Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Boston Terrier | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $30,787 | $28,769 |
| First year | $5,715 | $7,485 |
| Monthly average | $217 | $245 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,241 | $2,361 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 10 | 18 |
| Median lifespan | 11.8 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| Adult weight | 12 to 25 lb | 20 to 28 lb |
| Daily food | 1.5 cups | 1.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $180 | $180 |
| Risk profile | High, early onset | High, early onset |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Hip dysplasia |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Hip dysplasia | 13% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 5% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 3% | not priced |
| Congenital heart disease | 1% | $534–$1,438 |
| Brachycephalic airway signs | n/a | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Corneal ulceration | n/a | $469–$1,264 |
| Patellar luxation | n/a | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 33% | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Skin disease | 18% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 17% | $354–$954 |
| Ear disease | 16% | $100–$270 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Upper respiratory disease, including BOAS | 13% | $422–$1,136 |
| Eye disease | 11% | $449–$1,209 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 8% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Patellar luxation | 7% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) | 5% | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Otitis media | 4% | $100–$270 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 4% | not priced |
| Persistent vomiting | 3% | not priced |
| Food Allergy | 3% | $378–$1,017 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 3% | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Patellar luxation/Slipping kneecap | 3% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2% | $629–$1,694 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 0% | $169–$455 |
| Spinal disease including IVDD | n/a | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Common questions
Is a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog more expensive?
The French Bulldog is cheaper by about $2,018 over a lifetime. Boston Terrier: $30,787. French Bulldog: $28,769. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog?
The Boston Terrier has the longer typical lifespan. Boston Terrier: 11.8 years. French Bulldog: 9.8 years.
Which is healthier, a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Boston Terrier's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% of the breed. For the French Bulldog it is hip dysplasia, at 33%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.