Fetch Finder
At a glance
| Energy level | |
|---|---|
| Shedding | |
| Grooming needs | |
| Apartment-friendly | |
| Handles cold | |
| Affectionate / cuddly | |
| Good with kids | |
| Good for first-time owners | |
| Easy to train | |
| Good with other dogs | |
| Good with cats | |
| OK being left alone | |
| Reliable off-leash | |
| Protective / watchdog | |
| Barking | |
| Drooling |
Great for
- First-time owners
- Apartments
- Families
Watch out for
- Short face means some breathing and heat issues
- Gets cold easily
- Prone to eye injuries
Daily care
Exercise: 30–45 minutes a day.
Grooming: Minimal; weekly brushing.
Cold weather: Needs a coat for cold winters and shorter walks on bitter days.
*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.
Gear for a Boston Terrier
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- FoodSmall breed dog food
Formulas made for small breeds match their energy needs and kibble size. Look for "complete and balanced" (AAFCO) on the bag, and ask your vet what's right for your dog.
See options on Amazon - Crate24-inch dog crate
A 24" crate fits most adult Boston Terriers (up to about 25 lb). Choose one with a divider so it grows with a puppy.
See options on Amazon - HarnessFront-clip harness
Flat-faced breeds breathe more easily in a harness than a collar that presses on the throat.
See options on Amazon - ToysPuzzle and snuffle toys
Food puzzles keep a calmer dog's mind busy without a lot of running.
See options on Amazon - GroomingBristle or rubber grooming brush
A quick weekly brush keeps the coat clean and shiny.
See options on Amazon - WinterInsulated dog coat and boots
Boston Terriers get cold quickly; a coat and boots make winter walks safer.
See options on Amazon - BedWashable dog bed
A washable cover makes life easier, especially with a puppy.
See options on Amazon
Find a Boston Terrier near you
We're building a list of trusted Boston Terrier rescues, breeders and trainers. Rescues are listed first.
Listings coming soon. In the meantime:
- Search adoptable dogs near you on Petfinder
- AKC's Boston Terrier page, which links to breed club rescue networks
Run a Boston Terrier rescue, training or grooming business? Get listed free.
Not sure a Boston Terrier is right for you? Take the 3-minute quiz to see which breeds fit your home and lifestyle.
Take the breed quizSimilar breeds
Compare: French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier
Small · 16–28 lb👪 Good family dogFrench BulldogPlayful, quiet and built for apartment life. Frenchies need little exercise, but their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and cold.
Small · 13–18 lb👪 Great family dogCavalier King Charles SpanielSweet, gentle and adaptable. Cavaliers are happy in an apartment or a house and get along with almost everyone.
Small · 17–23 lbBetter with adults or older kidsShiba InuClean, confident and independent, with a thick coat built for cold. Shibas fit apartments well but are stubborn and hard to train.