French Bulldog vs English Bulldog: Key Differences Explained

They share a name, a flat face, and a stocky build, but French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are surprisingly different dogs. If you are drawn to the bulldog look but not sure which breed fits your life, you are not alone. These two breeds attract very different owners for very different reasons.

This guide covers everything from size and temperament to health concerns and cost of ownership, so you can make an informed decision.

TL;DR

French Bulldogs are smaller, more playful, and slightly healthier. English Bulldogs are stockier, calmer, and more laid-back. Both have flat-face (brachycephalic) health concerns, but English Bulldogs typically have more severe health issues and shorter lifespans. If you want a compact, energetic companion for apartment living, the Frenchie is your dog. If you want a calm, dignified couch companion and you are prepared for higher vet bills, the English Bulldog may be the one.

At a Glance

The numbers tell part of the story. The English Bulldog is nearly twice the weight of a French Bulldog, but lives two to four years less on average. Let us look at the full picture.

History and Origins

English Bulldogs

The English Bulldog has one of the most dramatic origin stories in the dog world. Originally bred in 13th-century England for bull-baiting, a brutal blood sport where dogs were set upon a tethered bull, these dogs were selected for their powerful jaws, low centre of gravity, and fearless temperament. When bull-baiting was banned in 1835, breeders pivoted. They began selecting for gentler temperaments, transforming the Bulldog from a fighter into a companion. The result is the stocky, wrinkled, surprisingly gentle dog we know today.

French Bulldogs

The French Bulldog's story begins in England too, but takes a detour through France. During the Industrial Revolution, lace workers in Nottingham favoured miniature bulldogs as lap warmers and companions. When the lace industry moved to northern France, the workers brought their small bulldogs with them. In France, these dogs were crossed with local ratters and terriers, developing the distinctive bat ears that are now the breed's signature feature. By the late 1800s, the French Bulldog had become a favourite of Parisian cafe society, artists, and the fashionable set.

Size and Appearance

This is the most obvious difference between the two breeds, and it matters more than you might think for day-to-day life.

English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs are substantial dogs. Males typically weigh 50 lbs and females around 40 lbs, packed into a low, wide frame. They have a broad chest, thick limbs, a massive head with pronounced wrinkles, and the classic underbite. Their body type is best described as a tank on short legs. They are heavy, dense, and surprisingly strong.

That weight has practical implications. An English Bulldog is difficult to lift if they need to be carried (say, to a vet table or into a car). They also put significant stress on their joints simply by moving around, which contributes to their orthopedic issues.

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are compact and muscular, but much lighter. At 16 to 28 lbs, they are easy to pick up, carry, and travel with. Their most distinctive feature is their large, upright bat ears, which give them an alert, almost comical expression. They have a shorter, more proportionate face than the English Bulldog, though they are still brachycephalic.

Frenchies are genuinely portable dogs. They fit comfortably on a lap, in a carrier, or in the cabin of an airplane (though flying with any brachycephalic breed carries risks). Their size makes them ideal for apartment living.

Temperament

Both bulldogs are affectionate, loyal, and bonded to their people, but they express it in different ways.

English Bulldogs: The Dignified Companion

English Bulldogs are calm, steady, and surprisingly dignified. They are not lazy exactly, but they are deeply committed to conserving energy. An English Bulldog will happily spend an entire afternoon on the sofa, occasionally shifting position to follow a sunbeam across the floor. They are loyal to a fault and form deep bonds with their families.

English Bulldogs are also famously stubborn. Once they decide they do not want to do something, whether it is walking in a particular direction, getting off the couch, or entering the bath, good luck changing their mind. This stubbornness is part of their charm, but it can be frustrating during training.

Despite their tough appearance, English Bulldogs are gentle with children. Their patience and tolerance make them excellent family dogs, and their low energy level means they are unlikely to knock over a toddler during a zoomie session (because zoomie sessions are rare).

