Boston Terrier Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

Friendly Bright Amusing Adaptable

About the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier — affectionately known as the "American Gentleman" — was developed in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s from crosses between English Bulldogs and white English Terriers. Standing 15–17 inches tall and weighing 12–25 pounds, they come in three weight classes and sport a compact, well-proportioned build with a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern. Their short, smooth coat appears in black-and-white, brindle-and-white, or seal-and-white — always with the characteristic white blaze, muzzle band, and chest marking.

Temperament & Personality

Boston Terriers are lively, intelligent, and brimming with personality — they have a wonderful sense of humor and seem to know exactly how to make their owners laugh. They are exceptionally friendly with people of all ages, including children and seniors, and typically get along well with other dogs and cats. Their moderate energy level and adaptable nature make them equally happy on a brisk walk or curled up on the couch.

Pros

  • Perfect apartment dog — compact size, moderate exercise needs, and minimal barking
  • Friendly and sociable with virtually everyone, including strangers and other pets
  • Low-maintenance coat requiring only occasional brushing
  • Highly adaptable temperament that suits first-time owners and experienced dog people alike

Cons

  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure causes breathing difficulties, snoring, and heat intolerance
  • Prone to eye injuries and conditions like cataracts, cherry eye, and corneal ulcers
  • Can be stubborn about housetraining despite their intelligence
  • Susceptible to patellar luxation and spinal issues due to their compact build

Boston Terriers are the perfect blend of charm and companionship — find adoptable Boston Terriers on Puplister now.

Boston Terrier Quick Facts

Size
12–25 lbs, 15–17 in
Lifespan
11–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

Is the Boston Terrier right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Boston Terriers

Beans
Adult
Beans
S

Boston Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier

Ventura County Animal Regulation · Camarillo, CA
Leo
Adult
Leo
M

Boston Terrier

American Boston Terrier Rescue · Little Elm, TX
Brody
Adult
Brody
S

Boston Terrier

Crisis Dogs NC · Spring Lake, NC
Nugget
Baby
Nugget
S

Boston Terrier

Oakland Animal Services · Oakland, CA
Holly
Adult
Holly
M

Boston Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier

Pawfect Match Rescue · Holly Springs, NC
Mary
Young
Mary
M

Boston Terrier

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation · Chantilly, VA
Max
Young
Max
M

Boston Terrier / Mixed

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation · Chantilly, VA
Remy
Young
Remy
S

Boston Terrier / Mixed

Rescue Dogs Rock · New York, NY
Anona
Adult
Anona
M

French Bulldog / Boston Terrier

Second Chance Dog Rescue · San Diego, CA
Baylee
Young
Baylee
S

Boston Terrier / Mixed

To Love A Canine Rescue · Kimberton, PA

Related Breeds

Bernese Mountain Dog

1 pet available

About the Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog — or Berner — originated in the Swiss Alps near the city of Bern, where it served as a versatile farm dog capable of drafting, herding, and guarding. These gentle giants stand 23–27.5 inches tall and weigh 70–115 pounds, with a sturdy, well-balanced frame built for mountain work. Their striking tri-color coat — jet black with rich rust and crisp white markings — is long, thick, and slightly wavy, designed to insulate against harsh alpine winters.Temperament & PersonalityBerners are calm, affectionate, and exceptionally good-natured — they are one of the most family-friendly large breeds, renowned for their patience and gentleness with children. They are eager to please and respond well to positive training methods, though they mature slowly and retain puppyish behavior longer than many breeds. They are friendly with other dogs and even cats, and their calm demeanor makes them excellent therapy dogs.ProsExceptionally gentle and patient with children — a true family dogEager to please and highly trainable with positive reinforcementCalm, steady temperament that adapts well to household routinesBeautiful, majestic appearance that commands admiration wherever they goConsTragically short lifespan — averaging only 6–8 years due to high cancer ratesHeavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes, requiring frequent groomingProne to hip and elbow dysplasia, histiocytic sarcoma, and bloatLarge size and drooling tendencies make them poorly suited for small living spacesBerners fill homes with warmth and love — discover adoptable Bernese Mountain Dogs on Puplister and welcome one into your family.

