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boston terriers
Breed Overview
Browse All boston terrier PuppiesQuick facts
Boston Terriers are charming, kind, and funny dogs who get along with everyone and shower their owners with affection.
Available boston terrier Puppies
Personality & Training
Low
High
- Kids
- Cats
- Other Dogs
- Apartments
- Large Living Spaces
- Seniors
- First Time Pet Owners
- Cold Climates
What boston terrier Owners Say About Their boston terriers
- We love our new fur baby so much.
- We are in love with our Boston Terrier Hollie.
- Our Boston Terrier Gracie is so sweet. She is just a wonderful puppy.
Physical Characteristics
Females: 9 - 11 in
Males: 10 - 12 in
Females: 10 - 23 lbs
Males: 12 - 25 lbs
Bathe as Needed, Wrinkle Care
Low
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About boston terriers
One of the few breeds with origins in the United States, the Boston Terrier is lively, fun-loving, and bright. Boston Terriers flaunt a tuxedo-like coat, big round eyes, and an eager-to-please personality that guarantees they're always the center of attention.
The Boston Terrier's temperament and personality are an essential facet of the breed's overall image, that of a dapper, charming, highly intelligent canine companion. Its disposition is kind, friendly, and incredibly sweet, though always alert, curious, and just a little mischievous. They have a clever sense of humor and aren't afraid to clown around. Boston Terriers love to cuddle but never pass up a chance to greet a visitor. Boston Terriers are great at entertaining themselves. They grow very attached to their toys but always prefer human company.
Boston Terriers are adaptable and well-suited to apartment living. Some Boston Terriers are prone to hyperactivity, but it's nothing some exercise and socialization can cure. Boston Terriers are easy to care for. Their coat is short, silky, and needs little grooming. They love to eat, which makes food a great motivator when training.
Seldom misbehaved, Boston Terriers have great manners and get along with other pets and children. Some even choose to snooze with the family cat. If you're looking for a stylish companion to escort you around town and shower you with affection, then the Boston Terrier is for you.
boston terrier Health
The Boston Terrier is a friendly and funny companion dog with an average life expectancy of 11-13 years. While most Bostons are generally healthy certain conditions can arise in their lifetime. It is important to understand these health-related issues and to work with your veterinarian on preventative care. Always contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice any physical or behavioral changes. Your vet will most likely recommend running basic health screenings to diagnose or even rule out potential health risks associated with the Boston Terrier.
Health Concerns
• Brachycephalic Syndrome
• Patellar Luxation
• Allergies
• Cherry Eye
Minor Health Concerns
• Cataracts/ Juvenile Cataracts
• Corneal Ulcer
• Glaucoma
• Congenital Deafness
Suggested Screenings
• Eye Exam
• Knee Exam
• BAER Testing
• Allergy Test
Routine Care
• Neuter or Spay
• Regular Dental Exams
• Eye Care
• Controlled Exercise
boston terrier Care
Caring for a Boston Terrier puppy starts with familiarizing yourself with the common medical issues that affect brachycephalic dogs. Dogs with such "squished " faces often suffer severe breathing and heat stress problems. It's very easy for Boston Terriers to overheat, which is why you should never leave your Boston Terrier out in the hot sun without access to shade and water or in an enclosed car for any period of time.
If you notice that your Boston Terrier is breathing heavily or its tongue is hanging unusually far out of its mouth and/or has a bluish coloring, it is likely overheating. In which case you should immediately soak your Boston Terrier in cold water to cool them down.
Boston Terrier puppies also need lots of attention and supervision, especially when they are young and small. They are very social and thrive on human companionship but shouldn't be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.
Apartment and family living are no problem for these little charmers who are surprisingly adaptable. They are eager-to-please little people-pleasers who adore their families. They're never happier than when they are snuggled up next to their favorite person.
As a Non-Sporting breed, Boston Terriers have exercise concerns that other breeds seldom experience, like joint problems, cardiac ailments, and obesity. However, all of these conditions can be avoided by ensuring your Boston Terrier gets the gentle, low-impact exercise it needs to stay happy and healthy.
Because it's possible to over-exercise a Boston Terrier, it is very important that Boston owners understand their puppy & their physical limits. A Boston Terrier is likely not going to enjoy a six-mile jog like a Border Collie but they will enjoy a casual walk around the block. It's best to limit their playtime to 30-45 minutes outside with a long slow-down period. Once they are inside, limit play time to about 20 minutes every couple of hours.
Boston Terriers are some of the sweetest, most human-friendly dogs you're likely to ever meet. They are also heavily food-motivated, which makes training a relatively simple process. To get the best results from training, we recommend using positive reinforcement techniques with food and treats as a motivator.