Guide to the Boston Terrier: physical characteristics, temperament and breed history of this dog, born in the city of Boston and for a long time the favourite dog overseas. The Boston terrier is a small companion dog suitable for guarding. Despite its strong and confident appearance, it proves to be a good companion.
Americans highly value this breed, so much so that in 1979, it was honoured with the Massachusetts government’s recognition as an official state dog.
Boston Terrier breed. General description
As its name suggests, the Boston Terrier originated in Boston. The first specimens were selected as fighting dogs by crossing the Bulldog with small terrier-type dogs, creating the ancestors of the breeds we know today as the Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier.
It has a sweet, affectionate, obedient, and easily socialised character. The short-backed, sharply outlined body of the Boston Terrier, with its square head and jaw’s unique features and striking markings, result in the most energetic and charming American original: the Boston Terrier. The pleasing, glossy coat colours are striped, sealed, black, with white spots.
Appearance and Attributes of the Boston Terrier breed
The Boston Terrier is a lively, knowledgeable, compact, smooth-haired, short-headed, short-tailed, and well-proportioned dog. Its coat is streaked, seal-coloured, or black, with evenly distributed white markings.
The head is proportional to the dog’s size, and the expression indicates high intelligence. The body is relatively short and well structured, the limbs strong and rightly flexed, and no features are so pronounced as to make the dog disproportionate. It gives the impression of tenacity, strength, and activity, as well as great style and loose and graceful gait.
A proportionate combination of “Colour and White Spots” is a characteristic trait of a typical subject. When comparing subjects of different sexes, the only noticeable difference is a slight refinement in the female structure.
Physical characteristics permitted by the standard
- Height: 38 to 43 cm
- Weight: 6 to 11 kg
- Longevity: 12 to 15 years
- Colour: white, black, fuzzy
- Fur: smooth, silky, short
- Coat: Markings, two-tone
Price and maintenance Boston Terrier breed
The price of a Boston Terrier puppy is in the medium to high range. However, it is advisable to purchase a puppy only from severe and experienced breeders who test their breeding stock for genetic disorders that may afflict the breed.
Maintaining the Boston Terrier, being a small dog, is not very expensive, but its diet should always be excellent. Grooming can be carried out at home, and as Boston enjoys good Health, medical expenses should not affect the maintenance cost too much.
The average price of a Boston Terrier offered for sale from March 2022 to date on the internet is:
- £1.618 referred to 22 breeders
- £737 referred to shops.
- £1,116 referred to private individuals.
Top 5 characteristics:
- Loyalty and escapes
- Tendency to bite
- Adaptability to flat life
- Suitable as a first dog
- Character and temperament
The five most problematic characteristics:
- Tolerance to cold temperatures
- Tolerance to hot temperatures
- Tendency to hunt prey
- Tolerance of being alone
- Tendency to gain weight
Character and sociability
Character and temperament
“It has an excellent character and temperament.”
Selected in the area of the American city from which it took its name after the middle of the 19th century from a cross between Bull Terrier and Bulldog and initially used in fights, once this custom was banned, passionate breeders, through conscientious work refined its form and character to obtain the breed that we know today. This dog of North American origin (as evidenced by the name of the city from which it takes its name) is a friendly companion, constantly vigilant, endowed with great vivacity and intelligence and has a confident and persistent temperament.
Affectionate towards his family
“It adores the family.”
The Boston Terrier is an excellent breed for the family as it becomes attached to all members and a family unit member. He has excellent vivacity and friendliness in that ‘American Gentleman’ morphology, which makes all people who can meet him fall in love with him. He loves to make his human family happy, so let him understand what we want from him, and he will work hard to be a beloved member.
Friendly with children
“Excellent playmate.”
This little dog is lively and playful and enjoys actively playing with children but is always careful not to be too intrusive or heavy-handed. Although the Boston Terrier is a very alert breed, the presence of an adult is always necessary during child-dog interaction.
