French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Health, Costs & Temperament Comparison

French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Key Differences in Personality, Care & Lifestyle

Choosing between French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs represents a common dilemma for prospective owners drawn to the distinctive bat ears, wrinkled faces, compact muscular builds, and charming personalities that make both breeds immensely popular worldwide, with French Bulldogs currently ranking #1 and English Bulldogs consistently in the top 10 most registered breeds in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and across Europe. Both breeds share brachycephalic anatomy creating the flat faces and pushed-in noses that owners find adorable but veterinarians recognize as causing serious lifelong breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and increased anesthesia risks, both require substantial financial commitments due to inevitable expensive health interventions addressing breed-specific conditions, both display affectionate, people-oriented temperaments making them wonderful companions for appropriate owners, and both face ethical concerns from animal welfare organizations questioning whether continuing to breed dogs with such extreme anatomical features causing predictable suffering is justifiable given the health consequences these dogs endure throughout their lives.

However, beneath their surface similarities lie important differences in size where French Bulldogs weigh 16-28 pounds compared to English Bulldogs’ 40-55 pounds creating distinctions in portability, living space requirements, and physical management capabilities, temperament nuances where Frenchies display more playful energy while English Bulldogs show more sedentary, stubborn personalities, health challenge severity where English Bulldogs generally face even more extreme problems than French Bulldogs though both breeds suffer significantly, grooming and care differences particularly regarding skin fold maintenance, exercise tolerance variations affecting daily activity requirements, breeding difficulties where both breeds typically require artificial insemination and cesarean sections driving up purchase prices, and cost differences where French Bulldogs command premium prices due to overwhelming demand while English Bulldogs cost moderately less though lifetime expenses remain astronomical for both breeds. These differences while appearing subtle on paper become highly significant during 8-12 years of daily living, determining whether you can physically manage your dog’s size, whether your lifestyle accommodates their exercise limitations, whether your budget sustains inevitable veterinary expenses, and whether you can emotionally handle watching dogs you love suffer from breathing difficulties, skin infections, orthopedic problems, and other conditions resulting directly from the extreme physical features that attracted you to these breeds initially.

This comprehensive comparison examines every aspect of French Bulldogs versus English Bulldogs including detailed size and physical differences affecting daily logistics, temperament comparisons identifying personality distinctions, brachycephalic health challenges comparing severity between breeds, other health issues specific to each breed, exercise and temperature tolerance differences, grooming requirements particularly skin fold care preventing infections, training approaches and stubbornness management, breeding difficulties and ethical considerations, costs comparing purchase prices and lifetime expenses, suitability for various living situations, and decision frameworks helping you determine which breed if either truly matches your capabilities. We’ll provide honest assessments acknowledging the serious welfare concerns surrounding both breeds while offering practical guidance for those committed to ownership despite the challenges, and encouraging prospective owners to seriously consider whether supporting continued breeding of dogs facing predictable suffering aligns with their values or whether choosing breeds with fewer health problems demonstrates greater compassion.

Size and Physical Differences

French Bulldogs stand 11-13 inches at the shoulder and weigh 16-28 pounds with breed standard specifying not exceeding 28 pounds, creating compact, stocky dogs who are genuinely portable in ways English Bulldogs are not. Their smaller size means most adults can easily carry Frenchies when needed during veterinary visits, up stairs if mobility problems develop, or in emergencies requiring transport, and they fit comfortably in airplane cabin carriers making them popular travel companions for owners who fly frequently. Apartment living works well for Frenchies as their small footprint requires minimal space, and their moderate strength means most adults can physically control them during walks even if leash training is incomplete. Vehicle transport is straightforward as Frenchies fit easily in backseats of compact cars, and single Frenchies don’t require SUVs or vans unlike multiple large dogs or giant breeds.

