Boston Terrier
The Good
- Distinctive and charming appearance
- Non-aggressive towards people and other animals
- Compact size perfect for smaller homes
- Low-maintenance coat requiring minimal grooming
The Real
- Prone to breathing difficulties and snoring
- Limited exercise tolerance due to flat face
- Susceptible to eye problems and injuries
- Poor tolerance for extreme heat and cold
Gallery
Breed Overview
Boston Terriers are delightful companions that have earned the nickname "American Gentleman" thanks to their dapper tuxedo-like coat and impeccable manners. These compact, well-balanced dogs typically weigh between 5.5-11 kg and stand 38-43 cm tall, making them perfect for Australian apartment living or suburban homes with smaller yards.
What makes Boston Terriers special is their incredibly friendly disposition. They're naturally sociable dogs who greet everyone—from family members to strangers—with enthusiasm and warmth. Unlike some terrier breeds, Bostons aren't aggressive or confrontational. Instead, they're gentle souls who get along beautifully with children, other pets, and visitors to your home.
Their intelligence shines through in training sessions, where they're eager to please and quick to learn. However, their flat faces mean they're brachycephalic dogs, requiring careful management during Australia's hot summers. In cities like Darwin or Brisbane, you'll need to time walks for cooler morning and evening hours, while Melbourne and Canberra winters might require a cosy jacket for your Boston.
These adaptable dogs thrive in various Australian lifestyles—from busy urban professionals in Sydney apartments to families in Perth suburbs. They're content with moderate exercise and love being involved in whatever their family is doing, whether that's weekend market trips or quiet evenings at home.
History
History
The Boston Terrier holds the distinction of being one of the few breeds truly "made in America," with their development beginning in Boston during the 1870s. The breed's foundation can be traced to a single dog named Judge, owned by Robert Hooper. This stocky, brindle-coloured dog weighing about 15 kg was likely a cross between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier.
Judge was bred with a white bulldog-type female named Burnett's Gyp (later called Kate), and their offspring became the foundation for what we know today as Boston Terriers. The early breeding program was quite documented, unlike many ancient breeds, giving us a clear picture of how these charming dogs came to be.
Initially, these dogs were considerably larger and more variable in type than today's Boston Terriers. Through careful selective breeding, fanciers worked to create the more refined, smaller, and consistent type we see today. The breed gained popularity rapidly, and by the 1920s, they were among America's most popular dogs, earning the affectionate nickname "Boston's gentlemen."
The American Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1889 (later changed to the Boston Terrier Club in 1891 due to opposition from Bull Terrier enthusiasts), and the American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1893. This makes the Boston Terrier one of the first breeds developed in America to achieve AKC recognition. The breed eventually made its way to Australia, where it has found a devoted following among dog lovers who appreciate their compact size and gentle temperament.
Traits & Characteristics
Boston Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Boston Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 11-15 years, but their distinctive flat face does predispose them to certain health challenges that Australian owners should understand. As brachycephalic dogs, they can experience breathing difficulties, especially during Australia's hot summer months. This condition, known as brachycephalic airway syndrome, can cause snoring, noisy breathing, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Eye problems are another concern due to their prominent, bulging eyes. Australian owners should watch for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, and corneal ulcers. Many Aussie Boston Terrier owners carry saline eye drops to flush out dust and debris, particularly useful during windy conditions or beach visits along our coastlines.
Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is relatively common in the breed. This joint condition can cause intermittent lameness and may require surgical correction in severe cases. Maintaining your Boston at a healthy weight is crucial for managing both breathing and joint issues.
Due to their anatomy, Boston Terriers often require caesarean sections during whelping, with over 80% of births requiring surgical intervention. The breed can also be prone to certain heart conditions and deafness, making health testing of breeding stock important.
Australian Boston Terrier owners should establish a relationship with a vet experienced with brachycephalic breeds and consider pet insurance, as treatment for breathing problems and eye conditions can be costly. Regular health checks and maintaining an ideal body weight will help ensure your Boston lives a long, comfortable life.
Boston Terriers have sensitive digestive systems and high metabolisms, making proper nutrition essential for their health and wellbeing. These little dogs typically do best with two to three smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal, which helps prevent digestive upset and maintains steady energy levels.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for your Boston's life stage—puppy, adult, or senior. Small-breed formulas work well as the smaller kibble size is easier for their compact mouths to manage. Australian pet food brands that meet international standards will provide complete nutrition without requiring supplements.
Boston Terriers can be prone to food sensitivities and flatulence, so consistency in diet is important. Many Australian owners find success with limited-ingredient diets if their Boston develops digestive issues. Avoid feeding table scraps, as these dogs can quickly become overweight, which exacerbates their breathing problems.
Weight management is crucial for Boston Terriers—extra kilos put additional strain on their already compromised airways and joints. Work with your Australian vet to determine the right portion sizes, as these can vary significantly based on your dog's activity level and metabolism.
