Boston Terrier
波士頓㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Boston Terrier — the 'American Gentleman' — is a compact, tuxedo-coated companion with a square head, big round eyes and a lively, friendly disposition. Bostons are people-oriented house dogs that need moderate exercise and little grooming, but their short muzzle brings heat sensitivity and the eyes and breathing deserve attention.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–30cm |
| Weight | 5–12kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13years |
| Breed group | AKC: non-sporting FCI: 9 |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 2/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 1/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Cataracts
Hereditary cataracts are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about eye examinations if you notice cloudiness in the eyes.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
As a flat-faced breed, breathing difficulties and heat intolerance are commonly reported. Ask your vet to assess breathing, keep exercise gentle in hot, humid weather and use a harness rather than a collar.
Congenital deafness
Congenital deafness is reported in the breed; puppies can be BAER hearing-tested. Ask your breeder about hearing tests.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma or lens luxation is reported in the breed; screening tests exist. Ask your vet urgently if an eye becomes cloudy, red or painful.
Behaviour
Friendly, lively, intelligent
The CKC describes the Boston as robust, playful and engaged — a friendly, lively dog noted for its excellent disposition and intelligence — and a low-maintenance family pet; the AKC says it is ever alert and moves with a jaunty step.
Exercise varies dog to dog
The AKC says some Bostons are content with a brisk walk once or twice a day while others need more time to run and play, and that simply letting the dog into a yard does not count; the CKC notes it is not a hyper animal and suits most living accommodation.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 2/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Boston Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Boston Terrier (Non Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Boston Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Boston Terrier (standard no. 140, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club says Boston Terriers are not for everyone: bred as companions, they languish without human contact and are not outside dogs; they are very active and love to play, and without basic training they may jump up and nip in play — one of the reasons some are given up. Some health problems can need expensive veterinary care.”
— Boston Terrier Club of America — Questions About Boston Terriers via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Boston Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Boston Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Boston Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Boston Terrier — FCI standard no. 140 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Questions About Boston Terriers — Boston Terrier Club of America — Boston Terrier Club of America — Questions About Boston Terriers (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.