Frenchton Breed Information, Traits, & Characteristics

The frenchton is a cross between a French bulldog and a Boston terrier. Frenchtons are also commonly referred to as frostons, frenchbos, Boston frenchies, and faux frenchbos.

Frenchtons reach a height of14 inches, weigh between 15 to 25 pounds, and have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. These mixed dogs are known for their playful, sociable personalities and get along well with children.

Frenchtons are well-suited to apartment living because of their small stature. However, these dogs are prone to health issues, including breathing difficulties, eye disorders, and digestive problems.

Frenchtons typically cost between $900 and $3,500.

Frenchton Characteristics & Overview

Origin & Purpose

Breeders first intentionally mixed purebred French bulldogs and Boston terriers together in an effort to create a dog that had the playful temperament of a French bulldog, but was less prone to health issues. Today, the Frenchton is one of the most popular designer dogs in the world.

Understanding the parent breeds’ temperament and physical characteristics can provide more insight into this mixed breed.

French Bulldog

French bulldogs originate from England, but gained their distinctive features and personality traits in France. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1898.

French bulldogs have short, stocky bodies, bat-shaped ears, and flat faces. The dogs reach 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh under 28 pounds. Most Frenchtons inherit the French bulldog’s friendly, easygoing, and adaptable temperament.

Boston Terrier

As their name implies, Boston terriers were first bred in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1893.

Boston terriers are similar in appearance to French bulldogs. However, Boston terriers are slightly taller than French bulldogs and also have pointier ears, leaner bodies, and lack wrinkles.

Boston terriers grow to an average size of 17 inches and weigh between 12 and 25 pounds. Most Frenchtons gain the Boston terrier’s lean stature, round eyes, and amusing personality.

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of a French bulldog Boston terrier mix is 12 to 15 years. A proper diet, regular exercise, and frequent vet checkups help these dogs live long, happy lives.

Frenchtons are prone to several conditions that can shorten their lifespans, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), ear infections, and skin fold dermatitis.

Frenchton Appearance

Frenchtons are small, stocky dogs with short coats and flat faces. Most mixed-breed dogs inherit the Boston terrier’s lean, muscular stature, and the French bulldog’s bat ears.

Height and Weight

Frenchtons are considered small dogs, with a height at the withers of 11 to 14 inches and a weight of 15 to 25 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Other factors that can affect a dog’s size include age, genetics, activity level, diet, and health.

Most French bulldog boston terriers are fully grown within 14 months. At 12 weeks, a Frenchton puppy is 5 to 8 inches tall and weighs around 9 pounds.

Colors

Frenchtons are typically white, brown, black, cream, brindle, fawn, or a combination of these colors. Most of these dogs have bicolored coats, with markings around their face and chest.

The rarest French bulldog and Boston terrier coat color is merle. However, this hue isn’t recognized by the AKC and causes dogs to have an increased risk of certain health problems, including deafness.

Coat

The Frenchton has a short, single coat that sheds lightly throughout the year. The hairs are smooth, glossy, and fine.

Despite minimal shedding, these mixed dogs aren’t considered hypoallergenic, as their fur traps dander easily.

Facial Features

Frenchtons are considered brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have short noses, flat faces, and protruding lower jaws. Some dogs inherit the French bulldog’s loose wrinkles and folds, but most have smooth skin like the Boston terrier. Eyes are round, set wide apart, and sit low on the face.

Frenchton Personality and Temperament

Based on the AKC’s temperament guide, French bulldogs are adaptable, alert, and playful, while Boston terriers are intelligent, friendly, and lively. Frenchtons can inherit a combination of these personality traits.

While each mixed breed dog is unique, most Frenchtons are affectionate, gentle, and get along well with children. Frenchtons are well-suited to apartment-living, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Frenchtons are relatively easy to train, though some dogs can have a stubborn streak. Early socialization and training helps these dogs grow into well-behaved, outgoing adults.

Avoid leaving Frenchtons alone for long periods. These dogs are prone to separation anxiety and may engage in destructive behaviors to relieve stress, like excessive barking.

Barking

The Frenchton breed has a low barking tendency. With proper socialization, most Frenchtons only bark if they’re playing, in distress, or to alert their owners.

Frenchton Care

While small and gentle, Frenchtons are relatively difficult to look after because they’re prone to health problems. Frequent vet checkups, a nutritious, well-balanced diet, and daily exercise help these dogs stay in good health.

Food Needs

Adult Frenchtons require ½ to 2½ cups of food per day split into two separate meals, with portion size depending on energy level, size, metabolism, and age. Puppies need more food to support their growth and should be fed three to four times per day. Avoid free feeding Frenchtons because they often over eat, making them prone to obesity.

Grooming Needs

Frenchtons have smooth, short hair that isn’t prone to tangles, so they don’t need frequent grooming. Brush these dogs weekly to keep their coats glossy and free of debris, skin, and dirt, and wash them every one to two months with pet-friendly, hypoallergenic shampoo.

Clean a Frenchton’s teeth daily and trim the nails if they make an audible clicking noise against the floor. Skin folds should be wiped regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, harmful bacteria, and yeast.

Examine the mixed breed’s ears every week because the dog is prone to ear infections.

