Boston Terriers are some of the happiest, cutest dogs out there. They are short-haired and quite small, growing to a maximum of around 25 pounds and averaging a height of just 17 inches tall. But don’t let this fool you, they are full of energy and incredibly friendly. They live around 10-14 years so you’ll have many years of friendship together enjoying both adventure-filled days and days spent relaxing around the house. They most often have white coats with dark markings and they have short-nosed faces, making them adorably Instagram-worthy. Caring for these dogs, like all dogs, takes a lot of work, so read through our top things that everyone should know before getting a Boston Terrier.
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History
These energetic dogs were bred (unsurprisingly!) in Boston and can be traced back as far as 1865, originally bred for dog-fighting. However, after another few generations, these dogs have developed a happy, loving personalities. They were originally known as a “round-head” but have been known as a Boston Terrier since around 1891.
These dogs have become increasingly popular companions over the last several decades due to their intelligence, happiness, and ability to match energy levels with their owners.
Grooming
If you’re looking for a great low-maintenance dog then the Boston Terrier might be right for you. They have glossy and thin coats which are good at repelling dirt, so all you need to keep them clean is regular brushing. Of course, you will need to give your pup baths from time to time too, but don’t do this too often as their fur contains lots of oils that help them stay waterproof and clean. Baths are recommended around once or twice a year (unless they’ve got themselves particularly muddy!) to help keep their fur full of this natural goodness.
Be aware that Boston Terriers have particularly sensitive nails which can make it difficult to use a classic nail trimmer without hurting them. Instead, try using a sander set to a low speed. If you don’t want to purchase one or don’t know how to use it, you can also take your dog to the groomer for this task.
Personality
Are Boston Terriers aggressive? No! Personality-wise, Boston Terriers are friendly and happy, able to live happily alone or with other pets or even children. However, it is worth knowing that too much playing around children could make these dogs anxious, however, in a calm household, it would not be out of character for a Boston Terrier to curl up with a cat for a nap.
Boston Terriers love to make friends and meet new people and are known to be extremely adaptable in mood, making them the perfect pet whether you want to cozy in at home for the day or head outside for an adventure with your loyal companion. These dogs are known to be jokers, so will always be on hand to put a smile on your face.
In terms of training, these dogs can be incredible to train but are known to be extremely stubborn. They are full of energy and extremely smart, so will need continued, persistent training to keep them in line. However, once they’ve been trained they have been known to thrive not just as household pets but also working as therapy dogs.
Energy
The energy levels of Boston Terriers are almost always based on their owner. They can be cuddly as well as full of energy, simply depending on the activities you choose to do with them.
They are quick to train due to this energy but can be extremely stubborn so require a patient owner. Although they aren’t loud and don’t tend to bark, males can become territorial with other dogs if threatened. Wherever you can, try to keep your dog happy and positive by caring for them and giving them plenty of love and exercise.
Diet
The recommended diet for a Boston Terrier is somewhere between 0.5 cups to 1.5 cups of dry food every day, between two meals. However, it is important to remember that every dog is different and their needs will be different depending on their size, their daily activities, and their metabolism. If you’re unsure how much you should be feeding them, talk to your vet for advice.
It is also important to be aware that Boston Terriers are prone to overeating, so regulate their food and give them regular exercise to keep them at a healthy weight.
If you’re after an incredibly loyal, friendly, and happy puppy to add to your life, the Boston Terrier is the right choice for you. They are energetic, loving and goofy, and always ready for whatever their day throws at them. They will be a loyal companion ready to join you on adventures and also spend time lounging around the house together afterward.
