Boston Terrier
Dog Breed Info: All Dog Breeds
Boston Terrier
Boston Bull
- Affectionate and friendly family pet
- Devoted and excellent with children
- Very alert and effective watchdog
| Group | Non-Sporting Group |
| Breed Description | The Boston Terrier (also known as a Boston Bull) is a well-mannered, highly intelligent, thoughtful breed of dog. This powerful-looking breed, with an athletic and compact body, came from a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers (but it is not as noisy as other dogs from the terrier family). The Boston Terrier inherits it’s obedient, protective and gentle nature from the Bulldog, and although it was originally bred for fighting, it is now a peaceful dog. With a square, flat skull and a short muzzle this breed is unmistakable. The Boston Terrier has large, round eyes (which are set well apart) and have small thin ears that are placed at the corner of its head. The Boston has the body structure of a terrier with the abbreviated muzzle of the Bulldog (which explains their snoring). They have a sleek, short coat and therefore can’t tolerate the cold. Extreme heat and humidity can also cause breathing problems. |
| Temperament | Boston Terriers have a very playful and spunky demeanor and are excellent with children, the elderly and other pets. While they were originally bred for dog fighting, today, they are a much less aggressive breed and are a perfect companion dog. The Boston Terrier is an ideal family dog that is loveable, merry and enjoys being around people. In the winter, the Boston is usually found snuggling under the covers to keep warm. |
| Height/Weight | Smaller dog 15-17 inches (38-43 cm) and weighs in at about 10-25 pounds (4.5 – 11.5 kg). |
| Health Issues | Birthing problems – Boston Terrier puppies have larger heads and therefore make it difficult to pass through the birth-canal. As a preventative measure, the puppies are usually delivered by Caesarean section and therefore the puppies need to be bottle fed. While the Boston Terrier is a robust breed, they are also known to have eye inflammations. Drooling and snoring are also common due to their flat faces and short salivary gland passages. With a sleek, short coat, the Boston Terrier can’t tolerate the cold. |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years. |
| Exercise | Boston’s are very content with limited exercise which makes them perfect for small homes or apartments/condos. Boston Terriers do well with a fenced yard and stay in shape with regular walks. |
| Living Conditions | Perfect for smaller homes and great for city life. |
| Grooming | Very low maintenance – the Boston Terrier has a smooth, fine-textured coat so they have very minimal shedding. The Boston’s short-haired coat does not need much grooming – a daily brushing and rub down will keep it clean and shiny. No other special care is needed. |
| Breed Origin | Around 1870, in Boston, there was a dog named Judge – later around 1875 a Boston breeder by the name of Robert C. Hooper renamed the dog to Hooper’s Judge. This dog was a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. The Boston Terrier was originally bred for dog fighting and initially weighed in at a hefty 33 pounds (15 kg), but has been bred down to its current size. |