Irish Heart Bostons

Karen K.

Breeder of Boston Terriers

  • Kingsport, TN
  • Responds within a day

Upcoming litters

Rhys
Shelby (Bee Bee)

Expected Boston Terrier litter

Due Sept. 2026

Ready Oct. 28
Winston
Dolly Mae

Expected Boston Terrier litter

Due May 2027

Ready July 31, 2027

Meet the breeder

I'm Karen K., the breeder behind Irish Heart Bostons located in Kingsport, TN. Our Bostons are picked for quality & obtained through respected breeders. They're thoroughly & regularly vet checked. We've done Embark DNA testing on all our breeding ages dogs. They're on a diet of high quality homemade feed, high quality dry food and vitamin supplements. They are socialized and get along great with cats and children.

Q. & A. with Karen

  • Why did you start breeding?

    It was something my husband and I wanted to do for a long time. We waited till we were closer to retirement and set about making it happen in 2023 with Bostons. I bred Min Pins during the 90s while I was raising my kids but stopped as my kids and dogs got older. I fell in love with raising great, healthy, happy, well adjusted puppies. When owners tell you how wonderful their pup is it's addictive.

  • What makes your program special?

    We did so much research into this breed and I couldn't be more pleased with our choice. We are a small family owned home based operation. Our dogs are house raised and trained. They sleep and travel with us. They've filled the void that our adult children left. Our dogs are sweet and playful. We dote on them. They have the greatest and unique personalities. They bring tremendous joy to our lives.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include red, lilac, blue, black brindle and white, seal brindle and white, black and white, and seal and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Karen

Karen has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Karen partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We take into consideration new parents home environment and puppies overall size and/or potential progress concerns (ex: runt). We will not place our puppies in any home where they will not be a great fit and thrive.”

Price

Puppy prices include a $350 deposit and between $2,400 - $2,850 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Price includes health guarantee of 6 month. Pups will be vet checked and given first set of shots. Each puppy will come with a file with a copy of both parent DNA certificates & lineage. They will also have a care basket. Parents are AKC & pups come with paperwork to register them if buyer chooses. Breeding rights are additional. Female ($1250.00) Male ($1000.00) in addition to purchase price. If for any reason you can not take care of the Boston babe you purchase from us we will buy them back. If the puppy encounters any medical problem before buyer takes possession and no other puppy is available to substitute. Deposit will be held and can be applied for the next 2 litters to find a suitable substitute.”

Contract & health guarantee

Karen may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Karen offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Karen directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

What's included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • AKC registration
      • Registration
      • Basic obedience & manners

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Karen.

Breeder's location

Meet in Kingsport, TN

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Charlotte Douglas Airport

Meet in Atlanta, GA

More about Karen

  • Karen has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years

    Karen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.

  • Karen’s links

Karen is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Irish Heart Bostons meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

Irish Heart Bostons reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Boston Terriers.

  • Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • DNA Disease Panel

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Karen to bring home their puppies.

  • Nicole J.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2026

    Karen was great all along the way, sharing pics and videos almost daily and giving great updates about what to expect with the breed, health updates, vaccinations and things to watch for, and personality snippets. Her parent dogs have really been well matched, and the pups are so well socialized. Finn came home sleeping through the night, mostly potty trained, and with the gentlest, sweetest personality. Could not be happier!

    Melanie L.

    Verified owner · July 2026

    What a blessing we received from Karen.First of all she was top notch ot keeping us informed on everything. We love our new pup Tootsie Mae.She has traveled,had a bath and loves to run in the yard.You will never regret getting a beautiful Boston from Karen Truly grateful and blessed.

    Nicole M.

    Verified owner · July 2026

    Karen was great to work with. She shared great information, photos and videos of the puppies throughout the week. It was nice to see them socializing with her, the other dogs in her home and with one another. She also offered specific information on the puppies health, habits and routines and shared general health facts. By the time we brought our puppy, Gizmo, home, I felt as though I knew what to expect of him. Karen also did a great job with potty training Gizmo and preparing him for sleeping in a crate. I had a great experience working with Karen.

  • Meghan C.

    Verified owner · July 2026

      • +4

    We are so grateful that we connected with Karen from Irish Heart Bostons on Good Dog. We wanted to add a second Boston to our family and were overwhelmed by the process. From our first inquiry about a sweet little pup named Hans Solo (now our beloved Freddie), we knew we found something special. Karen shared all kinds of information about our sweet boy from the start and was open throughout the process. She posted photos, videos, feeding schedules, vet visits, and more! The moment Freddie joined our family, it was obvious how much love and care he had received. He was confident, happy, well-socialized, and settled in immediately, especially with his big fur sister. Karen is an exceptional breeder who truly loves and cares for the puppies she raises. We couldn't recommend Irish Heart Bostons more highly and are forever grateful for our sweet Freddie.

    Andrew W.

    Verified owner · July 2026

    Karen was wonderful to work with throughout the entire process. She was kind, knowledgeable, and always quick to answer our questions. It was clear from the beginning that she truly cares about her puppies and wants them to go to the right homes. When an unexpected health concern came up before we brought Bosley home, Karen was honest, kept us informed every step of the way, and worked with us to arrange additional medical testing so we could feel confident he was healthy. That level of transparency and care meant a lot to us. Bosley has been an amazing addition to our family, and we’re very grateful for everything Karen did. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a Boston Terrier.

    Megan M.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2025

    Finding Our Perfect Puppy with Irish Hearts Bostons! I recently brought home my Boston Terrier puppy, Georgia, from Ms. Karen of Irish Hearts Bostons, and I could not be happier with the entire experience! From the very beginning, Ms. Karen was responsive, knowledgeable, and kind. She answered all of my many questions with patience and provided frequent updates and photos, which gave me such peace of mind while waiting for Georgia to be ready to come home. Georgia is healthy, well-socialized, and absolutely delightful. It is clear she was raised in a loving, attentive environment where her early needs were met with care. Ms. Karen’s dedication to her dogs shines through in every detail — from the health testing and responsible breeding practices to the way she prepares her puppies for their new families. I feel so fortunate to have found Irish Hearts Bostons through GoodDog. I highly recommend Ms. Karen to anyone looking for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted Boston Terrier puppy. Georgia has already brought so much joy into our lives, and I am so grateful to Irish Hearts Bostons for making that possible. THANKS AGAIN KAREN AND FAMILY AT IRISH HEART BOSTONS!!! <3

Photos

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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