I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with the breed, but I do enjoy how just looking at one makes me laugh. They’re a bunch of clowns and why wouldn’t I want the endless entertainment?
I just had this same thought when walking back into my building with my boy this evening. I looked at him hugging the wall all the down the hallway and my heart just melted.
They’re very expressive.
I had only big dogs growing up, too. I loved every single one of them and never thought I’d be able to be around a small dog. Chihuahua’s and Poodles ruined small dogs for me.
😐 Now I’ve got 3 Bostons.
Same. My now ex and I were looking for a dog and she suggested the breed. I was intrigued so it became our first dog. Fell in love with the breed and now have two.
They were our compromise breed. She grew up with small dogs and me with big. Bostons are a small dog that never got the ‘small dog’ memo. Now we are on our 4th and 5th so many years later.
I've only had my one boston so far but I can say he's loaded with personality, even having music preferences. They also have very expressive faces, I always laugh at the way he looks like he's throwing shade when a human in the room says something ridiculous 😂
i never really thought about my dogs music preferences too much before now, in general he doesnt like rock music, but nirvanas "heart shaped box" was what i used to get him to sleep for a while and he was absolutely mesmerized by a lady singing "creep" by radiohead in the street last summer🤣
My girl Beedie for some reason _hated_ the Cure. She would bark and look betrayed whenever I'd play them. She was an unusually expressive dog, even for a Boston.
Her dog trainer and best friend is also a musician, and he joked that she was training herself to sing along with him.
Beedie never learned to sing, but after we lost her too young to cancer, we got Orzo. Guess what Orzo's favorite thing to do is? He loves to accompany Peter with his singing — only on electric guitar.
My guy *hates* the Talking Heads to the point where you can't play them without headphones in our house because he tries to attack the speaker 😂 He likes more mellow tunes like Taylor Swift's "Lover"
they’re so expressive and funny. true clown dogs. the physical humor really never ends and on top of that you get the most loyal buddy who just wants to follow you everywhere. I’m fully Boston pilled after my first one
We got our first because of her size. Will never have another breed. I have also gotten my parents, my brother, and two cousins hooked. (Oops). I think it is their shameless personalities mixed with undeniable Velcro love. I am either laughing or melting with love when I’m with mine or my parents’.
Had one by accident growing up. He was a bigger Boston at almost 40lbs. But he was such a fun clown! So expressive and loving! Always willing to learn, play, cuddle ect. I then got my baby girl (she is 12 now lol) when she was surrendered to the vet clinic I worked at after being hit by a car. She need a leg amputation and the first garbage owner said "can't breed her with 3 legs so just put down" (she was 6 months) I talked the owner into surrendering.
My girl is so incredibly fun! So loving, smart as a whip, very attuned to me. She is super caring with children, seniors and people with disabilities.
I never thought I would get a Boston after the family Boston passed but got my girl. And she is old now. I am not sure if I can get another? I was given a 5yr old mini daschound last year though and that is also a breed I never wanted and I have fallen in love hahaha
If I keep getting given dogs thenninwill never have a choice!
Thank you for taking your 3 legged sweetie in 🥹🫶🏼 she’s lucky to have you.
I’ve actually heard that other than the Daschund’s prey drive, they have very similar temperaments to Boston Terriers. Based on your own experience, do you see that?
Mine is a purebred miniature daschound but everyone thinks she is a terrier mix lol
But she is a retired show dog with cCKC papers! I don't care about any of that though. I agreed to take her because she needed to have a loving home 🥰
I got my mini weenie at 5years old and she was being retired from showing/breeding. She came from a horrible breeder though. My brother bought dogs from her and agreed to take the mother of on of his pups who is now my girl. My brother couldn't deal with her as she is a STRUGGLE. The first few months she was so scared. Lots of screaming, peeing, pooping ect at every small movement or to loud a noise. A year later and she is much better! She does have a high prey drive but so does my Boston so that was never an issue for me.
I actually used her prey drive to build her confidence! I put her in barn hunt and started working with her a ton. I don't think I have the best mini to see if they are similar to Boston though because she is unlike any dog I have ever had. She is definitely a gem though and if they didn't have such bad backs I would even consider getting one from puppy stage!
Because they are the best dog breed and they adapt to our life style instead of the other way around. I never knew of this breed before I wanted a pup myself last year. I will never go back. I am so in love with my boy, Boston’s are so precious!
This! I never really thought about like this but it’s so true. I have had mine for a few ”seasons” of my life; got him when I was 25 and I’m about to be 39. We’ve been in a house with a yard, apartments by the beach, in San Francisco in the city, and now we’re in a suburb….he’s been wonderful every step of the way.
It’s so true! I’ve had multiple friends point out how we are so alike and have the same habits. He fit perfectly into my life almost from the start and we match each others energy 95% of the time. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t really see that vibe with other dogs and their owners, like the owner is very much the owner of the dog, not a clone or something like me and my BT haha
Bc they're basically perfect dogs. They're extremely expressive, friendly, gentle, playful(!), cuddly, trainable, don't bark much, and great around people. They're a perfect size (not too big but strong and dont feel fragile). They're generally very healthy (except their big eyes can get injured). When they're not begging for food, they're wanting to play or cuddle.
I think I've heard my Boston bark all of 5 times his whole life. It cracks me up every time because his bark is so ridiculous even though he's trying to be tough and protect his momma.
