Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group · The American Gentleman · #24 AKC Breed
12–25 lbsWeight
15–17"Height
11–13 yrsLifespan
Black & White, Brindle & WhiteColors
★★★★★Family Dog
Non-Sporting Group · The American Gentleman · #24 AKC Breed
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Boston Terrier — see the breed in action before diving into the details.
The Boston Terrier is one of the few dog breeds that is truly made in America. Developed in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1870s by crossing English Bulldogs with White English Terriers, the Boston Terrier was originally bred for pit fighting — but was quickly refined into the gentle, dapper companion breed we know today. The AKC recognized them in 1893, making them one of the first American breeds admitted to the registry.
Nicknamed "The American Gentleman" for their tuxedo-like black and white markings and courteous, well-mannered personalities, Boston Terriers are consistently one of the top 25 most popular breeds in the US. They're compact, adaptable, and deeply affectionate — equally at home in city apartments and suburban houses.
Real Boston Terriers — see the breed's natural look, build, and expression.
📷 Photos: various photographers (CC BY / CC BY-SA / CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and highly attuned to their owners' emotions. They're social butterflies that love meeting new people and get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats when socialized early. They have a playful, sometimes mischievous streak — and an endearing sense of humor.
Bostons are sensitive dogs that pick up on household moods. They do not respond well to harsh training or tense environments. They thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too frequently.
Boston Terriers need moderate daily exercise — about 30–45 minutes. They're lively and enjoy play sessions, but their flat face (brachycephalic structure) limits their endurance, especially in heat or humidity. Short, frequent activity sessions suit them far better than long runs.
Boston Terriers are excellent travel companions — their compact size (12–25 lbs) often qualifies for under-seat airline cabin travel. However, their flat faces make them vulnerable to oxygen and pressure changes at altitude. Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds from flying in cargo. Always check airline policies and travel in cabin whenever possible.
The Boston Terrier's short, smooth coat is one of the easiest to maintain of any breed. They're light shedders and need minimal grooming — but their prominent eyes and facial folds need regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection.
Boston Terriers are among the most trainable small breeds — they're intelligent, food-motivated, and genuinely want to make their owners happy. They excel at obedience, agility, and trick training. Their sensitivity means positive reinforcement is the only effective approach — harsh methods cause them to shut down completely.
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means breathing-related issues are the primary health concern. Their prominent eyes are also vulnerable to corneal ulcers and other injuries. Responsible breeders screen for eye conditions, patellar luxation, and heart defects. In hot or humid weather, always monitor for signs of overheating.
Boston Terriers are ideal for city dwellers, apartment residents, first-time owners, families with children, and seniors who want an affectionate, manageable companion. They're not ideal for people who need a running partner, live in very hot climates, or want a low-maintenance dog health-wise — their flat faces require monitoring and sometimes veterinary intervention.
Boston Terriers are prone to weight gain and flatulence — both manageable with the right diet. Feed a high-quality small-breed kibble with easily digestible proteins to reduce gas. Their flat faces make eating from a slow feeder bowl helpful, as they tend to gulp air while eating. Avoid ingredients known to cause gas: soy, peas, and cheap fillers.
| Life Stage | Daily Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2–12 mo) | ½ – 1 cup/day | Small-breed puppy formula; 3 meals/day; slow feeder bowl |
| Adult (1–10 yr) | ¾ – 1½ cups/day | 2 meals/day; slow feeder; avoid gas-causing ingredients |
| Senior (10+ yr) | ½ – 1 cup/day | Reduce if less active; soft food if dental issues develop |
Always provide fresh water. Keep treats to ≤10% of daily calories. Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol — all toxic to dogs.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy from Breeder | $800 – $2,000 |
| Monthly Food | $35 – $55 |
| Annual Vet Care | $500 – $1,200 |
| BOAS Surgery (if needed) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Eye Specialist Visits | $150 – $400/visit (if corneal issues arise) |
| Dental Cleanings | $200 – $400/year |
Adopt from a Boston Terrier rescue for $100–$350. Pet insurance is highly recommended — BOAS surgery and eye treatments can be expensive. Buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests for elongated soft palate and stenotic nares; well-bred Bostons have far fewer breathing issues than poorly bred ones.
The Boston Terrier's friendly temperament, compact size, and tuxedo good looks make them popular in small and medium-breed crosses. Most Boston Terrier mixes are social, adaptable, and great for apartment living.
Parents: Boston Terrier + Poodle
Low-shedding, intelligent, and endlessly sociable. Gets the Boston's friendly spirit with the Poodle's hypoallergenic-friendly coat — a great apartment mix.
Parents: Boston Terrier + Beagle
Curious, energetic, and scent-driven. The Beagle's hunting instincts give this mix a love of outdoor adventures that the Boston Terrier alone doesn't have.
Parents: Boston Terrier + French Bulldog
The most popular Boston mix — combines the best traits of two beloved flat-faced breeds. Slightly fewer breathing issues than either parent alone, plus double the charm.
Parents: Boston Terrier + Bichon Frisé
Fluffy, cheerful, and gentle. The Bichon's soft cloud coat paired with the Boston's tuxedo personality — a wonderful, social companion for all ages.
The Boston Terrier is one of only a handful of dog breeds genuinely developed in the United States. The founding dog — a cross between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier named "Judge" — was purchased by Robert C. Hooper of Boston around 1870. All Boston Terriers trace back to Judge.
The Boston Terrier earned its "American Gentleman" nickname not just for its tuxedo markings, but for its courteous, well-mannered temperament. AKC breed standards actually require the black-and-white "tuxedo" pattern to be precisely placed — not just any spots will do.
The Boston Terrier is the official mascot of Boston University — where the mascot "Rhett" has reigned since 1922. They're also the state dog of Massachusetts, making them one of the most officially celebrated breeds in America.
Boston Terriers have the largest eyes relative to head size of any dog breed. Those big, round eyes are adorable — but they're also vulnerable. Corneal scratches, ulcers, and even eye-popping accidents (proptosis) are real risks that owners must watch for.
When the AKC admitted the Boston Terrier in 1893, it became one of the first breeds developed in the United States to be recognized. Today they remain a symbol of American dog breeding — the original homegrown companion dog.