Do you want to know what a Frenchton dog is?

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

You’re looking for a new dog to join your pack’s ranks. You don’t want a hiking buddy, and you don’t want a couch potato. You need a pup that’s somewhere in the middle (but maybe a little closer to couch potato).

Well, look no further! Also called as Frenchbo, Faux Frenchbo, Froston, Boston Frenchie, French Terrier, and Boston Bulldog, the Frenchton may be just the pooch you’ve been looking for.

What kind of dog is a Frenchton?

As a relatively new designer hybrid, the Frenchton has a fairly short but exciting history. This Boston Terrier-French Bulldog cross originated in the U.S in the 1990s with a noble purpose: to be a healthier version of the French Bulldog.

By 2009, the Frenchton gained enough popularity to be registered with the International Designer Canine Registry. Today, the Frenchton is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

But what else might the Frenchbo have inherited from its parent breeds besides a few cool nicknames? Let’s learn a little more about each one to find out.

The French Bulldog that’s not so French after all

Despite their name, French Bulldogs actually have English roots. They originated in the UK in the 1800s before making their way to France, where the breed became trendy.

When Frenchies, as they’re lovingly called, finally came to the US, the breed was further refined to have their distinguishing upright bat ears.

It’s no wonder how popular this small breed is with city dwellers. They’re one of the cutest and compact breeds to have that weighs only under 28 pounds (13 kg) and stands 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm) tall.

While French Bulldogs aren’t the healthiest of breeds and only have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, they’re known for their affectionate, loyal nature.

The all-American Boston Terrier

Did you know that the Boston Terrier is the first non-sporting dog bred in the US? This fido comes from Boston, MA, garnering the nickname The American Gentleman.

Interestingly, the Boston Terrier has distant ties to the French Bulldog. Bostons are descended from Bulldogs of yore, the ones bred to fight for sport.

The Boston Terriers we know and love today have been selectively bred to be friendly and sweet, though they’re protective and can be territorial with strange humans and dogs.

This little furry companion has a height of 15 to 17 inches and can weigh anywhere from 12 to 25 pounds. They have a well-balanced build that works well with their bouncy and rhythmic strut. Aside from being a suitable urban pet, any owner of this breed will love everything about them and enjoy 11 to 13 years together.

What do Frenchtons look like?

Boston Bulldogs can look a lot like either of their parents, so don’t be surprised if your Frenchton frequently gets mistaken for a purebred.

Perhaps, one of the Froston’s most recognizable features is their bat ears that can droop down during puppyhood but will generally stand up by the time they finish teething.

These mixed breeds have a sturdy body with a round head and flat face. Their stubby snouts are slightly longer than typical Frenchie noses, and their tails are quite short.

A Frenchton’s coat is short, shiny, and can have different combinations or shades of brown, black, white, cream, golden, or lilac. You’ll also see the occasional brindle.

Although they’re not hypoallergenic dogs, it isn’t so bad as Frenchbos are considered low shedders.

Size: How big are Boston Bulldogs?

As you might’ve guessed from their parent breeds, Faux Frenchbos are small-sized canines. On average, a full-grown French Bulldog-Boston Terrier cross will weigh 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg) and measure 11 to 16 inches (28-41 cm) at the shoulder.

Their small stature means they don’t need much space at all. With the right amount of attention and exercise, the Frenchton can be totally content as an apartment dog.

Will the Frenchton get along with the rest of your pack?

Live alone? Huge family? Mobility issues? Your Faux Frenchbo doesn’t care. With a warm, social personality, they’ll be happy in any love-filled home.

Good-natured Frostons play well with people of all ages, including young children. They’re just stocky enough that they aren’t as fragile as other small breeds, but not so big that they’ll inadvertently hurt a kid during a game of tug.

You’ll still want to keep an eye on any kiddo who wants to play with your Frenchbo. Better safe than sorry, right? 

French Terriers typically behave nicely with cats and other dogs, too. Take a look at this Frenchton puppy practicing her play manners with her Boston Terrier friend! You’re going to love the ending, trust us.

