Boston Terrier

Like every breed, the Boston Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use reward-based techniques and start socialising your puppy early.
• Teach your Boston to walk on a harness and lead.
• Practise a reliable recall.
• Teach them to cope with being left alone occasionally.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

  Excess soft tissue in the nose and throat, narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate can obstruct breathing, causing noisy breathing, heavy panting, reduced ability to exercise or even severe respiratory distress. The Royal Kennel Club recognised a Respiratory Function Grading test for the breed in August 2026, to become part of best practice from January 2027.

• Eye problems

  Prominent eyes are at higher risk of injury and ulcers. Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and cherry eye, where the third eyelid gland pops up in the corner of the eye, are also seen. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Hereditary cataracts

  Clouding of the lens of the eye, which can result in blindness. A DNA test (HC-HSF4) is available and recommended as best practice.

• Skin fold problems

  Folds of skin around the face create a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast can grow, leading to infection and itching. Atopy, an allergy that causes itching and skin damage, is also seen.

• Dental problems

  A shortened jaw with the same number of teeth can cause overcrowding and dental and gum problems.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Hemivertebrae

  Deformities of the spinal bones that can press on the spinal cord, causing weakness, loss of hind-leg function and incontinence.

• Cushing's syndrome

  A hormonal disorder in which the body produces too much cortisol.

• Difficulty giving birth

  Boston Terriers have large shoulders compared with their smaller hindquarters and pelvis, so females often have problems giving birth naturally and frequently need a caesarean section.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Boston Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Boston Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Boston Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Boston Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.