Relationship with strangers
“Has a good relationship with strangers if well socialised.”
As mentioned, the Boston Terrier is a very responsive, suitable, and mild-mannered dog. It is also an excellent spotter. Boston will guard his property and family and do his job well. If a stranger is introduced well, Boston will accept him willingly. Socialisation is essential early on to make him a good guardian who knows when to intervene.
Sociality with other dogs
“He has a perfect understanding with his peers.”
Although born as a small fighting dog, selection has brought this pleasant breed back to a very high level of sociability. The Boston is not only friendly with people but also with his fellow dogs. He loves to play with other dogs, and his good temperament makes him an excellent companion for any animal. However, he is always cautious during play and does not exaggerate in hyperactivity.
The adaptability of the Boston Terrier
Adaptability to flat living
“Excellent adaptability to flat living.”
The Boston Terrier is an ideal breed for flat living but also for those who live in the country and want an elegant dog nearby. As its coat is short and smooth, it is no trouble to groom and – which is also essential – does not leave hair lying around.
Tolerance of being alone
“It has a little propensity for solitude.”
The Boston is a companion breed, and that says it all. So naturally, it wants to be close to its owner or at least with one person in the household. But, of course, we all realise that taking our four-legged companion with us is not always possible. Still, Boston has a good chance of keeping us company in almost any activity, as it is very “manageable” given its small size.
Suitable as a first dog
“It is suitable for anyone, even beginners, in dog walking.”
The Boston Terrier has an outstanding character and an equally good temperament, so it is a breed that has the clearance to be a good companion for anyone, even first-time dog owners. Its character qualities are well known and loved by those who care for it: it gets along well with everyone in its household, with children and with all the other animals it might find in its new home.
Tolerance to cold temperatures
“It has no tolerance for cold temperatures.”
Given its conformation and morphology, the Boston Terrier is not a dog that can be left outside to sleep. Despite its mighty muscles, it is a small breed with a short coat and no undercoat. Therefore, at night, it must always sleep indoors. Should it have to spend some time outside during the winter, it should be provided with a coat and a dry, warm place to shelter.
Tolerance to hot temperatures
“It is intolerant of heat.”
Due to its brachycephalic conformation of the head, the Boston Terrier is not adapted to hot temperatures. It is advisable to keep him indoors during summer days and only let him out during less sunny hours. It should have access to a ventilated shelter and plenty of fresh water. He may be prone to heat stroke.
Care and Health
Care and hair loss
“He has an imperceptible hair loss.”
Hair loss is not a problem for Boston because it has invisible shedding, and its coat is composed of a very short, smooth, shiny and fine-textured coat.
Salivation and drooling
“He has no drooling.”
He does not tend to drool, although his teeth may be sufficiently prognathic to square his muzzle. However, should one notice an abundance of drool, one must ensure no infection or inflammation of the oral cavity.
Ease of cleaning
“He does not need a great deal of effort for cleaning.”
With its short, fine coat, the Boston Terrier does not require much effort to clean. Just wipe it with a polishing cloth and bathe it when necessary. Instead, an eye, ear, and oral cavity check is required to ensure no inflammation or infection.
Health and disease
“The Boston generally enjoys good health.”
The Boston Terrier is a healthy dog with no significant genetic diseases. However, it must be checked for kneecap dislocation and eye diseases. For this reason, one should only buy a puppy from serious breeders who test their breeding stock to ensure perfect Health in their offspring.
Tendency to put on weight
“He may tend to put on weight if he does not exercise.”
The Boston Terrier may tend to put on weight if special attention is not paid to feeding him according to daily Exercise and movement. It is essential to take him for a walk daily and to ensure that he moves and plays to his heart’s content. The diet will be adapted in terms of protein and fat levels and of excellent quality.
Boston Terrier breed and its learning
Intelligence and training
“It has an active intelligence and is very well-behaved.”
