¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
The Bostonterrier is a small American companion dog whose breed standard calls for a friendly, lively and intelligent temperament. It is often sociable and keen to take part, but its short muzzle makes breathing and temperature regulation important points to check, both when choosing a puppy and when planning daily exercise.
- Origin and purpose: United States; companion dog in FCI Group 9.
- Size: The breed standard has three weight classes: under 6.8 kg, 6.8–9 kg and 9–11.3 kg. It gives no official height at the withers.
- Coat: Short, smooth and easy to care for.
- Activity: A lively dog that needs physical and mental activity every day, with the amount adjusted to the individual dog's breathing, age, fitness and the weather.
- Before buying: Ask to see both parents' respiratory assessment, eye examination and patella results, together with their DNA status for early-onset juvenile cataract.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Bostonterrier should be compact, well balanced and free-moving, without exaggeration in any feature. The head is short, but under the breed standard the muzzle must be no longer than one third of the length of the skull. The nostrils should be open, the eyes should not be excessively prominent and the short tail should be natural from birth.
Accepted colours are brindle, seal or black with white markings. The white markings are an important part of the breed's appearance, but colour and symmetry say nothing about health. Function matters more: the dog should be able to breathe freely, move without restriction and close its eyelids properly.
The short, close coat generally needs little work. Brush and bathe as required, and check the nails, teeth, ears and eyes regularly.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Bostonterrier should be friendly, lively and intelligent, and many individuals actively seek human company and want to be involved in daily life. Even so, this does not guarantee that every dog will be comfortable with children, unfamiliar dogs or new environments.
Genetics, early experience, health and training all shape the individual dog. Ask the breeder how the parents behave in ordinary life: how they recover after something unexpected, greet people, cope with other dogs and settle at home. If possible, meet the dam and watch her in a normal situation, rather than only when the puppies are excited.
The breed can be both playful and focused. Reward-based training with clear breaks is usually more suitable than harsh corrections or long, repetitive sessions. Teach calm behaviour, comfortable handling around the eyes and paws, recall, and the ability to wait without becoming overexcited from an early age.
¶Training & Exercise
A Bostonterrier needs daily movement and mental activity, but there is no safe number of minutes that suits every dog. Combine walks with scent work, short training sessions, play and quiet recovery. A healthy dog with good respiratory function may enjoy a range of dog sports, while a dog that develops noisy or laboured breathing needs a veterinary assessment and adapted activity.
Judge exercise by how the dog breathes and recovers, not by how keen it is to carry on. Stop and move the dog to a cool place if breathing becomes clearly noisy or laboured, if it slows down, struggles to recover or seems unusually hot. Bluish mucous membranes, weakness, collapse or marked breathing difficulty require emergency veterinary care.
Short-muzzled dogs are particularly sensitive to heat because panting is less effective at cooling them. Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, offer water and avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather. Excess weight places more strain on the airways and joints, so monitor body condition rather than relying only on the number on the scales.
¶Health
The main health checks for a Bostonterrier concern respiratory function, eye health, patella status and early-onset juvenile cataract. Ask for actual examination results for both parents; an energetic impression or quiet breathing during a brief meeting is not a substitute for documentation.
BOAS is an umbrella term for breathing problems that can occur when a short muzzle and the soft tissues in the nose and throat restrict airflow. Snoring should therefore not automatically be dismissed as a harmless breed trait. Look out for breathing noise at rest, laboured inhalation, poor stamina, prolonged recovery, disturbed sleep, heat intolerance or fainting.
The RFG Scheme is a standardised veterinary assessment of respiratory function. The dog is assessed before and after three minutes of brisk movement and receives a grade from 0 to 3. Grade 0 means that the dog is currently clinically unaffected; grades 2 and 3 indicate clinical impairment. Results from dogs aged at least 24 months are registered centrally, while results from younger dogs are recorded as preliminary.
Since May 2026, RFG results for Bostonterriers can be registered centrally by the Swedish Kennel Club, but the assessment is not currently mandatory before breeding for this breed. This should not be confused with the Swedish Kennel Club's general breeding recommendation, which gives first preference to grade 0, or with the breed club's conditions for listing a litter through its puppy referral service.
The eyes are relatively large and exposed. Contact a vet promptly if the dog suddenly squints, keeps one eye closed, rubs it with a paw, or develops a red, watery or cloudy eye; eye pain is treated as an emergency. Early-onset juvenile cataract is a recessively inherited disease affecting both eyes and can cause blindness early in life. A DNA test can show whether a dog is clear, carries one copy of the disease variant or has inherited it from both parents. Mating two carriers can produce genetically affected puppies and should therefore be avoided.
Patellar luxation, in which the kneecap can slip out of position, also occurs in the breed. When a litter is to be included in its puppy referral service, Svenska Bostonterrierklubben asks for details of the parents' latest eye examination, patella results and DNA test or evidence of clear-by-parentage status for juvenile cataract. This is valuable information for a buyer, but it should not be described as a binding registration requirement for every litter.
