What does a Boston Terrier look like?

The Boston Terrier breed’s distinctive markings gives them a “tuxedo” look, with a white coat and black markings on the face, erect ears, and back. They have short-haired coats that don’t need too much grooming.

The Boston Terrier is a relatively small dog, weighing between 12 to 25 pounds when fully grown. They typically stand between 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulders, making them an ideal size for apartment living or carrying around in your arms!

Their heads are shaped like large domes with high foreheads that give them their signature look. Overall, Boston Terriers are considered one of the most beautiful breeds(We might be biased)!

Read: 15 Adorable Dog Breeds That Weight As Much As A Boston Terrier! 

Boston Terriers Breed Standard Color:

• Black & White
• Black Brindle & White
• Brindle & White
• Seal & White
• Seal Brindle & White

Boston Terrier Temperament and Personality

The Boston Terrier is a lively dog with an even-tempered and happy-go-lucky personality. They are affectionate, loyal, and devoted to their owners and families.

Despite being small in size, they are brave and courageous with an outgoing nature that makes them great with both children and other pets. The Boston Terrier is also quite intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They love to be around people, making them the perfect family dog!

What is the history of the Boston Terrier dog breed?

The Boston Terrier is the first dog breed originally bred in the United States of America. The breed was developed by crossing an English Bulldog named Judge and a White English Terrier named Burnett’s Gyp. Initially known as the “Round Head” or “Bull Terrier,” the Boston Terrier was officially named after the city of Boston in 1891.

What real owners say it’s like parenting a Boston Terrier

Here is a video done by me on the Boston Terrier Society’s YouTube Channel, talking to five other owners on what it is like parenting a Boston Terrier from a puppy to an adult dog.

Common Q&A’s For Raising And Caring For A Boston Terrier

If you are thinking about getting a Boston Terrier puppy for the first time, here are some questions you may want answers to.

Do Boston Terriers shed?

Boston Terriers are considered a low-shedding breed, making them a great choice for someone who doesn’t want hair all over their couch. While they may shed some, it is usually not enough to be found on your clothes before heading to work.

From my personal experience, the only time you’ll find loose hair is when you are sweeping up the floor, but it’s not visible until you have swept it into a pile or for my older Boston simply running my hands over her back.

Do Boston Terriers drool?

Boston Terriers typically are not known to be heavy droolers. Bostons tend to produce more saliva when they become excited or nervous, and this is usually seen when they are panting. They may also slobber after eating or drinking something cold.

Do Boston Terriers bark a lot?

Boston Terriers typically do not bark excessively, unless they are feeling neglected, like being crated while you are away or if they are not getting enough attention from their owners.

In fact, 84% of 210 Boston parents reported that their dog does not bark excessively.

Learn more about Boston Terrier barking by watching this video…

Are Boston Terriers easy to potty train?

Boston Terriers are relatively easy to potty train, as they learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. As with any breed, consistency is key when housebreaking your Boston Terrier puppy.

If you are having difficulty with potty training, consult your veterinarian or a pet behaviorist for help. But establishing a schedule for bathroom breaks helps the pup understand when and where it’s appropriate to relieve itself. Be sure to praise them when they go potty where you want them to.

Watch this video about potty training a Boston Terrier…

Are Boston Terriers easy to train?

Boston Terriers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them an ideal breed for those looking for an easily trainable companion. They can learn a variety of commands and tricks quickly, thanks to their intelligence and willingness to please.

In fact, in one study, the Boston Terrier ranked 54th out of 79 ranks and was labeled as average working / obidence intelligence.

This study was done by Stanley Coren for his 1994 book, The Intelligence of Dogs. Coren surveyed over 100 American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club obedience trial judges to rank breeds by their performance.

Here are some commands you will want to teach your Boston:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Down or Off
• Heel
• Drop it
• Fetch

It is going to take, on average, 12+ tries before your Boston is going to pick up on this new command. In the study mentioned above, understanding a new command for a Boston Terrier will take 25 – 40 repetitions.