If your Boston eats too quickly (a common trait in the breed), consider using a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping and potential digestive upset. Fresh water should always be available, but monitor intake during hot Australian weather to prevent bloating before exercise.
Some Boston Terriers may require joint supplements if they develop patellar luxation or other joint issues, but only add supplements under veterinary guidance to avoid over-supplementation.
One of the Boston Terrier's most appealing features for busy Australian families is their low-maintenance grooming needs. Their short, smooth coat sheds moderately year-round but requires only weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.
During Australian shedding seasons (typically spring and autumn), you might want to brush more frequently to keep stray hairs off your furniture. A quick daily brush during these periods can make a significant difference in managing household fur.
Bathing is only necessary monthly or when your Boston gets into something messy—perhaps after a muddy adventure in one of Australia's national parks or a sandy beach romp. Use a gentle dog shampoo and ensure the water temperature is comfortable (around 37-39°C). Their thin coat means they can get chilly, so have towels ready and consider a warm, draft-free drying area.
Eye care is particularly important for Boston Terriers due to their prominent eyes. Daily cleaning with a damp cloth or veterinary eye wipes helps prevent irritation and infection. Many Australian owners keep saline eye drops handy for flushing out dust or debris, especially useful during windy conditions or after bushwalking.
Regular ear cleaning (weekly or bi-weekly) with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner helps prevent infections. Their upright ears generally stay cleaner than drop ears, but regular checks are still important.
Don't forget nail trims every 2-3 weeks and dental care. Boston Terriers can be prone to dental issues, so regular brushing with dog-safe toothpaste or dental chews helps maintain oral health.
Boston Terriers are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that respond beautifully to positive reinforcement training. Their natural desire to be part of the family action makes them attentive students, though they can occasionally show a stubborn streak that requires patience and consistency.
Start socialisation early, exposing your Boston puppy to various people, places, and situations around your Australian neighbourhood. This helps develop their naturally friendly temperament into confident, well-mannered adult behaviour. Puppy school classes are excellent for both socialisation and basic obedience.
These dogs excel in various activities despite their compact size. Many Australian Boston Terriers enjoy agility, flyball, and even frisbee competitions. However, their exercise needs are moderate and must be carefully managed due to their breathing limitations. In hot Australian climates like Darwin, Brisbane, or Perth summers, exercise should be limited to early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler.
A typical Boston Terrier needs about 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, broken into shorter sessions. A morning walk, some backyard play, and an evening stroll usually suffices. They're perfectly content with apartment living in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, provided they get regular outings and mental stimulation.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games help prevent boredom-related behaviours like excessive barking or chewing. Without adequate stimulation, Boston Terriers can become frustrated and develop undesirable habits.
Always use a well-fitted harness rather than a collar to reduce pressure on their sensitive trachea during walks.
Who is an ideal owner?
Boston Terriers are wonderfully adaptable dogs that suit a variety of Australian lifestyles, making them excellent choices for many different types of owners. They're particularly well-suited to people who want a smaller, manageable dog with a big personality and gentle nature.
These dogs thrive with owners who appreciate their social nature and want a companion that's truly part of the family. Whether you're a young professional in a Sydney apartment, a growing family in suburban Brisbane, or retirees enjoying the Gold Coast lifestyle, a Boston Terrier can fit beautifully into your routine.
First-time dog owners often do well with Boston Terriers because of their trainable nature and moderate exercise needs. They don't require the intensive exercise of working breeds, making them suitable for people with less active lifestyles or physical limitations. However, they do need consistent daily activity and mental stimulation.
Boston Terriers are excellent with children who can play gently with them, though supervision is always important due to their small size. They're also great for multi-pet households, getting along well with cats and other dogs when properly socialised.
However, this breed isn't suitable for everyone. They're not the right choice if you want a guard dog, as their friendly nature extends to strangers. People who travel frequently without their pets should consider other options, as Boston Terriers form strong bonds and don't like being left alone for extended periods.
If you live in extremely hot climates without air conditioning, or if you're not prepared to manage their potential breathing and eye health issues, a Boston Terrier might not be the best fit for your situation.
Interesting facts about the Boston Terrier
Interesting Fact
Boston Terriers have been the official state dog of Massachusetts since 1979, making them the first breed to receive this honour in the United States
Interesting Fact
The breed's distinctive facial expressions are so varied that many owners swear their Boston Terriers can "make faces" and show remarkably human-like expressions
Interesting Fact
Unlike many other flat-faced breeds, Boston Terriers typically don't drool excessively, which Australian owners often cite as a major advantage for indoor living
Interesting Fact
A Boston Terrier named Bruschi holds a Guinness World Record for having the largest eyes on a dog, with each eye measuring 2.8 cm in diameter
FAQ
This depends on the specific characteristics of the Boston Terrier breed and your family's lifestyle needs.