A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, lively companion with a short muzzle, upright ears, and familiar white chest markings. Keep activity comfortable for the individual dog and discuss hot-weather precautions with a veterinarian.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Boston Terrier questions
How big does a full-grown Boston Terrier get?
Adults stand 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh 12 to 25 pounds. The breed splits into three weight classes, which are under 15 pounds, 15 to under 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds.
How long do Boston Terriers live?
Boston Terriers live 11 to 13 years on average, and a healthy Boston can live well into its teens. Those are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Boston Terriers shed?
A little. The sleek, fine coat sheds somewhat but not a lot, and the breed has no undercoat. Weekly brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt takes care of most loose hair.
Are Boston Terriers good family dogs?
They were bred for it. Bostons are companion dogs that do well with children, adults and other pets, and are happiest with their people. They need a lot of time and attention and are not dogs to be kept outside.
Is a Boston Terrier really a terrier?
Only partly, and not by show group. The Boston belongs to the Non-Sporting Group. The breed traces back to a Bulldog and white English Terrier cross named Judge who was in Boston by 1870, and breeders then developed a smaller, gentler companion that was first called the Round Head.
Can Boston Terriers handle hot weather?
Heat is something to plan around. Like all flat-faced breeds, Bostons can have trouble breathing without shelter from heat and humidity. Ask your vet what is sensible for your dog in hot or humid weather.
What colors do Boston Terriers come in?
Brindle, seal or black, each with white markings. Seal looks black but shows a red cast in sunlight. A solid coat without the white markings, or any other color, is a disqualification in the show ring.
Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs?
They often are. The Boston makes an excellent urban pet, small enough to take along and happiest around people. Exercise needs vary by dog. For some a brisk walk once or twice a day is enough while others need more time to run and play, and a Boston left alone for long stretches can develop unwanted habits.
