Boston Terrier: Your Complete Guide
Boston terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds around today, and this dog has a place in the hearts of many as a beloved family companion. Boston terriers are friendly, somewhat mischievous, and generally well-mannered, and these dogs tend to have energetic and fun-loving personalities. Many individuals and families find that Boston terriers make a great addition to their lives.
If you are considering adopting a Boston terrier, it’s important that you understand how to care for this dog. Proper care, training, and socialization of your Boston terrier will keep them happy, encourage good health, and let you know what to expect as you live life alongside your pup.
Quick Look at the Boston Terrier
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| 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 |
What Is the History of Boston Terriers?
While the exact history of the Boston terrier is hard to pin down, it’s thought that this breed originated in Liverpool around the 1860s. The breed was a result of the popularity of blood sports such as dog fighting during this time period, and the original ancestor of the Boston terrier we know today likely came from a cross between the bulldog and the now-extinct English terrier. The resulting dog, called Judge, was sold to an American who took him home to Boston in the 1870s.
Over time, Judge was paired with a smaller white dog, and selective breeding took place to create a more compact and less muscular dog. The resulting dog was the original Boston terrier as we know it today, and the intentions for the Boston terrier were to turn the breed into more of a companion animal than a hunting or fighting animal.
The Boston terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893, and this dog has been a popular staple in American homes and around the world since then. While the Boston terrier today is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, efforts are being made to alleviate this flat-faced look with selected breeding to allow Boston terriers to have a slightly longer snout and more ease when it comes to breathing.
What Do Boston Terriers Look Like?
Boston terriers are compact dogs, though they have strong, sturdy, and muscular bodies. These dogs have long legs and square heads, with ears that stay pointed and upright. Boston terriers have flatter faces and snouts, and their eyes are typically large, alert, and full of emotion.
Common coat colors of the Boston terrier include black, brown, and white, with the coat pattern of a Boston terrier taking on a ‘tuxedo’ appearance. This breed typically has a very short tail, and, most of the time, breeders will ‘dock’ the Boston terrier’s tail as a puppy to ensure they meet American Kennel Club appearance standards.
What Size Is a Boston Terrier?
Boston terriers are small dogs, with the majority of dogs standing between 15 and 17 inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs weigh anywhere between 12 and 25 pounds, and they are fairly compact despite their muscular appearance.
What Is a Boston Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
The Boston terrier has a short coat that is smooth and fine-textured. The hair of a Boston terrier’s coat is straight, and it will feel soft to the touch.
What Is a Boston Terrier’s Temperament?
Boston terriers have the nickname “American Gentleman” due to their well-mannered natures and the loving bonds they form with their families. These dogs are playful and energetic, and they love to run around indoors or outdoors with their favorite people. You can expect your Boston terrier to always be up for an adventure, though they enjoy an evening on the couch with their humans just as much as they love exploring.
This breed does have somewhat of a stubborn streak, and they can be mischievous without proper training or when left to their own devices. Because Boston terriers love being with their people so much, they are prone to developing separation anxiety, and they will need to be properly socialized and trained to combat this issue.
Are Boston Terriers Good With Kids?
Boston terriers are good dogs to own if you have children, as they are fairly tolerant of all ages of children. Very young children who don’t know how to interact with a dog yet will need to be monitored during playtime, though the Boston terrier generally enjoys playing with all ages. In fact, a home with children may be preferable for this dog in order for them to receive all of the playtime and exercise they need to stay happy.
Are Boston Terriers Good With Other Animals?
Boston terriers tend to be good with other animals, especially with animals that they have been raised alongside. Other dogs and cats work best as companions to the Boston terrier, as this dog does have a higher prey drive than other breeds due to its history as a hunting dog. Small prey animals in your home, like guinea pigs and hamsters, may need to be monitored when in the same space as your Boston terrier.
Are Boston Terriers Aggressive?
Boston terriers are not known to be aggressive, and they don’t typically exhibit problems with being territorial. However, every dog is different, and your Boston terrier could potentially develop behavioral issues as a result of being uncomfortable, anxious, or fearful. Proper training and monitoring of your dog’s behavior is helpful to curb any unwanted barking, growling, or nipping.
Do Boston Terriers Bark?
Boston terriers are not usually vocal dogs, and they do not bark without good reason. These dogs can bark loudly, however, and they may do so to alert their owners of a potential threat. Overall, Boston terriers tend to be quiet, and they can be a good choice for someone who needs a dog that fits well in noise-restricted areas, like an apartment complex.
Are Boston Terriers Affectionate?
