Boston Terrier Insurance | Dog Breed Guide

Boston Terrier dog breed

With tuxedo markings, round friendly eyes, and good manners, the Boston Terrier is nicknamed ‘The American Gentlemen’. Find out more about this lively breed.

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Boston Terrier dog breed information and advice

Sometimes confused with French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers are compact little pups with big eyes, classic tuxedo markings and big personalities. Originally bred in the United States, the Boston Terrier first made it to British shores at the beginning of the 20th Century and have been with us ever since.

This dog breed guide will give you information on how to care for a Boston Terrier. Including the breed size, colours, temperament as well as common Boston Terrier health issues to be aware of.

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Boston Terrier facts
Lifespan	13 - 15 years
How much	£1,400 - £2,000
Size	38 - 43 cm
Weight	4.5 - 11.5 kg
Colours	Black & white, brindle & white, seal & white
Grooming	Once a week
Temperament	Lively, friendly and strong-willed
Exercise	Under an hour a day

Pet insurance for your Boston Terrier

Injury and illness can happen to any dog at any age. Dog insurance could help to cover the cost of consultants, treatment, medication or surgery.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered, so get cover for your Boston Terrier as soon as you can with puppy insurance.

Some health conditions are more common in some breeds than others. Here are some potential Boston Terriers health conditions to be aware of:

Dystocia
Hereditary cataract
Luxating patella
Cleft palate

How to care for a Boston Terrier

Your dog’s health will be affected by their diet, exercise, training and grooming. Regular vet health checks will help to pick up on any health issues early on. Here’s some things to know before preparing for your new dog:

Feeding and nutrition

If you have a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day, but as they get older decrease to two. Follow the guidelines on the packaging to work out how much food your dog needs a day. You can include dog treats in your dog’s diet, but make sure you don’t go overboard. Too many treats will cause your dog to become overweight – so resist those puppy eyes.

Grooming

Boston Terriers have a short smooth coat that requires weekly grooming. You might think this means that they don’t need bathing often, but that’s not always the case. How often you bathe your dog will depend on how quickly they get dirty or smelly. If your dog starts to smell or itch, then it’s time for a bath. You can either bath your dog at home or take them to a professional dog groomer.

Exercise

Generally, Boston Terriers need under an hour’s exercise a day. This can be split into two walks. They’re a lively breed that loves to run around off lead, just make sure your dog is in a safe area before letting them off.

Your dog will love to play games and should always have toys within reach. If they don’t have a toy, they are likely to chew on something else. They don’t mind if it’s a shoe or a table leg. They have strong jaws, so chew ropes and hard rubber toys suit them best.

Training

Boston Terriers are intelligent, but they also have a stubborn personality. This can make training tricky. You’ll need to be patient with your dog and remember that repetition is key. Training classes are a great place to pick up tips for successful training and they give your dog the chance to socialise with other dogs.

House training is easier with a puppy than an adult dog. The sooner you start puppy toilet training, the quicker they will learn. To toilet train your dog, you’ll need to give your dog lots of chances to go to the toilet outside. Reward your dog when they successfully do their business outside.

Temperament and behaviour

Many people mistake the Boston Terrier for a French Bulldog as they look similar. Both breeds have short noses and pointed ears, but Boston Terriers have longer legs and a less muscular build.

The Boston Terrier personality is similar to that of a French Bulldog, and they have a gentle temperament. Their signature characteristics include being affectionate and lively, making them great companions. They are more active than French Bulldogs and will have sudden bursts of energy. Your Boston Terrier will enjoy running around and playing fetch.

So, is a Boston Terrier right for you?

This friendly Boston Terrier breed would be well suited to you if you’re looking for a playful companion. They’ll keep you entertained with their bursts of energy, but you’ll need to have patience when it comes to training.

Frequently asked questions

Are Boston Terriers healthy?

There are health issues linked to short-nosed dogs and small dog breeds, and the Boston Terrier is no exception. They are considered generally healthy but there are some health problems that you should be aware of, like luxating patella and dystocia.

How big do Boston Terriers get?

It’s difficult to know exactly how big your Boston Terrier will get, but they generally grow to be around 38 – 43 cm tall and should weigh 4.5 – 11.5 kg. They’ll reach their full height by the time they are 14 months. Their weight will depend on their diet and exercise. Make sure you weigh their food to stop them from being over or underweight.

How long do Boston Terriers live?

Boston Terriers have a lifespan of 13 – 15 years. Your dog will have the best chance of meeting this life expectancy if they receive the correct health care. Diet, exercise, health check-ups and grooming all play an important part in your dog’s health.