¶History & Origins
The Bostonterrier was developed in and around Boston, Massachusetts, during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Purposeful breeding took shape roughly between 1870 and 1890, but the earliest crosses are not fully documented. The breed can therefore be described as having been developed from the bulldog and terrier types of the time, but no exact mixture can be stated with certainty.
The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1893. Over time, it developed from heavier predecessors into the smaller, elegant companion described by today's breed standard. The Bostonterrier is now an internationally recognised breed with the United States as its country of origin.
¶Living with the Breed
A Bostonterrier can live successfully in a flat or a house, but the size of the home does not decide whether daily life will work. The dog needs physical and mental activity every day, an undisturbed place to rest, and practice settling when nothing is happening. Barking and sensitivity to noise vary between individuals; if quiet living matters, ask how the parents behave at home.
Being left alone must be taught gradually. A young puppy cannot be left alone, and adult dogs also vary greatly in what they can manage without distress. Start with very short, calm separations and increase the time only while the dog can settle. For dogs kept in Sweden, the Swedish Board of Agriculture states that dogs must receive physical and mental activity every day and should be taken out at least every six hours during the daytime; puppies and older dogs need more frequent outings.
With children, adult supervision and a protected resting place matter more than the breed's reputation as a family dog. Children should not lift the dog, pull its ears or approach it while it is eating or sleeping. Introductions to cats and other dogs should be calm and controlled. Previous experience and the individual dog's behaviour carry more weight than the breed name.
Before buying, ask the breeder to show:
- both parents' RFG results and their ages when assessed;
- the latest eye examination and patella results;
- registered DNA status for early-onset juvenile cataract and how it informed the mating;
- how close relatives fare in terms of breathing, eyes, knees and everyday temperament;
- how the puppies are introduced to handling, rest, different surfaces, people and ordinary household sounds.
This provides a better basis for a decision than promises that the breed is always easy, quiet or problem-free.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 2/5 |
| Child Friendly | 5/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 3/5 |
| Health | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 3/5 |
| Height | 38 – 43 cm |
| Weight | 7 – 11 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 14 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Boston Terriers good family dogs and how do they behave with children?
They are typically affectionate, people oriented dogs that enjoy being part of family activities. Most do very well with respectful children, but their small size and short muzzle mean rough play should be avoided. Early socialization and supervision around young kids help prevent accidental knocks or nips during excited play.
How much exercise does a Boston Terrier need given its short muzzle and build?
They usually need one to two short, brisk walks each day plus some indoor play to stay fit and mentally stimulated. Because of their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, they can overheat and breathe hard if pushed too long or exercised in hot, humid weather. Short, frequent sessions suited to the individual dog work best.
Do Boston Terriers have serious breathing problems because of their flat face?
Many have some degree of brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause snorting, snoring, and exercise intolerance. Responsible breeding and maintaining a lean body weight can reduce risk, but some dogs may still require surgical correction of narrowed nostrils or elongated soft palate. Owners should avoid overexertion, heat, and stress to protect their airway.
Are Boston Terriers prone to eye problems with their large, prominent eyes?
Their large, slightly protruding eyes make them more susceptible to corneal ulcers, injuries, and dry eye. Daily checks for redness, cloudiness, or squinting are important, and any eye issue should be seen by a veterinarian quickly. Many live long, comfortable lives with good eye care and prompt treatment of problems.
How much grooming does a Boston Terrier need and do they shed a lot?
They have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low maintenance and benefits from a weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Shedding is moderate but year round, so regular brushing and occasional baths usually keep the coat and skin in good condition. Attention to facial folds, nails, and dental care is also important.
Can a Boston Terrier live comfortably in an apartment?
They generally adapt very well to apartment living because of their small size and moderate exercise needs. Regular walks, interactive play, and mental enrichment are still essential, as they can become vocal or mischievous if bored. Good soundproofing and training help manage any tendency to bark at hallway noises.
Do Boston Terriers get along with other dogs and pets?
Many are sociable with other dogs and pets if raised and introduced properly, but some can be a bit bold or pushy. Early socialization and careful introductions are important, especially with larger or more reactive dogs. Their playful, sometimes clownish style can overwhelm more reserved animals, so supervision is wise.
What are the most common health problems in Boston Terriers?
They are predisposed to brachycephalic airway issues, various eye disorders, allergies, and some orthopedic problems like patellar luxation. Deafness and certain neurological issues can also occur. Choosing health tested parents, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular veterinary checkups help reduce risks.
Are Boston Terriers easy to train and how intelligent are they?
They are generally intelligent, eager to please, and sensitive to their owner’s tone, which makes positive reinforcement methods very effective. Most learn basic commands and house training quickly, although some can be a little stubborn or easily distracted. Short, fun training sessions with consistent rules work best.
How long do Boston Terriers live and what can affect their lifespan?
The average lifespan is around 11 to 15 years when cared for properly. Weight management, responsible breeding, good dental and eye care, and avoiding overheating all contribute to longevity. Regular veterinary visits allow early detection and management of age related issues.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Bostonterrier with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
