Boston Terrier
A compact, tuxedo-marked American companion with a friendly, upbeat nature and easy coat care.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 38–43 cm
- Weight
- 5–11.3 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11–13 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Brindle, Black, White
- Bred for
- Companionship
- Country of origin
- United States
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 140 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 4/5 – High |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 2/5 – Low |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 5/5 – Very high |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a friendly, easy-care small dog
- live in a city flat
- are a first-time owner
Think twice if you …
- live somewhere hot
- want a running or hiking partner
- dislike snoring
Care
Temperament
Friendly, lively and gentle, Bostons are usually good with people and other dogs and like to be involved in family life.
Exercise
Daily walks and play sessions suit it well; keep activity moderate and avoid heat.
Grooming
The short coat needs only a weekly brush; check the eyes and clean any facial folds.
Training
Generally keen to please and responsive to rewards, though some are stubborn; keep sessions fun.
Health
Breathing problems linked to the short face, eye injuries and cataracts, patellar luxation, spinal malformations and deafness can occur. Ask the breeder for breathing, eye, knee and hearing results and DNA tests.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Breathing (BOAS)
- Eye examination
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Hearing (BAER)
DNA tests
- Hereditary cataract (HSF4)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Boston Terrier was developed in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late nineteenth century from crosses of bulldog and white English terrier types. The early fighting dogs were quickly bred down in size and temperament, and it became one of the first American breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Today's Boston is a cheerful, people-oriented dog that fits well into city life. It enjoys play and walks but is equally happy to settle at home. Its short face makes it sensitive to heat and strenuous exercise, and its prominent eyes need protection, but otherwise it is a practical, low-maintenance companion.
Did you know?
The Boston Terrier is the official state dog of Massachusetts and is nicknamed the American Gentleman.