The 12+ findings come from a poll conducted on the Boston Terrier Society’s Twitter community. With over 40 Boston Parents responding, the majority state it takes their Boston 12 or more attempts before they learn a new command.

See the poll here…I may have spelled try funny, but the information is all the same 🙂

Are Boston Terriers good family dogs?

Boston Terriers make great family dogs due to their friendly, outgoing, and gentle temperaments. They are highly adaptable and love being around people of all ages, making them the perfect companion dog.

Bostons are known for getting along well with other animals, so if your family already has a four-legged companion at home, the Boston won’t have any problem fitting in and making friends.

Bostons even come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for families with children who want to pick out the Boston Terrier of their dreams.

No matter what your family dynamic looks like, a Boston Terrier can bring joy, love, and companionship into your home.

How much exercise does a Boston Terrier need?

Boston Terriers need an average of 30 minutes of daily exercise. This can be done easily with one ten-minute walk in the morning, a ten-minute walk in the evening along with a ten-minute game of fetch.

These activities will help keep your Boston in great physical condition and mentally stimulated while providing much-needed bonding time between you and your pup.

Remember, each Boston Terrier is different and may require a slightly different exercise routine. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about the best plan for your pet’s age, health conditions, etc.

Dog Sports Bostons Have Been Known To Do

• Dog Agility
• Dock Jumping
• Flyball

Check out this video of a Boston Terrier doing a dock jump! Epic!…

What health problems does a Boston Terrier have?

Boston Terriers are generally healthy, but there are certain health issues that they may be prone to. Some of these include luxating patellas (dislocated kneecap), eye problems, deafness, heart disease, and hip dysplasia.

And keep in mind they are one of the brachycephalic breeds having a relatively broad, short skull, making them prone to heat injuries and reverse sneezing.

• Luxating Patellas: The luxating patella condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place due to a weakened ligament. This can be painful and may require surgery in severe cases.
• Eye Problems: Cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eyes are some of the most common eye problems in many Boston Terriers.
• Deafness: In some cases, Boston Terriers may be born deaf or can become deaf over time.
• Heart Disease: Heart problems, such as murmurs, are common in Boston Terriers.
• Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition caused by the malformation of the hip joint which can cause pain and lameness.

It’s important for all Boston Terrier owners to be aware of these potential health problems and work with their veterinarian regularly to ensure their pup is healthy and happy.

Read: 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues!

Nick Names For Boston Terriers

Here are some official and unofficial breed nicknames:

• American Gentleman
• Boston Bull Terrier
• American Bull Terrier (the original name for a Boston Terrier)
• Boston Bulls
• Boston Bulldogs

Fun Facts About The Boston Terrier Breed

1. Boston Terriers were the first dog breed developed in the United States.
2. The Boston Terrier is considered to be an American Gentleman due to its tuxedo coat and friendly behavior.
3. Bostons are the official state dog of Massachusetts.
4. Bostons are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have a short snout (smashed face).
5. Bostons have been the college mascot for the University of Boston since 1922. The Boston there is named Rhett.
6. President Warren G Harding and Gerald Ford both owned a Boston.
7. Boston Terriers can participate in canine sports like water diving and agility courses.
8. Boston Terriers aren’t really terriers – this is because of two things first, the original terrier ancestors used to breed the Boston we know today are now extinct. Secondly, Boston’s are a breed in their own right not belonging to the bull and terrier types of their ancestors but are labeled as a Non-Sporting breed in the American Kennel Club’s seven groups for dog breeds.
9. Mistaken Identities – Bostons are not French Bulldogs or Bull Terriers. While it may be easy to confuse a Frenchie whose dog breed does look a little similar, I get it. But a Bull Terrier is a completely different breed. See both here Frenchie / Bull Terrier.
10. The name of the bulldog ancestor linked to the origin of the Boston Terrier was a dog named Judge.
11. A Boston can be a little couch potato at times…or most of the time 🙂

Pros and Cons Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Pros:

– Boston Terriers have an affectionate, loyal, and gentle temperament which makes them great for families with children.

