How to Identify a Boston Terrier

Last Updated: January 21, 2023 References

The Boston Terrier is an American-developed non-sporting breed.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are small and lively, given the nickname "The American Gentleman".^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Bostons can be confused with similar breeds, but if you're able to recognize their distinct physical traits and temperament, they can be easier to identify. This wikiHow will help you to identify a Boston Terrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Understanding Differences Between Similar Breeds

There are several breeds that share similar traits with Boston Terriers and may be confused for a Boston. However, by knowing how to differentiate between these breeds, you may be able to get a better idea of whether a dog is a Boston Terrier.

1
Identify the differences between Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs. The French Bulldog is another flat-faced non-sporting breed. French Bulldogs are smaller than Boston Terriers height-wise, standing at about 11–13 inches (28–33 cm).^{[3]
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Research source} However, French Bulldogs weigh more than Bostons. Both dogs have erect ears, though the ears of a French Bulldog are more rounded.^{[4]
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Research source} Common French Bulldog coat colors include white, cream, fawn, brindle, and piebald, and when it comes to temperament, a French Bulldog may be more stubborn and seek attention humorously.^{[5]
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2
Notice how Boston Terriers and Rat Terriers differ. Rat Terriers are a member of the terrier group and about the same size as Boston Terriers.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are similar in appearance to Bostons but have dense, shiny coats.^{[7]
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Research source} Their coats come in pied patterns - one or more colors mixed with white,^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} which includes tan, brown, blue, and black.^{[9]
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Research source} Rat Terriers are extremely protective and are sometimes used for search and rescue.^{[10]
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3
Spot differences between Boston Terriers and Pugs. Pugs are the largest toy breed dogs^{[11]
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Research source} and are roughly the same size as Boston Terriers. The tell-tale difference between the breeds is that Pugs usually have fawn or solid black coats without white markings,^{[12]
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Research source} and Pugs have curly tails and folded ears rather than short tails and erect ears.
4
Know how Boston Terriers and Manchester Terriers differ. Manchester Terriers come in two varieties: standard and toy.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Standards are roughly the same size as Bostons,^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} though the toy variety is smaller.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Manchesters have fine black and tan coats instead of the white and black, sable, or brindle coat seen on Bostons.^{[16]
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Research source} Manchester Terriers are spirited and observant.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
5
Differentiate between Boston Terriers and Affenpinschers. The Affenpinscher is a toy breed and much smaller than the Boston Terrier.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Unlike Bostons, their coats aren't too short. Affenpinschers have wiry coats^{[19]
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Research source} which come in several colors,^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} including tan, red, black, and silver. They are affectionate, loyal, and entertaining.^{[21]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Inspecting the Body Structure

1
Notice the dog's size. A Boston Terrier can weigh anywhere from 12–25 pounds (5.4–11.3 kg)^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} and should fit into one of three weight classes: under 15 lb (6.8 kg), 15–20 lb (6.8–9.1 kg), and 20–25 lb (9.1–11.3 kg).^{[23]
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Research source} They are fairly small dogs, standing at 15–17 inches (38–43 cm) in height.^{[24]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Examine the head shape. Boston Terriers are known to have flat heads on top with an overall square shape.^{[25]
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Research source} They have flat cheeks, an abrupt brow, and a well-defined stop.^{[26]
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Research source} A Boston's muzzle is short, wide, and square.^{[27]
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3
Look at the ears. The ears of a Boston should be small and erect. They are situated near the corners of the head and may be either cropped or uncropped (natural).^{[28]
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4
Check the eyes. A Boston Terrier's eyes are wide apart. They are large, round, and dark in color.^{[29]
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Research source} The eyes are set square, and when viewed from the front, the outside corners are on a line with the cheeks.^{[30]
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5
Find the tail. Bostons have naturally short, fine tails that are set on low and tapering.^{[31]
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Research source} The tail can be straight or screw and is not docked.^{[32]
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6
View the overall build. The body of a Boston Terrier is short, compactly built, and well-knit.^{[33]
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Research source} Bostons have strong, neatly turned limbs and are well-balanced.^{[34]
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Research source} They have a straight, sure-footed gait, gracefully moving in a perfect rhythm.^{[35]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Examining the Coat

1
Check the appearance and texture of the coat. Boston Terriers have short coats. Their short fur is fine, smooth, and bright.^{[36]
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2
Notice the coat color. The coat of a Boston can be brindle, seal, or black, though never solid.
- Brindle coats have dark or black fur over a lighter color, producing a stripe-like pattern.^{[37]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
- Sable coats in Boston Terriers appear as black coats, but they have a red cast when in bright light.^{[38]
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3
Identify the breed's white markings. Boston Terriers are seen with white markings on their heads and bodies, some of which, however, aren't always present.^{[39]
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- Required white markings on a Boston include a white forechest, blaze between the eyes, and a muzzle band.^{[40]
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- A full white muzzle band, a blaze that continues between the eyes and over the head, a white collar and forechest, and white on the legs are also desired markings, though aren't "required".^{[41]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Noticing the Temperament

1
Check for liveliness. Boston Terriers enjoy attention and may love to play. They can make great companions to children who are looking for a playmate.^{[42]
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2
Take notice of a gentle nature. It is true that Boston Terriers were once aggressive dogs, but nowadays, they are very gentle.^{[43]
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Research source} Their friendly and gentle nature can make them good pets for senior citizens as well.^{[44]
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3
See if the dog is sensitive. Bostons are a sensitive breed. It is important to always speak to them in kind voices because they are extra sensitive to your tone.^{[45]
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4
Watch for intelligence. Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs. They can be quick to understand commands and can learn them quickly with consistency.^{[46]
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5
Look for resilience. Bostons are resilient and adaptable, though stubborn. Because of this, they can make great pets for people of any age, and they can be trained to tolerate other non-canine pets.^{[47]
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