Boston Terrier
Also known as Boston
- Height at the withers
- 38 to 43 cm
- Weight
- 5 to 11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, short-tailed dog with a distinctive flat face, upright ears and a smooth coat with “tuxedo” markings. Known as “the American Gentleman” for its friendly, intelligent temperament.
History and origins
Developed in Boston in the 1870s by crossing the English Bulldog with the now-extinct White English Terrier. Refined in the late 19th century, it became one of the first breeds developed in the United States to be recognized by the AKC.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Corneal ulcers
- Cataracts
- Patellar luxation
- Hemivertebrae
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Boston Terrier FAQ
How big does the Boston Terrier get?
The Boston Terrier stands 38 to 43 cm at the withers and weighs 5 to 11 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Boston Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Boston Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Boston Terrier need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Boston Terrier good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Boston Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and corneal ulcers.
