Small breed
Boston Terrier Puppies
The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname 'The American Gentleman.' Boston Terriers are compact, short-tailed, well-balanced little dogs weighing no more than 25 pounds. The stylish 'tuxedo' coat can be white and either black, brindle, or seal (dark brown). The head is square, the muzzle is short, and the large, round eyes can shine with kindness, curiosity, or mischief. Ever alert to their surroundings, Bostons move with a jaunty, rhythmic step. It's a safe bet that a breed named for a city'the Havanese or Brussels Griffon, for instance'will make an excellent urban pet. Bostons are no exception: they are sturdy but portable, people-oriented, and always up for a brisk walk to the park or outdoor cafe. A bright dog with a natural gift for comedy, the dapper Bostonian is a steady source of smiles.
- Adult weight 12–25 lbs
- Height 15–17 in
- Lifespan 11–15 years
- Exercise 30 min a day
1 available now
Available Boston Terrier Puppies
About the Boston Terrier
If you are seeking a charming, affectionate companion, the Boston Terrier may just be the perfect fit for your family. With their adorable, expressive faces and compact size, these little pups have endeared themselves to dog lovers for generations. Originating in the late 1800s in the United States, Boston Terriers were bred for companionship and have maintained their playful, gentle hearts ever since.
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Boston Terriers are wonderfully adaptable and exhibit an excellent temperament, making them ideal for families with young children and other pets. They are known for their friendly nature, getting along well with dogs and even cats. Despite their playful demeanor, they do not require excessive physical activity, which makes them a great choice for apartment living or for families who prefer leisurely strolls around the neighborhood. Their energy level is low, and they enjoy spending time lounging and being close to their loved ones.
Grooming a Boston Terrier is a breeze, as their short coat requires only monthly maintenance and minimal shedding to worry about. They thrive on affection and companionship, often bonding deeply with their owners. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quite trainable, meaning you can teach them all sorts of tricks and commands. If you are looking for a loving and loyal companion for your family, consider welcoming a Boston Terrier into your home. If you are in the area, stop by Petland Iowa City, Iowa, to meet these endearing little dogs up close.
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.
