60 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Avoid heat, but Bostons handle heat better than Frenchies or Pugs.
Grooming
Short coat, weekly brushing, occasional bath. Wipe facial folds (less prominent than Frenchies/Pugs) weekly.
Health
Mild BOAS in some lines. Eye conditions (corneal ulcers β eyes are prominent). Patellar luxation. Allergies. Generally healthier and longer-lived than other brachycephalic breeds.
Full Boston Terrier profile β
πΆ French Bulldog
Temperament
Affectionate, mostly quiet (rarely bark), playful. Frenchies thrive on close company and dislike being alone. They're generally good with children and other pets but can be stubborn β short training sessions and food rewards work best.
Exercise
Just 20β30 minutes of light walking daily, split into shorter bouts. Frenchies cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently β never walk them in heat (above 22Β°C) or strenuously. They're poor swimmers; never leave one near a pool. Mental enrichment matters more than physical exertion.
Grooming
Short, smooth coat needs only a weekly brush. Pay close attention to skin folds (especially the nose roll) β clean and dry weekly to prevent dermatitis. Frenchies are prone to allergies; a balanced diet and limited bathing (every 6β8 weeks) help.
Health
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) β many need surgery to widen nostrils and shorten the soft palate. Spinal issues (intervertebral disc disease, hemivertebrae). Heat stroke. Skin allergies. C-section delivery is almost universal. Insurance is significantly more expensive than most breeds.
Full French Bulldog profile β