Chihuahua vs French Bulldog

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
14 to 16 years
Size:

Extra Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Equal parts affectionate, charming and mischievous, Chihuahuas are small, adaptable dogs who thrive in households (small and large!) with no other dominant pets. This toy breed's ideal pet parent provides companionship, care and lots of...

Equal parts affectionate, charming and mischievous, Chihuahuas are small, adaptable dogs who thrive in households (small and large!) with no other dominant pets. This toy breed's ideal pet parent provides companionship, care and lots of attention.

Chihuahua Temperament

Chihuahuas are charming little scamps with an eye for mischief and a sense of bravery that outsizes their physicality. They’re playful pups who enjoy a good romp or game, even though it may not last long (depending on their energy level). And they love to snooze on laps an...

Chihuahuas are charming little scamps with an eye for mischief and a sense of bravery that outsizes their physicality. They’re playful pups who enjoy a good romp or game, even though it may not last long (depending on their energy level). And they love to snooze on laps and cuddle—that is, after all, what they’re bred to do.

They like a lot of attention and are quite portable. But even though they’re easily carried, they do still need to learn how to walk on their own and be able to engage in normal dog behaviors, like sniffing, exploring and playing. In other words, don’t pop them in a purse or a stroller and tote them everywhere—unless, of course, it’s somewhere risky with lots of feet that could hurt a tiny paw, like an airport or street festival.

The Chihuahua dog breed is said to resemble a terrier with their demeanor and can become quite feisty, especially if they feel threatened. Some sites report that the Chihuahua bite force is 3,900 pounds per square inch (psi), but those so-called Chihuahua facts are wildly inaccurate, when a lion is only at 600 psi. In truth, Chihuahuas usually inflict no more than a Level 1-3 bite, with no puncture deeper than half the length of one of their canine teeth.

To help your Chihuahua puppy overcome a nipping or protective tendency, socialize them by safely and slowly introducing them to new people and places from the get-go and start training when they are young. Early training will also help this smallest of dog breeds become wonderfully friendly and receptive to all members of the family, including other pets.

Chihuahua Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Low

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

French Bulldogs, affectionate and adaptable, thrive on companionship. With a charming personality and lower exercise needs than many other breeds, they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and families alike. Discover a delightful companion in...

French Bulldogs, affectionate and adaptable, thrive on companionship. With a charming personality and lower exercise needs than many other breeds, they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and families alike. Discover a delightful companion in the compact and lovable French Bulldog breed.

French Bulldog Temperament

They don’t call ’em bulldogs for nothing! French Bulldogs have a headstrong temperament—think of them as strong-willed. These small dogs think they’re big dogs, which is why it’s important for French Bulldog puppies to receive training and socialization early on. That will help them feel comfortable and friendly toward visitors (human or an...

They don’t call ’em bulldogs for nothing! French Bulldogs have a headstrong temperament—think of them as strong-willed. These small dogs think they’re big dogs, which is why it’s important for French Bulldog puppies to receive training and socialization early on. That will help them feel comfortable and friendly toward visitors (human or animal) who come to their home. Otherwise, they may be standoffish with strangers.

But make no mistake—French Bulldogs are friendly dogs who bond deeply with their people and love to have a good time. Because of those deep bonds, they can feel neglected and anxious when their people are out of the house for too long. If you’ve ever experienced missing someone even before they’re gone, then you can relate to how Frenchies feel.

Speaking of their people, the French Bulldog breed is good with kids and babies, but as with any dog, they should always be supervised and taught how to interact with dogs. They also get along with other dogs and cats, as long as you introduce them properly.

The French Bulldog is primarily a companion dog. You’re unlikely to see them helping first responders, but their unconditional affection makes them amazing emotional support and therapy dogs in hospitals and care homes. They also make good watch dogs, often barking if someone new is at the door.

French Bulldog Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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