Boston Terrier

The charming Boston Terrier put on a tuxedo just for you, but don’t let his fancy dress code mislead you – this is one playful pup! This breed combines a sporty vibe with a gentle nature, all wrapped in a compact, lovable package.

Country of Origin

United States of America
Breed Group

Non-Sporting
Height

Male 40-43 In
Female 38-41 In
Weight

Male 7-11 Ib
Female 5-9 Ib
Life Span

13-15 years

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In a Nutshell

The Boston Terrier’s size may be small, but not its personality. This dog will keep life joyful and exciting for owners who choose the winning combination of gentleness, friendliness, and energy. Known as ‘The American Gentleman’ for a reason, the Boston Terrier’s gentle manners and adaptable nature make this breed an ideal forever furry friend for people of all walks of life.

Life With a Boston Terrier

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Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Boston Terrier packs a big personality into a small, muscular, broad-chested body. This breed is the perfect size for city life and sofa snuggles. It has a short (wagging) tail and a short, smooth coat of hair in black, white, brindle, and seal. These compact canines carry themselves with confidence, and their bright, round eyes sparkle with intelligence and curiosity. The Boston Terrier’s distinct look also includes a flat face and erect ears.

When it comes to personality, Boston Terriers are known for their pleasant, friendly spirit. They will likely greet familiar faces and strangers with enthusiastic affection. Their adaptable temperament makes them suitable for families with children and other pets. But not to worry, they also make excellent watchdogs who know when to bark and scare away intruders.

Boston Terriers are also very intelligent. They love learning new tricks and aim to please their owners. They aren’t too demanding when physical activity is involved, so you won’t have to wake up for a run at 5am. Keep in mind, though, that these dogs know what they want and could be a bit stubborn. Still, their playfulness will never fail to make you smile, and they remain the perfect loyal partners.

Common Health Problems

Boston Terriers are often healthy and active but might suffer from various medical conditions related to their eyes, skin, and short snouts.

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A tip from a vet

Due to their flat nose and brachycephalic tendencies, Boston Terriers might suffer from narrow airways, breathing challenges, and temperature-regulating difficulties. It’s best to take them on short walks multiple times daily and avoid intense physical activities, especially on hotter days.

A tip from a trainer

These playful dogs can be a little sensitive. Positive reinforcement and puzzle toys are great ways to keep them engaged and out of mischief. The people-pleasing Boston Terrier is relatively easy to train, and if you have a male dog, we recommend starting at a young age, before territorial behavior takes hold.

Did You Know

Helen Keller, known for overcoming her challenges of deafness and blindness, had a beloved Boston Terrier named Sir Thomas, nicknamed “Phiz.” He even joined her when she went to College.

The Boston Terrier became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979, which isn’t surprising considering the breed’s origin. One Boston Terrier named Rhett is the official mascot of Boston University.

In some versions of The Wizard of Oz, the famous dog Toto is a charming Boston Terrier!

In The News

The Guinness Book of World Records awarded a Boston Terrier named Bruschi the title of “Dog with the Biggest Eyes.” The four-year-old dog won the title in 2012 with a diameter of 28mm. His owner shared the story, stating she only noticed the unique feature when friends pointed it out. She then approached the folks at the Guinness Book of World Records, and the rest is Boston Terrier history!

The History Behind the Breed

The Boston Terrier, affectionately nicknamed “The American Gentleman”, has a rich heritage that dates back to the late 19th century in – surprise surprise – Boston, Massachusetts. This breed was initially formed as a cross between the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier, which is now extinct. The goal was to create a fighting dog combining the Bulldog’s sturdy build with the Terrier’s lively spirit. It soon became clear, though, that this breed was made for cuddling, not fighting. For this reason, the breed was popular among upper-class women who appreciated its loyalty, easy-going nature, and small size.

The breed’s name, Initially called “Roundhead,” was changed to Boston Terrier in 1893, reflecting its city of origin and distinguishing it from other terrier breeds. In 1893, the Boston Terrier became one of the first American breeds to gain recognition by the American Kennel Club.

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