Is a Boston Terrier Right for You?

Boston Terrier puppies are hard to resist, it's true. But, eventually that little puppy will grow into an adult and there's a lot of time and care that goes into owning ANY breed of dog. Besides just being cute, a Boston puppy is living creature that is entirely dependent on its owner once it leaves its mother.

Are you absolutely ready to commit to being the sole provider for a puppy?

Do you have the time to devote to feeding, grooming, exercising and housetraining?

Who will be responsible for the day-to-day care of the puppy?

Are your home and lifestyle suited to having a puppy? Do you travel regularly? Do you have a secure yard or other area where the puppy can get exercise?

Can you make the financial commitment to dog ownership? Food, supplies and regular veterinary care all add up.

A Boston owner should be patient and understanding. These little guys are very intelligent and without proper training can be a handful.

The Boston Terrier should be considered an indoor dog. They have brachycephalic (flat-faced) heads and short coats. With this combination of characteristics, they are not able to tolerate weather extremes in heat or cold.

A secure area for your Boston to play. Bostons are described as loyal, but they also love people and may stray if they don't have a securely fenced yard.

Bostons are active and need daily exercise. Will you have time to devote to it?

If you have children, they shouldn't be the sole caregivers of the puppy. Boston puppies are small and fragile; children need to be taught how to carefully handle a tiny puppy.

A Boston Terrier shouldn't go into a home where someone "wants to get into breeding". Breeding Boston Terriers take a lot of time, patience, knowledge and hard work. Also, given their large heads relative to their body size, there can be complications that must be considered when breeding and whelping this breed.

Because of their "squished" faces, Bostons (some more than others) snore and make other noises, sometimes called a "reverse sneeze" (my son calls it "honking"). They can also be gassy (although flatulence can be minimized with good nutrition). Our family finds the little noises our Bostons make endearing, but it might be enough to make other people crazy!

Boston Terriers make great companions, but they do have some special characteristics and needs. Too many Bostons end up in shelters and rescues because people aren't really ready for the commitment dog ownership and this breed, in particular, requires. Before you decide to get that adorable Boston puppy, ask yourself "is a Boston Terrier right for me (and our family)?" and just as importantly, "would that puppy choose me if he had a choice?"

Photo "Chloe" courtesy of T. Keller