Imagine a tuxedo-suited pup with an ever-present grin, ears popped like little flags, and eyes that say, “I’m adorable — you know you took a selfie with me.” That’s the Boston Terrier: compact, charismatic, and full of personality in a small frame.
Not sure if you’re ready for a dog who looks like a gentleman but behaves like a whirlwind? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz — before you fall for that face.
Great Names for a Boston Terrier
These dogs ooze charm, so pick a name that matches their style or gives a cheeky contrast:
Sharp & classic: Baxter, Winston, Stella, Ruby, Oliver, Nora
Cute & quirky: Mopsy, Pippin, Bubbles, Zing, Juno, Dizzy
Gentle but bold: Jasper, Aurora, Felix, Lila, Milo, Cleo
Playful edge: Zoom, Snazzy, Flick, Mojo, Zippy, Dash
If none hit exactly right, our Dog Name Generator at CrazyDogs.club is great for more ideas.
Exercise
Don’t fool yourself — Bostons may be small, but they pack energy. They’ll happily trot around the park, chase a ball, and demand more. Skip activity, and you might meet restless pacing, zoom bursts indoors, or mischievous digging.
What they enjoy:
- 45–60 minutes of varied exercise daily
- Off-lead runs in secure terrain
- Games (fetch, tug, chase)
- Mental play (puzzles, nose work)
Pickles’ Aside: They might look like they’re lounging, but sneak a ball and they’ll turn into Olympic sprinters.
Brachycephalic / Heat Warning
With that squashed face, Boston Terriers struggle in heat. Avoid midday sun, hydrate, and stop early if you see heavy panting or fatigue.
Temperament
Boston Terriers are like the social butterflies of the terrier world: friendly, outgoing, and very human-oriented. They love being involved, being noticed, and being adored — but they also carry a streak of stubbornness and pride.
Typical traits:
- Social, people-loving dogs
- Curious and alert
- Sometimes vocal (they’ll bark to meet you halfway)
- Can be a bit bossy with other dogs
“Lady, you just don’t know how hard it is to be a cute Boston … I need my beauty sleep!”
They’ll charm guests after brief suspicion. With good socialisation, they’re often warm and confident.
Training
Training a Boston is a mix: they want to please, but not be bored. If your training is dull, they’ll politely ignore it (or redirect it).
Best approach:
- Start early with basic commands and socialisation
- Use positive reinforcement (praise, treats, games)
- Keep sessions short and engaging
- Build reliable recall, impulse control, and calm manners
Need extra guidance when they push boundaries? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer can help you tailor sessions to a Boston’s brain.
Pickles’ Aside: They won’t do sit forever, but they’ll do it for laughs, treats, or attention.
Stubborn Streak Warning
If training lacks fun or clarity, they’ll test limits. You’ll need consistency, patience, and creativity.
“Potty training a Boston can be quick, a week or two, though I’ve heard more stories where it takes months because they’re smart but stubborn”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
They’ll sound the alarm (a few barks) when visitors arrive, but Boston Terriers are far from fierce. They observe first, wag quickly, and usually settle. Provided socialisation, they’re friendly gatecrashers, not guards.
- Likely to bark at first, then investigate
- Typically calm with regular visitors
- Socialisation prevents overreacting
Other Animals
Yes, many Bostons live happily with other pets, especially if introduced early and with respect. But their confidence means they sometimes try to “boss around” smaller ones.
- Introduce gradually, in neutral territory
- Supervise interactions early
- Respect the dynamics and don’t force closeness
Grooming
With their sleek, short coats, Bostons are relatively low-maintenance, though they do shed, and their folds and coat need care.
Routine grooming:
- Weekly brushing to remove loose hairs
- Wipe facial folds to avoid moisture build-up
- Bathe occasionally, not too frequently
- Nail trimming, ear cleaning, dental care
Pickles’ Aside: You might vacuum daily, yes, that much hair.
Health
Bostons are sturdier than many brachycephalic breeds, but they’re not invincible. Be alert to breed-specific issues.
Common health concerns:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing difficulties)
- Eye issues (corneal ulcers, dry eye)
- Patellar luxation (knees)
- Heart murmurs, congenital defects
- Skin allergies
“And iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…. Will always love youuUuUu” — even if that means sniffing noises and weird nighttime sounds.
Have breeders show you health clearances, particularly for breathing, eyes, and joints, and use our Best in Breeder Guide to vet them.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Having a Boston Terrier in your home feels like letting a tiny charm machine live under your roof. You’ll gain a devoted, cheerful companion who wants to be in every room, snuggled on every lap, and involved in every moment. Their antics — spurts of energy, cute head tilts, snorts that sound like laughter will keep your days lively. But they’re also fragile in certain ways.
Their face means breathing can become a challenge; you’ll need to be careful with heat, stairs, and things like rough play. Their stubborn side demands patience and a steady hand in training.
You’ll also pay more than you might expect in vet checks, dental care, and keeping their coat and health in top shape. It’s not an easy breed in every respect, but for those ready to match their spirit, a Boston Terrier becomes more than a pet, a little personality wrapped in fur that steals your heart daily.
If you’re leaning toward one, start with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner to build a solid foundation, and capture that expressive face forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small (compact build)
- Weight: 6–11 kg
- Height: 23–38 cm
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
- Best Trait: Cheerful, people-loving personality
- Challenging Trait: Breathing issues and stubborn streak