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Boston Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Boston Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank21
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Boston Terrier dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Boston Terrier have?
American GentlemenBoston Bull TerrierBoxwoodBoston Bull
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Boston Terrier is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Boston Terrier Mixes.

Boston Terrier Size and Weight

Size
Is a Boston Terrier small, medium or large dog?

How big do Boston Terrier get?

What is the average size of a Boston Terrier?

Small
Weight
How much does the Boston Terrier weigh? How much should a Boston Terrier weight? What is the normal weight of a Boston Terrier? How much does a full-grown Boston Terrier weight?
10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Boston Terrier?
17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Boston Terrier? Boston Terrier height:
15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Boston Terrier?
16 inches (40.5 cm)

Boston Terrier Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Boston Terrier puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Boston Terrier in the United States? How much money is a Boston Terrier?

Where to buy a Boston Terrier with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Boston Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Boston Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Boston Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Boston Terrier? How many Boston Terrier are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Boston Terrier? Is the Boston Terrier breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Boston Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Boston Terrier dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Boston Terrier good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Boston Terrier dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Boston Terrier have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLivelyGentleAggressive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Boston Terrier sensitivity:
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Boston Terrier a good family dog?
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the American Gentlemen need? Boston Terrier social needs:
Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Boston Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Boston Terrier roam?
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Boston Terrier have high prey drive?
Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Boston Terrier dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my American Gentlemen bark?
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Boston Terrier good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Boston Terrier in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Boston Terrier be left alone? How long can you leave a Boston Terrier alone?
Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Boston Terrier has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Boston Terrier? How much bite force does a Boston Terrier have? How strong is a Boston Terrier bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak. The Boston Terrier bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Boston Terrier measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Boston Terrier may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Boston Terrier being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Boston Terrier bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Boston Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Boston Terrier can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Boston Terrier bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the American Gentlemen? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Boston Terrier? Why do dog bites happen?

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Boston Terrier do?
Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Boston Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Boston Terrier dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Boston Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Boston Terrier breed? Most common health risks of Boston Terrier:
CataractsHeart MurmursPatellar LuxationAllergiesDeafnessCherry EyeBrain TumorsMegaesophagusReverse Sneezing
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Boston Terrier breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Boston Terrier see the vet?
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Boston Terrier dogs live? How old can a Boston Terrier be? What is the age limit of the Boston Terrier? How many years can the oldest Boston Terrier live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Boston Terrier?

How long is the lifespan of a Boston Terrier?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Boston Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Boston Terrier have? What is the activity level of the Boston Terrier?
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Boston Terrier need? How much exercise do Boston Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Boston Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Boston Terrier breed need?
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Boston Terrier need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Boston Terrier breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Boston Terrier? How much food should I feed my Boston Terrier?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Boston Terrier risk for obesity:
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Boston Terrier weight regularly.

Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Boston Terrier have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Boston Terrier coats?
Black White Brindle Seal
Grooming
How to groom the Boston Terrier and how often? How often should I take my Boston Terrier to the groomer?
Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Boston Terrier is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Boston Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the American Gentlemen? Do Boston Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Boston Terrier need a bath? How often should you give a Boston Terrier a bath? Can I bathe my Boston Terrier every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Boston Terrier breed hypoallergenic?
No
Boston Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Boston Terrier drool?
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Boston Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Boston Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Boston Terrier Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Boston Terrier dogs get along with other pets? Are Boston Terrier dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Boston Terrier temperament with other people:
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Boston Terrier dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Boston Terrier temperament with children:
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Boston Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Boston Terrier breed live with a cat?
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Boston Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Boston Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Boston Terrier can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Boston Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Boston Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Boston Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Boston Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Boston Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the American Gentlemen temperament with senior people? Are Boston Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Boston Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Boston Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Boston Terrier be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Boston Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Boston Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Boston Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a boat dog?

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Boston Terrier be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Boston Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Boston Terrier dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

Boston Terrier Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Boston Terrier pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Boston Terrier breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Boston Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Boston Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can the Boston Terrier breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Boston Terrier have? How many puppies can a Boston Terrier give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Boston Terrier Recognition

AKC Group
Is Boston Terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Boston Terrier recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Boston Terrier breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Boston Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Mouthiness: Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Boston Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Boston Terrier History

The Boston Terrier can trace its origins back to the United States of America, to the late 19th century. Even though most of the professionals agree on the fact that the breed is originated from Boston, Massachusetts, there are multiple existing theories about the breed’s initial development process.

According to one story, a coachman of wealthy families created the Boston Terrier by mixing the now extinct English White Terrier with other Bulldog breeds with the intention of developing a new dog-fighting breed. Another well-known theory suggests that a man from Boston named Robert C. Hooper imported English Terriers and Bulldogs in 1865 to cross-breed them and create a dog that resembled Hooper’s childhood four-legged companion. A third story includes a man named William O’Brian, another Bostonian, who is credited with giving Hooper his desired puppy in 1870. Whatever the story might be, it is certain that the dog, in particular, was named Judge, and he came to be known as the first official Boston Terrier specimen. Later, breeders bred the offspring of Judge with other Bull-type of breeds, including the French Bulldog, the Bull Terrier, the Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terrier, and even with the Boxer. At that time, the Boston Terrier was known under multiple different names such as Boston Bulldog, American Terrier, and Bullet Heads. In 1889, the American Bull Terrier Club was formed by 30 Boston Terrier owners from Boston. The club’s name opened up some disputes between the Bulldog and the Bull Terrier fanciers because they objected to the name. Consequently, in order to avoid further disagreements and misunderstandings, the club changed there and the breed’s name to Boston Terrier.

These name changes quickly gained recognition for the breed. Moreover, interestingly, the Boston Terrier was the first indigenous American breed to be recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), relatively early, in 1893. During the beginning of the 20th century, the Boston Terrier’s color and unique markings were not considered to be important for the dogs’ whole appearance, so there was a lot of inconsistency within the breed. Nevertheless, after multiple years of careful, well-planned inbreeding process, the Boston Terrier, as we know it today was established and perfected. Later, their distinguishing black and white colors and markings got written into the breed standard as being essential features for the breed. By 1915, the Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in the United States of America, and it also remained in the top ten until the middle of the 1960s. The breed can thank their increasing popularity during the early 20th century, to the silent film star named Pola Negri, who played a huge role in popularizing the breed in Hollywood, thus in the U.S.

Later, in 1976 the breed was named the bicentennial dog of the U.S. In 1979 the Boston Terrier became the official state dog for its homeland, Massachusetts. The Boston Terrier is still considered to be a popular dog breed all around the world, because of its intelligence and playful nature. The breed’s “tuxedo” coat made gave them a more charming and loveable appearance. Nowadays, the breed is mostly kept as a companion, however, the dogs are very good in sports like rally, flyball, agility, and obedience.

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Boston Terrier Comments, Reviews and Questions

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