Non-Sporting group

Boston Terrier Dog Breed Information

By DGM · Posted · Updated · 5 min read
A Boston Terrier dog.
Origin and History of the… Are They Child-Friendly? Behavior, Temperament and Personality of… Trainability of the Boston Terrier… Facts about the Boston Terrier… Common Health Issues are seen… Color patterns of the Boston… Puppies Which dogs are similar to…
Breed profile

Boston Terrier at a glance

Life span11 years
Weight6–8 kg (4 kg female)
SizeSmall
GroupNon-Sporting
OriginUnited States of America (USA)
Puppy price$2000

About the breed

Other NamesBoston Bull
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeTerrier
Bred ForPit Fighting and Ratting
TemperamentSmart, Amusing, Affectionate
Prey DriveNo
ExtinctNo
Price DetailIf you adopt a rescued dog from a rescue and adoption center, the cost might only include the vaccinations, adoption, and dog license fee.

Personality and traits out of 5

Friendliness and suitability

Seniors: Yes Service dog: Yes Search & rescue: No Fighting dog: Yes

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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