Non-Sporting group

Boston Terrier

The “American Gentleman” — lively, friendly and tuxedo-clad.

Boston Terriers are compact, cheerful companions that adapt well to city life. They are friendly, playful and easy to care for, though their short muzzle and prominent eyes need careful attention.

Height
15–17 in38–43 cm
Weight
12–25 lb5–11 kg
Life expectancy
11–13 years
Size
Small
Group
Non-Sporting
Origin
Boston, United States

Coat: Short, smooth, fine coat. Colours: Black and white, Brindle and white, Seal and white.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Bostons are affectionate, upbeat and people-focused. They are usually friendly with strangers and other dogs and enjoy games and training. Their size and moderate energy make them adaptable to apartments and families alike.

They can be excitable and occasionally stubborn, and some are sensitive to harsh correction. They generally bark little but make good alert dogs.

Living with a Boston Terrier

Exercise

Around 30–60 minutes of walks and play daily. Avoid hot and humid weather.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing and occasional baths. Wipe facial wrinkles and check eyes daily.

Training

Bright and eager with reward-based training. House-training may take patience. Use a harness to protect the airway.

Kids & other pets

Great with children and usually with other dogs and cats. Sturdy enough for gentle play, though excitable Bostons can nip during rough games.

Time alone

Tolerates a few hours alone once trained, but Bostons are companion dogs and can become vocal or anxious if routinely left for long days.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Boston Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Boston Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Boston Terrier typically lives 11–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

    Snoring and heat intolerance are signs of restricted airways.

  • Eye injuries and disease

    Prominent eyes are prone to corneal ulcers; juvenile cataracts are inherited (HSF4).

  • Patellar luxation

    Kneecaps can slip out of place; ranges from mild to requiring surgery.

  • Deafness

    Linked to white markings; BAER testing detects it.

  • Spinal malformations

    Hemivertebrae are common in screw-tailed breeds.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination and HSF4 cataract DNA test
  • BAER hearing test
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Boston Terrier; Boston Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Flat-faced breeds often need airway surgery or specialist care; insurance premiums are higher.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed began around 1870 with Judge, a bulldog-terrier cross bought by Robert C. Hooper of Boston. Judge’s descendants, bred down in size and softened in temperament, became the Boston Terrier.

The AKC recognised the breed in 1893, making it one of the first American-developed breeds in the stud book. It became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.

Did you know?

  • Boston University’s mascot, Rhett, is a Boston Terrier.
  • The breed’s black-and-white markings earned it the nickname “American Gentleman”.
  • Judge, the founding dog, weighed around 32 lb — much heavier than most Bostons today.

Library guides for Boston Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes — they are small, adaptable and generally quiet.
Do Boston Terriers shed?
Lightly. Their short coat needs little grooming.
Boston Terrier or French Bulldog?
Bostons are usually lighter, more athletic and longer-legged, with somewhat fewer breathing problems.