Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a calm, clever, gentle and spirited companion. These dogs are playful and loving with their people, and they do especially well with children who enjoy their funny, clownish behavior. Because they are smart and pick things up quickly, obedience training tends to be simple and easy to follow. They can also be stubborn and rowdy at times, yet on the whole they make a wonderfully good-natured family pet.

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Grooming Needs

Upkeep is light. Now and then run a brush or a smooth glove over the coat, and keep the ears clean and the nails trimmed. The wrinkles on the face may need occasional care with a lotion made for that area.

Exercise Requirements

Exercise needs are modest. They don't crave long walks, but they do enjoy tagging along with their owner and family wherever they go. Playtime is a favorite.

Physical Traits

Overall Look: A smart expression, a confident and graceful way of moving, and a sturdy build.

Color: Brindle with white on specific areas of the body is preferred. Black and white is also accepted.

Coat: Short, glossy, fine and smooth to the touch.

Tail: Low-set, short and tapering, either straight or curled in a screw shape.

Ears: Small, upright and fine. They are sometimes cropped.

Body: Sloping shoulders, a broad chest, noticeable ribs, a short back and a muscular, short loin.

Breed History

This breed came about through cross-breeding in America between Bulldogs and Bull Terriers. They were originally called the American Bull Terrier. The name was later changed to set them apart from the already established Bull Terrier. The title 'Boston Terrier' honors the city where the breed type was first developed. Early ancestors of this breed weighed as much as 27kg (60lb), while today they are seen around 6.8kg, with a maximum of up to 11.4kg.

Health Notes

Some issues can come with the breed, such as inherited eye conditions, and their eyes are more easily injured. These problems are less common now than they once were. They also tend to snore loudly and pass gas regularly.
Natural births are sometimes not possible for this breed because of the puppies' large heads, so cesarean sections are fairly common.


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