More About The Breed

This dog is highly adaptable when it comes to space and less so when it comes to temperature. The Boston Terrier is happy in apartments or in larger houses and will do well in moderate climates. They have a short coat, so will need to bundle up during the winter.

As with all dog breeds, it’s important to be cautious with the extreme hot or cold. Because the Boston Terrier has a short muzzle, they are less able to tolerate the heat, so exposure should be kept to a minimum and they should be monitored closely when outdoors to avoid overheating.

Boston Terrier’s eyes are big and beautiful but unfortunately, because of how large they are, they have a tendency towards infection and attracting debris. Their eyes should be checked daily for redness or irritation. They are also prone to corneal ulcers, cataracts, and glaucoma. Other common health issues for Bostons include patellar luxation and deafness.  Due to their flat faces, like all of their flat-faced breeds, they can experience difficulty breathing if not given shelter with proper ventilation. If they are well-cared for they can live to be 11-13 years old. 

These dogs tend to be easily trained and are eager to please their owners, which makes them a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. Because Boston Terriers are an intelligent dog breed, they tend to pick up on things quickly and learn fast. They can be stubborn at times, so obedience classes may be a good choice for novice dog owners.

They are also very sensitive to the sound of your voice as well as tone, so verbal cues tend to be a good addition to training. Due to their high sensitivity, they will take any negative feedback personally and can shut down, so keep training reward-based and focused on positive reinforcement. It’s also important to keep training persistent and consistent with your Boston Terrier.

These pups’ short smooth coat is very low maintenance. Like all dogs, they do shed a bit but a good brushing once a week is sure to make the shedding entirely manageable. For the best at-home brushing results, a soft bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt is recommended. Keeping their nails trimmed is pertinent, as it is for all breeds, because long nails can cause pain and discomfort walking and running. 

Don’t be deceived by the breed's short stout body, they still do require a healthy amount of exercise. It will differ a bit from dog to dog but a long walk or an hour of play each day or necessary for keeping a happy healthy pup.

They are a smaller breed weighing in at only 12-25 pounds on average, and measuring only 15-17 inches at the shoulder. 

A Boston Terrier lives 11 to 13 years, on average, and can sometimes live well into their teens.

The Boston Terrier is a noted college mascot. Rhett the Boston Terrier is the mascot for Boston University. Wofford College, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, also features a Boston Terrier as its mascot.