The Breed Standard describes this little Molossian: “The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent temperament and high intelligence, making the Boston Terrier an irreplaceable companion. However, it is always in tune with its owner and may seem pretentious. Still, the well-stimulated Boston learns to handle various situations, learns many words, and even enjoys watching TV!
Loyalty and escapes
“Faithful, he never tries to escape.”
The right words and means are found to educate him, and he is a pleasure to be around. He walks without a leash and returns quickly when called. He does not tend to run away because staying close to his owner is a great pleasure in his life.
Tendency to bite
“He is quiet and keeps his biting under control.”
As we have written, the Boston Terrier has an excellent temperament that does not involve uncontrolled biting. It may use its strong jaws for play and fun, but never to hurt or harm. It does not tend to bite even towards strangers, although it will be a good spotter.
Tendency to hunt prey
“It has no predisposition to hunt.”
The Boston Terrier has no predatory predisposition, but it may take an interest in small animals that intrigue it. Chasing a lizard will amuse him, but he will not go in search of a wild animal or a cat.
Tendency to bark or howl
“He barks when needed.”
His barking will only be heard when needed. But, as already written, he is a good notifier and will bark to attract his owner’s attention in case of a stranger or an occasion he considers unaccustomed.
Exercise
Energy level
“He has a good energy level.”
The Boston Terrier is a dog with a high energy level that needs to be expended daily through Exercise and movement. Its needs will vary depending on size (the small weighs up to 6.800 kg, the medium weighs up to 9 kg, and the large weighs up to 11.35 kg). However, it will gladly accompany its owner on longer or shorter walks and enjoy learning new things and interacting with everyone.
Vigour
“It is a vigorous but mild-mannered dog.”
The Boston is lively and vigorous but, at the same time, mild and gentle. It is very successful as a companion breed precisely because of these peculiarities. It is consistent, obedient, well-behaved and easily socialised. It does not need much teaching to be full of grace and good manners.
In need of exercise
“It needs exercise to keep itself in top shape.”
The Boston Terrier needs physical and mental Exercise. He is resourceful, and his intelligence is sharpened by play and Exercise. Interaction does not require much stimulation as it is always well-disposed to everyone. Daily, he will be taken for walks and given opportunities to stimulate his curiosity and learning. It will also prevent you from gaining excess weight.
Tendency to play
“He loves to play very much.”
Boston is playful by nature and plays with everything and everyone. He has an excellent aptitude for play and likes to entertain himself with humans, even those of the same sex, and other animals. He is playful and resourceful but can be very careful when interacting with children or small animals.
Boston Terrier Club and other links to sources:
Comparison Table: Boston Terrier vs Other Breeds
Trait | Boston Terrier | French Bulldog | Pug |
Size | Small, 6-11 kg | Small, 9-13 kg | Small, 6-8 kg |
Coat Type | Short, smooth | Short, smooth | Short, smooth |
Lifespan | 12-15 years | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
Energy Level | Moderate | Low to moderate | Moderate |
Sociability | Very sociable | Very sociable | Very sociable |
Tolerance to Heat | Low | Low | Low |
Tolerance to Cold | Low | Low | Low |
Ease of Training | High | Moderate | Moderate |
FAQs About the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It was first bred in Boston, Massachusetts, from a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers.
Yes, Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them excellent companions for children.
Boston Terriers have moderate energy levels and require daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
Yes, Boston Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.
While generally healthy, Boston Terriers can be prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure. Regular vet check-ups are essential.
The average lifespan of a Boston Terrier is 12–15 years.
Yes, Boston Terriers adapt well to apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs.
Boston Terriers have short coats and minimal shedding, making them low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
No, Boston Terriers are sensitive to extreme heat and cold due to their short coat and brachycephalic features. They should be kept indoors in such conditions.
While not aggressive, Boston Terriers are alert and will bark to alert their owners of any unusual activity, making them decent watchdogs.
Books Must Read
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
Affiliate Disclosure: we want to be transparent with our readers. Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services we believe will add value to your journey as a new pet parent.
/* Section Script */
Post a Comment