English BulldogVSBoston Terrier
The English Bulldog and Boston Terrier both have flat faces and make wonderful urban companions, but they differ considerably in size, energy, and associated health costs.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | English Bulldog | Boston Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 40–50 lbs, 14–15 in | 12–25 lbs, 15–17 in |
| Energy Level | Low | ✓Moderate |
| Shedding | Moderate | ✓Low |
| Trainability | Moderate (stubborn) | ✓Good |
| Good With Kids | ✓Excellent | Good |
| Apartment Friendly | Good | ✓Excellent |
| Average Lifespan | 8–10 years | ✓11–13 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | $200–$400 | ✓$100–$180 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a English Bulldog if…
Owners wanting the iconic, low-energy lap dog with an instantly recognizable wrinkled face and calm indoor temperament.
Choose a Boston Terrier if…
Apartment owners wanting a compact, lively companion with lower health costs and a longer lifespan.
Grooming & Shedding
English Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately and needs weekly brushing. Their defining feature — facial wrinkles and skin folds — requires cleaning two to three times per week to prevent yeast and bacterial buildup. Their tail pocket and ear canals also need regular attention. Boston Terriers have a short, fine coat that sheds lightly and requires minimal brushing. Their facial wrinkle care is less intensive than the Bulldog. For overall grooming simplicity, Boston Terriers are easier to maintain day-to-day.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
English Bulldogs are calm, affectionate, and extraordinarily patient with children — their low energy and gentle nature make them wonderful family dogs for less active households. Boston Terriers are livelier, more playful, and slightly more responsive in training. Both breeds are sociable with strangers and good apartment dogs. Bulldogs are better suited to quiet, relaxed family environments; Boston Terriers fit slightly more active households. Both are brachycephalic and share heat sensitivity — outdoor activity in warm weather must be carefully managed for either breed.
Compare pet insurance for English Bulldog and Boston Terrier
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is more expensive to own?
English Bulldogs are significantly more expensive. Their extreme brachycephalic structure leads to respiratory issues, skin fold infections, joint problems, and often difficult births requiring C-sections. Veterinary costs for Bulldogs can be 2–3 times higher than for Boston Terriers over their lifetime.
Which lives longer?
Boston Terriers live considerably longer — typically 11–13 years versus 8–10 for English Bulldogs. The Bulldog extreme conformation takes a significant toll on longevity. Boston Terriers, while also brachycephalic, have a less exaggerated structure that allows for better health outcomes.
Which is better for first-time owners?
Boston Terriers are better for first-time owners. They are more trainable, healthier, longer-lived, and easier to exercise. English Bulldogs can be wonderful for first-timers willing to accept higher veterinary costs and shorter lifespan, but their health demands require careful financial planning.
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