Boston Terrier
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Boston Terriers are tuxedo-marked American gentleman dogs with friendly personalities and few exercise demands. These compact, people-oriented dogs are adaptable apartment dwellers who are generally good with children and strangers, though their flat faces cause breathing difficulties and their prominent eyes are prone to injury.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Non-sporting
Life Expectancy
11-13 years
Height
10-12 in
Weight
12-25 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #23
Non-sporting context: Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Boston Terrier
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Boston Terriers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Boston Terriers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Boston Terriers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
High
Very High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Boston Terriers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
Very High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
High
High
Very High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Low
Low
Low
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
High
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Low
Low
Low
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Boston Terrier originated in United States.
Original Purpose
Boston Terrier lines were developed for vermin control. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Non-sporting. Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Boston Terriers were created accidentally in 1870s Boston when a man bred his bulldog-terrier mix, and the breed became so popular it became Massachusetts' official state dog.
Despite being called 'The American Gentleman,' Boston Terriers are impossibly stubborn and have such independent streaks that training one is like herding a tiny, fancy cat.
Boston Terriers have huge eyes relative to head size, making them prone to dry eye syndrome and corneal ulcers—breeders never selected for smaller, safer eyes.
The breed's 'tuxedo' markings are genetically linked to the same genes that cause deafness and vision problems, making some show-bred Boston Terriers actually deaf or blind.
Boston Terriers are notorious for 'reverse sneezing,' where they involuntarily inhale sharply (sounding like honking) due to their compact nasal passages—it's terrifying and harmless.
Famous Boston Terrier Dogs
Versatile pop-culture dogs
Fame in this group is diverse, from family companions to show and media standouts.
Modern breed ambassadors
Notable examples are often linked to ownership visibility and broad public appeal.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Boston Terriers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Boston Terrier right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Boston Terrier compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Boston Terrier are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/