Antics like these are part of what makes the Froston a beloved companion. They’re entertaining without being overly hyper. 

Did we mention that Boston Frenchies don’t bark much? They do snore, though – a lot. Brush up on your conversation skills because they may talk or sing to you from time to time.

As much as there is to appreciate about French Terriers, every good dog has its flaws. Frenchtons love having company and can panic if they spend too much time alone. 

The last thing you want is a distressed pooch and a destroyed living room, so be prepared to reciprocate your Froston’s devotion. Owners who can’t give their pup constant companionship should consider a more independent breed.

Don’t think this means your social life has to come to a grinding halt, though. The Boston Terrier-French Bulldog mix is a great travel buddy. They’d be thrilled to be your road trip co-pilot or even just accompany you to a dog-friendly cafe.

Frenchton training tips

Your Froston’s trainability can be unpredictable. Some French Terrier owners say their dogs take to training right away, and others have more resistant, stubborn dogs. 

If your Boston Bulldog proves to be a headstrong pup, try a higher-value training reward. Motivate them with special treats they don’t get to enjoy often.

This crossbreed isn’t usually aggressive, but without proper socialization, Frenchtons can get nervous and snappy with unfamiliar dogs. To avoid this, give your pup plenty of opportunities to practice appropriate introductions and manners while they’re young.

Taking care of your Frenchbo

This crossbreed is perfect for lowkey, low-maintenance pet parents. With short fur and modest energy levels, it doesn’t take much effort to keep them healthy and happy.

You should know that Frostons don’t tolerate extremely hot or cold weather well due to their short coats and snub noses. 

Limit outside time during the hottest and coldest months. Use doggy sunscreen to protect their skin in the summer, and learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs. When it’s chilly, dress your Frenchbo in a comfortable sweater to keep him warm if it’s necessary to go outside.

How often should you groom your Froston?

The low-shedding Faux Frenchie only needs brushing once or twice a week. Keeping their teeth and ears in tip-top shape requires more of a commitment, though.

Consistent dental hygiene is critical for Boston Bulldogs. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Consider a professional doggy dental cleaning once a year to really make those pearly whites shine.

Check your fido’s ears for pests, debris, and signs of infection (like a foul smell) every day. Wipe them with a warm, damp cloth as needed. If you notice anything amiss, make an appointment with your vet.

Nail trims and baths can happen more infrequently. If you hear your dog’s claws tap-tap-tapping while they walk, it’s time for a puppy pedicure.

Save shampooing your pooch for when it’s necessary, as over-washing can irritate their skin. If you prefer a less dog-smelling pet, you can wipe down your Frenchton when they get a little dirty rather than giving them a full-on shower.

How much energy do French Terriers have?

If you don’t enjoy exercise, you’ll be in good company with a Frenchton by your side. Think of exercising your Boston Bulldog as more of a sprint instead of a marathon. We’re talking spurts of energy here, not all-day play. These dogs tire out quickly, so one hour a day should suffice.

Your Faux Frenchbo’s inquisitive, determined nature increases the temptation to trot off on their own adventure, so stick with on-leash walks and fenced-in activities.

No swimming for this breed! Inherited breathing difficulties mean that Frenchtons can easily overexert themselves. This can lead to drowning. A small kiddie pool or a few rounds of tag with the water hose are much safer options for the Frenchton. 

Diet: The best food for Frenchtons

Frenchbos will scarf down dry or wet dog food, but wet food can lead to poor dental hygiene. Your best bet is high-quality dry kibbles that are full of protein.

Look for dog food formulated for small breeds with a moderate energy level.

Boston Bulldogs should eat 1 to 2 cups of food daily, spread out over two meals. Aside from feeding your canine friend based on his size and activity level, it should also be appropriate for his age and health.

Does the Frenchton have any health issues?

The French Bulldog-Boston Terrier mix is likely to stick around for a while. They have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years! 

But let’s be totally honest here: Frenchies and Boston Terriers aren’t exactly known for their health or stamina. They can pass any number of health problems onto their purebred and mixed breed offspring.

