Frenchton
An affectionate, easygoing French Bulldog–Boston Terrier cross popular as a companion. Often a little longer-nosed than a Frenchie, but both parents are flat-faced, so breathing risk varies depending on which parent they take after.
Frenchton scorecard
Overview
The Frenchton is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a French Bulldog with a Boston Terrier. It is a compact, muscular, affectionate companion dog, popular for combining the French Bulldog's charm with the slightly more athletic, longer-muzzled Boston Terrier in the hope of a sturdier, easier-breathing dog. Typical adults stand around 28-36 cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 7-11 kg.
Honesty is essential here: the Frenchton is not recognised by The Kennel Club or the FCI, has no breed standard and no registry, and varies between individuals. Critically, both parent breeds are flat-faced (brachycephalic), so while the cross is sometimes promoted as healthier, brachycephalic risks are very much part of its inheritance. The dog you get is a blend of two well-documented brachycephalic companion breeds, not a guaranteed escape from their health concerns.
Good to know — a Frenchton is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Frenchton is a modern designer cross without a long documented history, created as part of the demand for French Bulldog companions, sometimes with the stated aim of moderating the Frenchie's extreme conformation by crossing to the Boston Terrier. Its background is understood through its parents. The French Bulldog descends from small bulldogs taken from England to France in the nineteenth century, becoming a hugely popular flat-faced companion in the Kennel Club Utility group. The Boston Terrier is an American companion breed, the tuxedo-marked "American Gentleman", described as friendly, lively, adaptable and an easy first dog, though its flat face can cause breathing and heat sensitivity.
The Frenchton therefore combines two brachycephalic companion lineages. The Boston's slightly longer muzzle may, in some individuals, ease breathing relative to a typical French Bulldog, but this is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the conformation the puppy inherits.
Temperament & family fit
Frenchtons are typically friendly, affectionate, playful and people-loving, making cheerful companions that thrive on attention. Both parents are bred as companions: the French Bulldog is known for being loving, comical and adaptable, while the Boston Terrier is friendly, lively and noted for being good with children and other dogs. The result is usually a sociable, easy-going family dog that enjoys close human company.
They can be a little stubborn and clownish, and some are alert without being heavy barkers, as the Boston is generally a quiet breed. Both parents tend to dislike being left alone and can be prone to separation-related behaviour. As always, temperament varies with which parent dominates and with the individual dog, so meeting the puppy and parents and assessing character directly is more reliable than the crossbreed label.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Frenchtons are intelligent and eager to please, and they respond well to short, positive, reward-based training sessions with treats and praise. They can show a stubborn streak, so consistency and patience pay off, and early socialisation to people, dogs, handling and everyday situations helps produce a confident, well-mannered adult. Harsh methods are unnecessary and unhelpful with these sensitive companion dogs.
House-training benefits from routine and reward, and because both parents bond closely and may struggle when left, it is worth teaching independence and calm settling gradually from puppyhood to reduce the risk of separation problems. Owners should also keep training sessions short and avoid over-exertion in warm conditions, given the flat-faced anatomy.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Frenchton typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Frenchtons have a short, smooth, low-maintenance coat that is easy to brush, though they do shed and are not non-shedding. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and manages loose hair. Both parents can have facial wrinkles or skin folds, which must be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infection. Routine care also includes checking the eyes (prominent eyes are vulnerable), keeping ears clean, regular nail trimming and consistent dental care.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
A Frenchton should be fed a complete, quality diet suited to its size, age and activity, with portions measured to maintain a lean body condition. Flat-faced breeds carry extra weight poorly because excess fat further compromises already-restricted breathing, so weight control is a genuine welfare priority. Treats should be limited and counted, scraps avoided, body condition monitored with your vet, fresh water always available and diet changes made gradually. Some flat-faced dogs eat quickly and may swallow air, so slow-feeder bowls can help.
Frenchton health & costs
Before bringing a Frenchton home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed of two brachycephalic parents, the Frenchton's most significant health consideration is breathing. Both the French Bulldog and the Boston Terrier are flat-faced, so a Frenchton can readily inherit Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), with noisy, laboured breathing, exercise and heat intolerance, and difficulty regulating temperature. The cross does not guarantee a healthier airway, and buyers should prioritise good breathing in the puppy and both parents above appearance.
