It’s no surprise that the Blue Boston terrier is such a well-liked breed given its outgoing, vivacious, and active personality. The Boston terrier, sometimes known as the “American Gentleman,” is a tiny non-sporting dog breed from the United States that was developed to be a companion dog. These well-behaved, intelligent, and affectionate dogs make ideal family pets and friends. The Boston is unquestionably charming and may be called dapper thanks to their short, sleek, black and white coat that is patterned to mimic a tuxedo jacket. This breed is brachycephalic, which means the face is flat and has a little “squashed” aspect.
Boston terriers are often eager to please and like spending as much time as possible with their owners. If you’re searching for a little dog and are a first-time dog owner, they can be a terrific option. In general, these dogs get along with almost everyone, even small children who are aware of the dangers of rough play, other family pets, and felines who are tolerant of dogs.
Overview of Breeds
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 15 to 17 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, friendly, playful
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: United States
Characteristics of the Boston Terrier
The usual demeanour of Boston terriers is one of joy, friendliness, and affection. Their enthusiasm for play and their sense of humour also shape their personalities. They often get along well with other animals and are generally friendly towards people, even children and strangers. Boston terriers are lively, high-energy dogs despite their small stature, and they frequently do well in dog sports like flyball and agility. However, keep in mind that Bostons, like other brachycephalic breeds, can easily become overheated and should be given the opportunity to relax when required. Don’t expect your Boston terrier to follow your commands every time you give them because they can be intelligent and easy to train, but they can also be difficult to train.
History of the Boston Terrier
Unexpectedly, the amiable, goofy, and occasionally playful Boston terrier is a direct descendent of dogs that were initially bred for pit fighting and other “blood sports” that were prominent in 19th-century England. But today’s Boston terriers are typically not a breed that fights or acts aggressively towards other dogs or humans. In actuality, the majority are approachable and polite to almost everyone.
The Boston terrier’s story began in the 1860s when a Boston man named William O’Brien purchased a bulldog-white English terrier mix from England named Judge. O’Brien ended up selling Judge to another Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper. Records refer to “Hooper’s Judge” as the father of the Boston terrier breed from which all Bostons descend.
Judge was a muscular, tough, but fairly small dog, weighing in at around 30 pounds. His head was square, and his coat was dark brindle with a white stripe down his face. Judge was bred to a small, white, bulldog-type female. And that launched the selective breeding process. Breeders specifically were looking to create a small, friendly companion dog.
In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America was founded. And soon after in 1893, the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed. Since then, the Boston terrier has become quite popular throughout the United States. It’s Boston University’s official mascot, as well as the official dog for the state of Massachusetts. Boston terrier in the 1920s H. Amstrong Roberts / Getty Images
For the most part, Bostons are a fairly low-maintenance breed. They do require regular exercise, grooming, and training, like any dog, but in amounts that are lower than many other breeds. If left alone too often, however, or not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become destructive or develop annoying behaviors. Remember that your Boston terrier was bred to be a companion dog and wants to be with you as much as possible.
Exercise
Boston terriers are relatively energetic and should receive about an hour of exercise per day. A couple of daily walks, games of fetch, playing with puzzle toys, and running around in a secure area should suffice. Dog sports, such as agility and rally, can help to burn their mental and physical energy. The key is that Bostons prefer to be active with their humans. If you leave them to their own devices, they might become bored and develop problem behaviors, such as unwanted chewing.
Moreover, due to the Boston’s flat face, the breed is prone to breathing issues.1 Discuss this with your vet, and know how to spot the signs of labored breathing during exercise.
Grooming
Boston terriers generally need little more than basic grooming, as their short coat doesn’t shed much. Brush them weekly with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. Plan on a bath roughly every month, depending on how dirty your dog gets.
In addition, check your dog’s nails every month or so to see whether they’re due for a trim. Look in its ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and other abnormalities. And brush its teeth every day.
Training
Begin training and socializing your Boston terrier from as young of an age as possible. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class is an ideal way for your dog to learn basic commands and manners. And exposing it to different people, other dogs, and various locations will help to boost its comfort and confidence.
Always use positive reinforcement methods, such as praise and treats, as this breed can be especially sensitive to harsh corrections. And be consistent in your commands. Boston terriers generally want to please their humans and will take to training well.
Because they typically love the company of people, Boston terriers can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone. Professional dog trainers and behaviorists can give you tips to help combat this. But a household where someone is home for most of the day is the best option for this breed. The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Common Health Problems
Boston terriers are prone to some hereditary health issues2, including:
- Eye problems, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma. And because their eyes are large and prominent, they can be prone to dryness and irritation from dust, pollen, or low humidity. You should check your Boston terrier’s eyes each day for any sign of redness or irritation.
- Deafness: Congenital deafness, meaning present from birth, in one or both ears is more common in Boston terriers than many other breeds of dog.
- Patellar luxation: This is an inherited condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place, leading to limping, odd leg movements, and sometimes pain in advanced cases.
- Brachycephalic syndrome: Common in the many flat-faced dog breeds, this condition is a combination of upper airway abnormalities that cause breathing difficulties.
Diet and Nutrition
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. And feed it a high-quality canine diet that’s nutritionally balanced. Most owners feed two measured meals per day to ensure their dog is getting the proper amount. You should always discuss both the amount and type of food with your vet to verify that you’re meeting the dog’s individual needs.
Also, be mindful about treats and other extra food. Many Boston terriers have a strong love of food and will beg for handouts. But too many extras might result in your dog becoming overweight, as even a small weight increase can be a lot for this little dog.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are a popular dog breed, especially in North America. So be sure to check local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home. If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $600 to $2,0003, though this can vary widely.
For further information to connect you with a Boston terrier, check out:
Boston Terrier Overview
Pros
- Friendly and affectionate
- Minimal grooming needs
- Can be good with kids and other pets
Cons
- Flat face can cause breathing issues (brachycephalic syndrome)
- Prone to eye problems
- Can develop separation anxiety
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
As with any dog breed, if you’re interested in a Boston terrier, do plenty of research before bringing one home to ensure that the dog is suitable for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, veterinarians, and reputable breeders to learn more.
If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:
There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!
FAQ
- Are Boston terriers good family dogs? Boston terriers can be excellent family dogs when they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be tolerant of children but should always be supervised around young or rowdy children. Most enjoy a good romp with older kids. They also generally get along well with other dogs and with dog-friendly cats.As long as it won’t be left alone too often, this is a great breed for families, for people who haven’t owned a dog before, or for anyone who wants an affectionate pet that prefers to be near its human as much as possible.
- Are Boston terriers aggressive? Boston terriers generally are not aggressive when they’ve had training and socialization from an early age. Indeed, they are known for their friendly, outgoing, and silly personalities. Still, they have a moderate watchdog nature and can become territorial if they perceive a threat.
- Are Boston terriers good apartment dogs? Boston terriers typically can make good apartment dogs, as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. They usually don’t bark excessively, and they don’t require a lot of space for play. However, if you are gone for long hours everyday, your Boston might suffer with separation anxiety and develop undesirable behaviors.