Boston Terrier Breed Information

Grooming

The Boston Terrier is a sturdy, compact, short-haired breed with a smooth, glossy coat. They are very low maintenance and do not shed very much. 

They have a short fine coat, usually black or brindle, with white markings. Their short coat is easy to groom, and they require only an occasional brushing once a week to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.  

Bathe when needed but always use a mild shampoo for dogs that does not contain conditioners or perfume so that you don't irritate their skin.  

Clip their nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long which could cause discomfort when walking on hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks or pavement.  

Brush their teeth several times each week to prevent dental disease caused by plaque build-up at the gum line where food particles get stuck between teeth. Gum tissue can cause bad breath, bleeding gums, and a bad taste in the mouth. 

Exercise Needs

Boston Terriers don’t have high exercise needs, but walks, games of fetch, and short hikes are all excellent activities for them. Boston Terriers loves canine games and sports. They can run around the yard with your other dog or play fetch with you. 

Swims are also a great way to keep your Boston busy, as they love water, but should always be supervised, as they tend to get exhausted very easily. You can even enroll them in a doggie daycare if you work long hours or travel often. If you have time, take them on a walk twice a day for about 20 to 40 minutes each time. 

Health

Boston Terriers are a relatively healthy breed. They experience few health problems and tend to live long lives. Although they are generally a healthy breed, they do experience some health problems. Some of these conditions can be managed with medication or regular vet checkups.   

Some common health issues include: 

• Deafness. About one in every 200 Boston Terriers is born without the ability to hear. This is due to a recessive gene that causes the inner ear to develop improperly. 
• Cataracts. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye's lens that affect vision. A dog may have one or more cataracts, but they don't always cause problems with sight or vision until they become advanced.  
• Patellar luxation (knee dislocation). This condition occurs when your dog's kneecap shifts out of place. Surgery can correct this problem if it's caught early enough in life. 
• Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS). BAOS results from an obstruction of airflow through an animal's nostrils and windpipe due to a short nose. 

Lifespan

Boston Terriers are long-lived dogs, with an average lifespan of 14 years. Though the oldest Boston Terrier lived to be 15 years old, the breed's median life span is 12.8 years, or 10 and 14 years. 

Training

Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs that learn quickly. They are very playful, but they also need some exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy.  

They are usually easy to housebreak, especially if you start the process when they're young. You may want to invest in some dog diapers if you have an indoor Boston Terrier puppy that doesn't always let you know when he needs to go outside for a potty break! 

Boston Terriers love activity, so getting them involved in obedience training or agility classes can be great ways to bond with them while giving them a chance to show off their smarts! Agility classes are also great because they help keep your dog fit while allowing them to expend some energy through playtime with other dogs.