Boston Terrier: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Boston Terrier temperament and personality

The AKC rates the Boston Terrier five out of five for affection, playfulness, openness to strangers and being good with young children. Developed in the United States and nicknamed the American Gentleman, the breed is cheerful, sociable and keen to be involved in family life.

Bostons are also sensitive and can become frustrated when left alone for long stretches; the AKC says they may develop unwanted behaviors if left alone too much, and VCA notes limited tolerance for time alone. Barking is low, two out of five on the AKC scale.

How big do Boston Terriers get?

The AKC lists the Boston Terrier at 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 25 pounds. The range is wide, so some Bostons are compact and others sturdier, and there is no separate standard by sex. The coat is short and smooth, in brindle, seal or black with white markings.

Because the range is broad, ask what the parents weigh if adult size matters to you. Whatever the size, keep a Boston lean; extra weight makes breathing harder for a short-faced dog.

Boston Terrier lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Boston Terrier lifespan of 11 to 13 years. The eyes need special protection: the AKC advises checking them daily for redness or irritation, and says breeders screen for cataracts, corneal ulcers and glaucoma, as well as deafness and patellar luxation. Recommended tests are a patella evaluation, an eye exam and BAER hearing testing.

Like all flat-faced breeds, Bostons can have trouble breathing in heat or during hard exercise. VCA describes brachycephalic airway syndrome as noisy breathing, snoring and tiring quickly, worse in hot, humid weather. A squinting or cloudy eye needs a vet the same day, and labored breathing or collapse is an emergency.

Exercise needs

The AKC says exercise needs vary by individual: for some Bostons a brisk walk once or twice a day is enough, while others need more running and play. Letting one out in the yard does not count, the AKC notes, because it will probably just sit by the door waiting to come back in.

Fetch, short training games and indoor play suit the breed well. Walk early or late in summer, avoid long runs, and stop if breathing turns noisy or labored.

Grooming and shedding

The sleek, fine coat sheds somewhat but not a lot, rated two out of five by the AKC. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove removes loose hair and spreads skin oils, and baths are needed only occasionally.

Trim nails regularly, brush the teeth and wipe around the eyes and any facial folds. The AKC notes some owners carry saline eye drops to flush out dust or debris on walks; ask your vet which eye products are safe.

Training a Boston Terrier

The AKC recommends early socialization and puppy classes, and says treats make a great training incentive. Many Bostons are sensitive, so the AKC suggests following any gentle correction with warmth and praise. They learn quickly and often enjoy tricks, rally and agility.

House training is usually straightforward with a regular schedule. Teach a settle on a mat and practice short periods alone from puppyhood to build tolerance for being left. Keep sessions short and upbeat to avoid overexcitement in warm weather.

Are Boston Terriers good with kids and other pets?

Very often, yes. The AKC rates the Boston five out of five with young children and four out of five with other dogs, and VCA says they are generally good with children and typically social with other pets.

The main caution is the eyes and the face. Teach children to avoid poking near the eyes or squeezing the dog, and supervise rough play with bigger dogs, which can injure prominent eyes by accident.

What a Boston Terrier needs at home

Useful kit includes a harness rather than a collar, a cozy small dog bed, a knit sweater for cold days and a cooling mat for hot ones, a soft brush or rubber grooming glove, nail clippers and gentle eye wipes. Puzzle toys and fetch toys keep a busy mind occupied.

Keep the home cool in summer and avoid toys with sharp edges near the face. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Boston home and ask about eye care, breathing and a healthy weight.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.