Frenchton

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Get to Know Frenchtons

  • Brachycephalic but Potentially Better: While both parent breeds have flat faces, Frenchtons often have slightly longer snouts than purebred French Bulldogs, which may help reduce the risk of breathing issues.
  • Easier Births than Frenchies: One lesser-known benefit of the Frenchton mix is that they tend to have fewer birthing complications than French Bulldogs, which often require C-sections due to their body structure.
  • Wide Variety of Coat Colors: Thanks to their mixed heritage, Frenchtons can come in a wide array of coat colors and patterns ranging from brindle, fawn, black and white tuxedo, to even blue or pied variations.
  • "Velcro Dog" Personality: This breed tends to form incredibly strong bonds with their humans. They're often described as "Velcro dogs" because they love to follow their people everywhere.
  • Low Barkers: Frenchtons are generally quiet dogs. They’re known for being less yappy than many small breeds, making them ideal for apartment or urban living.

Breed History

The Frenchton is a designer dog breed developed in the U.S. during the late 1990s to early 2000s. Breeders aimed to combine the best traits of the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier to produce a healthier, more active, and more manageable companion dog. French Bulldogs, with their bat-like ears and sturdy build, bring a calm demeanor, while Boston Terriers offer a bit more energy and athleticism. The result is a playful, affectionate, and sturdy small dog that avoids many of the breathing issues common in French Bulldogs thanks to the influence of the Boston Terrier’s genetics.

Personality and Behaviour

  • Playful but Calm: They strike a nice balance between being playful and laid-back. Frenchtons love short bursts of play but are just as happy relaxing on the couch afterward.
  • Affectionate Companions: Frenchtons are incredibly loving and thrive on human interaction. They enjoy cuddling and being close to their family, often following their favorite person from room to room.
  • Social & Friendly: Generally sociable with people, kids, and other pets, Frenchtons tend to be friendly and outgoing. They’re not aggressive and typically adapt well to new environments and routines.

Care

  • Grooming: Frenchtons have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally, making grooming simple. A weekly brushing and occasional bath will keep their coat healthy, and routine care like nail trimming and ear cleaning is all they typically need.
  • Training: Frenchtons are intelligent and eager to please, but can sometimes show a stubborn streak. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training work best to help them become well-mannered companions.
  • Exercise: While not overly energetic, Frenchtons still need moderate daily activity to stay fit and stimulated. A couple of short walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Frenchton Summary

weight iconWeight
15-25 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
12-15 years
exercise iconExercise
Moderate
temperament iconTemperament
Affectionate
Playful
Fun-loving
trainability iconTrainability
Moderate
grooming iconGrooming
Low

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

French Bulldog Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOne of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.
ACVO Eye ExamAnnual Eye Examinations. Results registered with OFA
Patellar LuxationVeterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.
Cardiac EvaluationOne of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam - Echocardiagrams recommended but not required Advanced Cardiac Exam - Echocardiograms recommended but not required Basic Cardiac Exam - Echocardiagrams recommended but not required
Tracheal Hypoplasia(Optional) OFA radiographic evaluation for Tracheal Hypoplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia(Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4-1)(Optional) Juvenile Hereditary Cataract (HSF4-1) DNA Test
Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)(Optional) Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) Exam
Cystinuria Type III(Optional) Cystinuria Type III DNA Test

Boston Terrier Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
ACVO Eye ExamACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA.
Patellar LuxationVeterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.
Congenital DeafnessOne of the following: B.A.E.R. hearing test. Results registered with OFA. GDC evaluation based on BAER test. Results registered with OFA.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Frenchton Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning a Frenchton is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

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