Small breed
Boston Terrier Puppies
Boston Terriers: Sweet, smart companions for families
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- Adult weight 12–25 lbs
- Height 15–17 in
- Lifespan 11–15 years
- Exercise 30 min a day
About the Boston Terrier
About the Boston Terrier Breed
The Boston Terrier breed, affectionately known as the “American Gentleman,” has a rich history as a beloved companion dog. Originating in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts, this small breed was initially bred for bull-baiting before finding its true calling as a delightful and devoted family pet. Their charming personality shines through in their playful demeanor and gentle nature, making them wonderful companions for families, especially those with young children. With a reputation for being friendly and adaptable, Boston Terriers easily get along with other dogs and even cats, ensuring a harmonious home environment.
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Boston Terrier Temperament and Care
Despite their small stature, Boston Terriers have a calm energy level, making them perfect for apartment living or more compact spaces. They enjoy a moderate amount of exercise, which can be met through short walks and indoor play sessions. Their affectionate nature means they thrive on human interaction and will be more than happy to snuggle on the couch or play a game with the kids. While they are generally not excessive barkers, they will alert you to anything unusual, adding an element of protection to their endearing companionship.
Caring for a Boston Terrier is relatively straightforward, as they require monthly grooming to keep their coat in good condition. While they do shed more than some other breeds, regular brushing helps manage this and keeps your home tidy. In terms of training, Boston Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable with positive reinforcement methods. With the right guidance and love, these delightful companions become well-mannered family members that adapt beautifully to various lifestyles. If you’re looking for a charming friend that combines intelligence, adaptability, and a loving spirit, the Boston Terrier might just be the perfect addition to your family.
Is the Boston Terrier Breed Right for You?
If the Boston Terrier breed sounds like a good fit for your home, the best next step is to meet one in person. You can see our Boston Terrier puppies for sale or book an appointment at our Chantilly store. Every puppy comes from licensed, inspected breeders and goes home with our puppy package. To compare breeds side by side, the American Kennel Club breed directory is a great resource.
Boston Terrier breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Devoted
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Playfulness Very playful
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With strangers Friendly
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Territorial Territorial
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Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Sociable
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Cats Usually fine
Energy & exercise
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Energy Low
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Mental stimulation Moderate
Training
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Trainability Quick to learn
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Intelligence Very bright
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Stubbornness Biddable
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Heavy
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Drooling Minimal
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Barking Vocal
Home life
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Apartment living Good
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Time alone Short periods
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Cold weather Needs a coat
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Warm weather Needs shade
A good match for
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First-time owners Ideal first dog
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Senior owners Excellent
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Running partner Not suited
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Hiking Short walks
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Therapy work Good
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Guarding Low
Living with a Boston Terrier
Temperament & Family Fit
The Boston Terrier is often described as a lively and affectionate companion that thrives within family settings. They are known for their gentle nature, making them excellent friends for young children and a joy to have around, as they are quite sociable with other pets too.
Energy & Exercise
This small breed is known for its moderate energy level, meaning they enjoy short bursts of playtime but are also happy to cuddle on the couch. A few daily walks and some interactive play will keep your Boston Terrier satisfied without overwhelming your living space.
Care & Grooming
With a monthly grooming routine, Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance in terms of their coats, though they do have a bit of a shedding tendency. Their short fur means fewer tangles and mats, allowing you to focus on their adorable personalities rather than extensive bathing sessions!
Training Notes
Bostons are quite intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable with positive reinforcement techniques. Their willingness to learn and strong desire for companionship enables them to adapt well to commands, but early socialization and general training are still key to ensuring they grow into well-mannered adults.
Caring for a Boston Terrier
- Grooming
- Monthly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Low
- Monthly food
- Average
- Outdoor space
- Manages without a yard
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are small-sized dogs, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds. Their compact size makes them a great fit for those living in apartments or smaller homes.
How much exercise do Boston Terriers need?
Boston Terriers have a low energy level, so they don't require extensive exercise. A couple of short walks and some playtime indoors will usually keep them content and happy.
Are Boston Terriers good with kids and other pets?
Yes! Boston Terriers are particularly good with young kids, making them a wonderful family pet. They also tend to get along well with cats and have a decent rapport with other dogs.
How often do Boston Terriers need grooming?
Boston Terriers have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. You’ll only need to give them a good brush about once a month, which means less time spent on grooming and more time cuddling!
Are Boston Terriers known for being barky?
Boston Terriers do have a tendency to bark, so they may alert you to visitors or noises. However, with proper training, you can manage their barking and enjoy a peaceful home.
