Wagglebase
Sign inRequest early access

Utility · United States

Boston Terrier

A walker's guide to the Boston Terrier: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 5 to 11 kgActiveFlat-facedHeat sensitiveSmartLow shedding
Exercise a day50 min
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleBrisk, sociable, bouncy
With other dogsFriendly, sometimes bossy

Overview

The Boston Terrier was bred in Boston in the late nineteenth century from bulldog and terrier stock, one of the first breeds developed in the United States. It is a compact, square little dog with a short muzzle, large round eyes and a white blaze and chest on black, brindle or seal.

Bostons are affectionate, clever and sociable, with more go than a French Bulldog but less than a terrier. The flat face still limits them: breathing is louder, heat is dangerous, and a hard run on a warm day can tip a healthy dog into trouble. The Kennel Club puts the breed in the Utility group.

Exercise and walking needs

Around fifty minutes a day in two walks suits most adults, with a few minutes of play. They enjoy a brisk pace and will chase a ball happily, but keep bursts short and watch the breathing.

In summer, walk in the cool of the morning or evening and shorten the route. In winter they feel the cold and many wear a coat.

Daily minimum50 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeEnclosed areas

On the walk

  • Breathing: Snuffling is normal. Loud, laboured breathing or a dog that stops and refuses to move means stop, shade, water and a call to the owner.
  • Lead: A harness, not a collar. Pressure on the neck of a flat-faced dog makes breathing harder, and Bostons pull with surprising energy.
  • Other dogs: Mostly friendly and keen to play, with a bossy streak. They are small enough to be hurt in rough play with big dogs.
  • Eyes: Large, prominent eyes get scratched by brambles and long grass. Steer clear of dense undergrowth.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Carry water even on cool days; the breed overheats faster than the thermometer suggests.
  2. Keep ball games short and on grass, not tarmac.
  3. Use shaded, flat routes in summer and skip the midday walk entirely in a heatwave.
  4. Watch for scavenging. Many Bostons have sensitive stomachs and eat everything.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Has the dog had any airway or eye problems, and has the vet advised anything about exercise?
  • At what temperature does the owner want walks shortened or cancelled?
  • Does the dog wear a coat in winter, and is there a harness it is used to?
French BulldogA charmingBulldogThe British Bulldog is a gentlePugA cheerfulBoxerA big