Bostie: Your Complete Guide
Bosties, or bostie terriers, are a cross between Boston terriers and West Highland White Terriers. The result of this cross-breeding is a small and unique dog that resembles a mixture of Boston terriers and West Highland White Terriers. Ultimately, the dog will usually resemble one of its parent breeds more than the other but this depends on their genetic makeup. That said, bosties have become a popular breed because of their small size, fun personality, and people-pleasing attitude.
If you’re interested in a bostie and want to learn more about the breed, you’re in the right place. We cover everything there is to know about this breed, including its history, temperament, health, diet, and much more. Read on to learn more about bosties below.
Quick Look at the Bostie
Below is a quick glance at the bostie in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 11-14 inches, 15-30 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short to medium, wiry, or straight |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Calm, people-pleasing, playful, curious |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
What Is the History of Bosties?
Not much is known about the history of bosties because they’re a more recent breed. Ultimately, the breed was created to mesh the appearance and personality of Boston terriers and Scottish terriers. To better understand the breed, it’s a good idea to learn more about the breeds that are combined to get the bostie.
First and foremost, we have the Boston terrier. As the name implies, the Boston terrier comes from Boston, Massachusetts, and other Northwestern states in the United States. The breed came to be during the 1900s, and it used to be a pit-fighting dog. That said, they didn’t last long as pit fighters because of their friendly nature and compassion towards other people and dogs. On the other hand, you have the Scottish terrier. These dogs are from Scotland. They’re small terriers that have pointy ears, and they were bred to hunt small game throughout the highlands. Compared to Boston terriers, they’re more aloof and less likely to interact with strangers and other animals.
The result of this combination is the bostie, which is thought to have originated during the 1900s. The breed was likely around for some time before becoming popular but it has become a popular breed as designer dog options are on the rise.
What Do Bosties Look Like?
Since the bostie is a mix between the Scottish and Boston terrier, its appearance varies greatly depending on the genes or the parents. You might end up with bosties that look more like Scottish terriers, with pointy ears and what looks like a beard, or bosties that look more like Boston terriers with short hair.
This also extends to their face and bone structure. Bosties that inherit more genes from Boston terriers will have a round and compact head, while some bosties will look more like Scottish terriers with square heads and pointy ears. When it comes to their coats, you’ll find that most bosties have short to medium coats that are either smooth and straight, or coarse and wiry.
As for their colors, bosties can be any mix of colors that you find in Boston terriers or Scottish terriers. Common colors for the bostie include brindle, black, white, fawn, cream, or mixes of these colors. Ultimately, their coat type and appearance in general varies greatly based on the parents.
What Size Is a Bostie?
Bosties have sturdy little bodies that give them a stocky appearance. Their legs are muscular, and you can notice the definition in their shoulders, neck, and abdomen. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for bosties to weigh around 15 to 30 pounds. However, their weight can be more extreme and even reach 40 pounds with a bad diet. As for their height, it depends on what they inherit from their parent breeds. Scottish terriers are about 10 inches at the shoulder, whereas Boston terriers are about 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Expect a bostie to be somewhere between those heights, so around 11-14 inches at the shoulder.
What Is a Bostie’s Coat Type and Length?
Bosties have a coat that’s a combination of the Scottish terrier’s coat and the Boston terrier’s coat. This means that you can end up with a more coarse and wiry coat that’s longer in length or the short, straight, and smooth coat that’s common for Boston terriers. You may also find mixes or coats that give the dog a medium-length coat that’s on the straight side. That said, the cost type and length will almost always come down to the genes the dog inherits from their parents.
What Is a Bostie’s Temperament?
The bostie has a temperament that’s a nice middle ground between the Boston terrier and the Scottish terrier. We say middle ground because Boston terriers are extremely responsive to people, happy, and compassionate towards their owners and strangers, whereas Scottish terriers are basically the opposite. For this reason, most bosties are a healthy middle ground where they’re not the most receptive of strangers but they’re still happy and compassionate towards their companions.
That said, bosties aren’t usually aggressive, and they’re quiet when it comes to barking. You don’t have to worry about them getting into trouble that much either because they don’t mind relaxing from time to time.
Are Bosties Good With Kids?
Whether your bostie will be good with kids depends on their genes. Bosties that are more similar to Boston terriers have a higher chance of being friendly around children because they’ve been shown to show compassion for their companions. Plus, they’re more gentle in general. On the other hand, bosties that look and act more like Scottish terriers will be hesitant to interact with children. They will open up to your family over time, but keep an eye on them during this process.
Are Bosties Good With Other Animals?
Yes, bosties are good with other animals. Bosties, who are more similar to Boston terriers, have less prey drive than Scottish terriers, so keep this in mind when looking for a bostie. What’s more, Boston terriers were bred to be companions because they didn’t enjoy pit fighting, so it makes sense that they’re good with other animals. Scottish terriers were bred for hunting, so they might need more socialization.
Are Bosties Aggressive?
No, bosties are not aggressive. It doesn’t matter what genes they have; the Boston terrier and Scottish terrier are not aggressive dogs towards others. While a bostie that’s more like a Scottish terrier may be more independent, that doesn’t mean that they’ll attack members of your family or other animals unless a squirrel is caught in their crosshairs.
Do Bosties Bark?
Bosties do bark, but depending on their genetics, some will bark more than others. If your bostie looks more like a Boston terrier, it won’t bark as much as a bostie that looks like a Scottish terrier. Boston terriers are known for being more reserved and only barking in the case of an emergency, whereas Scottish terriers have no shame in barking for hours if they see something strange outdoors.
Are Bosties Affectionate?
