Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Instantly recognizable by their egg-shaped head, Bull Terriers are muscular, mischievous, and full of personality. They are clownish, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining companions.
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Bull Terrier if you want better health. Choose French Bulldog if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Bull Terrier
Attribute
French Bulldog
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Bull Terrier needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Bull Terrier demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (4/5).
Bull Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 11–14 years for the Bull Terrier and 10–12 years for the French Bulldog. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Bull Terrier is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Bull Terrier tips the scales at 22–32 kg (49–71 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
French Bulldog is calmer; Bull Terrier is more energetic.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Bull Terrier and French Bulldog bring very different personalities to the table. Bull Terriers are playful, mischievous and exuberant, while French Bulldogs tend to be playful, adaptable and affectionate.
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The French Bulldog has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the French Bulldog's playful temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Bull Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,200–$3,500 for a Bull Terrier versus $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bull Terrier
French Bulldog
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (2/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a kid-friendly dog.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Bull Terrier and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bull Terrier if...
Choose French Bulldog if...
Looking for more options?
The French Bulldog is generally better with children, scoring 4/5 compared to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The French Bulldog is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The Bull Terrier is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the French Bulldog. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Bull Terrier puppy costs $1,200–$3,500 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,260 for the Bull Terrier and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The French Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
The Bull Terrier lives 11–14 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The Bull Terrier generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Bull Terrier (3/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.