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 confident, plucky little terrier with a bright white coat and mischievous dark eyes. Westies are loyal, entertaining companions with a sturdy build and independent streak.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly. Choose West Highland White Terrier if you want better health.
French Bulldog
Attribute
West Highland White Terrier
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
West Highland White Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. West Highland White Terriers live 13–15 years on average, while French Bulldogs live 10–12 years.
West Highland White Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
Be prepared for sticker shock: the French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the West Highland White Terrier's $800–$1,800. That's a $1,950 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
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 have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a French Bulldog, you'll notice their playful, adaptable and affectionate character in everything they do. A West Highland White Terrier, by contrast, shows a confident, loyal and entertaining nature.
West Highland White Terrier needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
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.
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
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.
Both breeds are similar in size.
French Bulldog
West Highland White Terrier
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The French Bulldog weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs) and the West Highland White Terrier weighs 6–10 kg (13–22 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
The French Bulldog comes out ahead in most categories — it's better with children (4/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the French Bulldog is the more versatile choice for most households.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The French Bulldog and West Highland White Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose French Bulldog if...
Choose West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier's 3/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier costs $800–$1,800. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,270 for the West Highland White Terrier. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the West Highland White Terrier lives 13–15 years. The West Highland White Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the West Highland White Terrier (4/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.