Get to know
Boston Terriers
Written by author of 34 dog books.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
Written by author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.
Caroline Coile, Ph.D.,
Most people just call them “Bostons” for short.
If you don’t think you like small dogs, the Boston Terrier could change your mind. They have a big dog sense of fun and adventure, all in a compact, dapper-looking body. They’re like a little dog in a tuxedo who’s ready to roll in the mud in a fun brawl.
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At a glance
Moderate Energy
Energy level
3/5
Very Low Maintenance
Grooming
2/5
Small
Size
Playful, courageous, alert
Temperament
11-13 years
Lifespan
Quick to Learn
Training
4/5
High Vocality
Barking
5/5
At a glance
Energy level
Moderate Energy
Grooming
Very Low Maintenance
Size
Small
Temperament
Playful, courageous, alert
Lifespan
11-13 years
Training
Quick to Learn
Barking
High Vocality
Why people love the breed
Brimming with vim and vigor, Bostons take command wherever they are—but they do it with a fun-loving sense of humor. Bostons make you smile.
Bostons are lively, fun-loving dogs that truly personify the “big dog in a little body” description. They are not large but they are in charge and they tend to strut into a situation and take over the room. Their dapper good looks attract attention wherever they go.
They have good manners and get along well with everyone, making ideal gentle playmates for children and equally ideal entertaining companions for the elderly. They’re active and adventurous enough to be partners in almost any adventure or endeavor.
This is a breed that truly deserves its popularity, and should be considered by anyone wanting a small dog for an active family.
Appearance
The Boston Terrier is known for its distinctive markings, clean-cut outline, alert expression, and rounded or squarish head.
The Boston has a compact, square-proportioned body with a wide chest, short back and muscular torso. It has medium bone, and should combine sturdiness and strength with liveliness and style.
The short tail is not docked, but is naturally very short.
The backskull is square or rounded, and wrinkle-free. There is an abrupt brow leading to a squarish muzzle that is shorter than wide. The eyes are large and round. The ears are small and erect, and may be natural or cropped.
They have a short fine coat, which is close-fitting. The standard colors include black, brindle, or seal with white markings.
Grooming
Bostons are a great choice if you hate to brush. But like all dogs, they still need some upkeep.
Boston's short hair will never tangle, and you can get away with never brushing it. However, your Boston will appreciate the feeling that a good brushing with a natural bristle brush will give him, and brushing (especially with a rubber bristle brush or grooming mitt) will remove dead and loose hairs that would otherwise be left on your furniture.
Some dogs with wrinkles on their face require those wrinkles to be cleaned regularly, but most Bostons don’t have wrinkles deep enough to require this.
Their prominent eyes are prone to abrasions so should be checked regularly for discharge or irritation.
Keep the nails trimmed as needed, and brush the teeth daily.
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HiFly'n Bostons
Breed temperament and characteristics
The saucy Boston looks serious but has the heart of a clown.
The Boston Terrier is a one-dog entertainment center. It’s always ready to play just about any game proposed. It tends to be fearless and up to any challenge, enjoying a multitude of outdoor activities more closely associated with big dogs.
The breed is extremely alert and eager to sound the alarm at any hint of an intruder. Sometimes the barking may border on overkill however, so if you hate barking you may need to work on with your Boston from an early age. But they do make great watch dogs, although ineffective protection dogs.
Given sufficient exercise, Bostons are content to take it easy indoors and are very well-mannered house dogs. They enjoy cuddling close and make excellent companions as long as they get to run off their extra energy each day.
Bostons normally get along well with other pets, and usually, with other dogs. They are fairly demonstrative to their family but can be standoffish toward strangers. They are gentle and safe with children, and make ideal children’s companions.
They are eager to please but do have a stubborn streak.
Exercise
While active, they are small, so their exercise needs could possibly be met in a smaller space.
Bostons are very active dogs that need to run and play daily lest they become a nuisance indoors. Fortunately, their smaller size enables them to burn off energy in a smaller yard or if absolutely necessary, indoors. Even so, they need the added mental stimulation of a walk around the neighborhood or trip to the dog park or even a hike in the woods. Most Bostons should only go to a dog park that has separate areas for small dogs.
Because of their short muzzles, Bostons can overheat more easily so extra care must always be taken to minimize exercising in warm weather. This is not a breed for jogging.
Bostons enjoy organized physical activities such as agility and lure-coursing. Some have even excelled at dock-diving, although swimming is not generally a favored activity.
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Tysadie's Boxers and Bostons
Training
Bostons are quick to learn and eager to please and show off.
Bostons respond well to training, although expect to have a few instances of stubbornness. In these cases they will come around if you try to convince them what you want is their idea rather than trying to force them to succumb to your idea. They are very good at getting their way when they set their mind to it.
Once you've convinced them that your idea is fun, they excel at learning tricks and activities, and have competed at the very highest levels of obedience, agility, and trick dog competitions. They are enthusiastic workers that give every performance their all.
Diet and nutrition
Boston Terriers generally require no special diets, and are good eaters. Just watch out for weight gain.
