Rat Terrier vs French Bulldog
Discover the differences between Rat Terrier and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Rat Terrier
Energetic, smart, and loyal, this compact breed thrives on activity and human companionship. Quick to learn and playful, Rat Terriers make affectionate and alert family pets.
French Bulldog
Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.
Quick comparison
Small
4.5–11 kg
Short, smooth
12–18 years
4–9 kg
High energy
Small
9–13 kg
Short, smooth
10–12 years
8–12 kg
Low activity needs
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Rat Terrier
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, requires regular exercise daily
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
French Bulldog
Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship
Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn
Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing
Comfortable in apartments and various environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Rat Terrier
Patellar luxation, dental issues
French Bulldog
Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Rat Terrier
Good option
Intelligent and eager, but may need firm guidance for training
Suitable with exercise
Small size fits apartments, but needs daily activity to prevent restlessness
Highly suitable
Energetic nature matches well with active lifestyles and outdoor activities
Generally good
Playful and gentle, but supervision needed around very young children
Usually compatible
Can coexist with other pets if socialized early and properly
Not recommended
Prone to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods
French Bulldog
Great choice
Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well
Perfect fit
Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments
Not ideal
They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles
Highly suitable
Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly
Prone to anxiety
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Rat Terrier
- Alert and responsive to surroundings
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Strong prey drive benefits pest control
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Agile and energetic for various activities
French Bulldog
- Affectionate with families and children
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Generally quiet and not prone to barking
- Strong loyalty to owners
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Rat Terrier
- Prone to digging and escape attempts
- May be stubborn during training sessions
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- Can be vocal and bark frequently
- May chase small pets due to prey drive
French Bulldog
- Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
- May develop separation anxiety
- Stubborn during training sessions
- High risk of obesity without portion control
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