How Long Do Boston Terriers Live? Lifespan & Health
The average Boston Terrier lifespan is 11 to 13 years, and many Bostons reach their mid-teens with good care. Here's what affects how long a Boston lives, the health problems to watch for, and what you can do to help yours live longer.
Average Boston Terrier Life Span, Longevity and Life Expectancy
A Boston Terrier's life span compares well with many breeds: a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years is typical, and a healthy, lean Boston can live to 14 or 15.
| Average lifespan | 11–13 years |
|---|---|
| Senior years | From around 8–10 years old |
| Biggest controllable factors | Healthy weight, heat safety, eye and dental care, regular vet visits |
What Affects How Long a Boston Terrier Lives?
- Genetics: healthy parents give a puppy the best start.
- Weight: extra pounds strain a short-nosed dog's breathing, heart and joints.
- Heat: Bostons can't cool themselves as well as long-nosed breeds.
- Eyes and teeth: small problems here become big ones if they're ignored.
- Vet care: vaccinations, parasite prevention and early checks on lumps or changes.
Common Boston Terrier Health Issues
Breathing Problems (Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome)
A Boston's short muzzle can come with narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Snoring and snorting are normal for the breed, but labored breathing, gagging or fainting after exercise need a vet. Severe cases can be helped with surgery.
Eye Problems
Their large, prominent eyes are easily scratched, which can lead to corneal ulcers. Bostons can also develop cataracts (including an inherited juvenile form) and cherry eye. Squinting, redness or cloudiness means a same-day vet visit.
Deafness
Some Bostons are born deaf in one or both ears. A BAER hearing test can check a puppy's hearing.
Slipping Kneecaps (Patellar Luxation)
A kneecap that slips out of place causes a skipping step. Mild cases may need nothing more than a healthy weight, while severe ones may need surgery.
Skin Allergies and Heat Stroke
Itchy skin, paw licking and ear infections are often signs of allergies. And because Bostons overheat quickly, heat stroke is a real risk on warm days. Keep walks short and in the shade when it's hot.
How to Help Your Boston Terrier Live Longer
- Keep them lean: you should feel their ribs easily and see a waist from above.
- Walk them on a harness, not a collar.
- Avoid exercise in heat and humidity, and never leave them in a car.
- Check their eyes daily and act fast on any redness or squinting.
- Brush their teeth several times a week.
- Keep up with yearly vet visits, and twice-yearly visits once they're seniors.
- Give new puppies a vet exam within 72 hours of coming home, as our health policy recommends.
Choosing a Healthy Boston Terrier Puppy
Meeting the parents is one of the best ways to judge a puppy's future health and temperament. Breed clubs recommend eye exams, BAER hearing tests and kneecap checks for breeding dogs, so ask any breeder about them. You can see the parents of every puppy on our parents page, and visits to our home in Worcester are available. Learn more about the breed's build in our size and weight guide.
Boston Terrier Lifespan FAQ
How long do Boston Terriers live?
Most Boston Terriers live 11 to 13 years, and many reach their mid-teens with a healthy weight, good dental and eye care, and regular vet visits.
What health problems do Boston Terriers have?
The most common are breathing problems linked to their short muzzle, eye problems such as corneal ulcers and cataracts, deafness, slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation), skin allergies and sensitivity to heat.
What do Boston Terriers usually die from?
Like most small breeds, older Bostons most often die from age-related illness such as cancer, heart disease or neurological disease. Regular senior check-ups help catch problems early.
How can I help my Boston Terrier live longer?
Keep them lean, walk them on a harness, avoid heat and humidity, check their eyes daily, brush their teeth, and keep up with yearly vet visits.
Looking for a Boston Terrier puppy? We have 32 puppies available in Worcester, Massachusetts.