French Bulldogs: The Playful Clown

French Bulldogs are more animated than their English cousins. They are playful, affectionate, and genuinely funny. Frenchies have a clownish streak and seem to enjoy making their owners laugh. They will zoom around the house, play with toys, and engage in bursts of enthusiastic activity before collapsing for a nap.

Frenchies are also slightly more energetic and alert. They make surprisingly good watchdogs, not because they are aggressive, but because they are attentive and will bark to alert you to visitors or unusual sounds.

Like English Bulldogs, Frenchies can be stubborn. But they are generally more eager to please and respond better to training, especially when treats are involved. They are social dogs who thrive on human interaction and do not do well when left alone for long periods.

Exercise Needs

Neither bulldog breed is going to be your running partner. Both are low-exercise breeds, primarily because their brachycephalic anatomy makes intense physical activity difficult and potentially dangerous.

English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs need 20 to 30 minutes of gentle exercise per day. Short walks, casual play sessions, and a bit of sniffing around the garden are usually sufficient. They overheat quickly and can have serious breathing difficulties during exertion, so exercise should always be kept mild and monitored.

In hot weather, English Bulldogs should be kept indoors in air conditioning. Heat stroke is a genuine and life-threatening risk for this breed. Even moderate temperatures (above 25 degrees Celsius) can be dangerous.

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are slightly more active and can handle 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise daily. They enjoy short walks, play sessions, and indoor games. Some Frenchies are surprisingly agile and enjoy activities like fetch or tug-of-war.

Like English Bulldogs, Frenchies are heat-sensitive and should not exercise in warm weather. They are also not natural swimmers. Their heavy front end and short legs make swimming difficult, and many Frenchies will sink rather than swim. Never leave a French Bulldog unattended near water.

Health Considerations

This is the most important section of this guide. Both breeds have significant health concerns, and prospective owners need to understand what they are signing up for.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Both breeds are brachycephalic, meaning they have shortened skulls and compressed airways. This causes a range of breathing difficulties collectively known as BOAS. Symptoms include snoring, snorting, difficulty breathing during exercise, and in severe cases, collapse. Many bulldogs require surgery (soft palate resection, nostril widening) to breathe more comfortably.

English Bulldog Health Concerns

English Bulldogs are, unfortunately, one of the least healthy purebred dog breeds. Common issues include:

• Severe BOAS: English Bulldogs often have more compressed airways than Frenchies
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Their heavy build puts enormous stress on their joints
• Skin fold infections: Their deep wrinkles trap moisture and bacteria, requiring daily cleaning
• Cherry eye: A prolapsed third eyelid gland that often requires surgery
• Intervertebral disc disease: Spinal issues that can cause pain and mobility problems
• Heart conditions: Including pulmonic stenosis
• Difficulty with natural birth: The vast majority of English Bulldogs are delivered via caesarean section due to their large heads and narrow birth canals

The average English Bulldog lifespan is 8 to 10 years, and veterinary costs over their lifetime can be substantial.

French Bulldog Health Concerns

French Bulldogs are somewhat healthier than English Bulldogs, but they are not without issues:

• BOAS: Present but often less severe than in English Bulldogs
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Frenchies are particularly prone to spinal disorders due to their compact build
• Allergies: Skin and food allergies are common
• Eye issues: Including cherry eye and corneal ulcers
• Ear infections: Their bat ears can trap debris
• Patellar luxation: Kneecap dislocation

French Bulldogs also frequently require caesarean sections for birth. Their average lifespan of 10 to 12 years is meaningfully longer than the English Bulldog.

A Note on Ethical Breeding

Both breeds have been the subject of significant debate in the veterinary community. The extreme features that define them (flat faces, heavy wrinkles, compact bodies) are the same features that cause their health problems. If you choose either breed, it is essential to find a responsible breeder who prioritises health testing, moderate features, and open airways over extreme breed characteristics.

Training

Both bulldogs are intelligent but stubborn. Training requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humour.

English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs are notoriously stubborn. They will learn commands, they will understand exactly what you are asking, and they will sometimes choose to ignore you entirely. Training sessions should be short (5 to 10 minutes), positive, and treat-based. Harsh corrections will not work and may cause them to shut down completely.

