Frenchton
Canis lupus familiaris
Also called Faux Frenchbo Bulldog, Boston Frenchie, Faux French Bulldog
From United States designer cross, developed in the 1990s; the French Bulldog parent was shaped in England and France, and the Boston Terrier in Boston, Massachusetts.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
The Happy Puppy Site gives 12-28 lb (about 5-13 kg) depending on parentage; 101DogBreeds gives 15-25 lb (about 7-11 kg). No split by sex; each dog lands between its two parents.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth and fine
A compact, sturdy little dog with a short, sleek coat. Ears, face and markings can take after either parent, so some look more like a Frenchie and others more like a Boston.415
Personality what they are like
A friendly, confident clown that loves making its family laugh. It tends to blend the Frenchie's fun, independent streak with the Boston's willingness to please and quick mind, though the balance differs from dog to dog.415
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. A short to medium walk each day, or some light jogging and indoor play, is usually plenty. Keep outings gentle in very hot or very cold weather.41
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy care: brush once or twice a week to lift loose hair, keep any face folds clean, clean ears regularly, trim nails every couple of weeks and brush teeth.41
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes thanks to its size and modest exercise needs; prefers a comfortable indoor climate.14
Company who they like around
A devoted family dog that usually does well with children, especially older ones, and with other pets when socialised early. Some may be reserved with strangers at first.14
The story where it all began
Breeders began crossing French Bulldogs with Boston Terriers in the 1990s, aiming for a slightly larger, sturdier companion. The Frenchie came from toy bulldogs taken from Nottingham to Normandy by lace workers, and the Boston traces back to a dog named Judge bought in 1870.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Boston Terrier parent is nicknamed the 'American Gentleman' because its markings look like a tuxedo.3
- 2
The Boston Terrier has been the official state dog of Massachusetts since 1979.3
- 3
The French Bulldog's name blends the French words 'boule' (ball) and 'dogue' (mastiff).2
- 4
The French Bulldog parent became the most popular breed in the United States in 2023.2
Recognised by the official bits
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.5
- Hybrid and designer dog registries
- Listed by ACHC, DRA, DBR, DDKC and IDCR, according to 101DogBreeds.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Frenchton. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Frenchton, and at what times?
Feed your Frenchton at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Frenchton eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to your Frenchton's size and age is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always ask your vet for a personalized diet plan.7
How often should I bathe a Frenchton?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Frenchton need brushing?
Brush your Frenchton once or twice a week to lift loose hair and keep the short, smooth coat shiny. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, which fits well with general care advice for this breed.418 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Frenchton's nails, and how often?
Trim your Frenchton's nails every 2 to 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 4 weeks as a starting point.418 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Frenchton need?
Your Frenchton needs a short to medium walk each day, plus some light jogging or indoor play. Keep outings gentle in very hot or very cold weather. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily walks and playtime.41 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Frenchton's teeth and ears?
Brush your Frenchton's teeth several times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every two weeks and daily brushing if possible.418 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Frenchton live?
Frenchtons typically live between 12 and 15 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.1
Is a Frenchton good with children and other pets?
Yes, Frenchtons are usually good with older children and other pets when socialised early. They are a devoted family dog, though some may be a bit reserved with strangers at first.41
Can a Frenchton be left alone?
This varies by individual dog. Some Frenchtons may tolerate short periods alone, but they are a devoted family breed and may struggle with long hours. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice tailored to your dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
French Bulldog
Boston Terrier
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Frenchton - 101DogBreeds 101dogbreeds.comused for names, origin, size, lifespan, colours, grooming, registries
- French Bulldog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for parent history, fun facts
- Boston Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for parent history, fun facts
- Frenchton - The Happy Puppy Site thehappypuppysite.comused for size, height, coat, temperament, exercise, grooming, social
- What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, trait variability
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.