Boston Terrier · Longevity

How Long Do Boston Terriers Live?

Boston Terriers live 11-13 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Boston Terrier more good years.

Boston Terrier
Lifespan 11-13 yearsNon-Sporting GroupAKC Ranks 23 of 208
The Boston Terrier, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy11-13 years
AKC groupNon-Sporting Group
Height10-12 inches
Weight12-25 pounds
Energy4
Trainability4
Mental stimulation3
Watchdog / protective3
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids5
Good with other dogs4
Openness to strangers5
Playfulness5
Adaptability3
Barking2
Shedding2
Grooming frequency2
Drooling1

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At 12-25 pounds, the Boston Terrier is a medium breed. Medium breeds fall in the middle of the canine lifespan range, which its 11-13 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Boston Terrier fit your life?

This is a cheerful, people-loving little extrovert that does well with kids, strangers, and other dogs alike. It trains easily and keeps its coat care simple, making it a low-fuss choice for a lot of households. The tradeoff is its attachment: this is a dog that wants to be included in everything and doesn't love being left alone.

A great match if you

  • You'll get a dog that adores your kids and wants in on every family moment.
  • You can bring it to the dog park or have friends over without a second thought.
  • You'll find training relatively straightforward with positive reinforcement.
  • You're up for daily playtime, this dog stays a clown well into adulthood.
  • You can skip frequent grooming appointments and stick to basic upkeep.

Think twice if

  • This dog doesn't do well left alone for long stretches, it wants to be near people.
  • Small size doesn't mean small needs, it still wants real daily activity, not just a short stroll.
  • It prefers a steady routine, frequent moves or chaos aren't its favorite.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Boston Terrier

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Boston Terrier are Joint and mobility and Eye and vision (owners often watch for patellar luxation, cataracts, glaucoma).

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Boston Terrier facts, quick answers

How long do Boston Terriers live?

Boston Terriers live 11-13 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Boston Terriers get?

A full-grown Boston Terrier stands 10-12 inches and weighs 12-25 pounds, which puts it firmly in the medium-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Boston Terrier?

The Boston Terrier is a non-sporting breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 23 of 208. It is a medium dog that typically lives around 11-13 years.

Are Boston Terriers high-energy dogs?

Boston Terriers are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.

Are Boston Terriers easy to train?

Boston Terriers are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.

Do Boston Terriers shed a lot?

Not really. They shed very little, though low-shedding coats often trade that for more regular grooming or clipping.

Do Boston Terriers bark a lot?

They are on the quiet side and are not prone to nuisance barking.

Are Boston Terriers good with kids?

Boston Terriers are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.

Do Boston Terriers get along with other dogs?

Boston Terriers are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.

Are Boston Terriers friendly with strangers?

Boston Terriers are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.

Are Boston Terriers good for first-time owners?

Boston Terriers are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.

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