Frenchton vs French Bulldog: Which One Is Better?

Choosing between a Frenchton vs French Bulldog comes down to understanding their origins, personalities, and care needs. The French Bulldog is a century-old purebred, whereas the Frenchton is a modern designer mix. Besides these facts, many people still don’t know how to distinguish between these two breeds.

We’ll compare these two breeds in detail – from their history and looks to temperament, health, price, and popularity. We hope that it’ll help you decide which might make a better pet for your lifestyle.

Frenchton vs French Bulldog: Origins and History

French Bulldog:

The French Bulldog traces back to mid-19th century France. Historians note that small toy bulldogs (miniature English Bulldogs) were brought to Normandy by English lace workers around the 1850s. These compact dogs became fashionable in Parisian society. They’re were favorite pooches even among artists and brothel workers. By 1898 the “Bouledogue Français” had a formal breed standard. The AKC later recognized the breed in 1898, and by the early 1900s Frenchies were already very popular worldwide.

Frenchton (Boston Frenchie):

The Frenchton is a designer crossbreed created in the United States much more recently. Breeders began crossing French Bulldogs with Boston Terriers in the 1990s. 

The goal was to combine the Frenchie’s charming appearance and friendly nature with the Boston’s athleticism and improved health. In fact, one source describes the Frenchton as a “healthier version of the French Bulldog while keeping its signature look”. Frenchtons are not an AKC-recognized pure breed, but they are registered with hybrid dog clubs (IDCR, ACHA) and have become a popular French Bulldog mix.

Appearance and Physical Differences

Both breeds are small, stocky companion dogs, but there are some key differences in build and appearance:

• Size & Build:

French Bulldogs are very compact and muscular. Males stand about 11–13 inches at the shoulder and weigh roughly 16–28 pounds. Frenchtons tend to be a bit more variable due to the Boston Terrier genes. They usually stand 11–16 inches tall and weigh about 15–25 pounds. In practice, Frenchtons can be slightly taller and leaner on average, whereas Frenchies are typically broader and shorter.

• Head and Face:

Both have the characteristic “bat ears” and flat faces of the Frenchie. French Bulldogs have a very short muzzle, broad square skull, and heavy wrinkles. Frenchtons inherit this flat-faced look, but often with a slightly longer snout (owing to the Boston heritage) and fewer deep wrinkles. To avoid infections, these wrinkles should be regularly cleaned with dog-safe wipes.

• Coat and Colors:

Both dogs have short, smooth coats that shed lightly. French Bulldogs come in many colors (brindle, fawn, cream, pied, and rare hues like blue or lilac). Frenchtons often show bi-color patterns. They can have black-and-white or red-and-white “tuxedo” markings from the Boston side, though they can also be brindle or fawn if the genes align.

Frenchton Vs French Bulldog: Temperament and Personality

Both Frenchtons and French Bulldogs are affectionate, people-oriented dogs, but their energy levels and instincts differ:

• French Bulldog: Frenchies are known for a laid-back, easygoing personality. They tend to be quiet, playful couch-potatoes with “puppy-ish” antics (many owners enjoy their occasional zoomies). French Bulldogs adapt well to apartment or family life. They bond closely with their owners, are generally good with kids and other pets, and enjoy moderate play or short daily walks. They require minimal exercise but love joining any family activity.
• Frenchton: The Frenchton inherits a mix of traits from the Boston Terrier. They are also friendly and people-loving, but usually more energetic and alert than purebred Frenchies. Thanks to the Boston genes, Frenchtons often crave regular walks, games, and mental stimulation. They still share the Frenchie’s affectionate nature, but are likely to be slightly more lively and need a bit more playtime each day. Like Frenchies, Frenchtons dislike long periods alone and will happily follow family members around.

A Frenchie may suit a more relaxed owner or city apartment, while a Frenchton might appeal to someone who wants a compact dog but with a bit more pep. Both breeds are generally friendly, loyal, and eager to please, making them good companions for families, singles, or seniors.

Frenchton Vs French Bulldog: Health and Lifespan

Health is a crucial factor in comparing these breeds. French Bulldogs have many inherited health challenges. They live about 10–12 years on average, but are predisposed to a long list of issues due to their extreme body shape. Nearly 66% of Frenchies exhibit breathing problems (stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, etc.) because of their flat faces. They often suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), noisy breathing, snoring, and exercise intolerance. They also commonly have skin fold infections, eye issues (cherry eye, dry eye, ulcers), and skeletal problems like patellar luxation or spine/joint disorders. Heat and overexertion are especially dangerous for flat-faced dogs (they cool themselves poorl).

The Frenchton, bred to mitigate some of these problems, can be slightly healthier on average, but is not immune. Frenchtons still have a short snout and sturdy build, so they can inherit breathing issues and heat sensitivity from their Frenchie side. However, the Boston Terrier DNA often introduces a longer muzzle and a bit more athleticism. Frenchtons usually live longer – about 12–15 years – suggesting somewhat fewer catastrophic health defects. They may have fewer eye and airway problems, and joint issues can be milder. Responsible breeders will screen parent dogs for known issues in both breeds. In practice, many owners report Frenchtons needing fewer surgeries or hospital visits than the typical Frenchie, but vigilance is still needed: both breeds can overheat or become obese easily.

