A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | French Bulldog | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | giant |
| Weight | 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs) | 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs) |
| Height | 28–33 cm (11–13 in) | 63–74 cm (25–29 in) |
| Lifespan | 10–12 yrs | 8–10 yrs |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Energy Level | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with Kids | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Health | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Price | $1,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
The French Bulldog is known for being playful, adaptable, affectionate, while the Newfoundland is typically described as sweet, patient, devoted. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
When it comes to playfulness, the French Bulldog has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the Newfoundland's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the French Bulldog is your pick.
The French Bulldog is a small breed standing 28–33 cm (11–13 in) tall and weighing 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs). In comparison, the Newfoundland is a giant breed at 63–74 cm (25–29 in) and 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs).
There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Newfoundland is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The French Bulldog's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.
The French Bulldog has a short coat available in brindle, fawn, white, cream, while the Newfoundland sports a long coat in black, brown, gray, Landseer. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.
The French Bulldog has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Newfoundland has low energy (2/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).
You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Newfoundland, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The French Bulldog is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.
For apartment dwellers, the French Bulldog is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Newfoundland's 1/5. The Newfoundland generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.
The Newfoundland sheds more than the French Bulldog — 5/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Newfoundland.
Grooming-wise, the Newfoundland needs more upkeep (4/5) than the French Bulldog (1/5). The Newfoundland's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.
Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the French Bulldog and $300 for the Newfoundland. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The French Bulldog has a lifespan of 10–12 years, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The French Bulldog tends to live longer on average.
Both breeds score 2/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.
Common health issues for the French Bulldog include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, allergies, intervertebral disc disease. The Newfoundland is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cystinuria, subvalvular aortic stenosis. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $800 for the French Bulldog and $700 for the Newfoundland. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Training comes more naturally with the Newfoundland, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The French Bulldog's score of 3/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.
The Newfoundland ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.
Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.
The Newfoundland edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Newfoundland's sweet temperament makes it especially patient around kids.
If you have other pets, the Newfoundland tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the French Bulldog (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Newfoundland is naturally more sociable with canine companions.
The Newfoundland is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the French Bulldog tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Newfoundland's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.
The initial purchase price for a French Bulldog ranges from $1,500–$5,000, while a Newfoundland typically costs $1,500–$3,000. The French Bulldog has a higher upfront cost.
Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $2,080 for the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $40 for the French Bulldog and $90 for the Newfoundland. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Newfoundland is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. However, individual temperament varies, and proper socialization is key for any breed.
The Newfoundland is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the French Bulldog's 3/5. The Newfoundland's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Newfoundland costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $2,080 for the Newfoundland.
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The French Bulldog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Newfoundland (1/5). It adapts well to smaller spaces.
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