Discover the Boston Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and intelligent nature. Recognized as a small dog, Boston Terriers are originally from the United States, where they were bred for fighting starting in the late 19th century. Today, Boston Terriers are popular companion dogs, beloved by their owners for their compact appearance and playful personalities.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 100 Sniffspot Boston Terrier owners, offering practical advice for new and prospective Boston Terrier owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Boston Terrier or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful Boston Terrier.
As Sniffspot user Natalie says of her pup, "She doesn't get aggressive and I can take her anywhere. Best adventure buddy who's grateful to be alive!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
Boston Terrier Quick Characteristics
- Breed Type: Non-sporting
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13
- Healthy Weight Range: 12 to 25
- Height Range: 15 to 17
- Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Intelligent
- Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
- Color: Brindle, seal, black, often with white markings
About the Boston Terrier
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Boston Terrier, we learned that these dogs are playful and friendly. The Boston Terrier is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets.
When living with a Boston Terrier, 58% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 37% of owners found that a climate-controlled environment due to breed sensitivity is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the Boston Terrier learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and socialization.
In terms of exercise, 51% of Sniffspot owners say their Boston Terrier benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Boston Terrier community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.
History and Origin of Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, affectionately known as "The American Gentleman" due to its tuxedo-like markings, was developed in the United States in the late 19th century. The breed’s origins trace back to a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. Initially, Boston Terriers were larger and used for fighting and ratting, but over time, breeders refined the breed to be smaller and more suitable as companion dogs.
By the early 20th century, the Boston Terrier had evolved into a friendly, sociable breed, far removed from its fighting roots. The breed quickly gained popularity due to its compact size, affectionate personality, and tuxedo-like coat. In 1893, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Boston Terrier, making it one of the first non-sporting breeds developed in the U.S. to gain such recognition.
Today, Boston Terriers are cherished for their playful, lively nature and strong attachment to their families. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for city dwellers and those looking for a small, well-mannered companion. Though they may be prone to stubbornness, their affectionate nature and intelligence make them a beloved breed worldwide.
Boston Terrier Traits and Characteristics
- Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Intelligent
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
- Grooming needs: Low maintenance - Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
- Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
- Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets
What to Expect as a Boston Terrier Dog Owner
As a Boston Terrier owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Boston Terrier owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Grooming Needs
Boston Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means Boston Terrier owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. Boston Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is ideal for protection. Their short, smooth coat coat is considered low shed.
To keep your Boston Terrier's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush weekly to remove loose hair. Of the coat types for breeds in the non-sporting group, the grooming needs for Boston Terriers are considered to be low maintenance.
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Boston Terriers are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed.
Boston Terriers make great pets and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Boston Terriers report their dogs especially love tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and playing with squeaky toys.
When small breeds like Boston Terriers don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid their negative behaviors.
Diet and Nutrition
What should you feed your Boston Terrier to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 60% of our community feeds their Boston Terrier commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Boston Terriers should eat 1 to 1.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 12 to 25 lbs. However, your Boston Terrier's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
Boston Terrier Health Concerns
The Boston Terrier breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and eye conditions (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma). A reported 35% of our Boston Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Boston Terrier's risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 28% reported eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, or corneal ulcers. Lastly, 26% of Boston Terrier owners claim their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections — a common Boston Terrier health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your Boston Terrier's vet.
How Friendly Are Boston Terriers?
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Boston Terrier is whether or not this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Boston Terriers compared to other small-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Boston Terrier's non-sporting instinct into a playful and friendly family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. Our community Boston Terrier owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
- Bostons are incredibly sweet and affectionate. They also just have the silliest faces. (Cathy)
- Bostons have a great combo of energy but low-key cuddling at the same time. (SMS)
Tim Umphreys on Unsplash
How to Train Your Boston Terrier
Whether you're adopting a Boston Terrier puppy or an adult Boston Terrier, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Boston Terrier is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and separation anxiety. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Boston Terrier.
As a non-sporting breed, Boston Terriers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Boston Terrier community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
- Positive Reinforcement (95%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
- Consistent Routines (47%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations
- Socialization (37%): Socializing your dog with other pets, dogs, and people prepares them to interact with the world
As dogs originally bred for fighting, now companion dogs, Boston Terriers are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
What Do Owners Love About Boston Terriers?
