Are Boston Terriers hypoallergenic?

No, Boston Terriers are not considered a hypoallergenic dog . While they’re not heavy shedders, they do shed a little year-round, which produces dander that can trigger an allergic reaction. No pet is 100% hypoallergenic.

What is the Boston Terrier life expectancy?

The lifespan of Boston Terrier dogs is 11–13 years.

How big do Boston Terriers get?

The typical Boston Terrier size is 10–12 inches tall and 12–25 pounds.

Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog: What’s the difference?

Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are both small dogs with big ears, a flat face, and a friendly and outgoing personality. But there are differences between Boston Terriers and Frenchies, including: * Boston Terriers’ ears are more pointed than the Frenchie’s rounded ears * Bostons are lean, while Frenchies are stocky * Boston Terriers are taller than French Bulldogs

Are Boston Terriers good with kids?

Yes, Boston Terriers can be great with kids and babies. They’re super friendly and energetic, and their small body means they likely won’t knock anyone over during playtime. In fact, your Boston Terrier might even help your kids burn off some energy (and vice versa).

Boston Terrier

Updated March 6, 2025

With their dapper tuxedo coat, a Boston Terrier is always dressed for a party. They’re a good match for anyone looking for a dog to always be by their side, as Boston Terriers are well-rounded pups who enjoy sports, snuggling, playdates, and almost any other activity you can imagine.

Temperament

Bubbly, Happy-Go-Lucky, Outgoing

Weight

12–25 pounds

Height

10–12 inches

Life Expectancy

11–13 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Black and White, Black Brindle and White, Brindle and White, Seal and White, Seal Brindle and White

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Your social calendar will be full of playdates with this “American gentleman.” As their nickname suggests, the Boston Terrier’s bubbly personality easily wins over other dogs and people alike. But don’t worry—you’re still the one they want to cuddle with at the end of the day.

These social butterflies are perfect for pet parents who don’t like to be alone, because Boston Terriers will always be by your side. Don’t even think about hiding in the bathroom—they’ll find you anywhere.

Boston Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Boston Terrier Appearance

Boston Terriers are known for their goofy grin, short snout, and big, bright eyes. Short and compact, they have a slightly arched neck and floppy ears as puppies. By the time they’re around 4 months old, their ears usually stand up on their own; however, some may flop over at the tip and some always stay floppy.

Boston Terriers come in three colors with white markings that make it look like they’re always wearing a tuxedo.

Ears
Boston Terrier ears are small and can be alert, floppy, or alert with a little flop at the tip. While it was once common to crop (or cut) their ears, nowadays many of these pups have their ears intact. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose ear cropping, and many countries and U.S. states have banned the practice.
Eyes
Their eyes are dark, large, and round, and they’re set wide apart.
Nose
Their noses are black and round with a well-defined line between their nostrils.
Coat Length
Their coats are short and smooth.
Coat Color
The Boston Terrier often has one of three main colors: brindle (reddish with black stripes), seal (black with a reddish tint that shows up in sunlight or bright light), or black. All coat colors have white markings on the nose, between the eyes, and the chest.
Tail
A Boston Terrier tail is low and short; it’s either straight or curly like a corkscrew.

Boston Terrier Temperament

Boston Terriers are big personalities stuck in a tiny body. These confident, self-assured pups are essentially walking rays of sunshine who brighten everyone’s day.

Full of personality and pluck, they’re super attached to their people and believe life is meant to be enjoyed. Friendly, highly affectionate, and easygoing, Boston Terriers take their role as a companion seriously and don’t like to be left alone.

Their exuberant personality can be overwhelming for shy dogs, so it’s important to socialize your Boston Terrier as early as possible and teach them how to hang out with other pups, especially more reserved ones. A well-socialized Boston Terrier loves everyone and everything, including cats and kids. Luckily, Boston Terriers are bright, curious, and love to learn, so they’re easy to train.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Boston Terrier

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How to Care for a Boston Terrier

This short-haired breed is the definition of low-maintenance grooming, which means you can spend all that extra time saved snuggling, playing, and giving your dog the best life possible.

Bathing: Bathe your Boston Terrier about once a month, unless they get really dirty outside.
Brushing: This short-haired breed sheds a little year-round and only slightly more during the spring and fall. Because their shedding is pretty minimal, a weekly brush with a soft bristle brush or a grooming glove should do the trick.
Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth daily. Start when your Boston Terrier is a puppy (or whenever you bring them home), so they’ll get used to it. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.
Eye care: Check for signs of redness or irritation once a week (their big, beautiful eyes can be susceptible to health issues).
Nail care: Every dog’s nails grow at a different rate, but typically Boston Terriers will need their nails trimmed every two to four weeks. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces.

