Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Weight: 10 - 25 lbs.
Height: 12 - 15 inches
Where Does the Boston Terrier Rank?
See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories.
Trainability
While Boston Terriers may not be as perceptive as other breeds, with a gentle yet repetitive training method they learn quickly.
Shedding Friendliness
The Boston Terrier does not shed often.
Ease of Grooming
The Boston Terrier does not require a significant amount of grooming and is considered a low-maintenance breed.
Health
The Boston Terrier is known to have more health issues than similar small to medium breeds, and are prone to issues like cataracts, cherry eye, heart murmurs, and deafness.
Exercise Needs
The Boston Terrier is known to have more health issues than similar small to medium breeds, and are prone to issues like cataracts, cherry eye, heart murmurs and deafness.
Good with Children
The Boston Terrier is very good with children and quickly becomes part of the family.
Barking Restraint
Barking is not known to be an issue with this breed.
What You Need to Know About Boston Terriers
Behavior
The Boston Terrier is an extremely intelligent breed. They are also known to be extremely lively, affectionate dogs and become a part of the family fairly quickly. Their energy level is a cause for concern among many individuals in the dog world. Their excited personality requires a great deal of attention. They require rigorous daily exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy.
The Boston Terrier is extremely good with children and is often chosen as a companion for family households. They are also good with apartment-living as long as they have some type of exercise throughout the day.
Training
The Boston Terrier is known to be somewhat stubborn and may be more difficult to train than other dogs when first implementing a training routine. Persistence and repetition in training is necessary.
Grooming
The Boston Terrier’s short coat provides for a low-maintenance breed.
Health Problems
Cataracts - The Boston Terrier is known for the clouded film over their eye lens known as cataracts. This breed is known to develop cataracts throughout the entirety of his life. Cataracts can be seen in Boston Terriers as early as 8 weeks of age.
Cherry Eye - The Boston Terrier is known to exhibit cherry eye. Cherry eye results from the protrusion of the third eyelid in the corner of one or both eyes.
Heart Murmurs - The Boston Terrier is known for heart murmurs which may be treated via a low-sodium diet, exercise limitations and medication.
Deafness - Boston Terriers are known to have a high risk of deafness in one or both ears.
Megaesophagus - Boston Terriers are known to regurgitate undigested food which is known as megaesophagus.
Common Health Issues for Boston Terriers
- Otitis - middle ear infection
- Colitis - inflammation of the large intestine or colon resulting in diarrhea or loose stools
- Conjunctivitis - pink eye
- Dermatitis - inflammation of the skin
- Corneal Ulcers - open sore on the outer layer of the eye
- Gastritis - inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining
- Periodontal Disease - infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone
- UTI - urinary tract infection
- Allergies
- Cherry Eye - prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid
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