Exercise Needs

As low to moderate energy dogs, Frenchtons need up to an hour of exercise per day, split into two to three small, separate walks.

Avoid walking Boston terrier and French bulldog mixes in high temperatures because the dogs are prone to overheating. In the summer, keep to cool, shaded areas and ensure these dogs always have access to fresh water.

Mental Needs

Daily mental stimulation helps Frenchtons stay happy and prevents unwanted behaviors like barking, scratching, and chewing. Provide at least 30 minutes of mental stimulation per day, in the form of interactive games, training, puzzle toys, and scent work.

Common Health Concerns

Frenchtons are prone to the health conditions commonly experienced by their parent breeds, such as BOAS, intervertebral disc disease, skin fold dermatitis, and patella luxation. Regular vet checkups are vital because of this mixed breed’s susceptibility to health problems.

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Respiratory problems that occur due to a brachycephalic breed’s anatomy. Symptoms include snorting, retching, vomiting, and weak heat tolerance. BOAS can be treated with surgery and lifestyle changes

• Intervertebral disc disease (IDD): When a dog’s spinal disc ruptures or herniates. Symptoms include pain, mobility problems, panting, and posture changes. Treatment for IDD involves medication, physiotherapy, exercise reduction, and rest

• Skin fold dermatitis: An infection that happens within a dog’s skin folds. Caused by friction and a harmful buildup of yeast or bacteria. Symptoms include redness, swelling, sores, scratching, and a foul smell. Skin fold dermatitis is treatable with topical medications

• Patella luxation: When the kneecap moves out of its proper place. Symptoms include lameness, stiffness, and joint pain. Patella luxation treatment depends on severity, but can involve physiotherapy and surgery

• Ear infections: An inflammation of the outer or inner ear canal. Symptoms include redness, discharge, head tremors, and a foul smell. Ear infections are typically treated with anti-inflammatory medication and topical drops

• Dental issues: Another health problem caused by the brachycephalic breed’s anatomy. Prevent dental issues with vet checkups and by brushing the Frenchton’s teeth daily

• Heatstroke: When a dog dangerously overheats. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, seizures, shaking, and panting. Dogs with heatstroke should be cooled down safely and taken to an emergency vet

• Cataracts: When the lens of the eye becomes clouded over, causing vision problems. Cataracts can be removed with surgery

• Cherry eye: When the Frenchton’s tear gland in the third eyelid prolapses and becomes swollen. Symptoms include a red lump in the corner, pain, dryness, and discharge. Cherry eye treatment typically involves surgery and lubricant medication

• Hip dysplasia: A hip joint deformity that causes symptoms such as bunny hopping, limping, lameness, popping noises, and abnormal posture when sitting. Hip dysplasia is treated with surgery, joint supplements, physiotherapy, and weight management

• Digestive issues: Frenchtons often have sensitive stomachs and food allergies, making the dogs prone to digestive issues. Test for food sensitivities at the veterinarian, and avoid feeding these dogs human foods. Serving meals in a slow feeder bowl can also aid digestion

Frenchton Training

Frenchtons are moderately difficult to train. While intelligent, these dogs are known for their stubbornness and like to do things their own way. Keep training sessions short, use high-value rewards, and incorporate a clicker to tackle stubborn behavior.

Training should begin as soon as the Frenchton puppy arrives home. Begin with name training, crate training, housebreaking, and then gradually introduce basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

Frenchton puppies should also be socialized, which involves exposing them to all kinds of environments, sounds, animals, and people, to increase their confidence.

Frenchton Price

Frenchtons are expensive compared to most mixed breeds. Not only is the initial purchase cost high, but these dogs often have health issues that can involve a lot of expensive vet trips.

Buying a puppy from a breeder is more expensive than adopting an older dog from a rescue shelter.

How Much Is a Frenchton?

A French bulldog Boston terrier typically costs between $900 and $3,500 on average, with the exact price depending on age, appearance, breeder, and lineage.

Frenchton puppies from reputable breeders cost the most, while rescuing a full grown Frenchton can cost as little as $150. Only buy from breeders that can provide the parent dogs’ health clearances.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Frenchton?

While the monthly cost of a Frenchton is relatively low, around $60 to $120 per month, this cost can become significantly more if health problems arise. Other expenses that can increase the cost of ownership include pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, and puppy classes.

Is a Frenchton Right for You?

The Frenchton has a big personality packed in a small size. However, certain traits, such as the dog’s potential stubborn streak and proneness to health issues can be difficult for all types of owners to handle.

Frenchtons are Suitable for:

Frenchtons are gentle, affectionate, and get along well with children, making these dogs ideal for families. Frenchtons are also suitable for apartments because of their adaptable nature and small size.

Frenchtons thrive with an owner who is committed to training, exercises daily, and can give a dog lots of attention throughout the day.

Frenchtons are NOT Suitable for:

Frenchtons are prone to several health issues, so they’re not ideal for people who can’t afford the potentially high cost of care. Frenchtons also aren’t suitable for owners who lead inactive lifestyles, have mobility issues, or work long hours.

First-time dog owners should avoid this mixed breed as Frenchtons are known to be stubborn without proper training and socialization.