The Boston Terrier is a small, friendly breed known for its tuxedo-like markings and gentle temperament. Originally bred for pit fighting, they are now primarily companion dogs with moderate exercise needs.
Origin and Purpose
Developed in the late 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts, from crosses of English Bulldogs and White English Terriers; Initially bred for pit fighting, later refined into a companion dog.
Appearance
Dimensions
Gender
Height
Weight
Female
14-16 inches
10-20 pounds
Male
15-17 inches
12-25 pounds
Coat
Attribute
Notes
Color
Brindle, black, or seal with white markings, brindle being preferred
Type
Short, smooth, and fine
Length
Short
Care
Attribute
Notes
Shedding
Low
Grooming
Weekly
Drooling
Low
Body
Attribute
Notes
Head
Square
Skull
Flat on top, free from wrinkles
Ears
Small, erect, either carried or cropped
Eyes
Large, round, dark, set wide apart, and alert
Nose
Black, broad, with a well-defined line between the nostrils
Muzzle
Short, square, broad and deep; proportional to the skull
Teeth
Meet in a level or slightly undershot bite
Neck
Slightly arched and strong
Forequarters
Moderately well-angulated shoulders, forelegs are straight and set moderately wide apart
Fore Legs
Straight with moderate bone structure
Hindquarters
Well-bent stifles and hocks set well apart with good turn of stifle
Hind Legs
Straight when viewed from the rear, with good angulation
Feet
Small, round, compact and neither turned in nor out; set straight
Tail
Short, either straight or screw-shaped, carried low
Gait
Smooth, easy and stylish
Temperament
Intelligent, lively, gentle, friendly, and sensitive; nicknamed the ‘American Gentleman’ due to their good manners.
Social
Attribute
Notes
Affectionate with Family
Very affectionate
Good with Children
Generally good with children
Good with Dogs
Generally good with other dogs
Good with Cats
Generally good with cats
Openness to Strangers
Friendly
Playfulness Level
Moderate to high
Protective Nature
Low
Adaptability Level
High
Working Roles
Primarily a companion dog
Exercise Needs
Moderate; daily walks are sufficient
Health
Prone to certain health issues including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), patellar luxation, cataracts, and heart conditions.
Additional Notes
They are sensitive to heat and cold and are not meant to live outdoors; they have a short muzzle which makes them prone to breathing problems; they do not require excessive exercise
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