Boston Terrier vs Bulldog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
VS
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
Quick Answer
Choose Boston Terrier if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Bulldog if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Boston Terrier
Attribute
Bulldog
small
Size
medium
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Height
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Better11–15 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better4/5
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
Better2/5
Shedding
3/5
Better1/5
Grooming
2/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
Better3/5
Health
1/5
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — Boston Terrier or Bulldog? Health Compared
Boston Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Better11–15
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs1/5
Life expectancy favors the Boston Terrier: 11–15 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Boston Terrier.
Boston Terrier vs Bulldog: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$4,000, while a Boston Terrier is $600–$2,000.
Boston Terrier vs Bulldog: Training and Intelligence
Boston Terrier is generally easier to train.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Trainability
Better4/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
Better4/5
vs2/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Boston Terrier's trainability score of 4/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family and Social Compatibility: Boston Terrier vs Bulldog
Boston Terrier is better suited for families with children.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Boston Terrier has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Boston Terrier's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Boston Terrier vs Bulldog: Size and Coat
Bulldog is the larger breed; Boston Terrier is more compact.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs18–25
Height (cm)
38–43
vs31–40
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Bulldog stands 31–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Boston Terrier at 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs).
Boston Terrier and Bulldog Temperament: What to Expect
Bulldog is calmer; Boston Terrier is more energetic.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Playfulness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Boston Terrier — an American breed — has a friendly, lively and intelligent disposition.
Boston Terrier vs Bulldog: Energy and Exercise Compared
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Boston Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Boston Terrier.
Which Sheds More — Boston Terrier or Bulldog? Grooming Compared
Bulldog sheds more; Boston Terrier is easier to maintain.
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Shedding
Better2/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs2/5
The Bulldog sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Boston Terrier (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Boston Terrier has a slight edge.
Summary and Final Take: Boston Terrier or Bulldog?
The Boston Terrier comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), less shedding (2/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Boston Terrier is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Boston Terrier and Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Boston Terrier is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Boston Terrier by roughly $600/year.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Boston Terriers cost roughly $600 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Boston Terrier or Bulldog?
The Boston Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. The Boston Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Boston Terrier or Bulldog easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the Bulldog's 2/5. The Boston Terrier is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Boston Terrier or Bulldog?
A Boston Terrier puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,600 for the Bulldog. The Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Boston Terriers or Bulldogs live longer?
The Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Bulldog lives 8–10 years. The Boston Terrier generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Boston Terrier or Bulldog live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Bulldog (5/5). The Boston Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.