Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
A miniature sighthound with the elegance of a Greyhound in a toy-sized package. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate lap dogs that love to sprint, cuddle, and bask in warm sunlight.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want better with kids. Choose Italian Greyhound if you want less shedding and better health.
French Bulldog
Attribute
Italian Greyhound
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Italian Greyhound tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Life expectancy favors the Italian Greyhound: 14–15 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Italian Greyhound.
Italian Greyhound is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Italian Greyhound is $1,200–$3,000.
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
For families with children, the French Bulldog is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 4/5, the French Bulldog's playful nature makes it a natural family companion.
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Italian Greyhound is more compact.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Italian Greyhound measures 33–38 cm (13–15 in) and 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs). The French Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Italian Greyhound needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Italian Greyhound needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Italian Greyhound.
French Bulldog sheds more; Italian Greyhound is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The French Bulldog sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Italian Greyhound (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Italian Greyhound has a slight edge.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Trainability
Intelligence
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.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Italian Greyhound
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The French Bulldog — originally from France — has a playful, adaptable and affectionate disposition.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value better with children (4/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The French Bulldog and Italian Greyhound are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Italian Greyhound by roughly $500/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
Choose Italian Greyhound if...
Looking for more options?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Italian Greyhound's 2/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Italian Greyhound. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Italian Greyhound costs $1,200–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $850 for the Italian Greyhound. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Italian Greyhound lives 14–15 years. The Italian Greyhound tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Italian Greyhound (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.