Frenchton

Frenchton Basics

The Frenchton is a cross between a purebred Boston Terrier and French Bulldog, resulting in a small, loveable charmer that makes a perfect pet for apartment dwellers and families looking for a petite pooch with a big personality.

This designer dog breed also goes by a few other names, including the Faux French Bulldog, Faux Frenchbo Bulldog, Frenchbo Bulldog, Frenchbo, Boston Frenchie, Froston, and Faux Fr. Bull Dog. While the Frenchton is the most popular version of the breed's name, it is actually officially recognized as Faux Frenchbo Bulldog by ACHC and DDKC, Frenchton or Frenchbo by IDCR, and Boston Frenchie or Faux Fr. Bull Dog by DBR.

Regardless of what name you like best, though, one thing is certain: these delightful dogs make amazing companions for families of all shapes and sizes, and they are simply too cute to resist. Learn all about them below so you can decide if this breed would be the ideal fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Origin

The Frenchton is a designer crossbreed from the United States. It was developed in the 1990s and designed with the intent to increase the French Bulldog’s stamina and mass, while also getting rid of certain health hazards that are related to the breed.

Pedigree

As a Boston Terrier and French Bulldog mix, the Frenchton is not considered an actual breed by AKC, and as such, they can't have official pedigree papers. Even so, you can tell a lot about a hybrid's pedigree by looking at their parentage – both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are universally recognized breeds in good standing with all official canine clubs.

Food / Diet

All dogs need a well balanced, healthy diet to stay in perfect form. Feed your Frenchton a high quality dry dog food, high quality wet food, or a combination of the two – if you're unsure what would be the best option for your pet, consult a vet. They can give you tailored recommendations based on your dog's unique health and lifestyle. Whichever option you go for, though, be sure to opt for natural ingredients, with real meat being the first ingredient in the formula. Avoid cheap, filler-laden foods that can cause health issues down the road, from allergies to digestive problems.

To determine how much you should feed, follow the label instructions on your dog’s food. Ultimately, the amount to feed will vary according to your dog’s size and activity level.

Split the feeding up into at least two meals per day in order to control the amount of food that your dog eats. This will help prevent overeating that could lead to unnecessary weight gain.

Training

Frenchtons are intelligent dogs, but they can also be demanding and stubborn, much like French Bulldogs. This could make training your pooch a challenge. Using tact and being firm, as well as incorporating positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency, will make it easier to handle your Frenchton.

These dogs love to play, and they can be quite amusing, particularly when taught how to do tricks, such as shaking your hand. If your dog is particularly stubborn, though, stick with obedience training that will teach him how to follow commands. Use rewards and repeat the same training exercises until they have been mastered.

Weight

A small-sized breed, the Frenchton weighs between 15 and 25 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

The Frenchton exhibits a combination of traits from its parent breeds, so you can expect that your dog will make a fine canine companion, as it will showcase the intelligence, willingness to please, and obedient nature of the Boston Terrier, as well as the amusing, fun, and independent nature of the French Bulldog.

Before getting a Frenchton, though, be sure that you have the time to dedicate to caring for and playing with your pet. These dogs are affectionate, good-natured, and friendly. They enjoy getting loads of attention from their human family, and cuddling with their owners is just one of many ways that Frenchtons show their love.

While a Frenchton can get along well with children, they do better with older kids that will know how to handle them gently. And when it comes to other pets, these pooches will typically tolerate other animals but may show some aggression towards other dogs.

Common Health Problems

As a hybrid dog breed, the Frenchton may be susceptible to any of the common ailments found within its parent breeds. Owing to their parentage, these dogs are more likely to experience sensitivity when there are extremes in temperature, as well as eye problems, digestive concerns, and respiratory disorders or breathing difficulties.

However, there is no guarantee that a Frenchton will suffer from any of those problems, as every dog is an individual and there’s no way to predict a dog’s health over the course of his life.

Life Expectancy

The Frenchton has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Frenchtons are playful, but they are also calm and laid-back. They will do well in houses of all sizes, including small homes and apartments. However, they do require a moderate amount of exercise, so a daily walk or a run through the dog park will keep them happy and healthy. Just bear in mind that extreme temperatures don’t suit these dogs, so avoid keeping them outside for long when it is too hot or too cold. And, in addition to playing outside, these dogs enjoy indoor games as well.

Recognized Clubs

The Frenchton is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Minimal shedding is yet another reason why the Frenchton is such a popular breed. The short coat on these dogs doesn’t require much grooming. Brushing your dog about two times a week should be enough to keep the coat smooth and clean.

Bathe your dog regularly, especially when he gets dirty. You can also wipe him down routinely by simply using a damp cloth to clean the coat.

Puppies

French Bulldog and Boston Terrier mixes are small dogs, so you can expect Frenchton puppies to be delicate and require gentle handling. Give your puppy ample opportunities to play, and begin training him early so that he can learn what’s allowed and what isn’t allowed. Also give your puppy the chance to meet a variety of people so that he can grow up to be a social and confident adult. Early training and socialization play a key role in your pet's upbringing, and only consistent work can make sure your Frenchton reaches their potential as an adult dog.

Photo credit: ganchar/Bigstock; mlorenz/Bigstock