Boston Terrier Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

16
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

Marge
Adult
Marge
M

Boston Terrier / Boxer

Adopt-A-Stray · Alexander, AR
Willa
Adult
Willa
M

Boston Terrier / Boxer

Adopt-A-Stray · Alexander, AR
Ahsoka
Adult 1
Ahsoka
S

Boston Terrier / Australian Cattle Dog

Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation · Incline Village, NV
Pinky Grace
Adult

Boston Terrier

Save One Soul Animal Rescue League · Wakefield, RI
Diamond
Adult 2

Boston Terrier

The Big Mutt Network · Vail, AZ
Grace
Senior 1
Grace
M

Boston Terrier / Mixed

Good Karma Rescue · Middlesex, VT
Jay Jay
Senior 3

Boston Terrier

Mutt Love Rescue · Fairfax, VA
Jack Jack
Adult 4

Boston Terrier

Wish Bone Canine Rescue · Normal, IL

Related Breeds

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

4 pets available

6

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur. Temperament & Personality Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households. Pros Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally wellLow-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious ownersDevoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable natureAdaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines Cons High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulationCoat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain textureCan become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionshipProne to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Weimaraner

13 pets available

23

About the Weimaraner The Weimaraner was developed in the early 19th century at the court of Weimar in Germany, where nobles bred these dogs to hunt large game — boar, bear, and deer — before transitioning them to bird dog duties as large game became scarce. These striking, athletic dogs stand 23 to 27 inches tall and weigh 55 to 90 pounds, with a sleek, powerful build designed for speed and endurance. Their distinctive short, smooth coat comes in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray — earning them the nickname "Gray Ghost" — complemented by striking amber or blue-gray eyes. Temperament & Personality Weimaraners are fearless, friendly, and intensely devoted to their families — they crave human companionship and do not do well as kennel or outdoor-only dogs. They are energetic and playful with children, generally sociable with other dogs, and possess an intelligence that demands both physical and mental outlets. Without adequate exercise and attention, Weimaraners become anxious, destructive, and can develop severe behavioral problems. Pros Strikingly beautiful with an unmistakable silver-gray appearanceVersatile sporting dog — excellent for hunting, running, and competitive eventsHighly intelligent and trainable with consistent, positive methodsShort coat requires minimal grooming and sheds only moderately Cons Extreme separation anxiety — one of the most prone breeds to this conditionRequires intense daily exercise — 2 or more hours of vigorous activity is typicalProne to bloat (gastric torsion), hip dysplasia, and hyperuricosuriaCan be destructive on a grand scale when bored or anxious — has been known to eat through drywall The "Gray Ghost" is a magnificent companion for the active and committed — discover Weimaraners on Puplister.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Dog

40 pets available

39

About the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions. Temperament & Personality Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animalsLow exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needsMinimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation Cons Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional groomingBrachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intoleranceProne to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental diseaseCan be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

5 pets available

31

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog — herding livestock, guarding property, and dispatching vermin, earning it the nickname "the poor man's wolfhound." These medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, with a sturdy, compact build beneath their distinctive coat. Their single-layer, silky, wavy coat matures from a dark puppy color to its signature warm wheaten gold by about two years of age — and unlike most terriers, it is soft rather than wiry. Temperament & Personality Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are exuberant, affectionate, and joyful — known for their characteristic "Wheaten greeting" where they enthusiastically jump up to lick faces, which can be endearing or problematic depending on the recipient. They are deeply devoted to their families, excellent with children, and more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds. Their happy, bouncy energy remains well into adulthood, and they approach life with an infectious enthusiasm that brightens any household. Pros Single coat sheds minimally — more suitable for allergy-sensitive householdsFriendly and exuberant — loves people and gets along with children and other dogsLess aggressive and territorial than many other terrier breedsVersatile and athletic — enjoys agility, hiking, and active family life Cons Coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent mattingProne to protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy — serious breed-specific conditionsJumping and exuberant greeting behavior can be difficult to manageCan be stubborn during training and requires patient, consistent methods The Wheaten Terrier's joyful spirit and soft golden coat are hard to resist — discover available Wheatens on Puplister.

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 10 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.