Do you hate personal space and love strong smells? Do you find the zoomies hilarious and entertaining? Do you love to laugh and think two dogs are better than one? Then Boston Terriers might be the breed for you! Bostons are silly, funny, lovable dogs and can be a great addition to any family.
After my beloved fur baby passed away at the age of 15, my family took a few months to process the loss and grieve. After awhile, we were ready to get another dog, but we weren’t sure what kind of dog to get. Because we loved our previous dog, we didn’t yet feel ready to get a pet that reminded us of him, so we didn’t want the same breed. There were also some downsides to his breed; he was primarily attached to only me, he was very dominant, and he could be cantankerous. We started to research other breeds – we were looking for a small to medium size dog that was good with families and that had a solid life expectancy. We went to the library and picked out a book on Boston Terriers. As Wikipedia also states, the book talked about Bostons being “happy-go-lucky and friendly”, and said they “enjoy being around people, and get along with children, the elderly, and other canines.” We did more research and a few months later, we got a Boston Terrier.
Is That Dog a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers can sometimes be confused for another popular, lovable breed: French Bulldogs or Frenchies. Although both breeds are a similar size with a squarish head and erect ears, there are some key differences. Boston Terriers are generally black and white, brindle, or seal. The most common look is the tuxedo coat – mainly black with white on the chest, face, and feet. This look has garnered them admiration as “the American Gentleman”. If the dog is cream, white, fawn, gray, or all black, it’s most likely a Frenchie. Boston Terriers tend to have pointed ears where Frenchies have more rounded ears. Boston Terriers also tend to be slightly smaller, generally in the 15-25 pound range vs 20-30 pound range.
Are Boston Terriers Friendly?
Boston Terriers are a friendly breed that is generally merry with a great sense of humor. They get along well with other dogs, and you may find that if you get one, you will want another. They love to have set time for the zoomies and will chase each other through the house, back and forth. They love their humans and will want to sit on your lap or snuggle with you on the couch. It is also common for Bostons to sleep in a bed and burrow under blankets or arrange the blankets to their liking. Boston Terriers will play with toys and love to go on walks. They also love to nap and be couch potatoes. They love spending time with their family and are very social.
Are Boston Terriers Smart?
Boston Terriers like to please their owners and therefore can be trained pretty easily. They are generally laid back so they don’t bark too much, and they can be entertained with toys and other pets.
Are Boston Terriers Healthy?
As with any type of dog, a lot can depend on genetics and the breeding line. It is important to get dogs from reputable breeders who are knowledgeable about the breed. Any dog can develop health issues, but overall, a well-bred Boston Terrier should live a healthy life. There are a few common health concerns that can happen:
Breathing Issues – Bracycephaly
Because Boston Terriers have a short, flat face, they can have issues with breathing. There can be complications related to the airway, and they have a higher risk of complications with anesthesia. They can also suffer from hypertheria – getting overheated – so it is important to use caution when going on long walks or spending time outside in the heat.
Skin Issues – Dermatological Conditions
Some Boston Terriers suffer from skin issues like atopic dermatitis, allergies, and mast cell tumors. Most skin conditions can be treated or kept manageable with the right diet and care.
Eye Issues – Cataracts
Bostons can develop cataracts which can result in blindness. This can sometimes be caused by aging, but it can also be caused by trauma. Because Boston Terriers have large eyes that tend to protrude, they can be at risk for eye injury.
How Long do Boston Terriers Live?
Although life expectancy can vary quite a bit based on lifestyle, diet, and breeding, Boston Terriers can be expected to live approximately 11-13 years. There have been Bostons that have lived to be at least 20, so it is possible to get them into their late teens.
Are More Boston Terriers Better?
Although you can own a single Boston Terrier and the dog can thrive, you might find that like potato chips, you can’t have just one. After getting our Boston Terrier, we spent roughly a year falling in love with him. We were amazed at how well-behaved he was, how friendly he was, and how easy he was to take care of. We’ve taken him on trips with us, we’ve taken him to dog parks, and we loved to see him with other dogs. After some time, we decided it was time to get a second Boston Terrier. Ours are actually half-brothers – we like to tell people they have the same mom but we are iffy on the dad. Like any pair of human siblings, they are as alike as they are different. They play together every day, they get annoyed at one another every day, and they love each other every day. One is mellower, one is more outgoing. One hates the rain, the other doesn’t mind it. One likes to pretend he’s the boss, the other one is actually the boss.
Are Boston Terriers the Best Dog Ever?
Yes. But, in all seriousness, not every breed is right for every human. Make sure that you understand what your needs and wants are for your next dog. What’s important to you? What’s non-negotiable? Do you want a dog that can go on long runs every day? Then Bostons aren’t the dog for you. Do you want a larger dog for home protection? Then Bostons aren’t the dog for you. Do you hate the zoomies? Then Bostons aren’t
