Frenchton Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

7-9 kg

Height

35-40 cm

Lifespan

11-15 years

Jump To

About the Frenchton

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The offspring of a French Bulldog crossed with a Boston Terrier, the Frenchton is a spirited, charming, cute as a button breed of dog. And, who knows, this dog could be everything that you are looking for in a dog companion!

Learn more about this unique little bundle of fur in our guide to the breed below.

What is the history & origin of the Frenchton?

As mentioned, the Frenchton is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog and originated in the United States in the 1990s. By the late 2000s, the breed was formally recognised.

They were specially bred to limit some of the health concerns that are found in the parents’ lineage, particularly the purebred French Bulldog, which has breathing and respiratory issues.

What is a Frenchton breed?

While they might look like Frenchies and share many of the same adorable features, these dogs are different in that they have much more stamina and fewer health difficulties.

They are short in size, strong and stocky and are very friendly around humans, especially their owners and family circle.

Their appearance is cute and comical; they have a longer snout than the Frenchie, largely beady eyes, ears not too dissimilar to a bat and a little wrinkled face.

When they are first born, Frenchton puppies have floppy ears, but once they are finished teething, these little ears stand erect, giving them an appearance much more akin to the Frenchie.

They have a variety of names and can also be known as Bulldog Terrier; Frenchie Terrier, Frenchbo, Boston Bulldog and Boston Frenchie.

They are still considered to be a rare breed of small dogs.

Who is a Frenchton best for?

These cute little guys suit a wide variety of people, from young couples, singles, the elderly and those with big families. They can live in either an apartment or a house, and they don’t always need access to a garden. The breed is just as happy with a quick daily walk to keep them trim and the rest of the day lounging at home or playing.

They are an incredibly low-maintenance breed of dog; they don’t require masses of space or exercise, but they do need someone who will be at home with them for large portions of the day.

If you work from home or are retired or have other family members that you could involve in covering their doggy daycare when you are out, then you might want to consider this friendly and fun small dog breed.

They need a lot of attention, and when they don’t get it, like many other breeds of dog, they can get a bit riotous! The same happens when they spend time on their own, which can even turn into separation anxiety in many dog breeds, including the offspring of Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs.

Frenchton Grooming & Shedding

Another great thing about the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier crossbreed is their super easy-to-manage coat. Although, like any dog, they will shed, they don’t shed too much, except in Spring. They even shed much less than their French bulldog parent.

Giving them a brush once or twice a week will suffice in keeping your home free of flying hairs and your dog looking as cute as ever. They only require a bath when they are dirty, but many owners like to give them a thorough clean in the tub once every month.

Try to get them used to having their teeth brushed a few times a week from they are young; they are much more likely to tolerate it than an adult dog who is newly introduced to the practice. Well, we told you they have a stubborn streak!

Do Frenchtons bark a lot?

It’s not so much the barking you need to worry about; the snoring can be a noise to behold all of its own! The breeds love to sleep and are very noisy at times when they do!

Thankfully, however, when it comes to barking, they aren’t known to be vocal. So, if you live in an apartment, excessive barking won’t be a problem.

But, they need enough to keep them busy because, if they get a bit fed up, they will tell you ALL about how bored they are in the form of yelps of dissatisfaction. We did tell you these are spirited little dogs!

What is the average weight & height of a Frenchton dog?

These small dogs generally weigh around 9 kg and stand between 35 -40 cm in height, although it can differ slightly depending on the age and the sex of the dog.

Are Frenchtons easy to train?

Training isn’t too much of a problem when you have the intelligent genes of the Boston and Frenchie in your blood, but it can, at times, prove slightly challenging, thanks to her independent and free-willed streak!

It might take a bit of time to train them, but it’s worth it, and it will make trips to the dog park much more enjoyable for everyone. If they think that training is a game, they are much more likely to get fully involved. Lots of praise and the occasional treat can really help!

Although the breed is happy to be largely an indoor dog, getting them socialised will mean they are not as anxious when confronted with other dogs on walks or play dates in the countryside.

How do Frenchtons behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix has bundles of pizazz and a bubbly personality. They are vibrant, energetic, loving, humorous, loyal and cuddly.

They love to snug up in bed beside their favourite humans, and they can lay on the charm thick when they want something. And, let’s face it, who could resist those big, bright puppy dog eyes staring lovingly at them?!

They can be protective of their family, but they are also little social butterflies who love the attention of strangers too! When it comes to children, they can be especially protective, but training will help curb this.

While they get on well with children, they don’t always exactly see eye to eye with other animals in the same home, in particular other dogs. However, if they are socialised from an early age, it is possible to have them join a multi-dog household.

Does the Frenchton have any common health issues?

The breed is brachycephalic, as they have a short snout that comes from the Frenchie. This can cause a host of breathing issues, like the snoring we mentioned earlier, along with trouble in keeping cool in hot weather through panting.

When the weather is warm, these mixed-breed dogs must be closely monitored and not be taken for long walks in the sun. Overheating can quickly develop into a life or death situation for the breed, so immediate medical assistance must be sought if symptoms begin to manifest.

Some other common health issues that affect the Bulldog Boston Terrier mix are:

Patellar Luxation: This joint issue can lead to dislocation of the kneecap, causing pain and mobility problems.
Skin Conditions: Frenchtons may experience itchy skin rashes, which can be uncomfortable and may require treatment.
Respiratory Difficulties: Due to their brachycephalic nature, they are prone to respiratory infections and other difficulties.

However, many Frenchtons don’t get these conditions, but it is still useful to be aware that there is a potential risk.

What is the lifespan of a Frenchton?

These dogs have a good lifespan, living for 11 -15 years. That’s quite a commitment to factor into your decision making.

How much does a Frenchton need to be fed?

Also known as the faux Boston terrier, the Frenchton breed is known for being able to easily pile on the pounds, so their daily food intake should always be carefully measured to avoid health problems from the effects of obesity.

Your vet will be able to tell you the exact dog food and the correct amount of it, so you can be sure you aren’t over or underfeeding the individual dog.

How much can you expect to pay for a Frenchton in Australia?

Like both parent breeds, the faux French Bulldog can be expensive if you buy from a reputable breeder. Frenchton puppies cost an eye-watering $2500, depending on the colour.

But, you can also check out your local animal shelters which might just have the new fur baby that you’ve been dreaming of! Be sure to check out any French Bulldog rescue centres near you too, sometimes a Frenchton puppy can be found there if you are lucky. But, do bear in mind that, overall, designer dogs can be harder to find in shelters.

Frenchton FAQs

Is a Frenchton better than a Frenchie?

It depends on what you are looking for! A Frenchie has more health issues which is why many people are more drawn towards the Frenchton. However, they both have their charms!

Are Frenchtons good family dogs?

They sure are! Frenchtons love kids and are playful, loving and protective around them. Provided a family has enough time to spend with a Frenchton to keep it happy and full of exercise and mental stimulation, they can make amazing family pets.

How do you tell the difference between a Frenchie and a Frenchton?

There is very little difference between both breeds, however, the main difference is the Frenchie has a slightly shorter snout than the Frenchton. Apart from that, they can look very similar.