8 Boston Terrier Traits You Will Love

Boston Terriers make fantastic pets. They are great dogs for an urban environment and equally perfect for suburban life.

Jan 24, 2025byKelley McFarland

boston terrier traits you will love

 

Boston Terriers are fun people-pleasers that want nothing more than to be your best little buddy. Nicknamed “the American Gentleman,” here are eight Boston Terrier traits you will love.

 

1. These Dogs Are Super Cute!

boston terrier at beach
A Boston Terrier at the beach. – Image from iHeartDogs.com

 

Easily recognized by their dapper coat that resembles a well-fitted tuxedo jacket, Boston Terriers are bound to get attention wherever they go. The classic look is black and white with a naturally short tail. However, Bostons can also come in brown, brindle, or white, and their tails can vary.  

 

While their coat color and tail length may differ, all Boston Terriers have big, expressive, wide eyes and a sweet snub nose. Their ears stand straight up, alert, on top of their head, giving them a look of curiosity and intelligence. They are small in stature, yet spry rather than stalky, like their French Bulldog cousins.

 

2. They’re Conveniently Sized and Easily Transportable

dog wearing sweater
An older Boston Terrier wearing a sweater. – Image from Catch Themes

 

Having a small dog is beneficial in so many ways. Boston Terriers are the perfect k-9 companion for apartment living. They are easy to bring along to a weekend brunch on a sunny patio or a stroll through the local farmer’s market. 

 

As a family dog, Boston Terriers are a great fit, too. Bring them along for the annual road trip, or take them to the soccer field to watch an afternoon practice. They are small enough that kids can easily take them for a walk. Additionally, let’s be honest here, small dogs equal small poops. And that’s a big win for those of us on pooper scooper duty!

 

3. These Dogs Have Moderate Energy Levels

dog with ball
A Boston Terrier with a tennis ball. – Image from Instagram

 

While they require regular mental stimulation and exercise, Boston Terriers don’t need to run ragged all day. Their short noses and small stature prevent them from being your long-distance running buddy for health reasons. Instead, they are happy to have some play time and a good walk with their favorite people. 

 

Any leftover energy will show itself in the funny and entertaining form of zoomies. Scientifically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods, zoomies result in your dog briefly running as fast as they can in circles or spinning in place. Once that energy is exhausted, they are good to be your snuggle bug the rest of the day. 

 

4. They Can’t Get Enough Snuggles!

boston terrier puppy
A Boston Terrier puppy. – Image from Canna-Pet

 

It’s no secret that Boston Terriers are happiest when they are with their people. They would love to cuddle with you all day long when they aren’t out for a walk or an adventure. 

 

Due to their terrier ancestry, Bostons often burrow under blankets on their bed or the couch. They find security here when they are tired, anxious, or need a bit of comfort. As a bonus, snuggling with your dog will lower your stress levels and increase overall happiness as well. 

 

5. They Have Charming Personalities

dog wearing clothes
A Boston Terrier propped on a table. – Image from Facebook

 

Boston Terriers are not just loved for their adorable looks. They have charismatic personalities to match. Known for being funny little dogs that love to get positive attention, Boston Terriers are great with their family and strangers alike. They have a natural friendly demeanor that no one can resist.

 

Having one in your life means you will have no shortage of laughter. They are sure to keep you smiling with their silly antics and love of attention.

 

6. These Dogs Are Full of Sass

boston terrier high fiving owner
A Boston Terrier high-fiving its owner. – Boston Terrier World

 

Boston Terriers may look like they are wearing a tuxedo jacket, but their smarty pants make them the awesome dogs they are. Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs, and they easily learn new tricks. They crave attention for good behavior and will give you more of that spunky personality that you love. 

 

7. Boston Terriers Aren’t Known for Excessive Barking

boston terrier yawning
A Boston Terrier yawning. – boston-chinanet.com

 

According to all your neighbors, one of the best Boston Terrier dog traits is that they tend not to bark very much. That stereotype of small yippy dogs does not exist with this breed. Maybe it’s part of that American Gentleman aspect, and that trait would just be too rude for them. 

 

Don’t let this trait fool you, though. Boston Terriers aren’t prone to barking, but that does not mean they aren’t protective. Remember, they are fiercely loyal dogs who love most people. They’ll let you know if your Boston doesn’t get good vibes from someone.

 

8. These Pint-Sized Dogs Make Loyal Companions

sleeping boston terrier
A Boston Terrier asleep by its owner. – Image from andreaharrison.ca

 

Cute and clever, Boston Terriers make the best pets who want nothing more than to be your loyal companion. They will walk alongside you throughout your daily life, matching the love and attention you give to them without being too clingy. 

 

Whether celebrating milestones or mourning losses, your Boston will be there to walk beside you through life’s ups and downs. Their intuitive nature makes them the perfect compact companion for just about anybody. Boston Terriers are funny little dogs that love attention. Having one as your best dog buddy is sure to put a smile on your face.

 

 

 

Kelley McFarland
byKelley McFarland

Kelley is a life-long animal lover who has experience caring for goats, alpacas, chickens, and dogs on a 3-acre hobby farm. Since moving to the Dallas suburbs, she enjoys exploring the neighborhood with Finn and Cody, her chocolate Labradoodle and spunky Boston Terrier Pug.