One of these conditions is the cherry eye, a condition in which your dog’s third eyelid protrudes. Because of the Frenchton’s facial structure, their eyes are also more likely to bulge. This increases the risk of eye infections.

You might notice your Froston wheezing or panting, even if they’re just hanging around the house. These are signs that they’re having trouble breathing correctly.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome, as these breathing issues are called, is common in short-muzzled fidos, so don’t panic. This condition can be severe and could require surgery, though. If you think your dog has any respiratory problems, check in with your vet ASAP.

Your Frenchbo may not enjoy walks through the park if they have breathing trouble, but that makes keeping them at a healthy weight, which is much more vital.

Packed-on pounds can worsen this hybrid’s breathing issues, damage their joints, and possibly shorten their lifespan. Stick to a feeding schedule to stave off obesity and to keep your pup in prime condition.

Digestive issues, eczema, and dermatitis are other potential concerns. The best way to keep your Froston healthy for as long as possible is to schedule regular vet visits, avoid overfeeding, and give them plenty of rest after exercising.

Where to buy Frenchton puppies

One of the most important questions you’ll ask during your puppy search is, how much will this dog cost? For a Frenchbo puppy, you could spend anywhere from $500 up to $3500 with a breeder.

Seems like a hefty price tag? It is. Due to their narrow hips, breeding French Bulldogs and their crosses is notoriously tricky and can be dangerous for the female Frenchies. As a result, these puppies cost a pretty penny.

Rescuing a pup is usually the more economical choice compared to going through a breeder. There are pros and cons to each option, however. Read through our advice for both choices so you can decide which is best for you.

Frenchton breeders

Finding a kennel or breeder with Boston Terrier-Frenchie crosses is easy. Doing your due diligence is the hard part.

Start by writing down a list of questions to ask breeders, as well as a few dealbreakers. These will help you eliminate untrustworthy kennels and focus on the most promising ones. 

At the very least, you’ll want to visit breeders in person and meet your future Frenchton and their parents. Ask to see the health certificates for the parent pooches, and check out the breeder’s reviews.

You may see puppy sellers talking about F1 or F1b Frenchtons. This sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple.

F1 or first-generation means that your Frenchbo’s parents are purebreds. F1b means that an F1 Frenchton was bred with a French Bulldog, resulting in a dog that’s ¾ Frenchie, ¼ Boston (approximately). F1b Frenchtons are common, though it is possible to find F1 crosses.

Ready to find your forever Frenchbo? Here are a few breeders to get you started:

• Eagle Creek Frenchies (Eagle Creek, OR) – eaglecreekfrenchies.com
• Frenchton by Design (East Tennessee) – frenchtonsbydesign.com

Finding a French Terrier for adoption

Rescuing a Frenchton is a win-win: you give a dog a home, and you save money. Adopting a canine also gives you the option to find an older dog and skip the puppy stage.

If you go this route, you’ll be able to find your dream Froston, but it might take longer than going through a breeder.

Decide how far you’re willing to travel for your new pup, and set your search radius accordingly. Check breed-specific rescues in addition to local shelters. They’ll often take in crossbreeds, too.

Here are a couple of Boston Terriers and French Bulldog rescues that may have what you’re looking for:

• Buckeye French Bulldog Rescue – buckeyebulldogrescue.org
• Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas (Plano, TX) – texasbostons.com
• Boston Buddies (Huntington Beach, CA) – www.bostonbuddies.org

Could the Frenchton be your next pup?

Frenchtons are versatile yet warmhearted dogs. They’ll entertain you with a quick burst of the zoomies, then curl up beside you on the couch for some snuggles.

Frenchbos form strong bonds with their pack and need a pack member with them at all times. If you’re not interested in being the center of their universe, perhaps this devoted doggo isn’t for you.

What do you think? Have those adorable Frenchton ears totally captivated you? Tell us in the comments!

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/c_multi_prolapsed_gland
• http://www.vetstreet.com/care/brachycephalic-syndrome