The Boston terrier is known for being very affectionate, and these dogs love to spend time with their owners. Your Boston terrier will likely warm up to strangers easily, as long as the strangers are offering treats and pets. Your dog will have lap dog tendencies and to get comfy alongside their humans.
Are Boston Terriers Intelligent?
In general, Boston terriers have an average sense of intelligence. They can learn tricks, though it might take some patience, and they are good with basic obedience training, but more complex training might be a struggle for this breed.
Are Boston Terriers Energetic?
The Boston terrier is a very energetic breed, though their smaller size means that their exercise needs are not too extensive. This dog will need at least an hour of dedicated playtime every day, preferably with different toys and in a fenced-in outdoor area, and you will need to walk them around three times a day. Making sure your dog gets lots of exercise is a great way to keep them healthy as well, which is something every dog owner should strive for.
Are Boston Terriers Easy to Train?
Boston terriers are not the easiest dogs to train, as they don’t have the highest desire to please their owners by doing what they are told. They are fun-loving companion dogs that are generally not the best candidates for advanced training, agility training, or more complex instructions. Boston terriers also tend to have a stubborn streak, and it can take lots of patience plus some high-value treats to keep this pup focused during your training sessions.
Are Boston Terriers Good Watchdogs?
Boston terriers are good watchdogs, as they are alert and brave when it comes to protecting their families. These dogs tend to be on the quieter side, which means that if your pup is barking, you know there is a real reason behind it. Boston terriers are also very perceptive and observant, both qualities that make them good watchdogs for a home or apartment.
Are Boston Terriers Good Service Dogs?
Boston terriers may not be the best choice for acting as a service dog when it comes to tasks like guidance, mobility support, or other complex actions that require size and strength. This dog is small, and they may not be able to accurately support their owner or open and close doors as needed.
That being said, the Boston terrier is well-suited for emotional support animal or therapy dog work, as they are very affectionate and loving. This breed loves to cuddle with their owners and go on adventures, making the perfect companion animal.
How to Care for a Boston Terrier?
Boston terriers need a fair amount of exercise each day, including dedicated playtime and walks. To properly care for your Boston terrier, you should take them on walks two to three times a day and ensure they get to play with their toys indoors and outdoors throughout the day. Your Boston terrier will benefit from having their own space in your home, complete with a bed, toys, and food and water bowls.
Boston terriers can benefit from socialization and training throughout their lives, and this helps them to maintain good manners around other dogs and people. Additionally, this breed is likely to form strong bonds with their owners, and they can easily develop issues with separation anxiety, which makes it important that you do not leave your dog home alone for too long each day.
Do You Need to Groom a Boston Terrier?
Boston terriers do need to be groomed regularly, but their maintenance needs are not as high as some other breeds. This dog will need a bath around every six to eight weeks, and they will need their nails clipped and ears cleaned like most other dogs. You can take your pup to a professional groomer to receive baths, or you can do this yourself.
Additionally, regular brushing once or twice a week helps to remove any shed fur from your dog’s coat and keeps your pup looking their best.
Do Boston Terriers Shed?
Boston terriers are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, though they do not shed as much as other breeds. You can expect your Boston terrier to shed lightly year-round, and engaging in regular brushing and baths can help curb the amount of fur around your home.
What Health Problems Do Boston Terriers Have?
Boston terriers are prone to certain health issues due to genetics and inherited disorders. Their flat-faced appearance also tends to cause issues when it comes to breathing and loud snoring.
Common health problems among Boston terriers you should look out for include:
- Eye and ear infections
- Allergies and skin problems
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Deafness
- Bone and joint problems
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Keeping an eye on your dog’s health and ensuring that you provide them with proper care throughout their life can help prevent and catch health problems before they become too severe.
How Long Do Boston Terriers Live?
Boston terriers, like many other small dogs, tend to have a longer lifespan. On average, you can expect your pup to live between 10 to 15 years. Of course, genetic health issues and proper care contribute to how long your dog lives, and you can take your Boston terrier to the vet regularly to ensure they are in good health.
What Should a Boston Terrier Eat?
Boston terriers can easily get overweight, and it’s important to feed your dog a high-quality diet of wet or dry food or a combination of these foods. Make sure that your dog’s caloric intake doesn’t exceed how much they put out, and ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise to stay healthy. If you have concerns about feeding your Boston terrier, speak with your vet.
Is a Boston Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
Boston terriers are lovable family companions who enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners. These dogs will fit perfectly into environments where they get to exercise throughout the day, accompany their owner on adventures, and cuddle up on the couch after a long day of play.
Boston terriers will get along with other animals and children, though you should always monitor your dog’s interactions with others to ensure everyone plays safely, and they tend to be perfect for apartments due to their small size.