With their charming personalities and compact size, it's no wonder the French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK.
Renowned for their low-maintenance lifestyle, quirky temperament and outgoing nature, Frenchies make excellent companions. But this doesn't mean they're necessarily the perfect breed for you.
If you've fallen in love with a Frenchie but want to know what else is out there, you'll be happy to hear there are many other wonderful breeds, all equally charming in looks and temperament.
Dogs that look like French Bulldogs: What to consider
French Bulldogs are known for their distinctive flat faces, bat-like ears, and compact bodies. But while their playful, friendly demeanour makes them perfect for a number of living situations, their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure means they can be prone to a number of health issues.
Thankfully, there are many other breeds who share wonderful traits with this beloved Bulldog, while also offering unique attributes of their own.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Much like the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their outgoing, friendly personalities. Eager to please and always on the move, these dogs are widely considered the happiest breed in the world!
They are larger in size than the Frenchie, and with a wider, less squashed snout, they are typically less prone to respiratory issues.
Shih Tzu
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The Shih Tzu is a lively, intelligent companion who gets on well with people and other dogs. They have a similar, friendly disposition to the French Bulldog, but are typically less active.
While Shih Tzus are considered a brachycephalic breed, they are generally known to experience fewer health problems than Frenchies. Responsible breeders should have screened their dogs for hip dysplasia and eye anomalies.
Bull Terrier
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The Bull Terrier was first created by crossing the Manchester Terrier and the English White Terrier. The result was a compact, energetic dog, who is as playful as he is loyal.
The breed comes in a standard size and a miniature size, which was first recognised by the Kennel Club in 1943. Bull Terriers often excel in dog sports, such as fly ball, agility and carting, thanks to their energy and enthusiasm.
They are usually larger and more athletic than the Frenchie, but they most definitely share their fun-loving attitude with their smaller cousin.
Pekingese
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The Pekingese, also know as the Lion Dog, was considered sacred in ancient China. Nowadays, they are most commonly known as companion dogs, who are totally devoted to their people.
A brachycephalic breed like the Frenchie, they may snuffle and snore. They can also struggle in hot weather.
Japanese Chin
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The Japanese Chin may have a similar facial structure to that of the French Bulldog, but they have daintier features and are usually much more agile. The word 'chin' means 'cat-like', as these playful little dogs are able to climb and jump like cats.
Japanese Chins are known to entertain their owners with tricks like the 'chin spin', where they stand on their back legs and jump around as if they were dancing.
They are intelligent dogs, but their independent streak means training sessions are always on the Chin's own terms.
English Bulldog
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The English Bulldog shares many traits with the Frenchie, but they are typically larger and much more robust.
These dogs may look grumpy, but they are far from it!
In fact, with the right training and socialisation, English Bulldogs make wonderful family pets. They are loving, loyal and protective.
As with the French Bulldog, they can be prone to some serious health issues, such as hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and heart disease.
Pug
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The Pug was one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK for many years, renowned for their friendly, affectionate nature.
Sadly, unscrupulous breeding practices lead to exaggerated features in many dogs, resulting in respiratory problems and other health concerns.
These chunky little dogs share the playful, sweet nature of the French Bulldog, making them excellent family pets.
Prospective Pug parents will need to spend time researching ethical breeders, who carry out rigorous health testing to ensure puppies are as healthy as possible. Veterinarians are now able to test parent dogs for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which is something you may want to discuss with your breeder.
Brussels Griffon
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The Brussels Griffon is small but mighty, with an intelligent, independent nature. These dogs have high exercise requirements in comparison to the French Bulldog, along with a need for regular mental stimulation and training. They also require lots of company and plenty of grooming, making them fairly high-maintenance companions.
For someone with enough time to dedicate to their Griffon, these tenacious, loveable characters make excellent companions.
Bulldog mixes
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When it comes to finding a dog that looks like the French Bulldog, Bulldog mixes may be an excellent choice.
From the Frorkie (a cross between the French Bulldog and the Yorkshire Terrier) to the Frenchton (a cross between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog), to a Bulldog mix at your local dog rescue, there are many adorable cross-breeds to choose from.
Gathering information from someone who already shares their life with a Bulldog mix will help set you and your new four-legged friend up for success, but, as with any breed mix, it's important to remember that each dog will inherit specific traits from each parent breed.
What breed is most similar to the French Bulldog in size and personality, but with less health issues?
If you've fallen in love with the Frenchie but have concerns about their health, you may be on the lookout for another dog that fits the criteria. Thankfully, there's one breed out there that may be the perfect match.
He's small, outgoing, and his black and white tuxedo-like coat, has earned him a nickname as "The American Gentleman".
Boston Terrier
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The Boston Terrier first originated in the United States, as a cross between the English Bulldog and the now-extinct English White Terrier. This is a small dog with a huge personality. And with the same flat face, bat ears and an endearing, affectionate personality, Boston Terriers are perhaps the most comparable dogs to the Frenchie.
In fact, the two breeds are often confused with one another, with the rarer Boston Terrier being mistaken for a French Bulldog. But while Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs may share a common ancestor, there are distinct differences that set the two breeds apart.
The Boston Terrier tends to have more pointed ears, whereas the French Bulldog has rounded ears and a much squarer head. Boston Terriers are typically taller and leaner, reaching up to 11kg in weight, compared to around 13kg for the Frenchie.
Boston Terriers are also considered to have less extreme brachycephalic features than the French Bulldog, which is thought to result in fewer respiratory issues and better overall health. So, if you're looking for a breed that's similar to the Frenchie but has less health problems, a Boston Terrier may just be the perfect choice. With their adorable expression and energetic nature these happy little dogs make wonderful companions.
The French Bulldog may be one-of-a-kind, but with so many incredible dogs out there, it can feel like an impossible choice. Whether you're drawn to the the athleticism of the Bull Terrier, the sweetness of the Pug or the comical nature of the English Bulldog, there really is a breed for everyone. Each with their own unique personality and look, and all ready to make the most perfect companion in the right home.