English Bulldogs stand 14-15 inches tall and weigh 40-55 pounds with males typically heavier than females, creating low-slung, massively built dogs whose weight and body structure challenge physical management despite their height being only slightly greater than Frenchies. Their 40-55 pound weight means many adults particularly women or elderly owners struggle lifting them when necessary during emergencies, veterinary visits requiring table assistance, or later-life mobility problems necessitating help navigating stairs or entering vehicles. Their width and muscular build take up substantial space on furniture, in vehicles, and throughout homes, and their low center of gravity plus stubbornness create dogs who can be difficult to physically move or control when they decide to plant themselves and refuse cooperation. Apartment living works for English Bulldogs given their low exercise needs, though their size requires more space than Frenchies and their strength during occasional burst of stubbornness can challenge owners in tight spaces.

Both breeds feature massive heads relative to body size, with French Bulldogs’ distinctive bat ears standing erect creating their characteristic alert expression while English Bulldogs’ rose ears fold over providing completely different appearance. Frenchies have more square, compact builds appearing athletic despite their breathing limitations, while English Bulldogs display the extreme wide-set front legs, massive chests, and rolling gaits creating their distinctive appearance that many find charming but veterinarians recognize as skeletal abnormalities contributing to orthopedic problems. Both breeds have short, smooth coats requiring minimal grooming from shedding standpoint, though skin fold care between facial wrinkles represents major maintenance requirement for both.

The size difference becomes most significant during health emergencies when dogs cannot walk or must be transported quickly, as 25-pound Frenchies can be lifted and carried by most adults while 50-pound English Bulldogs present genuine challenges for many owners. Additionally, medication dosing by weight means English Bulldogs require nearly double the medication volumes of Frenchies, increasing costs for prescriptions and anesthesia during procedures. Conversely, English Bulldogs’ larger size makes them less vulnerable to injury from accidental stepping or dropping compared to more delicate Frenchies, and their greater mass provides some advantages in temperature regulation though both breeds overheat dangerously easily.

Temperament: Playful Frenchies vs Stubborn Bulldogs

French Bulldogs display temperaments combining playfulness with affection creating dogs who are more energetic and interactive than their English cousins, showing enthusiasm for games, toy play, short walks, and basically any activity involving their people. They’re comical entertainers whose expressive faces, quirky vocalizations including grunts, snorts, and yodels, silly antics, and generally goofy personalities provide constant amusement. Frenchies are intensely people-oriented, forming strong bonds with their families and preferring constant companionship, following owners room to room, sleeping in beds given any opportunity, and showing obvious distress when separated. This devotion creates wonderful companionship but predisposes them to severe separation anxiety requiring management through gradual alone-time training and enrichment during necessary absences, as lonely Frenchies become destructive, bark excessively, and make themselves sick from stress.

Their energy level while moderate compared to working breeds exceeds English Bulldogs’ sedentary nature, requiring 30-45 minutes daily exercise through short walks and play sessions maintaining weight and providing mental stimulation. They’re trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement using treats and praise, though stubborn streaks emerge particularly during adolescence requiring patience and consistency. With children Frenchies are generally excellent showing patience and playfulness, though their size makes them vulnerable to rough handling requiring supervision. With other pets they’re typically social and friendly when properly introduced, rarely showing aggression though some males display dominance toward other male dogs.

English Bulldogs possess temperaments epitomizing stubborn, gentle couch potatoes who are perfectly content sleeping 16-20 hours daily, showing minimal interest in exercise or activity beyond brief bathroom breaks and occasional short walks. They’re immovable objects when they decide to sit or lie down and refuse to budge, displaying legendary stubbornness that frustrates owners trying to coax movement through commands, treats, or physical encouragement—when Bulldogs say no, they mean it. However, this stubbornness coexists with gentle, affectionate dispositions showing patience particularly with children, earning them reputations as excellent family dogs despite their limitations. They bond intensely with their people, showing devotion and loyalty, though they express it through quietly following you around and sleeping at your feet rather than Frenchies’ more active attention-seeking.

