Boston Terrier Breed Guide
The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion dog from Boston, Massachusetts: friendly, funny and small enough for almost any home. This breed guide covers where Bostons came from, what they're like to live with, and how to care for one.
Boston Terrier Characteristics at a Glance
| Breed group | Non-Sporting (AKC) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts, late 1800s |
| AKC recognition | 1893 |
| Height | About 15–17 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 25 lb, in three classes: under 15 lb, 15 to under 20 lb, and 20–25 lb |
| Lifespan | About 11–13 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth and fine; light shedding |
| Standard colors | Brindle, seal or black, always with white markings |
| Nickname | "The American Gentleman" |
| State dog | Massachusetts, since 1979 |
History and Origin: What Were Boston Terriers Bred For?
Every Boston Terrier traces back to one dog: Judge, bought by Robert C. Hooper of Boston around 1870. Judge was a cross between an English Bulldog and the now-extinct white English Terrier, a sturdy dog of around 30 pounds from the bull-and-terrier types of the era, which were bred for strength and, sadly, for fighting.
Boston breeders went in a different direction. Over the following decades they bred Judge's descendants smaller and gentler, creating a lively companion suited to city homes. The Boston Terrier Club of America was formed in 1891, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1893, and in 1979 the Boston Terrier became the official state dog of Massachusetts.
That history explains the breed today: Bostons were shaped to be companions, and they still want to be wherever their people are.
Appearance: The Tuxedo Look
A Boston has a square, compact body, a short, flat-topped head, large round eyes, erect ears and a short tail. The breed standard calls for a white muzzle band, a white blaze between the eyes and a white forechest, which create the famous tuxedo. Brindle, seal and black are the standard colors. Blue, lilac, brown and fawn Bostons also exist but fall outside the show standard. See every coat in our Boston Terrier colors guide and real Boston Terrier pictures.
Do Boston Terriers Have Tails?
Yes. Boston Terriers are born with a naturally short tail, either straight or curled into a "screw" shape, and it's never docked: the breed standard actually disqualifies a docked tail. Very tight screw tails can be linked to spinal malformations (hemivertebrae), so ask about the parents if a puppy's tail is tightly kinked. Now and then a Boston is born with a longer tail. It's outside the standard but makes no difference as a pet.
Boston Terrier Ears
Adult Bostons carry their ears upright. The standard allows natural or cropped ears, but cropping is uncommon and unnecessary. Puppies' ears are often soft and floppy at first and usually stand between about 3 and 6 months, sometimes dropping again during teething.
Eye Color: Can Boston Terriers Have Blue Eyes?
All puppies are born with blue-gray eyes that usually darken by 8 to 12 weeks. Adult Bostons should have dark eyes, and the breed standard disqualifies blue eyes in the show ring. Some adults, often in non-standard colors such as fawn or lilac, keep lighter or blue eyes, which doesn't affect them as pets.
Long Haired or Fluffy Boston Terriers
The breed standard calls for a short, smooth coat, so a long haired or fluffy Boston Terrier usually points to a mixed-breed background. If a seller offers one as a rare purebred, ask to see the parents and their records.
Personality
Bostons are affectionate, playful and smart, with a goofy sense of humor and a strong attachment to their family. Most are gentle with children, friendly with visitors and only bark when there's something to report. Read more in our Boston Terrier temperament guide.
Size and Growth
Most adults weigh 12 to 25 pounds. Puppies grow fast in the first six months and usually reach adult height by about a year old. Our size and weight guide has a puppy growth chart. If you want a smaller dog, read the truth about mini Boston Terriers first.
Health and Lifespan
Boston Terriers typically live 11 to 13 years. As a short-nosed breed they're sensitive to heat and can have breathing problems, and their large eyes need protecting. Our lifespan and health guide explains what to watch for.
Grooming, Exercise and Everyday Care
- Grooming: a weekly brush, an occasional bath and regular nail trims. See how much Boston Terriers shed.
- Exercise: daily walks and play. Skip hard exercise in hot, humid weather.
- Walking gear: a harness rather than a collar, to protect their airway.
- Cold weather: their short coat gives little warmth, so a sweater helps on cold days.
- Feeding: measured meals rather than free feeding, because extra weight strains their breathing and joints.
Are Boston Terriers Good Dogs? Is One Right for You?
Great fit if you want: a small, low-grooming, people-loving dog that adapts to apartments or houses and is usually good with kids.
Think it over if: you live somewhere very hot, you're away from home for long stretches, or you want a dog for long runs. Bostons can also be stubborn to train and are famously gassy. Our Boston Terrier pros and cons guide goes through it in detail, and our Boston Terrier facts page collects the quick answers.
Still deciding between similar breeds? Compare the Boston Terrier vs the French Bulldog, or browse our Boston Terrier names for inspiration.
Boston Terrier Breed FAQ
What two breeds make a Boston Terrier?
The breed descends from Judge, a dog bought in Boston around 1870 who was a cross between an English Bulldog and the now-extinct white English Terrier. Boston breeders then refined his descendants into today's smaller companion dog.
Why are Boston Terriers called the American Gentleman?
Their crisp white-and-dark markings look like a tuxedo, and their manners are famously gentle and polite, so the nickname stuck.
Are Boston Terriers good family dogs?
Yes. They're affectionate, playful and small enough for most homes, and they usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Are Boston Terriers born with tails?
Yes. They're born with a naturally short tail, straight or screw-shaped. Boston tails are never docked, and the breed standard disqualifies docked tails.
Looking for a Boston Terrier puppy? We have 32 puppies available in Worcester, Massachusetts.