Boston Terrier

Do Boston Terriers shed?

No — Boston Terriers shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.

Are Boston Terriers good with kids?

Yes — Boston Terriers are generally good with children. They tend to be friendly and lively, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed.

Are Boston Terriers good with cats?

Boston Terriers can get along well with cats, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Their friendly nature means they're generally not fixated on chasing. Introduce them slowly — keep the cat's exit routes open and never force interaction. Most Boston Terriers and cats eventually settle into an easy coexistence, sometimes even becoming friends.

Are Boston Terriers easy to train?

Boston Terriers are easy to train — one of the best breeds for first-time owners in this respect. They respond well to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) and pick up new commands quickly. Their intelligence means they get bored with repetitive drills — keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and varied. Basic commands like sit, stay, and recall can usually be taught within weeks. The bigger challenge is maintaining consistency, not the dog's ability to learn.

Do Boston Terriers bark a lot?

Boston Terriers are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.

Are Boston Terriers hypoallergenic?

No — Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic. They shed low amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.

How much exercise does a Boston Terrier need?

Boston Terriers need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Boston Terrier with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Boston Terrier health problems

Like all breeds, Boston Terriers are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
• Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Boston Terriers live?

Boston Terriers typically live 11–14 years. Smaller breeds generally live longer — one of the genuine advantages of a small dog.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Boston Terrier at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Boston Terrier cost in the UK?

A Boston Terrier puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £800–£2 000.

If you see a Boston Terrier puppy advertised for significantly less than £800, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £30–£70/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Boston Terrier pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Boston Terrier in the UK typically costs £30–£70/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.