– Bostons are known to be intelligent and can easily learn simple commands and tricks.

– They are a relatively low-maintenance breed and don’t require a lot of grooming.

– They are an adaptable breed that can live in both small apartments or large homes.

Cons:

– Boston Terriers can be sensitive to loud noises and may bark excessively when frightened or excited.

– Being brachycephalic, they can overheat easily and cannot handle extreme temperatures.

– Bostons have been known to suffer from several health issues that can be expensive to treat.

– They will require consistent daily exercise to stay healthy and fit.

Learn more about what other Boston parents said their pros and cons of owning a Boston puppy were…

5 Things New Boston Parents Absolutely Need To Know!

If you are ready for the inside scoop of what to expect in the first year of owning your Boston Terrier here are five things that I did not know these cute little bundle of joys did.

1. Zoomies – zoomies are random bursts of energy that will send your Boston running in circles around the house or yard. These bursts of energy are called FRAP’s Frenetic Random Activity Periods. FRAP’s usually lasts for one to five minutes.

Watch this video of a Bostons doing a zoomies…

2. Snore – because your Boston Terrier has a short nose they are more prone to snoring, and at times the snoring can be pretty loud. So if your Boston is sleeping next to you in your room, be prepared.

Watch this video of how loud a Boston can snore, and what kind of dog sleeps like this lol…

3. Fart – your Boston is going to fart, a lot. In a poll on the Boston Terrier Society Facebook group, 87% of owners reported their Boston farts. You can help avoid this by feeding them high-quality dog food and limiting table scraps.

Watch this video where I talk about Boston Terrier gas and what you can do about it…

4. Reverse Sneeze – a reverse sneeze in a dog is a peculiar noise they make, usually accompanied by rapid breathing. It almost looks like they are trying to clear their throats or swallow something! Oftentimes, these episodes aren’t too serious and may be caused by something as minor as an irritant like pollen or dust. However, if it’s happening often, it’s best to take your pup for check-up with the vet – just in case!

Watch this video of what a reverse sneeze looks like and what I do with my Boston Bella…

5. Stubborn – like any other canine companion, they do have moments of willfulness or occasional resistance. Luckily, these smart and affectionate pooches can usually be steered in the right direction with some patience, kind reminders and plenty of treats!

In a poll done on the Boston Terrier Society Twitter community, 83% of 109 respondents said yes their Boston Terrier is stubborn.

Watch this video where I talk about stubbornness in this admired dog breed and what to do about it…

What clubs or organizations does the Boston Terrier belong to?

There is one club that is dedicated to the preservation of the Boston Terrier breed, and that is the Boston Terrier Club of America. The BTCA is the parent club of the Boston Terrier for the American Kennel Club.

Here is more about these two wonderful clubs…

Boston Terrier Club of America

The Boston Terrier Club of America (BTCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Boston Terriers. Established in 1891, it is one of the oldest breed clubs in the world.

The BTCA provides many services to its members, including education, resources, and support for breeders, owners and exhibitors of Boston Terriers. The BTCA also works to preserve the breed’s health and standard through responsible breeding practices and education.

Note: The BTCA was initially created in 1889 when fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club (the original name of the Boston), but after some fighting with other clubs over names, the club was changed to the Boston Terrier Club of America in 1891.

If you want to look at the Boston breed standard put out by the BTCA, here is a PDF version: Boston Breed Standard.

American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the oldest national breed club and most prestigious purebred dog registry in the United States for purebred dogs. Established in 1884, the AKC is a not-for-profit organization that promotes responsible pet ownership and advocates for the welfare and interests of all breeds of dogs.

The AKC is also responsible for establishing breed standards and regulations for shows, as well as registering purebred puppies.

How much does a Boston Terrier puppy cost?

The cost of a Boston Terrier puppy can vary depending on the breeder, age, and health of the dog, as well as the size and bloodline of the pup. Generally speaking, Bostons range in price from as low as $350 to as high as $3,299.

