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Seeing those bulgy eyes and flat snout is enough to make anyone melt and fall in love with a Boston Terrier. These adorable dogs have quickly won the hearts of millions of owners worldwide. 

If you’re considering bringing one into your household as a forever friend, like any pet, there are some considerations you should make first. After all, you’ll be sharing your life with this new companion, so ensuring your family and property are ready for this breed is especially important. 

The Advantages of Owning a Boston Terrier 

Let’s first take a look at the positive sides of having a Bostie as your furry friend.

1. The Get Along with Everybody (and Their Dogs)

If you already own a dog or frequently visit friends who do, any new dog you bring into the mix should be sociable. Fortunately, Boston Terriers are famous for their willingness to mingle amongst humans and other pets. Because they’re intelligent, they also pick up on the need to respect their elders and yours, too. If you have young children, you can trust this breed to be more playful and friendly when playing. However, they don’t make great guard dogs and may even force you to interact with strangers on the street when on a walk because they love attention so much! They aren’t called “American Gentlemen” for nothing!

When researching Boston Terrier puppies for sale, just make sure you deal with an experienced breeder who can share some history about the dog’s lineage, including its behaviour traits. 

2. You Won’t Break the Bank to Own One

One of the reasons many of us don’t own certain breeds of dogs is the initial purchase price. Because Boston Terriers are so popular, they are more available and affordable. But, of course, if you’re thinking about breeding, you’ll pay a much higher premium because you’ll want a puppy from a famous bloodline. 

Beyond simply buying this breed, they’re very low-maintenance regarding costly services like grooming and nail trims. Their fur is short and sheds minimally, so regular brushing to catch loose hair and dander is all you need. 

Of course, you may decide that your pup is so adorable that it needs an outfit or two, but dog wear isn’t all that expensive, either. 

3. They’re the Perfect-Sized Canine

Whether you live in a two-room flat or own a mansion, it’s important to consider the size of your new pet before buying one. Fortunately, Bosties are a one-size-fits-all dog because it’s on the smaller side, coming in at just under a foot and a half tall and weighing 25 pounds once matured. This means you can easily pack him along for road trips, enjoy a country farm lifestyle, or live in a more urban setting like in a high-rise. He won’t care so long as he has you to play with and love. 

4. Bosties Tend to Play Quietly

When you see the word ‘terrier’ after a dog name, incessant barking at the most stupid of things comes to mind. Fortunately, Boston Terriers break the mold in this regard. Unless something scares them, they tend to play, making grunts and growls much quieter than yapping. 

Boston Terrier Cons

Okay, as much as you’d like to imagine a picture-perfect relationship with your new pooch, there are things about owning a Bostie that aren’t so great.

1. They Love to Eat Everything, But There Stomachs Don’t

Like many other dog breeds, Boston Terriers have digestive issues that don’t line up with their absolute adoration of food. This can be a serious issue for your new dog if you must be aware of what they can and can’t eat. Unfortunately, they don’t know the difference and just want to make you happy and earn treats. 

To prevent their accidentally eating foods with tummy-upsetting ingredients, always keep edibles out of their reach and sealed away. Unfortunately, their little noses are keen to find forgotten chip bags and candies, and don’t be surprised if they find a way to get to them! 

2. Housetraining Can Be Seriously Challenging

Bosties are naturally stubborn and want to run around, play, and get all the pets. However, this adorable nature can also be problematic when they don’t have ways to entertain themselves appropriately. For example, they won’t hesitate to chew on a table or chair leg if their chewy gets stuck under the couch. 

This dog also likes to mouth hands and fingers that get in the way, and while they likely wouldn’t cause any harm, if guests and kids aren’t used to this behaviour, it can be scary at first. So make an extra effort to teach your canine different habits by enrolling them in behaviour training early. These lessons can take a while to sink in, but they are worth the challenge.

3. Bosties Make Weird Sounds

Nasal issues are a common problem with Bosties and can result in some very awkward, noisy, snorting, and wheezing noises. This may not necessarily be a bad thing but an endearing feature of your new pup, and you should keep in mind this is a common experience for owners of this breed. Also, remember that cuddling for a nap may be less restful if the dog is also snoring nearby.

4. Some Bosties Can Develop Health Problems

Before you buy a Boston Terrier, there are health issues that are frequently seen in this breed that you should be educated on. The first is that their muzzles are extremely short, which can interfere with their breathing when sleeping or exercising heavily. 

Speaking of exercise, you’ll also learn that despite their being high energy, their bodies have no way to deal with the heat generated from major activity. Oh, the irony, right? So, educate yourself on ways to help your dog beat the heat, especially in the summer.

Other issues include corneal ulcers that can develop because of the way their eyes protrude from their head, and they can be gassy if you don’t keep up with their nutritional needs appropriately. 

5. They Don’t Take Criticism Well At All

As you’ve read, Boston Terriers are cheerful animals that are constantly seeking attention and confirmation of how good they are. When you have to correct your new dog, be aware that your tone can seriously put them in a bad mood, and the consequences can be frustrating. If you leave your new Bostie feeling rejected, he may pout and misbehave in other areas as payback. Fortunately, obedience training can help them accept correction more readily and not ruin the day for everyone. 

Conclusion

Like any dog you would consider owning, Bosties have some pros and cons that may affect your decision to buy one. But, at the end of the day, it’s more about how these quirks will fit in with your own lifestyle and expectations as their master. 

Always prioritise these factors over how adorable their personality is so your new friend will enjoy the best possible relationship with you for years to come.