We asked Sniffspot Boston Terrier owners what they love the most about their Boston Terrier pups, and here's what they had to say:
- The Boston Terrier is nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for a reason. Not only are they dressed in a natural tuxedo, but they are full of loyalty, energy, and love. They are the perfect companion. (Sammi)
- The playful energy they have. They are always ready to go on an adventure. (Anon)
What Are the Biggest Challenges for Boston Terrier Owners?
Similarly, Boston Terrier owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Boston Terrier:
- Breathing is tough, especially on hot days and Bostons can be a bit stubborn. (Sammi)
- Strong chewing, so finding chew toys that they don't destroy in 2 minutes. (Rita)
- Stubborn and needs lots of brain stimulation. If he doesn’t get it then he tends to release energy in ways that get him into trouble. (VC)
Is a Boston Terrier Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 84% of our Sniffspot community, Boston Terriers are a great first-time dog. This comes from their playful nature and moderate exercise needs. Boston Terrier owners say it best:
- Bostons have a great combo of energy but low-key cuddling at the same time. (SMS)
- Bostons are incredibly sweet and affectionate. They also just have the silliest faces. (Cathy)
- Boston Terriers are full of energy. They love playing with their family and some of their favorite activities include fetch and Frisbee. The typical Boston Terrier’s temperament is happy-go-lucky, and they usually do well in multi-pet households with proper training, socialization, and introductions. They usually do well with children too, with supervision. (Shelby)
Advice for Boston Terrier Owners
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Boston Terrier owners. These Boston Terrier breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
Monitor your Boston Terrier’s heat tolerance and hydration.
- Boston's are high energy as puppies. They need moderate exercise but can very easily overheat, so climate control is important. (RS)
- Do it! Be prepared to cuddle when they need cuddling and watch their behavior on hot days. (Sammi)
Research breeders and be careful when selecting your pup.
- Research breeders if it’s your first time. Meet the parents, seek professional help in picking a pup. If you have kids, don’t let them pick the pup, that never goes well 🤣 (Laura)
- Do your research and make sure you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder that does health testing on the sire/dam. This breed can be prone to brachycephalic syndrome and it is recommended they have brachycephalic airway surgery, this can be expensive, and thus ensuring you have sufficient funds to properly care for this breed is imperative. Finally, I recommend pet insurance. (Anon)
Be patient with training and socialization, as they can be stubborn
- be patient with training, make sure you have time to spend with your pet. (Skipper)
- Boston’s are so smart but also so stubborn (at least mine). Patience, patience, patience. It will be rewarded. (Jenn)
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Plan to devote at least one hour per day to exercising your dog. (Beth)
- Ensure you have a schedule conducive to the brief but frequent activities needed for both mental and physical stimulation to prevent self-stimulating but destructive tendencies. Ensure appropriate socialization and introductions to other pets and small children. (Shelby)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Boston Terrier
What is the average lifespan of a Boston Terrier?
The average lifespan of a Boston Terrier is typically between 11 to 13 years.
What is the size of a Boston Terrier?
An adult Boston Terrier weighs between 12 to 25 pounds and stands between 15 to 17 inches tall.
How much grooming does a Boston Terrier need?
Boston Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Boston Terrier dogs have a short, smooth coat coat, which is well-suited for protection. They are considered low shedders.
To maintain your Boston Terrier's coat, it's important to brush weekly to remove loose hair. Among non-sporting breeds, Boston Terrier grooming is categorized as relatively easy.
How much exercise do Boston Terriers need?
Boston Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Boston Terriers are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Boston Terriers are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Boston Terriers note that their dogs particularly enjoy tug-of-war, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and playing with squeaky toys.
If small breeds like Boston Terriers don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
How friendly are Boston Terriers with children?
According to our data, Boston Terriers are very friendly and social with children with children.
How well do Boston Terriers get along with other pets?
Our research indicates that Boston Terriers are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
What should you feed your Boston Terrier to keep him healthy?
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Boston Terrier is crucial. A significant 60% of our community feeds their Boston Terrier commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Boston Terriers should consume 1 to 1.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 12 to 25 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Boston Terrier's sex, activity level, and age.
What health concerns are common for Boston Terriers?
The Boston Terrier breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, folliculitis, and eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, or corneal ulcer. Our data shows that 35% of Boston Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Boston Terrier's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 28% reported eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, or corneal ulcers. Finally, 26% of Boston Terrier owners indicated their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections, which are common Boston Terrier health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Boston Terrier's veterinarian.
Resources for Boston Terrier Owners
Whether you're a current Boston Terrier dog owner or you're considering adopting a Boston Terrier, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Boston Terrier owners.
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