The Bulldog is an easily recognizable small dog breed. With their uniquely short snout and large, square head, you can’t mistake a Bulldog for anything else!
You’re not alone if you’re curious about the difference between an English Bulldog and a French Bulldog. Many people are unaware of the differences since they look so similar.
To help you decide which dog is right for you, we’ll outline the main things that set them apart in this.
Read on to find out more about these two dog breeds!
Table of Contents
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog Comparison Table
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: History
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Temperament
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Grooming
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Training
- French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Health
- Conclusion: French Bulldogs vs English Bulldogs
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog Comparison Table
| French Bulldog | English Bulldog | |
| Size | 11-13″ tall | 14-15″ tall |
| Weight | 17-28 lbs | 40-50 lbs |
| Color | Brindle, fawn, white, cream, or white with patches of brindle | Red, white, brindle, fawn, piebald |
| Trainability | Stubborn, and can be hard to train | A bit challenging to train |
| Intelligence | Average | Average |
| Friendliness with strangers | Friendly | Friendly and patient, even with children |
| Friendliness with other dogs | Usually good with other dogs | Average with other dogs |
| Exercise needs | Average exercise needs | Moderate exercise needs |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 8-10 years |
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: History
While they look similar, these two small, wrinkly dogs obviously originate from different places, as their names imply. Let’s take a brief look at their histories.
French Bulldog History
As far back as the nineteenth century, Bulldogs were brought to France by their owners. The small dogs became popular with the French, who began breeding the breed with other dogs, possibly including Pugs and terriers.
This breeding led to them developing their trademark bat ears. Over time, as the breed became more popular in Paris, the breed became seen as a symbol of high-class Paris life.
Eventually, around 1900, the French Bulldog (or ‘Frenchie’) was so popular that it was brought to America.
English Bulldog History
The English Bulldog goes back a long way, likely first bred in the 13th century in England. Sadly, it was probably bred for violent sports, and the Bulldog of this era was much larger, more aggressive, and stronger than modern Bulldogs.
When England banned these barbaric sports in the mid-19th century, the Bulldog faced the risk of going extinct. Thankfully, dog breeders took on the massive task of breeding the aggression out of the Bulldog.
This more mellow and family-friendly English Bulldog became popular. Eventually, it was brought over to America and recognized by the AKC.
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Temperament
English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs share a lot of traits, but how do they differ in terms of personality?
French Bulldog Temperament
French Bulldogs are playful and happy, maybe even more so than English Bulldogs. They can also be stubborn, however.
Since French Bulldogs sometimes play a bit rough, they’re not necessarily recommended for families with young children. Still, they are very people-oriented and friendly.
They’re so people-oriented, in fact, that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for more than a few hours per day.
English Bulldog Temperament
An English Bulldog is kind, brave, and calm. They’re not an aggressive breed, thanks to the work of breeders who removed that trait from them over the decades.
Like their French counterparts, they can be stubborn.
English Bulldogs are good with children and are often chosen as a family pet for this reason. They also tend to get along well with other pets.
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Grooming
Nobody likes cleaning up dog hair all over the house, which is why these two dogs are a good choice for busy homes.
French Bulldog Grooming
French Bulldogs are easy to groom. Their short coat doesn’t shed much, and you can simply brush them once per week to keep their coat healthy.
Brush their teeth regularly to promote good dental hygiene.
English Bulldog Grooming
English Bulldogs, like Frenchies, need brushing about two or three times per week to keep them looking their best.
During the change of season, they may shed a bit more than usual.
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Training
Both of these dogs have average intelligence and can be stubborn. But which one is easier to train?
French Bulldog Training
French Bulldogs, as we mentioned earlier, can be stubborn. Still, they’re very people-oriented and like to please their owners, so they’re not too difficult to train.
We recommend puppy training lessons to help them learn how to behave from a young age. Reward your French Bulldog with treats and praise to promote good behavior.
English Bulldog Training
English Bulldogs like pleasing their owner but can also be stubborn. Again, puppy lessons are a good idea for these dogs.
English Bulldogs love playing tug-of-war and chewing on chew toys, but it’s essential to train them to release on command.
You should also try to teach them from a young age to accept you taking food from their bowl; otherwise, he or she may become protective of their food.
French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Health
Both of these breeds have flat faces, which can complicate their health. Due to selective breeding, both breeds, unfortunately, have more health complications than other dogs.
French Bulldog Health
The French Bulldog cannot swim. That’s a very important thing to remember! Never leave your Frenchie near a pool, lake, or any other body of water unattended.
This is because they’re built with a heavy front and short legs, which make it impossible for them to swim.
Sadly, due to their flat snout, French Bulldogs are also prone to developing breathing problems. This is especially true in hot or humid places, which also causes snoring and loud breathing.
For these reasons, we don’t recommend French Bulldogs to people living in hot, humid climates.
French Bulldogs are also at risk of cherry eye and skin allergies.
English Bulldog Health
Like their French counterparts, English Bulldogs should not be kept in hot climates without water, shade, and air conditioning. Even slight exercise can put them at risk of overheating.
Once again, this is a result of their short, flat face.
English Bulldogs commonly have hip and joint problems, which can worsen if overweight. Sadly, both the English and French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain.
Conclusion: French Bulldogs vs English Bulldogs
Overall, these are two similar-looking dogs with important differences to consider before you adopt one. The French Bulldog is slightly easier to groom, has more energy, and is a bit smaller than the English Bulldog.
On the other hand, English Bulldogs tend to be more mellow and better for families with children.
Because of their proneness to health problems, either dog breed can be costly in the long run due to vet visits. If neither dog seems to suit your needs, remember that there are many dogs in shelters available to be adopted!
We hope this article has helped you learn the differences between English and French Bulldogs!