Non-Sporting group · Small · United States
Boston Terrier
Also known as: Boston Bull, American Gentleman
The Boston Terrier — the 'American Gentleman' in his tuxedo coat — is one of the easiest-to-live-with small dogs in the AKC lineup: friendly, funny, eager to please, and genuinely good with everyone. Experienced owners' honest take: a healthier, more athletic, more trainable alternative to the French Bulldog, but still a flat-faced breed with the heat and eye issues that come with it.
Height
15-17 in
Weight
12-25 lbs
Lifespan
11-13 years
Coat
Short, smooth, fine coat
Exercise
60+ min/day
Puppy price
$1,000-$2,500
AKC popularity
#23
Best for
First-time owners and families who want a playful, trainable, apartment-sized dog with more athleticism and fewer health landmines than a Frenchie.
Trait Scores
What owners love
- +One of the best first-dog breeds going: eager to please, forgiving of training mistakes, and sized for any home
- +Playful and surprisingly athletic — Bostons fetch, hike, and do agility in ways most Frenchies can't
- +Quiet for a small dog; alert barking exists but the yappiness of terriers and toys mostly doesn't
- +Excellent with kids, dogs, cats, and strangers — sociability is the breed's whole brand
- +Minimal grooming: a weekly rubber-curry session and you're done, with only light shedding
- +Cheaper to buy and generally cheaper to insure than a French Bulldog while scratching the same itch
What owners warn about
- −Still brachycephalic: snoring, snorting, heat sensitivity, and exercise limits on hot days are part of the deal
- −Those big prominent eyes are injury magnets — corneal ulcers are one of the most common Boston vet visits
- −Legendary flatulence, usually diet-related, but every Boston owner has stories
- −More energy than people expect from the tuxedo photos — an under-exercised Boston is a bouncy, mouthy gremlin
- −Prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs; many owners cycle through foods to find one that works
- −Some lines are hyper or anxious — meeting the parents matters more than the breed's easygoing reputation suggests
Common Health Issues
How the Boston Terrier Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog — which should I get?+
Get the Boston if you want a dog that can actually exercise with you, trains more easily, costs half as much, and has meaningfully fewer airway and spine problems. Get the Frenchie if you want a calmer, lower-exercise couch potato and accept the health tradeoffs. Owners of both usually describe the Boston as 'a Frenchie that can run.'
Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs?+
Excellent ones — they're small, quiet, and people-oriented, and they were basically city dogs from the start (bred in Boston, obviously). The one caveat is energy: they need a real daily walk plus play, not just a potty trip, or they'll invent their own entertainment indoors.
How much heat can a Boston Terrier handle?+
Less than a normal-nosed dog but more than most Frenchies. On hot, humid days keep exercise to early morning and evening, watch for loud raspy breathing, and never leave them in a car. Most Boston owners in warm climates manage fine with common sense; it's a limitation, not a dealbreaker.
Do Boston Terriers have health problems?+
They're one of the healthier flat-faced breeds, but not problem-free: eye injuries and corneal ulcers are common, patellar luxation shows up, some are born deaf in one ear (ask for BAER testing), and allergies are frequent. A good breeder tests eyes, patellas, and hearing — an 11-13 year healthy lifespan is a realistic expectation.