The Boston Terrier is the ultimate companion dog. Lively, friendly and playful, these small social butterflies love life and especially meeting new people and pups. But their greatest love of all? You! Boston Terriers are utterly devoted companions. Highly affectionate, they’ll lavish you with love. In return, they expect to share your life entirely with them - whatever you’re planning on doing (working, exploring, visiting the local cafe), they want to be trotting right by your side.
French Bulldog Facts
Boston Terriers are the result of crossing an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier (which now doesn’t exist) back in 19th century Liverpool, England. Boston Terriers are often nicknamed the ‘American Gentleman’ thanks to their black and white markings that make them look like they’re wearing a tuxedo.
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 38-43cm
- Weight: 5-11kg
- Life Span: 11-13 years
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Colour: White with black, brindle or seal
What Does a Boston Terrier Look Like?
The first thing you’ll probably notice about these delightful little dogs are their ears - they’re pretty large and bat-like (similar to their distant relative, the French Bulldog). They also have large, round eyes that shine with affection (and occasionally, mischief). But unlike the French Bulldog, Boston Terriers don’t tend to be squat and wide. Instead, they’re lithe and athletic, more like their Terrier namesakes. Watch a Boston Terrier move and you’ll enjoy their jaunty steps that reflect their playful attitude towards life.
However, like French Bulldogs, they do have a flat face. This, combined with their short snout, square head and slightly goofy grins, give Boston Terriers an adorable ‘smooshed’ appearance. Although Boston Terrier puppies are born with floppy ears, by 4 months old their ears should be standing proudly upright. But some stay floppy at the tip and some are always floppy.
Known for their tuxedo coat (black with white markings on the chest, face and paws which makes them look like they’re wearing a tuxedo), Boston Terriers can also come in brindle (reddish with black stripes) or seal (dark brown).
Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier Temperament: Clownish Bestie
Boston Terriers are utterly delightful dogs who bring smiles to the faces of everyone lucky enough to know and love them. Natural comedic geniuses, Bostons are bright and switched-on pups with enough personality to fill their small bodies 10 times over.
Boston Terriers simply love life. Playful, friendly and happy-go-lucky, they bond very strongly to their humans. Super affectionate, Boston Terriers are the ultimate canine companion. This means they’re best suited to people who are at home with them a lot and who don’t mind sharing all their life with them (toilet trips included!).
Because of their confidence and zest for life, Bostons can be a little overwhelming for other dogs. It’s best to start socialisation and training when they’re still a puppy so they can learn their manners and how to meet and play nicely with others. Thanks to their intelligence, love of spending time with you, and their people-pleasing nature, training them is easy and fun for you both.
Keeping Boston Terriers Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
The biggest health issue facing Boston Terriers is eye problems. They’re beautifully big but prominent and at risk of infection. It’s a good idea to always carry eye wipes so you can gently remove any dust or debris that you might spot. You’ll also want to avoid exercising them in the hottest or most humid part of the day - Bostons can experience breathing difficulties otherwise.
Eye Problems
Boston Terriers are prone to a range of eye problems, including cataracts, corneal ulcers and cherry eye. Although cataracts tend to appear in older dogs, Bostons can develop them as early as 8 to 12 weeks old. Not normally painful, cataracts can cause vision loss. Yearly vet check-ups, including eye exams, is the best way to spot cataracts early.
Corneal ulcers are fairly common in Boston Terriers. Because their eyes protrude (stick out), they’re more likely to scratch their cornea (the transparent layer at the front of their eye) or develop a bacterial eye infection. Corneal ulcers can be really painful and treatment options depend on how severe they are. They can be treated with antibiotics or surgery.
Cherry eye causes the third eyelid gland to get inflamed and swollen and look red or pink - like a cherry. The third eyelid helps produce tears and if it’s infected, your Boston Terrier could develop dry eyes and have vision problems. Only surgery can fix it.
Joint and Knee Issues
Like a lot of small dogs, Boston Terriers are at risk of patellar luxation. This is when their kneecap slips out of the joint. Left untreated, it can cause arthritis or joint problems in the hips and other legs. Weight management, physical therapy and avoiding strenuous exercise can help manage it. Otherwise, they might need surgery.
Allergies
It’s not known why but Boston Terriers are more at risk of developing food or environmental allergies than other breeds. Signs of allergies include constantly licking or rubbing their faces, plus frequent ear infections. Most allergies are easily managed. Chat to your vet who can help you work out what your Boston is allergic to and give you some management options, including changing their food
Caring for Your Boston Terrier Dog
With their short, smooth coats, caring for a Boston Terrier is simple. Less time spent grooming means more time playing and cuddling together!
Grooming
Although the Boston Terrier rocks a short, sleek coat, they do still shed. Remove the dead hair with a weekly brush - a rubber grooming brush is a great choice. As well as getting rid of loose hair, it’ll help promote new hair growth and evenly distribute natural oils throughout their coat to keep it shiny and healthy.
Boston Terriers don’t need regular baths (unless they decide to roll in something disgusting!). If they start to smell a little stinky, that’s the bath-time cue. Some gentle dog shampoo will get them looking and smelling their best.
Like all dogs, you’ll want to keep an eye on your Boston Terrier’s nails. Invest in some nail clippers to keep their nails comfortably short. Finally, brush their teeth everyday to stop plaque building up and to keep their smile healthy.
Nutrition
Most Boston Terriers will happily chow down on quality commercial dog food. Choose the one that’s best suited to their life stage: puppy, adult or senior. Because they’re small dogs, Bostons can be prone to weight gain, especially if they’re doing more eating than exercising!
Although treats are great training aids, make sure you’re counting those calories in their daily intake. If you’re concerned about your Boston Terrier’s weight, talk to your vet. They’ll be able to help you with a weight management plan.
Boston Terriers, like other flat-face breeds (think Pugs and English Bulldogs), can be gassy. That’s because they’re known to speed-eat, which causes them to swallow more air when they eat - and that air has got to be released somewhere… puzzle toys, lick mats and slow feeders can all help slow their eating roll.
Exercise
Boston Terriers have moderate energy levels and they need to let off physical and mental steam every day to be at their best. Always up for an adventure, Boston Terriers love good daily walks (especially to the local cafe where a puppuccino and crowds of adoring fans are waiting!). They also need playtime of up to 1 hour.
These aren’t dogs that you can let out in the garden so they can entertain themselves. If you do, they’ll probably just paw and whine at the door to be let back in. Boston Terriers don’t understand the concept of playing by themselves, that’s what you’re there for! Stock up on balls and toys you can throw so you can play together. A Boston Terrier that’s left alone for a long time, either inside or out, can develop some unwanted and destructive behaviour, from barking to chewing.
As well as outdoor physical play, give them mental stimulation every day with puzzle toys.
Training
Boston Terriers’ personalities mean they love training: they’re intelligent, curious and enjoy learning new tricks - especially when they get treats and attention when they show them off!
Their exuberance and liveliness, especially around their humans and other animals, means it’s important to teach them good manners. This includes how to appropriately greet humans and animals. In other words: no jumping.
Start training and socialising your Boston when they’re a pup. Basic commands like leave it, down and sit are a great place to start. You can also get a headstart on tricks by teaching them how to shake.
For all their confidence and playfulness, Bostons can be sensitive souls. Any gentle corrections should be followed by warmth and praise (and a delicious treat or play session).