| Height | 10-12 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12-25 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Bright / Amusing [1] |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | United States [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 23 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Boston's need for exercise varies from individual to individual. For some, a brisk walk once or twice a day will be enough. Others will need more time to run and play every day and let off steam. [1]
Grooming
The Boston's sleek, fine coat does shed somewhat, though not a lot. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help to remove the loose hair. A good brushing also promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to help keep it healthy. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Protecting the Boston Terrier's beautiful but prominent eyes is of special importance. The eyes should be checked daily for redness or irritation. Some owners carry saline eye drops to flush out dust or debris. Responsible breeders screen their stock for eye problems such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma, as well as deafness and patellar luxation (comparable to a "trick knee" in humans). [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Boston Terrier in 1893. [1]
- It ranked No. 23 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 22 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Boston, The American Gentleman.” [1]
- The AKC lists United States as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Boston Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-13 years.
How big does a Boston Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 10-12 inches and weight 12-25 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Boston Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Boston Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.