Boston Terrier

Breed Stats

Weight/Height:
15 to 17 inches, 12 to 25 pounds
Coat Type:
Short, straight, smooth
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Friendly, energetic, playful
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10 to 15 years

How to Adopt a Boston Terrier?

Boston terriers are beloved family dogs, and you may be wondering what the best way to add this pup to your family is. After all, the Boston terrier is friendly, energetic, and playful, and these dogs make for great solo companions and all-around sociable pups. The small size of this dog makes them versatile for most living situations, and you will find that Boston terriers are happy to accompany their owners on all types of adventures.

In general, it can be hard to find a Boston terrier in your local shelter. This is because most Boston terriers are purchased as puppies from a breeder. However, if you want to avoid visiting a breeder to adopt your dog, you can start your search with breed-specific rescues. There are numerous Boston terrier rescues that are aimed at homing Boston terriers of all ages with forever families; these dogs may be puppies, adult dogs, or seniors, and they will typically come from a range of backgrounds and have a range of needs. Speaking to rescue staff directly can help you find the right Boston terrier for you.

ogs may be puppies, adult dogs, or seniors, and they will typically come from a range of backgrounds and have a range of needs.
boston terrier dog portrait with blooming apple tree branches

When you find a Boston terrier you’d like to adopt, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for your dog. This price may vary depending on your exact location, the rescue you are adopting from, and the age of your dog; typically, younger dogs are more expensive, as it is more difficult to home senior Boston terriers.

If you cannot find a local shelter or rescue and you really want a Boston terrier, you may need to work with a breeder. That being said, you will need to make sure that any breeder you work with is reputable and puts the health and wellness of their Boston terriers first. Purchasing your dog from a breeder instead of adopting can be more expensive, and you can expect to pay between $1,500 and 4,000 for your dog.

For Even More Information on Boston Terriers

View Breed Info

Boston Terriers For Adoption

How to Care for an Adopted Boston Terrier?

Caring for your adopted Boston terrier requires understanding what this breed is like and taking steps to help your Boston terrier thrive in your home. Below, we list some of the most important things to keep in mind when you think about providing for your Boston terrier.

Temperament

Your Boston terrier’s temperament helps to determine exactly how you should approach your care and training of this dog. In general, Boston terriers are playful, energetic, and loving towards their family members. When properly socialized, they can be versatile and happy in almost any environment, especially if they have their owners at their side.

That being said, the Boston terrier can develop separation anxiety, and these dogs should not be left alone for long hours. Boston terriers form very strong bonds with their owners, and they need a fair amount of human interaction throughout the day. You should also note that your Boston terrier will likely have a stubborn streak, and this can mean that consistent training is needed to ensure your dog is well-mannered.

Sleeping Boston Terrier puppy in a pet bed. Her little head is resting on her paws. She looks very cosy and warm.
Boston terrier puppy nose black and white

Feeding

Boston terriers are prone to obesity, which means it’s especially important to ensure that you are feeding your dog the right amount of food. Your pup will need to eat three meals a day, and you can feed them either wet dog food or dry dog food. Some Boston terriers will enjoy a combination of both foods. Make sure to check the nutritional and caloric content of your chosen food, and consider choosing foods to support your dog, such as those formulated to support health concerns like skin health and weight loss.

Exercise Needs

Boston terriers are quite energetic, and they will need at least three moderate walks each day. You should also dedicate around an hour of playtime to your dog each day, as this helps your pup stay healthy and gives them both mental and physical stimulation. You can get your dog different toys to play with when you’re not around, and puzzle toys may help keep these dogs focused and calm when left home alone.

You should keep in mind when exercising with your Boston terrier that these dogs often have flatter faces and shorter noses. This can result in breathing issues, and these dogs can easily overheat or have trouble breathing during exercise. Always be gentle when playing with and exercising your dog, and stop exercising if you notice your Boston terrier in distress.

Grooming

Boston terriers are fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming needs. Your dog will need brushing a few times a week to remove any shed fur, but their short and smooth coat is generally quite easy to care for. You may want to take your dog to a professional groomer every so often to give them a nice spa day and ensure they feel their best.

Training

Your Boston terrier will need training, as these dogs can be quite stubborn and mischievous when they don’t have firm boundaries in place around the home. It’s best to train the Boston terrier in short bursts once or twice a day, as this helps keep their focus. Remember, the more well-trained your dog is, the more polite they are in public and the more adventures they can accompany you on.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Boston Terrier As Your First Dog?

Two young Boston Terrier dogs, also called Boston Bulls, puppies, black with white markings, running side by side, carrying a stick together.

Boston terriers can be a good choice as a first dog, as long as you are prepared to care for your adopted pup properly. These dogs need training and boundaries, in addition to proper socialization, to ensure they are totally sociable and less protective. Your dog might be stubborn, which can bother some owners who are expecting their dog to be easier to train or easier to handle around the home.

That being said, these dogs are small, well-suited to most living spaces, and very loving. First-time dog owners who have plenty of time to spoil their dog and those who live an active lifestyle are the best choice of owners when it comes to the lovable Boston terrier.

close up of boston terrier puppies in the afternoon on the nature
Boston Terrier Fina relaxing on her masters bed

How to Adopt a Boston Terrier: Find the Right One for You

Adopting the right Boston terrier for you means working closely with breed-specific rescues and shelters to find the right dog to take home. There are plenty of Boston terriers in need of homes around today, and you may choose to adopt a very active Boston terrier puppy, or you may be interested in a lower-activity senior Boston terrier.

As long as you make sure that your Boston terrier comes from a reputable source and that you understand how to take care of this breed, you will no doubt bring home a lovable, loyal, and playful Boston terrier that fits perfectly into your life.