The Boston Terrier
Breed Traits and Characteristics
According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Boston Terriers.
- Height
15-17 inches
- Weight
12-25 pounds
- Life Expectancy
11-13 years
- Coat Type/Length
Smooth/Short
-
100 Affectionate with Family
-
100 Good with Young Children
-
80 Good with Other Dogs
-
80 Trainability Level
-
80 Energy Level
-
40 Barking Level
-
40 Shedding Level
-
20 Drooling Level
History
The Boston Terrier is named after the breed’s Boston, Massachusetts origins. Developed from a mix of English Bulldogs and white English Terriers, the breed descends from a dog named Judge, brought to America from England by William O’Brien and purchased by fellow Bostonian Robert C. Hooper in 1870. Known as Hooper’s Judge in breed histories, he is recognized as the “patriarch of the Boston Terrier breed” by the American Kennel Club.
Original Boston Terriers (colloquially nicknamed “roundheads”) weighed up to 44 pounds and became so popular around the city that the American Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1889. Soon after the club’s formation, local writer of note James Watson suggested the club change its name to the Boston Terrier Club, which it did in 1891. Continued breeding with French Bulldogs laid the foundation for the truly American breed we know today, and its distinctive colors and markings were written into its standard by the 20th century. Its good looks and popularity persist to this day – Boston University and Wofford College in South Carolina each boast Boston Terriers as their mascots, and it is the state dog of Massachusetts.
The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact, sturdy, people-oriented dog with a lively disposition. The first native American breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club is immediately recognizable for its “tuxedo” coats (earning it the nickname “The American Gentleman”) and expressive eyes. These well-dressed dogs haven’t just earned their popularity with their fashion sense: they are intelligence-filled, always-alert natural comedians that tend to bring smiles to their owners’ faces.
Personality and Temperament
Boston Terriers possess loving, friendly personalities that easily wins hearts. Their very stable temperaments are excellent for first-time dog owners and seasoned veterans alike, as well as families with children. Highly sociable, intelligent, and entertaining, Boston Terriers are very trainable – especially early in life.
Boston Terrier Physical Characteristics
Boston Terriers are compact, well-balanced dogs with smooth, “tuxedo” coats, and short heads and tails. Their trademark eyes are expressive and prominent, and their head tilt when investigating something new is as well-loved as their happy, sure-footed gait.
While Boston Terriers shed infrequently, they do benefit from weekly brushings to remove hair from their sleek, fine coats. The American Kennel Club recommends occasional baths, as well as regular nail trimmings to prevent movement issues and pain.
Class & Color
Class
- Non-Sporting Group
Color
- Brindle, Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White, Seal Brindle & White
Size and Life Expectancy
Size
- Medium to Large
- Height: 15-17 inches
- Weight: 12-25 pounds
Life Expectancy
- Boston Terriers typically live between 13-15 years.
Other Traits
- Sporty, compact body
- Sleek, fine-haired “tuxedo” jacket coat
- Square head, with big, round eyes
- Short tail
Bark Busters Trainer Jeff Drier on the Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers typically have a stable temperament that enables them to get along well with both animals and humans. While they are not a breed that Bark Busters receive a lot of calls for help with, one common issue seems to present itself: separation anxiety.
To understand separation anxiety, we must first understand how dogs think. Dogs are hardwired with a pack mentality. The corresponding hierarchy is determined using subtle, passive methods. We sometimes forget or are unaware of it, but we humans are included in the pack! The pack member who has greatest influence on the behavior of others is the leader, and Boston Terriers can become leaders of their human pack quite easily – their likeability and silly antics mean they are often given leeway by their owners that they interpret as an acknowledgement of their leadership.
Dogs display what they believe to be leadership behavior – often perceived as annoying or frustrating by humans – when they have determined they are in charge. This behavior can be situational and might include barking at people or dogs passing outside, rushing the door when someone comes to visit, and even becoming destructive when humans are away. Separation anxiety is an outgrowth of leadership – dogs get upset when the subordinates in their pack leave because, in their mind, they are responsible for “taking care” of them. Bostons become worried; that worry can be expressed by barking, destructive behavior, or toileting accidents.
Toby was one such Boston Terrier. He lives with his owner, Becky, in an apartment with thin walls. Toby would bark until exhausted as soon as Becky left for work each day – any noise he heard would set him off again, and the behavior would continue throughout the day. Constant barking meant plenty of neighbor complaints, so Becky called Bark Busters – after all, it’s our name!
Our trainer quickly observed the dynamics of the relationship and coached Becky on how to reassert her dominance as leader of the pack. Progress came quickly, and regular corrections meant it wasn’t very long before Toby was able to relax and nap until Becky got home.
If you have a Boston Terrier and need assistance resolving behavioral issues, call your local Bark Busters trainer. The sooner you get help, the sooner you and your dog can enjoy a happy, relaxed relationship built on loyalty, love, and respect – not worry or stress.
Tips for Potential Boston Terrier Owners
- Boston Terriers have lovely, expressive eyes that require special attention. The American Kennel Club recommends checking them daily for signs of redness or irritation.
- Responsible breeders regularly screen their stock for other common issues, including deafness and patellar luxation.
- As a flat-faced breed, Boston Terriers may have breathing issues in extreme heat.
- Boston Terriers do well in cities; while they love activities, their compact size means they do not need a lot of space.
- If you are thinking of purchasing a Boston Terrier, be sure to source from a responsible breeder who is breeding for not only looks, but health and temperament as well. Rescues are also great options for prospective Boston Terrier owners. Contact your local Bark Busters trainer today to learn about great breeders and rescue organizations near you!
Like any breed, Boston Terriers benefit from early socialization and basic obedience training to establish patterns of good behavior.
Connect with Us!
Need help training your Boston Terrier? Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.
Boston Terrier Grooming
While Boston Terriers shed infrequently, they do benefit from weekly brushings to remove hair from their sleek, fine coats. The American Kennel Club recommends occasional baths, as well as regular nail trimmings to prevent movement issues and pain.
Tips for Every Dog Owner
Could Your Home Be Poisoning Your Dog? What Every Owner Should Know
Bark Busters Publishes 2026 National Dog Behavior Analysis
How to Safely Bring Home an Adopted or Rescued Dog
How Can I Show My Dog Affection Without Reinforcing Bad Habits?
Are You Sure Your Dog is Actually Carsick?
How Do You Introduce Dogs to Cats? A Calm, Humane Guide to a Safe First Meeting
Winter Pet Safety Tips to Keep Your Dog Warm and Healthy
Holiday Dog Safety Guide: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
12 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers: Bark Busters 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Hear from Bark Busters Clients Who Have a Boston Terrier
Bring Out the Best in Your Boston Terrier: Submit Our Form to Learn How Expert Training Makes a Difference!
Confirm your zip code and submit the brief form. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours to go over training options for your dog. Ditch the stress of group classes and choose tailored, in-home training that works for you.
- 99.7% 4 or 5 stars 99.7% rate their experience with Bark Busters as 4 or 5 out of 5 stars.
- 99.6% Would Recommend 99.6% would recommend Bark Busters to their friends and neighbors.
- 99.5% Dog Responded 99.5% think their dog responded well to the training.
Looking for Assistance Training Your Boston Terrier? Find Your Local Trainer Now!
CALL TODAY 1-877-500-BARK (2275)