Boston Terrier

A complete guide to the Boston terrier dog

Originally bred in the Boston area in the 1870s, the Boston terrier is the quintessential American dog and a distant cousin of the Jack Russell terrier. Also known as the Boston bull, the Boston terrier dog is muscular, lively and sociable.

Appearance

Height: Adults usually stand between 15 and 17 inches tall.

Weight: These dogs are light, weighing in between 10 and 25 pounds.

Coat: With fine, short hair, Boston terrier puppies and dogs are delightful to pet. Colors are brindle-and-white, black-and-white or brown-and-white.

Ears and Eyes: Boston terrier breeders hold that these dogs should have large, round, dark eyes that are squarely set and spaced far apart. These dogs have small ears, which should be carried erect.

Tail: The tail of a Boston terrier dog is narrow, low-set and tapers towards the end.

Disposition

With proper direction, a Boston terrier puppy will grow up to be an affectionate, well-behaved and enthusiastic little dog. Displaying a high degree of intelligence, these dogs learn quickly and tend to be friendly to both strangers and children.

AKC Group: Non-sporting

Training: Boston terrier puppies are sensitive to the intonations of the human voice. Physical correction is usually unnecessary. These are smart dogs that love to learn, and as such, Boston terrier breeders contend that this breed ranks alongside the Bichon Frise as one of the easiest to train.

Ideal Environment: Boston terrier dogs are sensitive both to extreme cold and extreme heat. They tend to be most comfortable in temperate climates.

Health and Care

Feeding: Boston terrier breeders note that these dogs have sensitive digestive systems. Flatulence can be a problem unless they are fed high-quality food.

Grooming: Beyond clipping this dog's nails and brushing its coat from time to time, little grooming is necessary. However, if a particular dog is active outdoors, its eyes, ears and face should be cleaned every day.

Exercise: Given their small size, most Boston terriers need only a daily walk to stay in shape. Particularly active dogs can be let out in a fenced-in yard to work off their excess energy.

Health Problems: Overexertion in hot or cold weather can lead to serious breathing problems. Skin and heart tumors are also significant health issues for this breed. While all breeds are subject to their own particular set of potential health problems, every dog is at risk for ringworms, tapeworms and heartworms.

Average Lifespan: These dogs are long-lived, normally surviving for 15 years or more.

Take Home a Boston Terrier

Boston terrier rescue centers help abused, unwanted, neglected and abandoned dogs find new owners to love and care for them. Contact a local animal shelter or SPCA branch for region-specific information on Boston terrier rescue resources. Otherwise, find Boston terrier puppies for sale through a certified breeder, and expect to pay roughly $400 to $850.

Prospective owners are urged not to give their business to puppy mills. These establishments show disregard for the ethical treatment and overall health of their animals.