Their low energy level suits sedentary owners perfectly as Bulldogs require only 15-30 minutes daily gentle walking, tire quickly even from minimal activity, and actively resist longer walks or sustained play. Training proves more challenging than with Frenchies due to extreme stubbornness and lack of motivation, as Bulldogs often simply ignore commands they don’t feel like following and food motivation is inconsistent in dogs whose breathing difficulties make eating uncomfortable. With children English Bulldogs are famously patient and tolerant though supervision is necessary as their substantial weight can accidentally injure small children during play. With other pets they’re generally peaceful though some males show dog-dog aggression requiring management.

Side-by-Side Temperament Comparison

Trait	French Bulldog	English Bulldog
Energy level	Moderate, playful	Very low, sedentary
Exercise needs	30-45 min daily	15-30 min daily
Playfulness	High, interactive	Low, prefers resting
Stubbornness	Moderate	Extreme
Trainability	Good with patience	Challenging, requires persistence
Vocalization	Moderate, expressive	Low, quiet
Affection level	Very high, clingy	High, gentle
With children	Excellent, playful	Excellent, patient
Separation anxiety	Very prone	Moderately prone
Adaptability	High	Moderate

Brachycephalic Health Crisis: Comparing Severity

Both breeds suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) causing stenotic nares (pinched nostrils), elongated soft palates blocking airways, hypoplastic tracheas (abnormally narrow windpipes), and everted laryngeal saccules pulled into airways creating multiple obstructions making every breath work rather than the effortless process normal dogs experience. Symptoms include constant snorting, snoring, wheezing, exercise intolerance where even gentle walks cause distress, overheating in temperatures above 70-75°F because they cannot pant effectively to cool themselves, difficulty eating and drinking due to airway obstructions, sleep apnea disrupting rest, and genuine respiratory distress requiring emergency intervention during hot weather, excitement, or exertion.

English Bulldogs generally suffer more severe BOAS than French Bulldogs due to more extreme facial structure, with studies showing over 80% of English Bulldogs experience moderate to severe breathing difficulties compared to 60-70% of French Bulldogs, though both percentages are devastating indictments of continued breeding practices prioritizing appearance over welfare. English Bulldogs’ more pronounced facial wrinkles, shorter muzzles, and heavier builds create worse anatomical compromises affecting every aspect of their lives. Many require BOAS surgery widening nostrils, shortening soft palates, and removing obstructive tissue costing $2,000-5,000, improving breathing from severely compromised to moderately compromised though never creating normal respiratory function since underlying skull structure cannot be changed. Despite surgery many still struggle breathing, overheat easily, and face shortened lifespans due to respiratory complications.

French Bulldogs while also severely affected show slightly better outcomes on average, with some individuals managing relatively well with conservative management including weight control, avoiding heat and overexertion, and using harnesses rather than collars preventing tracheal compression. However, many Frenchies still require surgical intervention, and their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to rapid overheating as their smaller body masses heat up faster than larger dogs. Heat stroke kills numerous French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs every year despite owner awareness, as their inability to cool themselves makes them extraordinarily vulnerable even in temperatures that merely make normal dogs uncomfortable.

The ethical concerns surrounding both breeds center on this predictable suffering as essentially all individuals experience breathing difficulties throughout their lives, with many requiring expensive surgeries that provide only partial relief while never eliminating the fundamental problem. Animal welfare organizations including the British Veterinary Association have called for dramatic changes to breeding practices reducing facial extremes, though market demand for the “cute” flat faces continues driving breeders to produce puppies who will struggle breathing every day of their lives. Prospective owners must honestly ask whether supporting this breeding is ethical given the suffering it causes, and whether choosing breeds without these extreme features would demonstrate greater compassion.

Other Health Challenges: Breed-Specific Issues

Beyond shared brachycephalic problems, each breed faces distinct health challenges requiring awareness and financial preparation. French Bulldogs suffer from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) at alarming rates affecting 20-30% causing spinal disc herniation with symptoms ranging from pain and reluctance to move through weakness or paralysis in legs, requiring either strict rest costing $500-1,500 or surgery costing $3,000-8,000 with recovery taking 6-12 weeks and recurrence possible. Their compact spines with condensed vertebrae create vulnerability to disc problems, requiring owners to prevent jumping from furniture or vehicles, control weight reducing spinal stress, and watch for lameness, yelping, or mobility changes indicating possible disc issues needing immediate veterinary evaluation.

