Boston Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Boston terrier is a small non-sporting dog breed from the United States bred to serve as a companion dog. Nicknamed the "American Gentleman," these well-mannered, bright, affectionate canines make wonderful four-legged friends and family dogs. With their short, smooth, black and white coat that's patterned to resemble a tuxedo jacket, the Boston terrier is undeniably adorable and can easily be described as dapper.

Boston terriers typically like to be around their humans as much as possible and are eager to please. They tend to get along with just about everyone, including young children who know not to be too rough, other household dogs, and dog-friendly cats. With their friendly, lively, and active personalities, it's no wonder that the Boston terrier is such a popular breed. Read on to learn all about the delightful Boston terrier.

Characteristics of the Boston Terrier

Boston terriers typically have happy, friendly, and affectionate temperaments. Their love of play and comical nature also help to mold their personalities. They’re typically good around people, including kids and strangers, and they often get along well with other pets.

Despite their small size, Boston terriers are active, high-energy canines that tend to do well in dog sports such as flyball and agility. These intelligent dogs can easily be taught tricks, but are sometimes stubborn, so don't expect your Boston terrier to obey every time you give a command.

This is a brachycephalic breed, meaning that the face is flat, with a somewhat "squashed" appearance. Keep in mind, however, that like other breeds with this facial structure, Bostons can overheat easily and should be allowed to rest when needed.

History of the Boston Terrier

Surprisingly, the friendly, playful, and sometimes silly Boston terrier is a descendant of dogs that were originally bred for pit fighting and other "blood sports" popular in 19th-century England. However, the Boston terrier today is generally non-aggressive towards humans, nor prone to fighting or aggression with other dogs. Most are outgoing and well-mannered with just about everyone.

The Boston terrier’s story began in the 1860s when a Boston man named William O’Brien purchased a bulldog-white English terrier mix from England named Judge. O’Brien ended up selling Judge to another Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper. Records refer to “Hooper’s Judge” as the father of the Boston terrier breed from which all Bostons descend. 

Judge was a muscular, tough, but fairly small dog, weighing in at around 30 pounds. His head was square, and his coat was dark brindle with a white stripe down his face. Judge was bred with a small, white, bulldog-type female, and that launched the selective breeding process. Breeders specifically were looking to create a small, friendly companion dog.

In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America was founded. And soon after in 1893, the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed. Since then, the Boston terrier has become quite popular throughout the United States. It’s Boston University’s official mascot, as well as the official dog for the state of Massachusetts. 

Boston Terrier Care

For the most part, Bostons are a fairly low-maintenance breed. They do require regular exercise, grooming, and training, like any dog, but in amounts that are lower than many other breeds. If left alone too often, however, or not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become destructive or develop annoying behaviors. Remember that your Boston terrier was bred to be a companion dog and wants to be with you as much as possible.

Exercise

Boston terriers are relatively energetic and should receive about an hour of exercise per day. A couple of daily walks, games of fetch, playing with puzzle toys, and running around in a secure area should suffice. Dog sports, such as agility and rally, can help to burn their mental and physical energy. The key is that Bostons prefer to be active with their humans. If you leave them to their own devices, they might become bored and develop problem behaviors, such as unwanted chewing. 

Moreover, due to the Boston’s flat face, the breed is prone to breathing issues. Discuss this with your vet, and know how to spot the signs of labored breathing during exercise.

Grooming

Boston terriers generally need little more than basic grooming, as their short coat doesn’t shed much. Brush them weekly with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. Plan on giving a bath roughly every month, depending on how dirty your dog gets. 

In addition, check your dog’s nails every few weeks to see whether they’re due for a trim. Look in the ears weekly for wax buildup, debris, and other abnormalities; clean the ears as needed. For dental health, brush your dog's teeth every day.

Training

Begin training and socializing your Boston terrier from as young of an age as possible. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class is an ideal way for your dog to learn basic commands and manners. Expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various noises and locations to help to boost their confidence and comfort in all kinds of situations.

Always use positive reinforcement methods, such as praise and treats, as this breed can be especially sensitive to harsh corrections. And be consistent in your commands. Boston terriers generally want to please their humans and will take to training well.

Because they typically love the company of people, Boston terriers can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone. Professional dog trainers and behaviorists can give you tips to help combat this. But a household where someone is home for most of the day is the best option for this breed.

Common Health Problems

Boston terriers are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Eye problems, including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma. And because their eyes are large and prominent, they can be prone to dryness and irritation from dust, pollen, or low humidity. You should check your Boston terrier's eyes each day for any sign of redness or irritation.
• Deafness: Congenital deafness, meaning present from birth, in one or both ears is more common in Boston terriers than many other breeds of dog.
• Patellar luxation: This is an inherited condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place, leading to limping, odd leg movements, and sometimes pain in advanced cases.
• Brachycephalic syndrome: Common in many flat-faced dog breeds, this condition is a combination of upper airway abnormalities that cause breathing difficulties. Some dogs may also have an underbite.

Diet and Nutrition

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water and feed a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Most owners feed two measured meals per day to ensure their dog is getting the proper amount. You should always discuss both the amount and type of food with your veterinarian to make sure you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. 

Also, be mindful of treats and other extra food. Many Boston terriers have a strong love of food and will beg for handouts. However, too many extras might result in your dog becoming overweight, as even a small weight increase can be a lot for this little dog.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Boston Terrier

Boston terriers are a popular dog breed, especially in North America. Be sure to check local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home. If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $600 to $2,000, though this can vary widely.

For further information to connect you with a Boston terrier, check out:

• Boston Terrier Club of America
• American Boston Terrier Rescue
  

Boston Terrier Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog breed, if you’re interested in a Boston terrier, do plenty of research before bringing one home to ensure that the dog is suitable for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, veterinarians, and reputable breeders to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• French bulldog
• Boxer
• Bull terrier

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!