Perhaps you’re considering getting a Boston Terrier and have wondered if they are okay around birds. Or maybe you already own a Boston Terrier and are concerned about them interacting with your feathered friend.
In either case, it’s important to know the answer to this question: can a Boston Terrier kill a bird?
Let’s take an in-depth look at the issue.
Boston Terriers And Birds
The Nature of the Boston Terrier Breed
Boston Terriers are small dogs that usually weigh between 10 and 25 pounds when fully grown. As such, they are not aggressive by nature. They are bred for companionship, not for hunting or killing animals.
That being said, there is always the possibility that any dog could be provoked into aggression, regardless of its size or breed type.
So it’s important to pay attention to how your Boston Terrier is interacting with birds and other animals in order to prevent any dangerous situations from occurring.
Can Boston Terriers Physically Kill a Bird?
In general, no—a healthy adult bird should be able to escape from the clutches of even the largest of Boston Terriers fairly easily due to their size difference. However, smaller birds such as finches and parakeets may not be so lucky if attacked by an especially large or persistent dog.
In addition, young or injured birds may not have the strength or agility necessary to escape from an aggressive canine predator. So it’s best to keep your Boston Terrier away from any wild birds just in case.
Other Considerations
Even if your Boston Terrier isn’t able to physically harm a bird due to its size difference (depending on the bird) and, more importantly its demeanor, it may still cause stress or fear for other animals in your home or yard. The same goes for cats or other small pets—even if your dog isn’t trying to hurt them directly, their presence alone can cause distress.
It’s also important to consider that although you may be able to trust your pup around smaller pets today, their behavior may change over time as they age or experience new circumstances in life (such as bringing home another pet).
Additional Questions You May Have
Is a Boston Terrier a hunting dog?
No, a Boston Terrier is not a hunting dog by nature. These small-sized dogs were bred primarily as companion animals and not for hunting purposes. Their size and build make them ill-suited for pursuing larger prey, and they tend to be gentle and non-aggressive by nature.
How do I stop my dog from killing birds?
The best way to prevent your dog from killing birds is to ensure that they are properly trained and socialized. Start by establishing yourself as the leader of the pack and setting clear boundaries for your pet. This will help to ensure that they understand their place in the hierarchy and don’t feel the need to chase or harm other animals.
Read: The 10 Most Important Commands To Teach Your Boston Terrier!
Do Boston Terriers kill chickens?
No, it is highly unlikely that a Boston Terrier would kill a fully-grown chicken. They are usually too small to do serious harm to large animals such as chickens and are not known for their hunting or killing instincts either.
Note: Bella, my Boston Terrier, has killed some newborn baby chickens before, but this happened because she jumped on them while playing…she clearly didn’t know what she was doing at the time.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible to know for sure whether your Boston Terrier would kill a bird. However, you can be prepared by keeping your dog on a leash and supervising them when they are outside. You should also avoid letting your Boston play with birds or small animals if you are concerned.
If you are concerned about your Boston Terriers’ behavioral issues, check out Dr. Dunbars Dog Training Academy. He specifically covers how to stop bad behavior like aggressiveness in dogs. Check it out here…Top Dog Training Academy.