Are you wondering if Boston Terriers are affectionate?
If you have owned a Boston for a while, you know these dogs are little cuddle bugs who enjoy the company of their human friends.
But, I wanted to hear from real Boston Terrier owners to get their input on what the affection of a Boston Terrier looks like.
Are Boston Terriers Affectionate?
Yes, Boston Terriers are very affectionate. Bostons enjoy the company of humans as well as other pets. A well balanced Boston both, physically and emotionally, needs affection to feel loved by their owner.
Topics Covered In This Article
Are Boston Terriers Affectionate? What 150+ Owners Say
I recently asked the Boston Terrier Society Community whether or not their Boston was affectionate. The results were a resounding, YES!
How Do Boston Terriers Show Affection?
Just like most dogs, Boston Terriers show affection in several different ways. The main ways Boston Terriers show devotion is by:
- Kissing/ Licking
- Jumping
- Cuddling
- Rubbing Against You
- Tail Wagging
- Nosing
- Bring You Their Toys
Poll
Be Prepared For A Boston Terrier Clinger
Boston Terriers love showing you affection so much they tend to be clingy. This means they are going to want to be by your side day and night.
I did a poll of Boston Terrier owners, and the overwhelming response was that there Boston Terrier was clingy.
Boston Terrier Owners Say Their Dog Shows Affection In This Way
There are many ways Boston Terriers show their affection. However, I was curious about what real-life Boston Terrier owners say about how their pet shows love.
After surveying the Boston Terrier community about how their Boston Terrier shows affection, this is what they said.
- Yes!! Mine have to sit as close as possible, sleep under the covers at night right against my legs and always has kisses for me.
- Mine loves to play and then snuggle at the end of the day. Super snugglie ❤️
- My little love bug would meet me at the door when I came home. Then would snuggle up to me sitting on the couch and sleep with me and snuggle up as close to me as she could get.
- She sits on us sleeps on us, the best greeting when we come home.
- If Velcro came in dog form, it would appear as a Boston Terrier. 😊
- Mine just looks at me and snuggles when she gets my attention.
- She snuggles up close to me.
- Cassie is the most loving dog ever.
- Mine whines to be on the couch with you then lays by you or on your hip.
- Mine likes kissing me. Shes my luv bug.❤🐶🐾🐾
- Gives a lot of kisses.
- He gives me a million kisses every day.
- He HAS to sit with you and watch TV.
If you want to connect or ask questions about Boston Terriers, visit the community, Boston Terrier Society’s Facebook Page.
Why Affection In The Form Of Cuddling Is Critical To Your Boston Terriers Health
Researchers have shown touch actually increases the oxytocin levels in dogs and humans as well as decreases cortisol levels in both humans and dogs.
There was a study published in 2017 in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The study is called “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners, and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study.”
This means that Boston Terriers are hard-wired for touch, cuddles, and affection from their human parents because it helps them emotionally in many ways mentioned below.
What Does Oxytocin Do?
In the study, oxytocin was shown to increase during physical touch or, in our case, cuddles.
The role of oxytocin in the body is both important to males and females but has more been associated with childbirth, breastfeeding, and mother-child bonding. Oxytocin is sometimes given to women to induce labor.
However, in the case of Boston Terrier cuddles, your Boston may be seeking cuddles to help increase the bond between both of you.
And therefore a need for your Boston to increase its oxytocin levels.
Positive Attributes of Increased Oxytocin Levels In Humans
| Trust |
| Empathy |
| Positive Relationship Memories |
| Fidelity |
| Positive Communication |
| Processing Of Bond Cues |
| Relaxation |
| Overall Psychological Stability |
What Does Cortisol Do?
In the study, cortisol levels were shown to decrease during touch or, in our case, cuddles. Cortisol is a natural steroid that helps do several necessary functions in the body but is mainly associated with helping during stressful situations.
Some functions of cortisol, according to WebMD, are: manages how your body process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; keeps inflammation down; increases your blood sugar; and controls your sleep cycle.
However, like anything in life, excess, can cause problems. By cuddling, your Boston is lowering their cortisol levels as well as yours.
Below are the health benefits of low levels of cortisol.
Benefits Of Low Levels Of Cortisol
| Decrease In Anxiety |
| Decrease In Depression |
| Reduction In Heart Disease |
| Better Memory and Concentration Problems |
| Healthy Sleep |
Three Reasons For Boston Terrier Cuddles
Affection
Just like humans, dogs show affection through touch. Your Boston could be snuggling up next to you to show you that she loves you. Or the snuggling could be to help reinforce this belief to your dog that you love her.
Sense Of Belonging
Similar to affection, a sense of belonging is necessary for a healthy emotional state. By being very close to you, you’re showing your Boston that she belongs in your pack.
Warmth
And of course, on a beautiful cold day, a simple snuggle next to mom and dad can be a way for your little fur baby to keep warm.
Not An Affectionate Person? Here Is How You Can Show Your Boston Terrier You Love Them
I asked the Boston Terrier Society Community on Twitter what they do to make their Boston happy. There were a lot of great responses.
What do you do to make your Boston Terrier Happy?
— Boston Terrier Society (@Boston_Society) January 17, 2020
Here are the results…
| @doggie_mom4 says… | Give them chew bones or treats. |
| Let them go swimming in the summer. | |
| Take your Boston on walks. | |
| Wrestle with them. | |
| Let them take naps. | |
| @IamCindyBush | Spending time with them. |
| Cuddling with them. | |
| Playing with them. | |
| A car ride to Dairy Queen for ice cream. | |
| A bite of pizza crust or burger. | |
| Having company over. | |
| @carlirene | Play hide and seek. |
| Go to the park. | |
| Eat together. | |
| Let them sleep in your bed. | |
| @1965jp | Play! Especially tug of war or any kind of ball. |
| @borg_alta | Throw balls. |
| @seanarchy | Provide them with toys and treats. |
| @Chokfulanutz | Stay out of your Boston’s sunspots. |
| @ferguson_joe | Take them on lots of walks. |
| @KyleWIIM | Give them aggressive belly rubs. |
| @Todd42Wilson | Play, Treats, Play, Repeat. |
| @bostonandbaby1 | My Boston does a trick for treats every morning. It is fun for both of us. |
Final Thoughts…
Boston Terriers are incredibly affectionate. The affection a Boston wants to give you is critical to their mental health. If you are thinking about getting a Boston Terrier, you will need to be the kind of person who enjoys constant affection from an animal.
If you already have a Boston Terrier be sure to give them a pat on the head today for me.
Thinking About Getting A Boston Terrier? Take this quiz, Should I Get A Boston Terrier Quiz. If you score a 100% chances are you’re the perfect person for a Boston Terrier.
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