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Posted by John Hedberg on June 19,2011 at 03:43 PM
yes, looking to adopt, a well trained, two year old or so Boston Terrier to match with my neutered /fixed female in the Boston area, live on an Arboretum with tennis courts for them to play and swimming pool. My older one just passed away.
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Posted by cinkia white on May 15,2011 at 05:51 PM
i am look for boston terrier pup for my mom her die today for 200.00 i live in kingston tn
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Posted by Carolyn Buckner on May 06,2011 at 07:31 PM
I have had a Boston Terrier in my life since 1965 when I got my first one. He lived to be 16 and was the love of my life. When he passed away I immediately got another, I now own my 4th one, his name is Buddy he was 2 in April of this year. Every one I have had was easy to house break & gave love unconditionally. Buddy is adorable and never touchs anything that he knows is not his, he has his own toys and knows they are his. Buddy sleeps with my husband and I he thinks he owns the house and loves to go to bed at anytime he wishes. I can't ever say I loved one better than another, all though they are alike they still have their own little personality. Buddy is the first one I actually got from a breeder, he was quite expensive. You can get a nice Boston Terrier for about $300 or $400 if you shop around. Just make sure you hhave them checked by a good Vet as soon as you get it. You can train them not to get on the furniture etc. but I love to hold mine and we love on each other. HA
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Posted by Leann on April 29,2011 at 01:32 PM
I am looking for a boston terrior for my husband on Fathers Day. He wants one that is Black and White on the face and all over. Please Help me find something under $100
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Posted by amy on June 08,2011 at 04:05 PM
you can go to the spca or philly paws stuff like that they charge 75 dollars
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Posted by Phyllis on February 28,2011 at 02:53 PM
I am looking for a red female boston terrier in the Jonesboro, AR area. I have had bostons since I was 21 and am now 54. we love them so much. we need a puppy so my boston wont get jealious, she loves puppies. Please let me know if you hear of anything. we are not afraid to drive with in 150 miles and we need a full breed but not necessary for papers. we also need a good price as we are on a fixed income.
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Posted by Joe Ann Williams on December 09,2010 at 01:41 PM
My home in Texas recently burned and I have relocated to Oklahoma. I have 2 Boston Terriers and my female I am going to have to let her go. I was hoping to find a rescue home for her. She is almost 3, has had 2 litters, the last being 10-10-10 right after our fire. All her pups have been sold, and now I need to have to find a home for her. If interested please email me.
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Posted by Shelley on January 07,2011 at 10:48 PM
Did you find a home for your Boston? I live in Eastern New Mexico....Logan.
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Posted by Donna on November 28,2010 at 12:39 PM
I have never had a dog but, when I saw SOPHIE I fell in love. She is the best dog. So intellengent. She was 2 lbs when I bought her and she potty trained in under 2 weeks. Now she is 7 months and 12 lbs.When we say go to your house she goes right in it form day one. Can't say enough about how great she is, but she does have some seperation anxiety. She starts to shake when she nows we are going somewhere. Does any one else have this problem?
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Posted by Nick on January 18,2011 at 09:56 AM
Once they see you come back every time, it goes away. Leave her nice bones when you're gone, anything to distract. Bostons are still dogs, so they can handle some alone time just fine, I mean not many mammals really like it, but it happens, so they can deal with it like everyone else. Make the trips increasingly long, starting with just leaving her for 30 min or so to start with. If they have a bad experience with using the bathroom or holding it forever, they won't like it at all. Sometimes I like to start my leaving routine, because they can usually figure this out, then stay with them instead of going, that way they won't freak out at the sound of your keys or jacket or whatever. Give her a treat when you go, when you come home, make her wait until you put your things down before running to her. Doing this makes her see that being separated from you is OK for both of you. Like any dog, a Boston will take its cues on how to act and feel from its surrounding people or other dogs, if everybody is calm, they will be too. Making the dog the instant focus when you return home is not helpful at all, make her wait at least one or two minutes, then take her to pee. Only after she pees start the wild affection, then she sees what she needs to do to get the affection she wants...wait calmly and use the bathroom.
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Posted by Lisa Estock on January 03,2011 at 01:45 PM
Yes, I am on my second Boston, lost my first boy in a divorce. Both of them had separation anxiety...they are such people dogs, I am unsure it can be avoided. I tend to humanize him too much. Just think of the LOVE waiting when you get home. Hope this helped a bit.
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Posted by Robin on October 09,2010 at 10:39 PM
I think that this is one of the best dogs that i have ever had i just love this dog i have always been the owner of Big dogs but little guy is so cool.mine is 1, . so im not an exspert but i would tell u yes get one.
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Posted by Ashley on October 06,2010 at 08:31 PM
I am looking to get a boston terrier puppy, but am having trouble finding ones affordable for my budget. Does anyone know of any good breeders or dogs in OH or PA?
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Posted by Lisa Estock on January 03,2011 at 01:48 PM
If you are near Zanesville, I know a lady who brought my pup all the way to Akron...Email me, and I will get you her info. I am at the library right now & don not have it on me...
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Posted by Connie Fulco on November 06,2010 at 12:17 PM
I have a beautiful red and white female boston. AKC. She is spade and up to date on all her shots. Crate trained and housebroke. My daughter had problems and brought her BT for us to keep and cant keep them both. I paid 600.00 for my red female and paid another 200.00 for spade and rabie shot she is just beautiful. If you are interested I will make this worth you while. I am in Ohio. Connie. I am not worried about money it is the good home she will receive.
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Posted by Phyllis on February 17,2011 at 03:29 PM
Do you still have the red one. We have had Bostons since I was 21 and I am now 53 I live in Arkansas will that be a problem