A Boston Terrier is a joy for the whole family. This intelligent and curious pup enjoys learning new tricks, and they love to earn their treats. Once they master a trick, they’ll be excited to show it off for anyone who will take the time to watch.

Lively Boston Terriers happily engage and connect with people—they’re known for jumping all over you the moment you get through the door because they’re just so excited you came back home. Teach your clever pup good manners with positive reinforcement training. Start with cues such as leave it, down, shake, and sit, and reward their progress with praise, treats, and special toys.

As with most dogs, the best time to start obedience training is when they’re a young puppy, but you can begin training anytime if you adopt a Boston Terrier as an adult.

Boston Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant and suitable for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).

Don’t be surprised if your Boston Terrier is a little gassy from time to time. Many brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces) are gassier than others because they tend to eat with speed; this means they swallow more air when they eat. So, use a puzzle toy or special bowl that slows them down.

Treats are great for training (and for rewarding a very good dog!), but they should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Boston Terriers are not the kind of dog you can send outside for a quick pee and consider it exercise—they’ll turn right back around and ask you to join them for a romp.

These pups have a moderate energy level, but just because they’re not as energetic as an Australian Shepherd doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise.

A good walk and daily play (up to an hour, depending on your dog) is great for their physical needs, but be sure to include activities to engage their brain, like puzzle toys and interactive games. If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with your Boston Terrier, they do well in obedience training, agility trials, and even flyball. These activities check all the boxes your pup needs to be happy: physical exercise, mental exercise, and time bonding with you.

That said, a Boston Terrier’s short snout can make it difficult for these dogs to catch their breath during high-intensity play, especially in the heat and humidity. Pay attention to signs of overheating and encourage your terrier to rest inside during the hottest parts of the day.

Whether you live alone or have a big family, a Boston Terrier will happily fit right in. They’d be delighted to live in a large house with vast acreage and equally delighted to be in a studio apartment. As long as you’re there to give them attention, they’re good.

These pups love training and learning, so they’re great for both first-time and experienced pet parents. Chances are, they’ll be comfortable sharing their space with another dog or even a cat—as long as everyone is properly introduced.

Boston Terriers are sensitive to both hot and cold weather, so plan summer activities during the cooler part of the day. For winter months, buy your pup a cozy holiday sweater or a chunky coat to wear on daily walks.

Boston Terrier Health

The Boston Terrier lifespan is 11–13 years, but pet parents should be aware of some health issues.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: Also known as BOAS, this condition is caused by the Boston Terrier’s smooshed anatomy. Brachycephalic breeds, also known as flat-faced dogs, may have difficulty breathing during exercise—or even at rest. Their anatomy causes narrow nostrils and airways, along with an elongated soft palate. To manage symptoms, keep your dog at a healthy weight and avoiding extreme temperatures (both heat and cold); severe cases could require surgery.
Cataracts: This breed can get cataracts as they age, but juvenile cataracts can show up earlier, when Boston Terriers puppies are 8–12 weeks old. Cataracts aren’t usually painful, but they cause vision loss. Get a yearly eye test to catch cataracts early. Surgery may be a treatment option. 
Corneal ulcers: Corneal ulcers are one of the most common eye problems in Boston Terriers. Because their eyes are large and stick out a bit, they’re more susceptible to scratching their cornea, which can cause a secondary bacterial infection (conjunctivitis). Corneal ulcers are very painful for dogs; depending on the severity, they can be treated with an oral antibiotic, an antibiotic ointment, or surgery.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when fluid in the eyes doesn’t drain and builds pressure. It’s painful and can result in blindness, so it’s a medical emergency. Glaucoma can be genetic in Boston Terriers, and there is a screening test. Treatment is topical medications or surgery.  
Luxating patella: Boston Terriers can develop a luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place. A little bunny hop or skip while walking could be a symptom. It may be treated with supplements and meds, if mild, though surgery may be necessary.

Boston Terrier History

The Boston Terrier’s origins are in Liverpool, England, where they were bred as a cross between a Bulldog and the now-extinct English Terrier.

One of these dogs, named Judge, was brought to the United States and sold to Robert C. Hooper in Boston. The pup became known as Hooper’s Judge and is the ancestor of all modern Boston Terriers.

The breed—also sometimes referred to as “America’s gentleman” because of their tuxedo coats—became known as the Boston Terrier when the Boston Terrier Club of America formed in 1891. In 1893, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. They’re hometown favorites, too, as the mascot of Boston University and the state dog of Massachusetts.

If you’re thinking about bringing home your own Boston Terrier puppy, work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs. You can also look for a Boston Terrier for adoption at a breed-specific rescue like the Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue, at your local animal shelter or rescue organization, or via Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier