United States
Non-Sporting Group
Small
15–17 in
12–25 lbs
11–13 years
Meet the Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, well- muscled dogs with a tuxedo-like coat and expressive eyes. They are playful, affectionate, and love being part of the action. Their charming personality and gentle nature make them perfect companions for individuals and families alike.
Where It All Began
Boston Terriers originated in the United States in the late 1800s. They were developed in Boston, Massachusetts, by crossing Bulldogs with White English Terriers. The breed quickly gained popularity and became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed does well with regular, moderate exercise such as daily walks and playtime.
- ✓ 30–45 minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Daily walks plus some playtime
- ✓ Benefits from occasional training sessions
✂ Grooming Needs
Grooming is easy — an occasional brush and bath is usually all that is needed.
- ✓ Brushing once a week
- ✓ Bathe only as needed
- ✓ Routine nail trims
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like all breeds, the Boston Terrier benefits from routine vet checkups and preventive care; the conditions below are the ones responsible breeders and owners watch most closely.
- • Dental Issues
- • Patellar Luxation
- • Ear Infections
$ Cost of Ownership
Estimated costs vary by breeder, location and individual dog; use these as a general planning guide.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500
Monthly Cost: $50 – $80
First Year Cost: $1,700 – $4,160
Lifetime Cost: $7,400 – $14,980
👍 Pros
- Adapts well to apartment or condo living
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Low-maintenance coat that's easy to groom
👎 Cons
- May not be the ideal first dog for a brand-new owner
- Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
- Ongoing vet visits and preventive care add to the cost of ownership
💡 Did You Know?
The Boston Terrier originally comes from United States and belongs to the Non-Sporting Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as lively.
Compare Boston Terrier
See how the Boston Terrier stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
