Boston Terrier: Know Your Dog Breeds – Boston Facts and Pet Names For Dog Lovers
What should you know before rescuing or buying a Boston Terrier? Affectionately known as the 'American Gentleman' because of their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are often mistaken for a French Bulldog or a Boxer dog puppy, much to the dismay of Boston Terrier lovers. Here are our favourite facts about Boston Terriers...
A Short History of Boston Terriers
Bostons take their name from where they originated - the city of Boston, USA. In the 1950s, Boston Terriers became the most popular breed in the USA.
It is widely accepted that all Boston Terriers are descended from one dog - a terrier named 'Judge' bought in 1875 by Robert C. Hooper. Originally bred for ferocious fighting (but you wouldn't know that today) and hunting rats in factories.
Read on below for details about their size, life span and exercise requirements...
Boston Terrier Temperament
What are the personality traits and perhaps behaviour issues of a Boston Terrier? Is a Boston Terrier a good house dog?
Boston Terriers are lively, affectionate and clownish. They can also be incredibly stubborn and strong-willed which means they require more attention when training.
A heartwarming mixture of bonkers, high-energy playmate, and cuddly couch potato. The Boston Terrier is a bum-wiggling, bug-eyed bundle of joy. But don't be fooled by the small stature. This mischievous little dog can unleash a fart that will render you unconscious from 20 feet away (see 'gassy').
Not really ones for barking, Boston Terriers make superb dogs if you live in a flat, apartment or terraced house. They are also sturdy and muscular which means they're surprisingly strong for their petite size.
The quick stats...
Height - 23 - 38cm (9 - 15 inches)
Weight - 3 - 11kg (6 - 25 pounds)
Coat Type - Short and smooth
Colour - Black and white, brindle and white or seal and white
Life Span - 11 to 13 years
Grooming - Low shedding. Brush once a week.
Exercise - 1 hour per day
Scroll down for our fantastic pet name recommendations and other interesting Boston Terrier facts.
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Boston Terrier Pet Name Ideas
What should you call a Boston Terrier?
If you're bringing your new puppy home soon, you might be searching for name ideas for a Boston Terrier. Their trademark 'tuxedo' coat is a good place to start when looking for inspiration for a name.
40 unique Boston Terrier dog names for male and female dogs with a few unisex ones thrown in there, too.
Ada
Betty
Boots
Boss
Bugg
Buster
Cleo
Clyde
Cooper
Cosmo
Daisy
Dexter
Diesel
Domino
Duke
Elvis
Frank
Gus
Hugo
Iggy
Loki
Lucky
Martha
Minnie
Murphy
Nala
Oreo
Ozzy
Panda
Pearl
Pickles
Piper
Reggie
Remi
Rocky
Scout
Socks
Violet
Walter
Winnie
Has a Boston Terrier ever won 'Best in Show' at Crufts?
Sadly not. A Boston Terrier has never won overall 'Best in Show' at Crufts yet. However, interestingly, they are shown in the 'Utility' dog category at Crufts rather than the 'Terrier' category because of their bulldog ancestry and the fact that their work purpose throughout history is so diverse.
5 Interesting Facts About Boston Terriers
Sargeant Stubby was likely a mixed breed dog with Boston Terrier parentage. He was also a decorated war hero in the First World War. Yes, Sargeant Stubby served for 18 months in the trenches of France and saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks. There was even an animated feature film made about him.
Lennu was the First Dog of Finland between 2011 and 2021. The beloved pet of Finnish president Sauli Niinistö.
In 1970, Boston Terriers were named as the official state dog of Massachusetts, USA.
Famous owners of Boston Terriers include Rose McGowan, Famke Janssen, Helen Keller, Robin Williams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman and Louis Armstrong.
Boston Terriers famously have enormous, expressive eyes. A Boston Terrier called Bruschi (which has eyeballs with a diameter of 28mm) is the holder of the Guinness World Record for largest canine eyes in the world.
Boston Terrier Crossbreeds
So-called 'designer' dog breeds can be a controversial talking point for various reasons. But if you've ever wondered, what do you call a Boston Terrier crossed with a....? Then, now you know.
Frenchton - French Bulldog x Boston Terrier
BoJack - Jack Russell x Boston Terrier
Bossipoo - Poodle x Boston Terrier
Bugg - Pug x Boston Terrier
Boshih - Shih Tzu x Boston Terrier
How popular are Boston Terriers in the UK or USA?
Boston Terriers have certainly had a surge in popularity in recent years. In 2021, 2143 Boston Terriers were registered by the Kennel Club within the UK. They are the 21st most popular breed in the United States.
