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AKC: Boston Terrier breed overview

Non-sporting group · United States

Boston Terrier

Also called American Gentleman, Boston

Tuxedo markings, a clown's timing and a genuine fondness for almost every person it meets.

Boston Terriers are compact, cheerful companions with a strong social streak and a sense of humor. They adapt easily to city flats and family homes, but their short muzzle means heat and hard exercise need careful handling. Few breeds are as easy to love on first meeting.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

5 to 11 kg

11 to 24 lb

Height

38 to 43 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

11 to 13 yrs

Activity estimate

60 to 90 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

12 months

approximate model input

Life with a Boston Terrier

Few dogs greet a stranger with such obvious delight. A Boston Terrier treats visitors as friends it has not met yet, and it usually adores children, older people and other dogs in roughly equal measure. That easy sociability is the heart of the breed, and it is why so many Bostons end up as therapy dogs and office regulars.

The history is less gentle. Judge, the founding dog, was a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier, types then used for fighting. Breeders in Boston selected hard for smaller size and a softer nature, and within a few decades the result was a companion so mild it earned the nickname 'American Gentleman'.

At home a Boston is a comedian. Expect sudden sprints around the garden, a head tilt at every odd noise, and the habit of settling on whoever has the warmest lap. They are sensitive to tone and tend to sulk briefly if scolded, then bounce back with a toy in their mouth ten minutes later.

What stands out

Training

Bostons are keen to please and quick to learn basic manners, making them one of the more straightforward small breeds for first-time owners. Food works brilliantly as a reward, though treats should come out of the daily ration. Short, upbeat sessions with lots of praise suit their soft temperament.

Read the full training guide

Easy to train

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

A great match for

first-time owners
city apartments
families with children
people who work from home
owners in cooler climates

Think twice if

struggles in hot or humid weather
snores, snorts and passes gas
eye injuries from brambles and play
dislikes being left alone for long hours

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a Boston Terrier eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	8 kg	470 kcal	125 g (1.3 cups)
Female, typical pet	8 kg	530 kcal	145 g (1.5 cups)
Male, typical pet	8 kg	530 kcal	145 g (1.5 cups)
Male, very active	8 kg	670 kcal	180 g (1.8 cups)

Full Boston Terrier feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Boston Terrier

Feeding75 cups, split into two meals. Bostons love food and put on weight easily, and every extra kilo makes breathing harder for a flat-faced dog, so measure meals with a scale or cup rather than guessing.Read more Puppy growthBoston puppies grow fast and reach close to adult height at about 8 to 9 months, then broaden through the chest until around 12 months. Because the breed spans a wide weight range, a puppy's parents are a better guide to its final size than any chart.Read more ExerciseAround 40 to 60 minutes a day of walking and play suits most adults, broken into two or three outings. Bostons enjoy fetch, short bursts of chase, puzzle toys and learning tricks.Read more GroomingGrooming is refreshingly easy. A rubber curry mitt once a week lifts dead hair and spreads skin oils, and a bath every month or two keeps the coat fresh.Read more HealthThe short muzzle brings a known risk of breathing difficulties, including narrow nostrils and a long soft palate. Bostons are also predisposed to eye problems such as corneal ulcers and some inherited cataracts, loose kneecaps, deafness and spine malformations.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Show weights fall into three classes: under 6.8 kg (15 lb), 6.8 to 9 kg (15 to 20 lb) and 9 to 11.3 kg (20 to 25 lb).
2The breed traces back to a single dog named Judge, imported to Boston around 1870.
3It was one of the first American-made breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, in 1893.
4The white blaze, muzzle and chest form the classic 'tuxedo' pattern that the standard asks for.
5Large, prominent eyes make the breed more prone to eye scratches than most small dogs.

Boston Terrier questions

Why does my Boston Terrier snore so loudly?

Snoring is common because the breed's short muzzle packs the soft tissue of the nose and throat into less space. Some noise during sleep is typical, but loud breathing while awake, gasping, or waking up choking is not. If snoring is getting worse or your dog struggles during mild exercise, ask your vet to assess the airway.

Are Boston Terriers good with cats?

Most live happily with cats, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Their terrier side can surface as chasing a cat that runs, so early supervised introductions matter. Give the cat high escape routes, reward your Boston for calm behavior near it, and do not leave them alone together until you are confident the peace holds.

Do Boston Terriers like to swim?

Most are poor swimmers. Their heavy front end and short muzzle make it hard to keep the head up, and they tire quickly. If you spend time near water, fit a well-sized dog life jacket and stay within arm's reach. Never assume a Boston will paddle to safety after falling into a pool.

Is a Boston Terrier the same as a French Bulldog?

No. The two look similar at a glance, but the Boston is taller, lighter and leggier, with pointed or rounded upright ears and a distinctive tuxedo coat pattern. Frenchies are heavier, lower and have bat ears. Bostons also tend to be a little more energetic and slightly more tolerant of exercise.

How much do Boston Terriers shed?

They shed lightly but all year round. Short hairs tend to weave into fabric, so they show on dark sofas and clothing. A weekly session with a rubber grooming mitt removes much of the loose hair before it lands in your home. A healthy diet and regular baths help keep shedding at its natural minimum.

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