A Boston should be trim and muscular, with an indication from the side and top of a smaller waist. Ask your veterinarian's opinion if you worry your Boston may be overweight.
Other than that, Bostons don’t require any special diets, although most dogs will benefit from high-quality dog food. Feed them as directed by your veterinarian, but do not overfeed them. Feed them three meals a day until they are about 4 months old, then twice daily. Adult diets can be offered around nine months of age.
Discuss any special diet concerns with your veterinarian. Your Boston’s optimal diet may change with age. Some health problems require special diets that may only be available through prescription. Fortunately, Boston Terriers are not prone to problems requiring special diets (except that some have food sensitivities).
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Olive & Co. Boston Terriers
Health issues
Bostons are generally healthy dogs with only a very few health concerns.
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years.
Cataracts
An opacity in the lens, occur at an increased frequency in Bostons. Breeding dogs should have annual eye examinations as onset of symptoms will vary depending on disease and individual. DNA testing is available for the early onset form.
Patellar luxation
In which the kneecap slips out of the groove in which it should be nested, causes lameness and arthritic changes. It occurs mostly in small breed dogs. Screening involves an examination and grading of the degree of luxation present registered with OFA.
Deafness
The inability to hear with either one or both ears being affected.
History
The Boston Terrier is the most popular “Made in America” breed ever.
The Boston’s history began when coachmen of wealthy Bostonians bred their employers’ English Terrier to an English Bulldog in 1865, resulting in a dog named Hooper’s Judge, who would become the father of the breed. Hooper’s Judge weighed about 30 pounds, but he and his offspring were bred to smaller dogs, mostly French Bulldogs, and by 1889 the smaller dogs were a hit in Boston. Initial names suggested for the breed were American Bull Terrier and Roundhead, but both were rejected.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Boston Terrier in 1893, an unheard of short time from creation to recognition. The Boston Terrier is in the AKC Non-Sporting Group. Throughout much of the world, it is in the Companion and Toy Group.
The Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in America for two years, once during the 1910s and once during the 1930s. It was the number 2 most popular breed of the decade from 1900 to 1910, and stayed in the top three for five decades.
The Boston's nickname is "The American Gentleman." The breed is also often erroneously called the Boston Bulldog.
The Boston Terrier is the state dog of Massachusetts.
Owners have included Warren G. Harding, Vincent Price, Louis Armstrong, Joan Rivers, Yves St. Laurent, LeAnn Rimes, Robin Willians, Norman Reedus, and Helen Keller.
About the author
Canine specialist, Caroline Coile, Ph.D., is the author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She’s written thousands of magazine and web articles about dogs. She specializes in canine science, health, breeds and competitions. Caroline has won 20 national dog-writing awards, and was a 2015 Inductee into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame.
Breed Scorecard
Characteristics and temperament
Affectionate with family
3
Watchdog level
5
Playfulness
4
Adaptability
4
Social needs
4
Temperament
Playful, courageous, alert
Intelligence
3
Good with other dogs
3
Good with cats or other pets
4
Friendly with strangers
3
Good as a service dog
2
Good for apartments
4
Barking level
5
Appearance
Height
10-17"
Size
Small
Colors
Lilac (non-standard), Red (non-standard), Blue (non-standard), Black and white, Black brindle and white, Brindle and white, Seal and white, Seal brindle and white
Coat texture
Fine, smooth
Coat length
Short, close-fitting, no furnishings
Training
Trainability
4
Exercise
Exercise needs
3
Exercise time
1 to 2 hours daily
Mental exercise needs
4
Favorite activities
Agility, barn hunt, earthdog, tug games, dog sports
Grooming
Grooming needs
2
Brushing frequency
Monthly
Needs professional grooming?
No
Drooling level
1
Health issues
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Deafness
Other
Bred for
Ratting
Country of origin
United States
Popularity level
5
FAQs
On Good Dog, you can search for Boston Terrier puppies or dogs in rescues and shelters. Adopting a Boston Terrier from a shelter or rescue is generally less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder with ethical practices. Across the United States, there are dedicated rescues that specialize in specific breeds and may even help transport a Boston Terrier dog to you from another part of the country. Although it can be more cost-effective, adopting the exact breed you're looking for is typically more difficult than working with a responsible breeder. Learn more about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.
Prices for Boston Terrier puppies for sale vary by breeder and individual puppy. On Good Dog today, Boston Terrier puppies are typically around $1,750. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range.
The Boston was initially created from a cross of an English Terrier to an English Bulldog, but was subsequently crossed with other small dogs, mostly French Bulldogs.
Not one bit. They require virtually no grooming, their exercise needs may be met in a smaller space, and they’re not constantly in your face—although you certainly can’t ignore them. Always work with a reputable breeder who performs any necessary health testing on their dogs.
Bostons are usually great house dogs as long as they get sufficient exercise. They are one of the easiest small breeds as they are clean, have little doggy odor, and they’re easy to housetrain. They can bark a lot, which could be disruptive to neighbors if you live in an apartment.
