Puppy days
Reward toilet trips after sleep, food and play. Practise calm greetings, gentle eye and nail handling, and short separations gradually, with a quiet place to rest.
A possible best friend
Boston Terrier
A lively, sociable companion with an alert expression and a playful, comic streak. Boston Terriers often enjoy family activities and learning with gentle rewards.
Illustrated puppy and adult examples.
Personality at a glance
Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.
About these ratings
Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.
AKC Boston Terrier breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026Adult life
As routines settle, keep daily walks, shared play and short lessons. Choose cooler outings in warm weather and check the prominent eyes daily for irritation.
Everyday care
Weekly brushing removes loose hair from the fine coat; baths are occasional. Keep nails short, offer daily shared activity, and provide shelter from excessive heat and humidity.
Worth planning for: The short muzzle can make breathing difficult in heat or humidity; protect prominent eyes from injury.
Sources & reading
- AKC: Is the Boston Terrier a Good Fit for You?
- AKC: Boston Terrier Dog Breed Information
- Dogs Trust: How to toilet or house train your dog
- Dogs Trust: Puppy Training 101
- AKC: Setting Puppies up for Success: Handling and Grooming
- Dogs Trust: puppy care and training
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.
