Dog breed · Non-sporting / Utility
Boston Terrier
A tidy, city-friendly companion nicknamed the American Gentleman for its tuxedo markings and polite manners.
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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
Before choosing a Boston Terrier
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Forty-five minutes daily, avoiding heat and humidity. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Brachycephalic airway syndrome, Corneal ulcers, Patellar luxation, Deafness in some lines, Hemivertebrae), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice