French Bulldog vs Newfoundland
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
French Bulldog
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.
VS
Newfoundland
A sweet-natured giant bred for water rescue, the Newfoundland is often called a 'nanny dog' for their exceptional gentleness with children. They are strong swimmers and devoted family protectors.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Newfoundland if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Newfoundland
small
Size
giant
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
45–70 kg (99–154 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
63–74 cm (25–29 in)
Better10–12 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
3/5
Trainability
4/5Better
3/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better2/5
Shedding
5/5
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
Better5/5
Apartment
1/5
2/5
Health
2/5
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$1,500–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
French Bulldog and Newfoundland: Size and Appearance Compared
Newfoundland is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs45–70
Height (cm)
28–33
vs63–74
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Newfoundland tips the scales at 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
Exercise Needs: French Bulldog vs Newfoundland
Newfoundland needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs1/5
The Newfoundland needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have low to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Newfoundland.
Grooming Differences: French Bulldog and Newfoundland
Newfoundland sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Shedding
Better2/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Newfoundland is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Which Costs More to Own — French Bulldog or Newfoundland?
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380 ✓
Newfoundland
Avg. Purchase$2,250
Annual Food$1,080
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$300
Annual Total$2,080
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog versus $1,500–$3,000 for a Newfoundland. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Family Fit: French Bulldog vs Newfoundland With Kids and Other Pets
Newfoundland is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Newfoundland has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Newfoundland's sweet temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Temperament: French Bulldog vs Newfoundland
Newfoundland is calmer; French Bulldog is more energetic.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Playfulness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A French Bulldog greets the world with a playful attitude, whereas a Newfoundland leans more toward a sweet approach.
Health Profile: French Bulldog and Newfoundland Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
French Bulldog
Newfoundland
Lifespan (years)
Better10–12
vs8–10
Health Robustness
2/5
vs2/5
The lifespan difference is significant. French Bulldogs live 10–12 years on average, while Newfoundlands live 8–10 years.
Which Is Easier to Train — French Bulldog or Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Newfoundland tends to catch on a bit faster.
Summary: French Bulldog or Newfoundland?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Newfoundland are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Newfoundland sheds considerably more, French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the French Bulldog by roughly $700/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — French Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — French Bulldogs shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — French Bulldogs cost roughly $700 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Newfoundland if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Newfoundlands tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Newfoundland is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Newfoundland easier to train?
The Newfoundland is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the French Bulldog's 3/5. The Newfoundland's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Newfoundland?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Newfoundland costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $2,080 for the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland costs more to maintain annually.
Do French Bulldogs or Newfoundlands live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The French Bulldog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Newfoundland live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Newfoundland (1/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.