Boston Terrier
Updated January 7, 2025
Boston Terrier
Updated January 7, 2025
Boston Terriers are best for families or first-time pet parents. A good match for those who like to be active (but not overly so), Boston Terriers do well at dog sports, like obedience and agility work, but also love to chill at home at the end of the day.
Life of the Party, Carefree Attitude, Fun-loving
Male: 12-25 pounds
Female: 12-25 pounds
Male: 15-17 inches
Female: 15-17 inches
11 to 13 years
Brindle, Seal, Black
The Boston Terrier is an amiable dog who is truly your best friend. Great for people who don’t like to be alone, these happy-go-lucky pups love to be by your side at all times. (Don’t even think about hiding in the bathroom. They’re really good at finding you!) Looking to make new friends? Perfect. The Boston’s outgoing personality easily wins over other pups and their parents alike everywhere they go. Your social calendar will be full of playdates—so, it’s a good thing your Boston is always dressed for a party with their instantly recognizable “tuxedo” coat. Their contacts list might go on for miles, but you’ll always be their favorite person (lucky!)—and there’s no one else they’d rather snuggle with at the end of the day than you.
Boston Terrier Characteristics
Boston Terrier Appearance
Boston Terriers are known for their big, bright eyes, goofy grins and short snouts. They are short and compactly built with a slightly arched neck and have 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. (The pup parent can choose to leave them natural or crop them, so they always stand alert.) Boston Terriers come in three colors: brindle (reddish with black stripes), seal (almost black with a reddish tint) or black with white markings that make it look like the dog is wearing a tuxedo (hence the nickname “American Gentleman”).

- Ears
Boston Terrier ears are small and, in their natural state, can be alert, floppy or alert with a flop at the tip. If they're naturally floppy, the pet parent may want to have them cropped, so they're permanently alert. The AKC breed standard allows for the ears to be cropped. Ear cropping involves surgically cutting away the outer part of a dog’s ear. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.
- Eyes
Their eyes are dark, large and round and set wide apart.
- Nose
Their noses are black and round and have a well-defined line between their nostrils.
- Coat Length
Their coats are short and smooth.
- Coat Color
The Boston Terrier comes in three main colors: brindle (reddish with black stripes), seal (black with a reddish tint that shows up in sunlight or bright light) or black, and all have white markings on their nose, between the eyes and their chest. Although not standard, you may find blue, red, white or grey Boston Terrier dogs.
- Tail
Their tail is low, short, straight or corkscrew-like.
Boston Terrier Temperament
Boston Terriers are like big dogs stuck in a little dog body—full of personality and spunk. They are very connected to their people and wholeheartedly believe that life should be enjoyed (two qualities pet parents love the most). Known for being friendly and happy-go-lucky, they are highly affectionate. But be warned—these dogs are meant to be companions, and they take it seriously. They do not like to be left alone!
Their personality is so exuberant that it can be overwhelming for shy or sensitive dogs, so it’s important to socialize your Boston Terrier puppy and teach them how to appropriately greet and play with other dogs. Luckily, they are intelligent and love to learn, so they’re easy to train.
A well-socialized Boston Terrier loves everyone and everything, including other dogs, cats and kids. They are happy to spread the love while still having confidence and a self-assured nature. These characteristics make them such a popular pet that they are in the top 25 of the AKC’s breed popularity list and have been a beloved family dog since the late 1800s.
How to Care for a Boston Terrier
Keep your Boston Terrier puppy healthy with annual visits to the veterinarian, by feeding them high-quality dog food and giving them plenty of exercise. This short-haired breed is the definition of low-maintenance grooming, which is great—you can spend all that extra time playing and snuggling with your pup.
Grooming
Training
Diet
Exercise
Environment
Boston Terrier Health
Boston Terriers have a life expectancy of 11-13 years, but they are prone to some health problems. It’s important potential pup parents be aware of these health issues, so they can help their pet live the fullest life possible. If you’re adopting your pup from a local rescue, be sure to get a copy of the vet wellness check.
- Cataracts: Boston Terriers can get cataracts as they age, or juvenile cataracts can show up as early as 8- to 12-weeks-old. Cataracts aren’t usually painful but can cause vision loss, which can lead to them bumping into things and getting injured. An annual eye test is recommended to catch cataracts early. Depending on the severity and the age of the dog, surgery may be performed to correct them.
- Corneal Ulcers: Corneal ulcers are one of the most common eye problems Boston Terriers can have. Because of their protruding eyes, Boston Terriers are more susceptible to scratching their cornea or getting a bacterial infection in their eyes. Corneal ulcers are very painful for dogs, and depending on the severity, they can be treated with an antibiotic and/or ointment or surgery. If you notice squinting, red eyes, cloudy eyes or swelling of the eyes—or your pets’ eyes seem uncomfortable and they’re rubbing or pawing at their eyes—please see your vet immediately.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a potentially painful increase in ocular pressure that can result in vision loss and even blindness. Glaucoma can be genetic in Boston Terriers and there is a genetic screening test. Treatment may include eye drops or surgery.
- Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation is when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the joint. This condition is common in toy breeds and small breeds and can cause pain and arthritis. Patellar luxation can be managed by keeping your dog at a healthy weight and talking to your vet about joint supplements and pain medication. If it is severe, surgery may be recommended.
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Boston terriers have a smooshed face (brachycephalic), and their anatomy can lead to noisy breathing, snoring or more severe signs such as trouble breathing, exercise intolerance and overheating easily. Lifestyle changes (such as weight management and not playing outside when it is hot and humid) and medications may be useful. But if severe, surgery may be needed.
Boston Terrier History
The Boston Terrier history starts in England in the late 1860s. In Liverpool, England, a cross between a Bulldog and the now-extinct English Terrier was bred for pit fighting and ratting contests.
One of these dogs, named Judge, was sold to an American. This American came back to the States and sold the dog to Robert C. Hooper in Boston, and the pup became known as Hooper’s Judge and is the ancestor of all modern Boston Terriers. The breed became officially known as the “Boston Terrier” when the Boston Terrier Club of America was formed in 1891. In 1893, it became a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club in the Non-Sporting group (the group of dogs who don’t fit neatly into one of the other AKC groups). This dog is a hometown favorite, too: They are the mascot of Boston University (since 1922) and the state dog of Massachusetts.
The original Bostons were much larger than the compact dogs we know today. Over time, they developed their recognizable traits and smaller size we know and love. The Boston Terrier breed is one of 12 breeds that originated in the United States. If you’re looking to add a Boston Terrier to your family, the price of a Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder ranges from $600-$1,200. But for that, you’re usually getting a puppy who’s been screened for health issues and temperament. You can also look for the breed at your local animal shelter or Boston Terrier rescue organization if you prefer to adopt. Or, search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.
FAQs
Are Boston Terriers hypoallergenic?
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Expert input provided by Dr. Mandy Boos, DVM at Laurel Veterinary Clinic in Broomfield, Colorado; and Mindy Jarvis, ABC-CPDT, CGC Evaluator, owner of Noble Beast Dog Training in Denver, Colorado.
Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.
The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.