Which is healthier? 

In general, neither breed is “hypoallergenic” or low-maintenance health-wise. Frenchtons were specifically created to ease some Frenchie problems, and on average they may avoid some of the severe respiratory and skeletal issues common in purebred Frenchies. 

When we talk about their lifespans, Frenchtons live a little bit longer (from 12-15 years).

However, because they still often have a French Bulldog’s square head, Frenchtons should not be assumed fully healthy. Likewise, French Bulldogs as a pure breed have an established gene pool with many documented hereditary issues. If health is the top priority, a breeder who tests for BOAS, spinal problems, and other conditions in both parent breeds is essential for either dog.

Price and Where to Find a Frenchton

Where to find a Frenchton for sale?

Because the Frenchton is a relatively rare designer breed, you’ll need to seek out specialized sources. Reputable Frenchton puppies often appear on puppy marketplace websites and breeder directories. For example, LancasterPuppies.com – a large U.S. classifieds site – lists over 100 Frenchton puppies for sale.

Other places to check include breeder-focused sites (like FrenchtonPups.com or various “designer dog” registries), Frenchie and Boston Terrier breed clubs, and social media groups dedicated to Frenchton and Frenchie mixes. 

The AKC Marketplace generally covers purebreds, so it may not list Frenchtons. When searching, use keywords like “Frenchton puppies,” “Boston Frenchie,” or “French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix”. Always verify the breeder’s reputation, visit in person if possible, and ask for health clearances (hip/eyes/smell).

Average price of Frenchtons in the USA

Frenchton prices vary widely by region, breeder reputation, and coat color. On average, Frenchton puppies are less expensive than purebred Frenchies. Frenchtons often sell in the range of $500 to $3,500. Another breeder source quotes an even broader range – roughly $1,500 up to $6,000 for top-quality puppies – though the lower end of that range is more typical for a well-bred pet. By comparison, French Bulldogs (especially with rare colors) often run $3,000 to $12,000 or more. Exotic traits (blue, lilac, merle coats) can push Frenchie prices even higher.

In practice, expect to pay around $1,500–$3,000 for a healthy Frenchton puppy from a responsible U.S. breeder. (Adoption fees from a rescue group may be lower.) Always be wary of listings that sound “too good to be true” – very low prices can indicate scams or sick puppies.

Popularity: Why Are Frenchies More Popular than Frenchtons?

French Bulldogs have massive popularity, whereas Frenchtons remain a niche designer breed. In fact, Frenchies have recently become the most popular dog breed in the U.S.. AKC stats show French Bulldogs have climbed the ranks, overtaking Labradors to become the #1 registered breed by 2024. They rank very high in the UK and Australia as well. Several factors explain this popularity over Frenchtons:

• Purebred Status and Recognition: French Bulldogs are a well-known standardized breed, with a long history in shows and media. Their appearance (big eyes, bat ears, comical expressions) has broad appeal. Frenchtons, by contrast, are a hybrid with no AKC or major kennel-club recognition; they can’t compete in official shows, which limits general awareness.
• Media and Celebrity Exposure: Frenchies have millions of fans online and often appear as celebrity pets. Their “cute factor” and fashionability (yes, even trends like Frenchie clothing/costumes exist) have boosted their popularity. Frenchtons, being newer, haven’t had the same publicity.
• Supply and Demand: French Bulldogs have many dedicated breeders (though still scarce compared to demand), whereas Frenchtons have far fewer specialized breeders. People searching for a small affectionate pet are more likely to encounter Frenchies.
• Predictability: Some owners prefer the predictability of a pure breed. A Frenchie’s appearance and temperament are (fairly) standardized, whereas a Frenchton can vary depending on the mix. For show or breeding purposes, purebreds are required.

Frenchies dominate as a trend-setting companion breed, while Frenchtons cater to a smaller “designer dog” market. This explains why Frenchies are more popular than Frenchtons. The Frenchie’s celebrity status and official breed standing make them far more famous and widely chosen.

Frenchton Vs French Bulldog: Which One to Choose?

• Health: Frenchtons were bred to mitigate some Frenchie health problems, and generally live longer. However, both breeds share brachycephalic (flat-faced) traits and need careful care to avoid overheating and obesity.
• Finding a Frenchton: To find a Frenchton for sale, check specialized puppy sites like LancasterPuppies.com or contact breeders who work with French Bulldog/Boston Terrier crosses. Always ensure ethical breeding practices and health checks.
• Price: On average, Frenchton puppies cost less than Frenchie puppies. Sources report Frenchton prices often around $500–$3,500 (though fancy pups can be higher), whereas French Bulldogs usually start much higher.
• Popularity: French Bulldogs’ skyrocketing fame (the #1 AKC breed in 2024) makes them more popular and recognized. Frenchtons remain relatively rare and are generally chosen by owners who want a Frenchie-like dog with a bit more energy or a mixed-breed status.

In the end, “which is better” depends on your lifestyle. If you want a calm, iconic pet and don’t mind potential health issues, a French Bulldog might suit you. If you prefer a slightly longer-lived, more active dog and are okay with a designer mix, a Frenchton might be the right choice. Both breeds are playful, affectionate, and devoted family companions – just be sure to find a responsible source and understand their needs before bringing one home.