Beyond the airway, both parents share other risks the Frenchton can inherit: prominent eyes prone to injury and ulceration, skin-fold dermatitis, allergies and skin problems, spinal conditions such as intervertebral disc disease and hemivertebrae, and patella luxation. Brachycephalic breeds also have higher anaesthetic and birthing risks. Lifespan is commonly cited at around 11-14 years. Choosing a responsibly bred puppy with moderate conformation, plus weight control and vigilant veterinary care, gives the best chance of a healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - both flat-faced parents make narrowed airways likely; signs include noisy, laboured breathing and heat intolerance, and severe cases may need surgery
- Eye conditions - prominent eyes are prone to injury, corneal ulcers and dryness; protect from trauma and seek prompt veterinary care for any change
- Skin-fold dermatitis and allergies - facial folds and sensitive skin can become sore or infected; regular cleaning and veterinary management help
- Intervertebral disc disease and hemivertebrae - spinal abnormalities seen in both parent breeds can cause pain or weakness; watch for back pain or hind-limb problems
- Patella luxation - a slipping kneecap can cause a skipping gait or lameness and sometimes needs surgery
- Heat stroke - flat-faced dogs overheat easily and cannot cool efficiently; avoid exercise in warm, humid weather and never leave them in hot environments
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Frenchton; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Frenchton puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Frenchton
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, sociable and apartment-friendly
- Low grooming, low barking companion
Things to consider
- Can inherit brachycephalic breathing problems
- Sensitive to heat and exercise tolerance varies
Compare the Frenchton
See how the Frenchton measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Frenchton?
A Frenchton is a small designer crossbreed created by mating a French Bulldog with a Boston Terrier. It's a compact, muscular, affectionate companion dog bred to combine the French Bulldog's charm with the Boston Terrier's slightly longer muzzle. It is not recognised by The Kennel Club or FCI, has no breed standard, and varies between individuals.
How big does a Frenchton get when fully grown?
A fully grown Frenchton is a small dog, typically standing around 28–36 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 7–11 kg. As an unstandardised crossbreed, size varies between individuals depending on which parent the puppy takes after, so use these figures as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Are Frenchtons healthier than French Bulldogs?
Not necessarily. Both the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier are flat-faced (brachycephalic), so a Frenchton can readily inherit Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), with noisy, laboured breathing and heat intolerance. The cross does not guarantee a healthier airway. Prioritise good breathing in both the puppy and its parents above appearance.
What health problems do Frenchtons have?
The most significant concern is breathing, as both parents are brachycephalic. Frenchtons may also inherit prominent eyes prone to injury and ulceration, skin-fold dermatitis, allergies, spinal conditions such as IVDD and hemivertebrae, and patella luxation. They also carry higher anaesthetic and birthing risks. Choose a responsibly bred puppy with moderate conformation and keep weight controlled.
How much exercise does a Frenchton need?
Frenchtons need only modest daily exercise, typically short walks and play, with mental stimulation just as valuable. Because they're flat-faced they can overheat quickly, so limit activity in warm or humid weather and walk during cooler parts of the day. Watch for noisy or laboured breathing and rest at the first sign of difficulty.
Do Frenchtons shed and how much grooming do they need?
Frenchtons have a short, smooth, low-maintenance coat, but they do shed and are not non-shedding. Weekly brushing manages loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Any facial wrinkles or skin folds must be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infection, and routine care includes eye checks, ear cleaning, nail trimming and dental care.
Are Frenchtons good family dogs?
Yes. Frenchtons are typically friendly, affectionate, playful and people-loving, and their adaptable nature usually makes them good with children and other pets when well socialised. They suit flats and family homes alike. They are companion dogs that want to be with their people and often dislike being left alone for long periods.
Can Frenchtons be left alone?
Not for long. Both parent breeds bond closely and tend to dislike being left, so Frenchtons can be prone to separation-related behaviour. It helps to teach independence and calm settling gradually from puppyhood. They fit best with someone around for much of the day rather than a household out for long hours.
Are Frenchtons good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Frenchtons tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Frenchton need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Frenchton needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Frenchtons shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Frenchtons easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Frenchtons are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Frenchtons bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Frenchtons good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Frenchtons suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Frenchton can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) - breed information for the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, and brachycephalic health guidance (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/)
- PDSA - flat-faced (brachycephalic) dog health and heat-stroke advice (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice)
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass - research on French Bulldog and brachycephalic breed health and BOAS (https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass)
- British Veterinary Association (BVA) - brachycephalic dog welfare campaign and guidance (https://www.bva.co.uk)
- Blue Cross - advice on flat-faced breeds and choosing a dog (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice)
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.