General Information

Dog NameBoston Terrier
Other NamesBoston Bull
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeTerrier
GroupNon-Sporting
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited States of America (USA)

Physical And Size

Min Life Span11
Max Life Span11
Min Ideal Weight for male6
Max Ideal Weight for male8
Min Ideal Weight for female4
Max Ideal Weight for male8

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSmart, Amusing, Affectionate
Prey DriveNo
Fighting DogYes

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginThe United States of America
Nicknames and Other NamesAmerican Gentleman, Boston Bull,
Boxwood, Boston Bull Terrier,
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeTerrier
GroupNon-Sporting
Bred ForPit fighting and Ratting
SizeSmall-Sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC, UKC
Life Span11-13 years
Ideal WeightMale: 15-25 pounds
Female: 10-20 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 17 inches
Female: 15 inches
Fur TypeShort, silky, and smooth
Common ColorsBlack and White, Brindle and White,
Seal and White, Seal Brindle and White,
Black Brindle and White
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityWidely Available
AchievementsOfficial State Dog of Massachusetts
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarBoston Terrier named Sergeant Stubby
served in World War I
Most Similar ToFrench Bulldog

The Boston Terrier is a short-tailed and well-balanced dog breed that was originated in the United States of America in the 19th Century. They have a stylish “tuxedo” type coat which is either white, black, brindle or dark brown.

The Boston Terriers which are also called Boston Bulls are well-muscled and compact dogs. They are a steady source of smiles. Here is everything you need to know about the breed.

Origin and History of the Boston Terrier Dog Breed

The Boston Terrier breed was originated in the USA as the tough pit-fighters. The breed started its journey from the city of Boston, Massachusetts as a cross of the English Bulldog and the now-extinct English White Terrier dogs.

At around 1865, the wealthy people of Boston City started to interbreed some of the dogs owned by their employers. The cross of an English White Terrier and an English Bulldog resulted in a dog named Hooper’s Judge.

The Judge weighed more than 30 pounds (13.5 kg). He was bred down in size with a smaller female and one of those male pups was bred again to a smaller female. The offspring of those interbred with one or more French Bulldogs which provided the foundation for the Boston Terrier. The breed became very popular around the state by 1889.

Boston Terrier s sleeping peacefully.
Image Source: Orlando Sentinel

Are They Child-Friendly?

Yes, they are child-friendly dogs that love affection and seek attention from people they love. They love being cuddled around people and are eager to please them.

No matter how friendly your dog is, you should always supervise your kids around your pet. They won’t hurt your kids intentionally but may hurt accidentally.

Boston Terrier playing with a baby.
Image Source: YouTube

Behavior, Temperament and Personality of the Boston Terrier breed

The Boston Terrier breed dogs are rarely aggressive but like to bark at other dogs. They are quick to alert everyone that there is a stranger approaching. They are less likely to bite someone but usually bark.

The Boston Terrier is a very gentle, intelligent, well-mannered, enthusiastic and alert breed. It can be rambunctious and nervous without the proper amount of physical and mental training.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuawClmAKMp/
A cute Boston Terrier dog.

The Boston Bulls are very sensitive to the tone of the person commanding him. They pick things up very quickly because of their intelligence. If you don’t display them the leadership they need, they’re likely to become alpha.

The Boston Terrier dogs are lively, intelligent and friendly. However, they can be stubborn sometimes, so you need to persistent and consistent while training them.

Trainability of the Boston Terrier Breed

The Boston Terrier is a very intelligent breed of dogs that can learn and catch up things very quickly. However, he can be stubborn if its the first time training him.

You can start training him from the day you bring him home. It doesn’t require a lot of space to train your Boston Terrier, he can be trained in a small bedroom and it may take 6 months to train him with patience.

A Boston Terrier dog being trained.

Facts about the Boston Terrier Breed

Here are some facts that you would know about the Boston Terrier breed:

  • The Boston Terrier was originally bred for pit fighting.
  • They have short, compact, muscular frames with well-balanced and graceful postures.
  • They are good-natured and playful dogs.
  • They are intelligent and can be trained easily.
  • They are also called Boston Bulls.

Common Health Issues are seen in the Boston Terrier

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesBrain Tumors, Deafness, Heart Murmurs,
Megaesophagus, Cherry eye, Cataracts,
Patellar Luxation, Reverse Sneezing
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus,
Canine Coronavirus, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
SheddingModerate
DroolingLow
GroomingEasy and minimal required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 26%
Fat: 14%
Fiber: 4%
Antioxidant
Glucosamine

According to Pets4Homes, these are the common health issues seen in the Boston Terrier breed:

  • Cataracts
  • Eye diseases
  • Glaucoma
  • Corneal Ulcers
  • Cherry eye
  • Distichiasis
  • Entropion
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Hemivertebrae
  • Sensorineural Deafness
Boston Terrier in a vet for a health check-up.
Image Source: Video Blocks

Color patterns of the Boston Terrier breed

The Boston Terrier breed dogs are found in three different colors. They are

  • Black & White,
  • Seal & White,
  • and Brindle & White.

Puppies

The puppies of the Boston Terrier are intelligent from their neonatal stage which allows them to pick things very fast. You can start training them early.

Size of puppies

The average size of the puppies of the Boston Terrier is 9-15 inches weighing an average weight of 2-4.7 kg.

Cute little puppies of Boston Terrier. Image Source: Puppies N’Love

Price of puppies

An excellent breed puppy of the Boston Terrier breed costs $1500 to $4500.

Which dogs are similar to the Boston Terrier?

Here is some breed of dogs that are very similar to the Boston Terrier breed:

Visit Doglime for more Dog breeds information.

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