• Size

Female and male Boston terriers reach around 38-43 centimeters in height. As for other physical data, their length ranges from 50 to 61 centimeters.

• Weight

Boston Terrier weight varies according to genetics, diet, and health status. Nevertheless, as a rule, adult representatives of the breed weigh from 4.5 to 11.5 kilograms.

• Lifespan

The life expectancy of a Boston Terrier ranges from 13 to 15 years and is equivalent to about 68-76 years of human life. Yet, remember, these figures are only conditional, and the life lifespan of your important family member depends on its healthy lifestyle and harmonious living environment.

• Fur

The short, smooth coat of the Boston Terrier has a shiny appearance and a pleasant texture. Due to their unique black and white coloring, the fur of these important family members is often compared to a “tuxedo”. Caring for Boston Terrier fur doesn’t really require a lot of effort. To distribute the natural oils throughout the body and reduce the intensity of shedding, these companion animals only require to be brushed with a soft brush once a week.

Boston Terriers tend to have a friendly and affectionate nature. Their personality is mainly affected by playful spirit and comical character. They are known both for adapting well to children and getting along comfortably with other pets, which makes them a great addition to any family.

Moving forward, the Boston Terrier is a people-oriented breed. These cheerful canines have a hard time adjusting to being alone and prefer being with family members. The Boston Terrier is best suited to those who wish for a playful, loving companion that doesn’t require excessive exercise, but retains an inquisitive nature and cares for participating in everything happening around them.

Despite its small size, the Boston Terrier is an energetic and active breed. These intelligent companion animals can easily follow instructions. However, there are cases when they show unprecedented stubbornness. At such times, keep in mind that the Boston Terrier is a sensitive breed and will respond effectively to only praise and mild corrections, even in case of disobedience.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve. In the early stages of the development of the issue, the vision of companion animals deteriorates slightly, yet, over time, it may lead to incurable blindness.

Disease prevention is difficult. However, regular veterinary diagnostics and eye health checks will significantly help in the timely detection of the disease and effective treatment. A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E will significantly benefit your companion animal maintaining eye health.

Dry Eye Syndrome 

Dry eyes can be caused by insufficient intake of water. Difficulty producing tears leads to eye irritation and vision problems. The climate is often seen as a provoking circumstance for eye problems. For instance, if you plan to spend the summer with your furry friend at the seaside, it’s advisable to take extra care and keep your companion animal out of the heat.

Pay close attention to such early symptoms as redness and tearing. It’s advisable to visit a veterinarian as soon as these symptoms appear. As a competent parent, further, keep in mind that daily care and regular cleaning of the eyes with hygiene products specially designed for dogs are essential for the prevention of eye diseases.

Brachycephaly

Just like the Shih Tzu, Bulldog, and Boxer, the Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic breed. This means that it features a short nose and narrowed nostrils. That’s why these important family members are prone to breathing problems and snoring as the temperature rises. Their breathing problem worsens with weight gain. Therefore, eating healthy food and monitoring weight are of particular importance for preventing the problem.

Due to the brachycephalic structure of the skull, leaving the Boston Terrier indoors for long periods is particularly dangerous. Also, avoid walking in the sun. High air temperature and direct sunlight cause a large amount of mucus to accumulate in the nasal cavity of our companion animals and cause breathing difficulties.

Kneecap Dislocation

Kneecap dislocation is a hereditary hardship. To avoid the discomfort caused by this problem, it’s necessary to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Remedial surgery may be necessary to fix severe cases of kneecap dislocation. Yet, regular veterinary check-ups will detect the early signs of the disease and allow you to take appropriate measures at the earliest stage of the trouble.

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by adrenal glands secreting excess cortisol. Preventing the syndrome involves maintaining a healthy weight and providing a balanced diet. Effective treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include a combination of surgery and medication. If a tumor is the source, surgical removal is often necessary. 

For non-surgical cases, medications can help regulate cortisol levels. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are essential to managing this condition and ensuring the long-term health of your pet.

Skin Infection

Wrinkles characteristic of the Boston Terrier are an important risk factor for the development of infection. Accumulation of moisture and natural essential oils in the folds of the skin can cause unpleasant symptoms such as redness, itching, or burning. To prevent dermatological problems, regular cleaning and proper drying of the folds is of particular importance.

Hereditary Cataract

Cataracts cause a gradual deterioration of the companion animal’s vision. At this time, the crystal, which is transparent in a healthy eye, acquires a grayish or milky color. Congenital cataracts are usually caused by an infectious disease or birth trauma acquired during the mother’s pregnancy. 

Although managing congenital diseases is often beyond our control, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can greatly improve the eye health of our important family members. As a competent parent, remember that regular veterinary check-ups and protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun are prerequisites for effective disease management.

When it comes to deciding on the best food for Boston Terriers, the unique characteristics of the breed should be taken into consideration. As Boston Terriers are small dogs, in their early stages of development, they require puppy food specially formulated for small breeds. When feeding these important family members, special attention should also be paid to their age and activity level. Just like puppies, adult representatives of the breed should be treated with age-adjusted high-quality balanced food. 

If you wish to make sure that you’re meeting the individual nutritional needs of your furry friend, we recommend that you consult a nutritionist for comprehensive guidance. Until then, we’re more than pleased to share with you a dog nutrition quiz that will enable you to determine your competency level and provide you with reliable information. 

Moving forward, to avoid gastrointestinal problems, refuse to feed your companion animal with leftovers or cooked bones. Furthermore, avoid foods that contain artificial additives and excess grains. Improper selection of food can lead to digestive disorders and sudden deterioration of health. 

As a competent parent, also, remember that eating large amounts of food can lead to weight gain and worsen quality of life. To avoid this, give preference to balanced food that will enrich your companion animal’s body with all the necessary substances without excess calories. To maintain a healthy weight, avoid junk food and stick to a regular meal schedule. 

Last but not least, don’t forget about hydration and make sure your Boston Terrier always has access to clean water. Adequate water intake helps regulate body temperature, as well as digestion and nutrient transport.

The Boston Terrier was born in the 1800s from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. There was a time when Boston Terriers weighed more than 20 kg, yet, over time, their size was reduced through selective breeding. 

These important family members were originally called the American Bull Terriers. In 1891, the breed was officially named the Boston Terrier, and just two years later, in 1893, it was recognized by the Kennel Club. Since then, the Boston Terrier has gained widespread popularity across the United States.

The Boston Terrier has been the official mascot of Boston University for almost 100 years. With that in mind, its status as a truly American breed doesn’t stop there. These important family members are the official dogs of Massachusetts and one of the national symbols of the United States.