Prices will also be affected by any additional medical costs or vaccinations that may be needed. Be sure to research and work with a breeder who can provide you with all the necessary information regarding the cost of owning a Boston Terrier.

Where to find a Boston Terrier Rescue

If you are looking for a Boston Terrier rescue, many local organizations specialize in rescuing and finding homes for these lovable pups. In addition to traditional animal shelters, there are also breed-specific rescue groups that focus on Boston Terriers. These groups will often have adoptable dogs of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.

When looking for a Boston Terrier rescue, it’s important to research the organization and make sure that they are reputable. It’s also important to ask questions about the dog’s health, temperament, and background before making a decision.

Check Out This List Of Boston Terrier Rescues Here On The Boston Terrier Society

Learn what to expect when adopting from a Boston Terrier Rescue

This is an interview I did with the Southern Cross Boston Terrier Rescue giving you an idea of what the adoption process is like…watch video

Where to find a Boston Terrier breeder

When it comes to finding a Boston Terrier Breeder, it is important to do your research. Reputable breeders will have a strong knowledge of the breed and will be able to answer any questions you may have about Boston Terriers.

It is also important to ask for health clearances and certifications before purchasing a puppy from any breeder.

Check Out This List Of Boston Terrier Breeders On The Boston Terrier Society Website

Tips for choosing a reputable breeder for your Boston Terrier puppy

1. Do your research

When you are looking for a reputable breeder for your Boston Terrier puppy, it is important to do your research. There are a number of ways to do this, including talking to other dog owners, searching online, and visiting the breeder’s facility in person. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you are choosing a breeder who is reputable and who will provide you with a healthy puppy.

You can start by looking at this list of Boston Terrier breeders who are registered with the Boston Terrier Club of America: Boston Breeders.

Video – Interview With Someone Who Was Scammed When Buying A Boston: Tips On What You Can Do

I spoke with Heidi after she was scammed out of money trying to get a Boston Terrier puppy…watch video

2. Ask for references

A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with references from previous customers. These references can be invaluable in helping you to decide whether or not the breeder is right for you. Be sure to contact the references and ask them about their experience with the breeder, as well as any questions you may have about the puppies or the breeding process.

3. Visit the breeder

If possible, you should visit the breeder’s facility in person before making a decision. This will allow you to see firsthand how the puppies are raised and how the breeding operation is run. You should also take the time to meet the staff and ask them any questions you may have about the care of the puppies.

4. Check for health clearances

Ask for any health clearances the breeder may have done. Reputable breeders will have screened their Boston parents for common defects in order to make sure they are healthy for breeding.

That’s where health registries come in. Before individual Boston Terriers can be included in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database, the Boston Terrier Club of America requires them to have a clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, a patella (knee) evaluation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and a hearing evaluation based on the BAER test from either OFA or the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals at UC-Davis (GDC).

You can search the OFA and CHIC websites yourself to see if a pup’s parents are listed.

• OFA Registry Search
• CHIC Registry

5. Ask about a guarantee

A reputable breeder will offer some type of guarantee on their puppies. This guarantee should cover things such as health problems relating to their Boston Terrier puppies. Be sure to get all guarantees in writing so that you have something to refer back to if there are any problems with your puppy later on.

6. Get everything in writing

When you have chosen a reputable breeder and decided on a puppy, be sure to get everything in writing. This should include a contract that outlines the terms of sale, as well as any guarantees or warranties that are offered by the breeder. Having everything in writing will protect both you and your new puppy in case of any problems down the road.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Terrier is a wonderful breed that can bring you much joy and companionship. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health problems. By taking the time to do your research on this American Gentleman and choosing a reputable breeder, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy puppy who will bring years of happiness into your life.

Learn more about what Boston Terriers love by reading this article, where I asked thousands of other Boston Terrier parents what their Boston loves and boiled it down to a list of ten: 10 Things Boston Terriers Absolutely Love!