Socialisation is important for English Bulldogs, as they can be territorial and wary of strangers if not exposed to a variety of people and situations early on.

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are slightly more eager to please than English Bulldogs, which makes training marginally easier. They are still stubborn, but they are more motivated by attention and treats. Short, fun training sessions work best. Frenchies respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn a surprising number of commands and tricks when properly motivated.

Both breeds benefit from early socialisation and puppy training classes. Neither breed responds well to punishment-based training methods.

Cost

Both bulldog breeds are expensive to own, but for slightly different reasons.

Purchase Price

• French Bulldogs: ,000 to ,000 AUD from a reputable breeder. Rare colours can command even higher prices.
• English Bulldogs: ,500 to ,000 AUD from a reputable breeder. The high price reflects the cost of artificial insemination and caesarean sections that are typically required for breeding.

Ongoing Costs

English Bulldogs are generally more expensive to maintain due to higher veterinary costs. Budget for:

• Regular skin fold cleaning supplies and potential treatment for infections
• Higher likelihood of surgical interventions (BOAS surgery, cherry eye repair, joint surgery)
• Potential specialist consultations
• Higher pet insurance premiums (both breeds attract elevated premiums, but English Bulldogs are typically more expensive to insure)

French Bulldogs have lower average vet costs than English Bulldogs, but they are still more expensive to maintain than most breeds. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.

Lifetime Cost Comparison

A rough estimate for lifetime veterinary costs (excluding routine care) is ,000 to ,000 AUD for a French Bulldog and ,000 to ,000 AUD or more for an English Bulldog. These figures can vary dramatically depending on the individual dog's health.

Which Bulldog Is Right for You?

Choose a French Bulldog if:

• You live in an apartment or smaller home
• You want a more playful, energetic companion
• You prefer a smaller, more portable dog
• You want a breed with a somewhat longer lifespan
• You want slightly lower (though still significant) veterinary costs
• You enjoy a dog with a sense of humour and a playful personality

Choose an English Bulldog if:

• You want a calm, low-energy companion who is happy to lounge
• You have experience with the breed and understand the health commitments
• You have young children and want an extremely patient, tolerant dog
• You prefer a larger, more substantial dog
• You are prepared for potentially high veterinary costs
• You value a dog with a dignified, steady temperament

FAQ

Which bulldog breed is healthier?

French Bulldogs are generally healthier than English Bulldogs, though neither breed is considered robust by veterinary standards. French Bulldogs have fewer structural extremes and typically live two to four years longer. However, both breeds are prone to brachycephalic issues, skin problems, and joint concerns. Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs is the single most important step you can take.

Can bulldogs be left alone?

Both breeds can tolerate being alone for four to six hours, but neither thrives in isolation. French Bulldogs are particularly prone to separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone too long. English Bulldogs are more independent but still prefer company. If you work long hours, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a pet sitter to break up the day.

Which bulldog is better with children?

Both breeds are good with children, but they excel in different ways. English Bulldogs are more patient and tolerant, making them excellent companions for younger children who might accidentally be rough. However, their size means they could inadvertently knock over a small toddler. French Bulldogs are more playful and interactive, making them great companions for older children who want a dog to play with. Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, regardless of breed.

Are bulldogs high maintenance?

Yes, both breeds require more maintenance than many people expect. Daily care includes cleaning skin folds (especially around the face and tail), monitoring for breathing difficulties, checking ears, and cleaning facial wrinkles. Neither breed tolerates heat well, so you will need to manage their environment carefully. English Bulldogs are higher maintenance overall due to their deeper wrinkles and more severe health concerns.

Which breed is more expensive?

English Bulldogs typically cost more in both purchase price and lifetime veterinary costs. Their more extreme physical features lead to more frequent and more serious health issues. Both breeds often require caesarean section births, which increases purchase prices. French Bulldogs are less expensive overall, but they are still among the more costly breeds to own. Budget carefully and invest in comprehensive pet insurance for either breed.