Airedale Terrier

1 pet available

About the Airedale Terrier Known as the "King of Terriers," the Airedale is the largest of all terrier breeds, standing 21–23 inches at the shoulder and weighing 40–65 pounds. Developed in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England, during the mid-19th century, the breed was originally used for hunting otters, rats, and other vermin along riverbanks. The Airedale sports a dense, wiry coat in a distinctive tan-and-black saddle pattern that is low-shedding but requires regular hand-stripping or clipping to maintain its texture.Temperament & PersonalityAiredales are bold, confident, and endlessly energetic — they approach life with a terrier's tenacity and a larger dog's courage. They are playful and affectionate with their families, including children, and often serve as devoted watchdogs. However, they can be strong-willed and may try to assert dominance over other dogs, so early socialization is key.ProsVersatile working dog — excels in obedience, agility, and even search-and-rescueLow-shedding, wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious householdsLoyal protector with natural guarding instinctsHighly intelligent and quick to learn new commands and tricksConsRequires significant daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviorCan be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge for novice ownersProne to digging — they will excavate your yard if left unsupervisedSusceptible to hip dysplasia and skin allergies that may require ongoing veterinary careReady to welcome the King of Terriers into your home? Search for adoptable Airedale Terriers on Puplister today.

American Staffordshire Terrier

113 pets available

2

About the American Staffordshire Terrier The American Staffordshire Terrier — often called the AmStaff — was developed in the United States from crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, earning AKC recognition in 1936. They stand 17–19 inches at the shoulder and weigh 40–70 pounds, presenting a stocky, muscular build that radiates power and confidence. Their short, stiff coat comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including blue, fawn, brindle, and black, and requires only minimal grooming.Temperament & PersonalityAmStaffs are known for their courage, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to their families — they are genuinely affectionate dogs who love being at the center of household activities. They are typically excellent with children and are known for their patience and tolerance with youngsters. Proper socialization from puppyhood is critical, as they can be assertive with other dogs, and their strength demands a handler who can provide calm, confident leadership.ProsIncredibly loyal and protective of their family without being overly aggressiveSmart and highly trainable — they excel in obedience, rally, and therapy workShort coat makes grooming a breezeSturdy and athletic, perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activitiesConsMay face breed-specific legislation and insurance restrictionsRequires early and ongoing socialization with other dogs and animalsProne to hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and skin allergiesTheir strong jaws and determination mean they can destroy toys and furniture quicklyAmStaffs make incredible family companions when given the right home — search for adoptable American Staffordshire Terriers on Puplister.

Basenji
Basenji Dog

1 pet available

1

About the Basenji The Basenji is an ancient breed originating from Central Africa — specifically the Congo region — where it was used by indigenous peoples for hunting small game in dense forests. Often called the "barkless dog," Basenjis stand 16–17 inches tall and weigh 22–24 pounds, with a sleek, elegant build made for speed and agility. Their short, fine coat comes in chestnut red, black, tricolor, and brindle — always with white markings on the feet, chest, and tail tip — and requires almost no grooming.Temperament & PersonalityBasenjis are curious, independent, and remarkably cat-like in their behavior — they groom themselves fastidiously, can climb, and often perch on high surfaces to survey their domain. While they don't bark, they are far from silent, producing a unique yodel-like sound called a "baroo." They bond closely with their family but are aloof with strangers, and their strong prey drive and independent nature make them a challenging but rewarding breed for experienced owners.ProsVirtually no doggy odor and minimal shedding — one of the cleanest dog breedsQuiet breed that doesn't bark, ideal for noise-sensitive living situationsCompact and athletic with a graceful, elegant appearanceHighly intelligent and endlessly entertaining with their curious anticsConsExtremely independent and stubborn — conventional obedience training often failsStrong prey drive makes them unsafe around small animals and unreliable off-leashNotorious escape artists who can climb fences and open gatesProne to Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidismIntrigued by the Basenji's unique charm? Explore adoptable Basenjis on Puplister and meet this one-of-a-kind breed.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing and adaptable.
How many Boston Terriers are available for adoption?
There are currently 12 Boston Terriers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Boston Terrier from Puplister?
To adopt a Boston Terrier, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.