French Bulldogs also develop hemivertebrae (malformed “butterfly” vertebrae) causing spinal instability and potentially progressive paralysis in severe cases, cherry eye where third eyelid glands prolapse requiring surgical repositioning costing $500-1,500 per eye, various allergies creating chronic skin infections and digestive upset requiring ongoing management, luxating patellas (dislocating kneecaps) needing surgical correction costing $1,500-3,000 per leg, and congenital deafness particularly in predominantly white dogs. Breeding difficulties are extreme as female Frenchies’ narrow hips prevent natural breeding requiring artificial insemination, and their large-headed puppies cannot pass through birth canals requiring cesarean sections for virtually all litters, creating situations where basically no French Bulldog is born naturally raising profound welfare concerns about breeds requiring human intervention to even reproduce.

English Bulldogs face similar IVDD risks though slightly lower incidence, but suffer from extreme skin fold infections between facial wrinkles, neck rolls, and tail pockets requiring daily cleaning preventing bacterial or yeast overgrowth causing painful dermatitis and foul odors, with severe cases needing surgical removal of excess skin costing $1,000-3,000. Hip dysplasia affects 70%+ of English Bulldogs making them among the most affected breeds, causing chronic pain and mobility limitations requiring conservative management or surgical correction costing $4,000-7,000 per hip. Elbow dysplasia similarly causes front leg lameness and arthritis. Cherry eye, entropion (eyelids rolling inward), ectropion (eyelids rolling outward), and various other eye problems require surgical correction totaling thousands.

English Bulldogs’ extreme body structure creates “screw tail” where tails form tight corkscrews creating skin pockets prone to severe infections, sometimes requiring surgical tail removal costing $1,000-2,000. Their wide-set front legs and massive chests create abnormal gaits causing premature arthritis and orthopedic problems. Breeding difficulties mirror French Bulldogs with 95%+ of litters delivered via cesarean section, though English Bulldogs additionally face higher puppy mortality rates due to large heads causing birth complications and respiratory distress in newborns.

Both breeds face dental disease from crowded teeth in their shortened jaws requiring professional cleanings costing $500-1,200 annually and extractions adding hundreds more. Allergies affect both breeds creating chronic management needs. Cancer risks are elevated in both. Heat stroke kills more Bulldogs (both breeds) than virtually any other cause besides euthanasia for medical problems. The combination of predictable expensive health issues means both breeds require substantial ongoing veterinary expenses throughout their 8-12 year lifespans.

Exercise, Temperature Tolerance, and Daily Care

French Bulldogs need 30-45 minutes daily exercise through short walks of 15-20 minutes twice daily allowing frequent breaks, gentle indoor play with toys, and minimal running or sustained activity given breathing limitations. They tire quickly from even moderate exertion, showing labored breathing, excessive panting, and distress signals requiring immediate rest. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training sessions, and enrichment activities provides important cognitive engagement without physical stress. Temperature management is critical as Frenchies overheat in temperatures above 70-75°F requiring air conditioning year-round, avoiding outdoor activity during warm weather, never leaving them in vehicles even briefly, providing constant water access, and knowing heat stroke symptoms requiring emergency cooling and veterinary intervention.

English Bulldogs require even less exercise at 15-30 minutes daily through short, leisurely walks allowing them to set pace and take frequent breaks, with many Bulldogs actively resisting longer walks or refusing to continue after 10-15 minutes. Forced exercise causes distress as their breathing limitations make sustained activity genuinely uncomfortable or impossible, and their skeletal structure creates joint stress making movement difficult particularly in overweight individuals which most English Bulldogs become without strict diet control. They prefer indoor sedentary lifestyles sleeping, watching household activity, and occasionally playing briefly before returning to their preferred resting positions. Temperature intolerance is even more extreme than Frenchies as their heavier builds, more severe breathing compromises, and lower surface-to-volume ratios make cooling even more difficult. Summer months mean indoor-only lifestyles with short bathroom breaks as sole outdoor excursions, and winter months require coats or sweaters despite their substantial size as their short coats provide minimal insulation.

