12 Real Reasons You Shouldn’t Get A Boston Terrier


Are you thinking about getting a Boston Terrier but not sure if this breed is for you? Look no further because I have you covered.

Here are 12 real reasons you should not get a Boston Terrier. 

Should I Get A Boston Terrier? Here Is What 6 Owners Say
Donnie & Bella

This article is here to help someone who is on the fence about getting a Boston. I love Boston’s, but I know this wonderful breed is not for everyone. If you are looking for a Boston and want some guidance on health issues, finding a reputable breeder, and avoid scams check out this course I created here First Boston Course.

Let’s get started…

[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”c1rvsunorp9ntkoihk5u” sticky=”false” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/c1rvsunorp9ntkoihk5u.jpg” title=”Should You Get A Boston Terrier? Real Owners Speak Out” volume=”70″]

12 Real Reasons You Shouldn’t Get A Boston Terrier

You are trying to find a dog that best fits your lifestyle and family’s needs. Here are 12 legitimate reasons you should not get a Boston Terrier.

If you are ok with these 12 items, then by all means, this breed is for you!

Want to take a quiz to see if the Boston is right for you? See If the Boston Terrier is for you quiz!

1) Boston Terriers Are Not Outdoor Dogs

A Boston is not for you if you are looking for a dog breed that can live permanently outdoors. The Boston Terrier is built to be an indoor dog.

Yes, this dog breed does love to play outdoors. 

However, when it comes to where it lays its head at night, your Boston will want to either be in your bed or its very own dog bed.

Interested in what the first year of owning a Boston Terrier is going to be like? Read this article, A Boston’s First Year – Stages & Growth Development.

What Owners Say About Boston’s Being Outdoor Dogs

Read: 33 Affectionate Dog Breeds Perfect For Apartment Living! (With Pictures)

Boston Terrier exercising

2) Boston Terriers Are Not Built For Endurance

Are you looking for a running buddy? 

If so, a Boston Terrier is not for you. While the Boston does great in short sprints and agility courses, they are not made for long-distance running.

What do I mean by long-distance? 

The longest run I ever took Bella on was three miles, she was definitely spent afterward. 

Because of the Boston’s short nose, it makes it hard to breathe, and they overheat quickly.

If you are a long-distance runner and want a dog to go on runs with you would be better off choosing from one of these dog breeds below.

5 Dog Breeds That Are Great For Runners

According to Runnersworld.com, here are 5 dog breeds that a perfect for the avid runner.

  1. Weimaraners
  1. German Shorthaired Pointers
  1. Vizslas
  1. Parson Russell Terriers
  1. Greyhounds

3) Boston Terriers Have Bad Gas

If a fart makes you sick to your stomach, a Boston Terrier might not be the dog breed for you. Boston’s are notoriously gassy.

Video Explanation Of Boston Terrier Toots!

Want to learn more about Boston health issues? Read this article, 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues.

4) Boston Terriers Need Attention

Boston Terriers are a needy dog breed when it comes to them wanting your attention. 

Bella, my Boston, will literally look at me at whine when I watch t.v. Because she wants me to pay attention to her.

If you are ok with having a dog that wants constant affection, a Boston is for you.

Boston Terrier outdoors
Bella & Me (Donnie) outside in the park.

5) Boston Terriers Do Not Do Well In Extreme Heat

Boston’s tend to overheat quickly. If you are someone who loves the outdoors and lives in a hot place, the Boston breed will probably not be for you if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.

However, you can take a Boston outside in the heat. You just need to be very cautious and aware of your Boston, so they do not overheat.

Still interested in the Boston but afraid of the heat sensitivity? Read this article I wrote covering the 7 signs you Boston Terrier is overheating.

Video – How Hot Is Too Hot For A Boston Terrier?

6) Boston Terriers Are Extra Cuddly

Boston’s love to cuddle. If you are a cuddler, too, this is perfect. 

If not, expect your Boston to sit in your lab or by your side on the couch every single day!

7) Boston Terriers Are Not Hypoallergenic

While the Boston does shed less than most breeds. And the hair they do put off is tiny. This dog breed is not hypoallergenic. 

If you are someone who suffers from dog allergies or someone in your home does, I would recommend checking out one of these five dog breeds.

5 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

While there are no truly 100%, hypoallergenic dogs here are 5 dogs breeds that the American Kennel Club recommends for dog allergy sufferers. 

These breeds are chosen either because they have no hair or their hair does not shed.

  1. Affenpinscher
  1. Afghan Hound
  1. American Hairless Terrier
  1. Barbet
  1. Kerry Blue Terrier
Boston Terrier as a watchdog.
Bella on the lookout!

8) Boston Terriers Are Not Guard Dogs

While the Boston Terrier does make an excellent watchdog, they will not offer much protection when it actually comes to stopping an intruder.

What is the difference between a watchdog and a guard dog?

A watchdog is basically on the lookout and will alert you if an intruder is in your home. While a guard dog will physically protect you.

5 Guard Dogs

Here is an example of 5 dog breeds that make excellent guard dogs.

  1. Cane Corso
  1. Rottweiler
  1. German Sheppard
  1. Bullmastiff
  1. Boxer

9) Boston Terriers Snore

Are you ok with a dog sleeping in your bedroom and sawing some logs? Boston’s are notorious for their snoring.

As long as you are ok sleeping in a room with a 50-year-old man, a Boston will be the perfect breed for you.

Three Examples On YouTube Of Boston’s Snoring

Video Of Bella The Boston Terrier Snoring.
Video Of Boston Snoring.
Video Of Boston Snoring.

10) Boston Terriers Beg

This could be a training thing on mine and Emily’s part, but Boston’s beg.

What do Boston’s beg for? Pretty much everything.

They Beg For

  • Wanting attention
  • Wanting food
  • Wanting on the couch
  • Wanting to play
  • Wanting in their bed

11) Boston Terrier Will Randomly Lay Down On Walks

If you are a fast-paced person on walks, be prepared for your Boston to randomly lay down as you walk.

Bella does this often, but it is not every walk. 

Bella taking a break on our 0.01 mile walk lol.

12) Boston Terriers Do Not Do Well Alone

If you are someone who travels a lot, a Boston Terrier may not be the breed for you. If you have a regular 8 to 5 job, a Boston will be perfect.

However, if you are always out of town and staying overnight places, I would reconsider getting a Boston.

Boston’s become very close to their owners. 

Do Boston Terriers Like To Cuddle?
Bella & I resting on the couch.

Personal Story Of How Bella Acted When Emily & I Left For Two Weeks

I remember leaving Bella at home with our house sitter (we had a friend stay at our house) for two weeks. When Emily and I took a vacation to Alaska, Bella was not happy.

I mean, she really pouted. 

When we came home, she acted like she didn’t like us, and she even went as far as climbing onto my bed and peed on my pillow, twice! 

I know it was retaliation for leaving her.

My point is this breed is a companion animal it wants you in their life. Constant travels may equal no dog for now until you are home more regularly.

Final thoughts…

The Boston Terrier is not for everyone, and that is ok. You need to find the best dog that fits your needs.

If you still want to give this lovable breed a chance, take the quiz to see if this breed is a good match for you. Take the Boston Terrier compatibility quiz.


Should You Get A Boston Terrier YouTube Video

Learn More About Owning A Boston Terrier Here On The Boston Terrier Society’s YouTube Channel


Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the owner of the Boston Terrier Society. He has been raising Bella the Boston since 2010. He resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, and Bella. His favorite activities are hanging out with family, traveling, running (but has bad knees), and reading non-fiction books.

Recent Posts