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Posted by Shelley on November 30,2010 at 07:17 PM
Do you still have female boston terrier?
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Posted by jackie on July 10,2010 at 01:00 PM
My dog just had pups last wk,akc reg I own both mom and dad in md .7 puppies available they are black and white with some brindle mixed in. Growing fast If interested or know someone who is email me at perc1babe@aol.com to good homes only! no shipping raised under foot in home
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Posted by kelsey on July 17,2010 at 11:35 AM
how old are the boston terriers now ?
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Posted by Megan on April 12,2010 at 01:10 PM
I had One for a year! He was the best DOG I have ever ownd. My two daughters Loved him dearly!! Everywhere we went he would Go "load up" In the car if he could go with us! He watched my daughters like a HAWK! Followed them everywhere!! He wasnt HYPER, But had GREAT ENERGY. His name was TANK! I would GIVE anything to have him back. But two days befor I moved Someone kicked in my door and took Him and all his belongings!!! I dont know who would do such a thing. But My daughter still talks about him weekly, When I get some more money saved up I plan on buying her another !! He was my best friend He trained in no time. You could throw a piece of steak on the floor tell him to stay. and then command him to fetch it up. and he would when you commanded him it took just two weeks to get it down pat with food or treats.. He obeyed very very well. EVeRYONE loved him! goodluck and great choice!!
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Posted by Connie Fulco on November 06,2010 at 12:20 PM
I have a beautiful BT she is red and white. Spade and all shots. Crate trained. Housebroken. And sleeps with us. I need to find her a forever home. If interested call me money isnt the object. A forever home is.
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Posted by Mike on January 26,2010 at 11:13 AM
Looking for a Breeder in the Northern Virginia area. Also want to hear how a Boston would interact with an active Weimeraner that is 3 years old.
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Posted by wilda rivera on January 17,2010 at 05:04 PM
looking for a male boston terrier to breed with my female cookie. she is black white and brandon, she is one and a half years old she will be in heat in february or march.she comes from a gold medal aboedian mother she is very smart, obediant and very good with kids and playful.
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Posted by Nick on January 18,2011 at 09:44 AM
Hi, my male is a knockout, you could not ask for a dog any more handsome or well-behaved, truly. He is three years old and has never mated. My vet says he should mate by age four. I can type anything to make my dog stand out, but seeing him will be the deciding factor for most anyone. I have seen many Bostons, and they cannot be cuter or better than mine. Maybe someone has one just as flawless, but none could actually be better. espo96@hotmail.com, thanks
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Posted by deborah jackson on November 10,2010 at 07:15 PM
r u still looking for a male boston terrier to breed your female with if so you can contact me by email and we will go from there. thanks,
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Posted by Robin on October 09,2010 at 10:32 PM
I have a very nice looking male 1 year old,never mated before,unfortunatly he has no papers,he is though a full blooded boston, he was a gift after the death of my daughter.very minimumal fee, i believe that if a person dosnt fix their animal then it should be able to breed.
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Posted by Mickey on October 17,2010 at 01:48 PM
Robin, I am in Michigan and have a black and white, mostly white Boston that just went into heat today. They are in heat for at least 3 weeks. I am looking for someone to breed with her. She is 1 year old as well. She is ready for breeding. I don't know where you live but I really want to breed her during this heating period. They go in heat every 6 months so if I don't do it now, I will have to wait another 6 months and I would really pefer not to do that.
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Posted by Wally & Denise Cornett on August 18,2010 at 04:09 AM
We have a 3 and a half yr, old male full-blooded virgin Boston Terrier, He stands about 17 inches high at the shoulder , and weighs approx. 24 lbs. Please reply, as we are under a time frame. can send picture upon request. Thank You1
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Posted by Mickey on October 17,2010 at 02:15 PM
I'm also looking for a male to breed my White/Black Boston. She just went into heat today and I live in Waterford Michigan. I want to breed her as soon as possible. She does not have papers.
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Posted by Maryanne Price on January 21,2010 at 07:16 PM
I have a black/white named Brutus. He is a very handsome,well mannered and socialized.He is 3 years old. current on all shots and very healthy. No issues.Would like to do possible trade for female puppy. His markings are very desirable. Have many parties interested in purchasing a puppy he has sired. several parties that would like to purchase a puppy he sires.
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Posted by Sharon on January 17,2010 at 07:48 PM
I have a 2 1/2 year old male black/white/brindle Boston Terrier. He has beautiful almost perfect markings and very muscular but lean. Please email if interestd
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Posted by Mark on August 18,2009 at 09:59 AM
I am looking to buy one of these. Can anyone offer advice on any concerns or difficulties there are with this breed or thing siI should look for when choosing a pup?
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Posted by Nick on January 18,2011 at 09:39 AM
I have two Boston Terriers, and I had one when I was a kid. They require no special care. The drawbacks to this dog are the heat and cold sensitivity, which are very real and need to be watched. Sometimes they have sensitive skin, and can have skin allergies (like any dog or person). The only thing that bothers me about my dogs is that they are most concerned with playing with ME. They want interaction, and really cannot handle not having a human engage them mentally and physically. When you give them attention, a little goes a long way, but you will have to be involved with them very highly and constantly. They are a breed dependent on humans, and I feel that they are aware of this. They want to be near you, and they want to please you. SO since they are usually very clever, they train very quickly. They thrive on praise (who doesn't)?
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Posted by muelron on November 02,2010 at 10:02 AM
we have red boston terriers, born last week ready for xmas
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