Daily care for both breeds includes feeding measured portions of high-quality food preventing obesity which worsens breathing problems and joint stress, with Frenchies eating 1-1.5 cups daily costing $40-80 monthly and English Bulldogs eating 2-3 cups daily costing $60-120 monthly. Skin fold care is essential requiring daily cleaning between facial wrinkles using gentle wipes or damp cloths removing debris, checking for redness or odor indicating infections, and keeping folds dry preventing bacterial or yeast overgrowth. English Bulldogs require additional neck roll and tail pocket cleaning while Frenchies generally have fewer folds requiring less intensive maintenance though facial wrinkle care remains mandatory for both. Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks, ear cleaning weekly, teeth brushing daily, and monitoring breathing patterns, exercise tolerance, and behavior for changes indicating health problems complete routine care.

Both breeds require climate-controlled indoor living year-round as they cannot regulate body temperature adequately, making them unsuitable for outdoor or kenneled living and requiring owners to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures constantly. Travel requires planning as airlines increasingly restrict brachycephalic breeds recognizing elevated death risks during flights from compromised breathing combined with cargo hold stress, and hot destinations are completely inappropriate for vacation with Bulldogs.

Grooming, Training, and Breeding Concerns

Grooming requirements are minimal for coat maintenance as both breeds have short, smooth coats requiring weekly brushing removing loose hair and distributing skin oils, though shedding is moderate creating constant fur despite short coats. Bathing every 4-6 weeks using gentle shampoos maintains skin health without stripping natural oils. However, skin fold care represents major grooming commitment requiring daily attention preventing infections that cause pain, odor, and expensive veterinary treatment. English Bulldogs’ more extensive folds particularly neck rolls create more intensive maintenance needs than Frenchies’ primarily facial wrinkles.

Training proves easier with French Bulldogs who show better focus, motivation, and trainability compared to English Bulldogs’ legendary stubbornness making them among the most challenging breeds to train. Both require positive reinforcement using high-value treats and praise as harsh corrections create fear and resistance, but English Bulldogs frequently simply refuse to comply with commands they don’t feel like following regardless of rewards offered. House training takes 6-12 months for both breeds with many never achieving perfect reliability, particularly males who develop marking behaviors. Basic obedience is achievable with patience and consistency for Frenchies while English Bulldogs may never reliably respond to recalls or other commands requiring trust and cooperation.

Breeding difficulties raise serious ethical concerns as both breeds require artificial insemination due to anatomical limitations preventing natural mating, with females’ narrow hips and males’ body structures making natural breeding essentially impossible. Pregnancy risks are substantial and cesarean sections are required for 80-95% of French Bulldog litters and 95%+ of English Bulldog litters as puppies’ large heads cannot pass through birth canals, creating situations where breeds cannot reproduce without extensive human intervention and surgical procedures. Puppy mortality rates are elevated particularly in English Bulldogs where respiratory distress, birth complications, and other issues kill 15-20% of puppies before weaning.

These breeding challenges drive up purchase prices as breeders must recoup costs of artificial insemination ($500-1,500), prenatal care ($500-1,000), cesarean sections ($1,500-3,000), post-surgical care, and puppy care through first weeks, plus breeding dogs’ health testing and maintenance costs. More importantly, they raise fundamental questions about whether breeds requiring surgical intervention to reproduce and delivering puppies who immediately struggle breathing should continue existing in current forms or whether dramatic breeding changes reducing anatomical extremes are ethically necessary.

Costs: Purchase Prices and Lifetime Expenses

French Bulldogs command premium purchase prices driven by overwhelming demand, with reputable breeders charging $3,000-8,000+ for pet quality puppies and rare colors or champion lines reaching $10,000-20,000+. Rescue adoption costs significantly less at $400-800 though French Bulldog rescues have extensive application processes and waiting lists due to low supply. English Bulldogs from reputable breeders cost $2,500-4,000 for pet quality, with rescue adoption at $400-700.

