Skip to content

Dog breed · Non-sporting / Utility

Boston Terrier

A tidy, city-friendly companion nicknamed the American Gentleman for its tuxedo markings and polite manners.

Small11–13 yearsUnited StatesCan suit apartments

Breed characteristics

Group
Non-sporting / Utility
Origin
United States
Size
Small
Weight
5–11 kg (12–25 lb)
Height
38–43 cm
Lifespan
11–13 years
Coat
Short and smooth
Temperament
FriendlyLivelyBrightAdaptable

History

Developed in Boston in the 1870s from Bulldog and terrier crosses, refined into a small companion.

Appearance

Compact and square, with erect ears and a short muzzle, in brindle, seal or black with white.

Exercise and activity

Forty-five minutes daily, avoiding heat and humidity.

Care and grooming

Wipe facial folds, protect the prominent eyes and use a harness instead of a collar.

Health considerations

  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Patellar luxation
  • Deafness in some lines
  • Hemivertebrae

Honest challenges

Similar breeds