Back to Dogs
United States•non-sporting
Boston Terrier
popularApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
The 'American Gentleman' with tuxedo-like markings. Compactly built, friendly, and adaptable. First American-developed AKC breed, recognized in 1893.
Weight5-11 kg11-24.5 lbs
Height38-43 cm15-17"
Lifespan11-13 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
FriendlyLivelyIntelligentGentleHappy
Height
38-43 cm15-17"
Weight
5-11 kg11-24.5 lbs
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Rarely barks
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Boston38-43 cm15-17"Compatibility
How well Boston Terrier matches your lifestyle
??%
Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Boston Terrier matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
- +
- +
- +
Things to Consider
- !
- !
Exercise
Activity requirements for Boston Terrier
medium energy45-60 min/day
Boston Terriers need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
30-60 minutes daily of walks and play
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Boston Terrier
Low Maintenancefur coat
Boston Terriers require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Boston Terrier
Eager to Please
The Boston Terrier is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Boston Terrier
Small Breed2-3 meals$17-43/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Boston Terrier
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Boston Terrier
Monthly costs
Food
$17-43
Insurance
$30-69
Supplies
$13-26
Monthly total
$60-138
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Boston Terrier's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for Boston Terrier
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Boston Terrier
Health·OFA-CHIC
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Cataracts in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research