Annual costs for French Bulldogs average $3,500-6,500 including food ($500-1,000), routine veterinary care ($700-1,500), preventive medications ($300-500), grooming supplies ($200-400), pet insurance essential ($800-1,800), training ($200-500), and supplies ($300-500). English Bulldogs cost similarly at $3,800-7,000 annually though food costs are slightly higher due to size. Major health expenses for BOAS surgery ($2,000-5,000), spinal surgery ($3,000-8,000), orthopedic corrections ($1,500-7,000), eye surgeries ($500-3,000), skin fold removal ($1,000-3,000), and emergency care add $5,000-20,000+ in years when problems occur.

Lifetime costs typically reach:

• French Bulldogs: $50,000-100,000+ over 10-12 years
• English Bulldogs: $45,000-90,000+ over 8-10 years

Pet insurance is absolutely essential for both breeds given inevitable expensive health interventions, though some policies exclude breed-specific conditions or cap annual payouts leaving owners responsible for substantial expenses despite coverage.

Decision Framework: Which Breed Fits Your Situation?

Choose French Bulldog if you:

• Want more portable, smaller dog (16-28 lbs)
• Prefer slightly more playful, energetic temperament
• Can afford higher purchase price ($3,000-8,000)
• Have apartment or small living space
• Travel frequently and want travel-friendly size
• Prefer easier training and better responsiveness
• Want slightly better health outcomes (though still poor)

Choose English Bulldog if you:

• Want more substantial size and presence (40-55 lbs)
• Prefer extremely low-energy, sedentary dogs
• Can manage extreme stubbornness during training
• Budget is tight for purchase price ($2,500-4,000)
• Want classic Bulldog appearance and personality
• Have sedentary lifestyle matching their needs
• Can commit to intensive skin fold care

Choose NEITHER breed if you:

• Cannot afford $50,000-100,000 lifetime costs
• Live in hot climate without reliable AC
• Want healthy dogs without predictable suffering
• Unprepared for respiratory crises and emergencies
• Cannot handle likely shortened lifespans (8-12 years)
• Want athletic companions for outdoor activities
• Have ethical concerns about extreme breeding practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is healthier, French or English Bulldog?
A: Neither is healthy, but French Bulldogs face slightly fewer severe problems on average. Both suffer significantly from brachycephalic issues and other conditions.

Q: Which costs less overall?
A: English Bulldogs have lower purchase prices but similar lifetime costs. Both are among the most expensive breeds to own.

Q: Which is better for apartments?
A: Both work well given low exercise needs, but French Bulldogs’ smaller size is more apartment-friendly.

Q: Which is easier to train?
A: French Bulldogs are significantly easier to train than notoriously stubborn English Bulldogs.

Q: Can either breed be left alone?
A: Both develop separation anxiety easily and struggle when left 8-10 hours. They need owners home frequently.

Q: Which is better with kids?
A: Both are excellent with children when supervised, though English Bulldogs’ size poses accidental injury risks.

Q: Do they require a lot of grooming?
A: Coat care is minimal but daily skin fold cleaning is essential for both breeds preventing infections.

Q: Are these breeds ethical to buy?
A: This is controversial. Many veterinarians and welfare organizations question whether breeding dogs with predictable suffering is ethical and encourage prospective owners to choose healthier breeds.

Q: Which breed lives longer?
A: French Bulldogs average 10-12 years vs English Bulldogs’ 8-10 years, though both lifespans are shortened by health issues.

Q: Can I avoid health problems with good breeding?
A: No. Even the best breeders cannot eliminate BOAS and other issues caused by extreme anatomy. All individuals of both breeds will face health challenges.

Both French and English Bulldogs provide loving companionship and entertaining personalities making them beloved family members, but both require extraordinary financial commitment, temperature management, emotional resilience handling health crises, and ethical consideration about whether supporting breeding practices creating predictable suffering aligns with compassionate pet ownership values. Choose wisely and be prepared for the challenges ahead. 🐕💙🐾