The Playful Boston Terrier

Dog breed info
Boston Terrier
Weight: 12 — 25 lbs
Height: 15” — 17”
AKC Rank 2008 #17
Lifespan: 10—14 yrs
Group: Non Sporting
Origin: United States

Dog Breed Info — The Boston Terrier

“Hey! Get that camera outta my face!!

Breed Overview

The Boston breed goes back to the 1800’s when some coachmen, employed by the wealthy people of Boston began to interbreed some of their employer’s dogs. One of these crosses was between an English Terrier and a Bulldog that resulted in a dog named “Hoopers Judge.” Although ‘”Judge” weighed over 30 pounds, he was bred to a smaller female, and their son was bred to another smaller female. By 1889, the breed had become sufficiently popular in Boston that fans formed the American Bull Terrier Club. the breed name didn’t satisfy the fans of the dog. The breed was named Boston Terrier after it’s birthplace. The Boston’s rise from nonexistence to popularity to AKC recognition was fast by standards. The breed was registered by the AKC in 1893.

The Boston is a happy, gentle, laid back little dog that loves a quiet life and family. They love to take evening walks on leash and snuggle up on the sofa afterwords.

Easy to train, enjoys training sessions. If you want to make the training go really smooth, try clicker training A clicker costs around $3 or less from your pet store and dogs love the easy system.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Boston Terrier? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Boston Terrier running

Potty Training

Boston Terrier puppies are very easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

The Boston’s are well mannered, but quite playful, especially enjoying ball chasing and romping in the yard or house whenever he can. Some can be a bit stubborn. Boston Terriers are smart and learn quickly. The dog is reserved with strangers and some may be aggressive toward strange dogs. Some may bark a lot, as they are terriers at heart.

If you happen to get a Boston Terrier with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”
Boston’s do tend to wheeze and snore, This breed can not live outdoors or tolerate heat.

A handsome, healthy Boston Terrier waiting
for someone to play with him in the house.

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Yes, most get along with other dogs quite well. Some can be selective. Depends on your dog.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Very good with other pets. Quite tolerant.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Yes. Bring on the relatives and neighbors.

Playfulness ,

Boston’s are affectionate dogs. They love their family

Fairly tolerant with kids. Teach the kids how to act around a dog and it should be OK, but supervise anyway. Kids and dogs should always be supervised.

Good with Seniors over 65?

The Boston Terrier is ideal for a senior. A Loyal, friendly dog, easy to pick up, low exercise needs and a great companion as well as a good watchdog. This could easily be a couch potato or an over sized lap dog.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, big city, all OK. The Boston does not need a big yard, or really any yard, just as long as he gets his walks and play time in.

Energy level

Will need some play time or a short walk. Exercise needs are minimal.

This is a lively dog that needs a daily interaction with it’s people. It loves games and most of it’s exercise requirements can be met with a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash.

NO. Bark is more than his bite.

Yes, short hair and sheds some.

Brush twice a week to get rid of dead hair. Dogs love the extra attention. Top

• The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog emergencies, illnesses and injuries. It’s a valuable reference manual for all dog owners. Vol 2, 2008, includes a DVD.

In the event you decide to go looking for Boston Terrier puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training. It’s not often that Boston puppies turn up in dog pounds and shelters but you might check anyway.
Boston Terriers with puppies for sale.

Boston Terrier Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a B.T. and are looking for a Boston Terrier rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dog Rescue — Nationwide Before adoption a dog, read the dog breed info section above and below. Also, be watchful for dog health signals with the new dog.
Boston Terrier Rescue offers a nation-wide service and may help you.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog health and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Brachycephalic syndrome—Difficulty breathing in dogs with a short face and head such as the English Bulldog and Boston Terrier. They have a soft, fleshy palate, narrowed nostrils and larynx. Dogs with this will snort, cough, have a low tolerance for exercise, possibly faint easily, especially in hot weather, and breath noisily. This puts a strain on the heart. There can exist a lack of coordination between trying to breathe and swallow. Gastrointestinal problems can follow. Heat stroke is highly possible so keep your dog COOL.