Yes and no. Bosties that are more similar to Boston terriers have been shown to display more affection compared to bosties that look more like Scottish terriers. This is because Boston terriers are friendlier and more compassionate than their Scottish counterparts, which are more independent. So, if you’re looking for a snuggler, make sure you find a bostie that looks more like a Boston terrier.
Are Bosties Intelligent?
Bosties are a smart breed. In fact, terriers, in general, are smart dogs, so it’s no surprise that bosties inherit some of that intelligence. Boston terriers and Scottish terriers are also smart in unique ways, so when you combine these traits, it’s common for bosties to exceed average intelligence. This makes them easy to train when they’re willing and smart enough to solve puzzles. That said, make sure you don’t underestimate them and dog-proof your home to prevent problems and decrease the risk of escapes.
Are Bosties Energetic?
Bosties have a lot of energy but they’re not the most energetic dogs around. Plus, it depends on the genes they inherit from their parents. You shouldn’t have any issues as long as you give them an hour of exercise per day. You can help them exercise by taking them on walks, playing with them, or giving them a large enough space to play in on their own.
Are Bosties Easy to Train?
Bosties can be easy dogs to train but it depends on the dog’s personality. For example, bosties that have more Boston terriers in them will be easier to train due to their people-pleasing personality. This can make it easy to teach them complex commands, and you might not even need a professional trainer.
On the other hand, Scottish terriers are known for being more aloof and less responsive to training. While you can get the job done, they won’t make it easy, and you might need a professional.
Are Bosties Good Watchdogs?
Bosties can be good watchdogs but it depends on what parent genes the dog has more of. If the bostie is more like a Boston terrier there’s a good chance that they won’t bark unless it’s absolutely necessary, while a bostie with more Scottish terrier genes will inherit their tendency to bark at the slightest sight of a problem. This makes bosties with Scottish genes a better watchdog.
Are Bosties Good Service Dogs?
When it comes to service dog work, you don’t see many bosties. This has to do with the rarity of the breed, but it also has something to do with their aloof behavior. For example, bosties that are more like Scottish terriers are known for being more opposed to working with people or strangers. Therefore, it’s not common to see them trained as service dogs.
That said, they can be decent psychiatric service dogs if they’re closer to the Boston terrier due to their compassion and emotional intelligence. Ultimately, it depends on how they respond to training, the age when you start, and what parent the dog gets its personality from.
How to Care for a Bostie?
Caring for any breed takes a little bit of time and patience. For bosties, you have to focus more on their health than anything, especially if they have a short snout. Make sure you take them to the vet at least once per year and focus on treating any respiratory problems as they develop.
When it comes to grooming and diet, it depends on their size and the type of coat that they have. Take care of their teeth with treats that promote gum health, and don’t be afraid to get in there with a doggie toothbrush.
Do You Need to Groom a Bostie?
Bosties have two different grooming requirements based on what their coat type is like because they inherit different genes based on their parent breeds. A bostie that has a coat more like a Boston terrier will need a full grooming session every six or seven weeks. You can take them to a professional or bathe and care for them on your own because it’s a low-maintenance coat.
On the other hand, bosties that are more like Scottish terriers will need regular grooming because of their undercoat. What’s more, they will shed that undercoat more than bosties that resemble the Boston terrier.
Do Bosties Shed?
Bosties do shed. In fact, most dogs shed, even if it’s only a little. In the case of the bostie, shedding isn’t as much of an issue as it is with some other breeds, so expect an average amount of shedding. Still, the amount that they shed will vary based on the genes or the parents. Bosties that are closer to the Scottish terrier will shed more because of their undercoat, while bosties closer to the Boston terrier will shed less.
What Health Problems Do Bosties Have?
Bosties share common health problems with Boston terriers and Scottish terriers. While these are healthy dog breeds compared to some others, there are some notable health issues you should keep in mind. The good news is that most of these health issues can be prevented with a healthy diet, exercise, and annual checkups with a vet to catch any diseases that might not have obvious symptoms.
Common health problems to look for in bosties include:
- Eye problems and degeneration as they age
- Deafness or a loss of hearing over time
- Some types of cancer
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Luxating patella and other leg problems
- Epilepsy
- Upper respiratory infections
- Bone and joint problems
If your bostie has a face that resembles a Boston terrier more than a Scottish terrier you also need to look out for Brachycephalic. This is a breathing disorder that develops in dogs that have too short of a snout.
How Long Do Bosties Live?
The average lifespan for a bostie is around 10-15 years. There’s a wide age gap because their lifespan correlates to the genes of the parents. For example, Scottish terriers will often live longer than Boston terriers, so if they have more Scottish in them there’s a chance that they’ll live longer. The best way to extend their life is to ensure that they’re eating a healthy diet, visiting the vet often, and getting treatment for any chronic conditions.
What Should a Bostie Eat?
Bosties should eat a diet that’s made for little dogs. Look for kibble, wet food, and other food options that cater to the needs of smaller dogs, and try to incorporate as much protein as possible to help them maintain their body. Carbohydrates and fats are also helpful if you plan on taking them out for exercise often. If you’re unsure about what to feed them make sure you reach out to your vet for more detailed information.
Is a Bostie the Right Dog for Me?
Bosties are great dogs and there’s a chance that they can help your home become more comfortable, lively, and even friendly. These dogs have a friendly temperament, so you don’t have to worry about them causing problems with children or other members of the family. Plus, while Scottish terriers do have a prey drive, this is often counteracted by the Boston terrier’s compassionate temperament. Therefore, they’re a good addition to the family even if you have other animals, and you can always train away bad behaviors.
Bosties are also suitable for first-time pet owners. They’re easy to train and won’t cause too much damage to your space as a puppy. Plus, they’re small enough to live in a home of any size as long as you help them get about an hour of exercise each day. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about having a backyard or a big house to care for them.