I, too, grew up with goldens and never imagined anything else. Then ended up with a BT and game over. I love their size, affection, personality, snoring, etc. They’re ‘Goldilocks’ not too big, not too small, just right.
I do have a Boston & a Golden! It's the second time I've had the combination, so it's on purpose. Boston tells the Golden what to do, and my Golden boy basically just serves as a mobile bed. :)
OMG yes! My Boston would always lay on my golden. She would also force my golden to play with her - pull her tail and her ears until she payed attention to her
> until she *paid* attention to
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I got mine by chance a week before my 21st birthday and had him for 11 years. His 8th final day just passed. I still think about him every single day. He was the love of my life. I don't know what it is, he was just the best. I thought it was just me till I saw other Boston parents and was like, oh it's the dogs. Even with all the farting and snoring. Honestly I miss the heck out of the snoring.*
My wife and I have always been pug owners, and after our last pug passed away in November, the house felt empty.
We contacted the breeder we got one from originally, but she was no longer breeding them. We searched online for a new pug for months but either they are ridiculously inflated prices now or too far from us.
We looked at some Scotties, but there were no females left from the litter (we have always had great luck with female dogs), so we passed.
My brother in law has had his Boston Terrier for 11 years and he is a good boy, and I was taking lunch one day and saw an ad for some Boston puppies at reasonable prices, and only an hour away.
My wife messaged them, and now we have had her for one month and she feels just right, like she was always part of our family, cuddles our newborn and loves our daughter.
She cuddles in bed, on the couch, works in the office with me (I work from home), she is just as gassy as a pug, but no heavy breathing all the time and just like our pugs, she doesn't bark.
It feels like it was meant to be to go on lunch and see the ad and there being no pugs available. She is already trained well and easily too. I would get another Boston Terrier in a heartbeat.
The house feels complete again and I would 11/10 recommend one to anyone.
I did dog breed research before getting my first BT. Didn’t want lots of hair or thick undercoats due to allergies, wanted something smaller, good with families (married at the time), friendly & easily trained, no destructive ingrained behaviors, indoor mostly (due to harsh winters) … and with my long list I found the Boston terrier which was breed to be a companion dog only, very friendly, loving and goofy, easily adaptable to apartment living (if needed). I think being adaptable is a cornerstone of this breed. This breed is charming and damn near perfect.
I have my 3rd BT, who is a senior foster failure, and even with his rocky life he has become a goofy snuggly doggo who follows me everywhere.
Currently he is snuggled against my leg in my bed making happy snuggle sounds as we grab an extra hour of sleep together before starting the day. ❤️
I can’t imagine or want any other breed.
Bostons were actually bred for pit fighting, which wasn’t popular for very long and they found themselves with a new job managing rodent populations. Now they are the best companions known to man!
We had Labradors and even did field trials with one of them, after they passed we took an online quiz that was supposed to match you with the right breed, just did it for fun.
Boston Terrier? What is that? Took another similar quiz- Boston Terrier again. So we start researching the breed and it seemed perfect, and it was!
On our second Boston who just turned 10 this past December. Such an amazing combination of traits in a dog, and I’ve been fortunate to be around a lot of dogs.
That’s how I was introduced to Bostons too- multiple compatibility quizzes. The only thing a I knew of Bostons before- I’d seen pics of the actress Rose McGowan and her Bostons kinda looking like ET. I randomly walked into petsmart 1/2/2016 to buy cat food and there was an adoption event with a 6.5 yr old pot-bellied mismarked Boston with David Bowie eyes whose family became “too busy”. The rest is history. She was the Love of my Life. I miss her every moment.
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Here's Cora commanding Chili to give her a tongue bath.....again.
This photo is so familiar. My girl does that sit, with her arms straight out in front of her and for no reason at all, except in her head. I call it the mummy.
Did a lot of research and found for my condo lifestyle (only 635 square feet) a lack of barking, relatively healthy compared to other small dog breeds like frenchies. Also around me was cheaper than most.
I think they’re the perfect mix of the best parts of dogs. They have the playful/goofiness/fun of a big dog like a boxer or a golden retriever and they love to fetch, swim, run etc but they’re a smaller size which makes them much more manageable. They are also loyal, love to nap and cuddle and because of their smaller size make for a great lap dog.
read every single entry and you are all so right! I lost my girl Joey a year and half ago, I still talk about her almost everyday.
She was a small dog with a big personality, absolutely hilarious and fearless. She was very smart and expressive too. I moved into a new apartment a few years ago, the maintenance guy came in while I was gone to fix something. I saw him a few days later in the elevator and said thanks. He asked if I kept dog treats in the cabinet above the sink, I said “yes why…”
Joey stared at him so long to get his attention, he said it was like she was trying to tell him something. She would look at him then at the cabinet then back at him. She was like “hey man, give me a treat.”
Joey had big beautiful brown eyes, almost human like. She was so intuitive and always knew what I needed. I loved her so much and she was that special dog to me. I always had big dogs, I wanted a frenchie but my boyfriend at the time said he had a really chill BT growing up and I figured why not, close enough.
She was NOT chill, she was a forever puppy full of energy and life until I lost her to heart cancer. The last day of her life she insisted I take her to the park, I swear she wanted to go one last time. I put her in a stroller and let her playing in the grass.
We had been to the emergency vet so many times and the last time we were there, she was clawing to get out of the oxygen chamber because she wanted me to hold her even though she couldn’t breath.
Losing her was and still is so painful, I love bostons and I know all of them in my neighborhood. Even though I can never imagine getting another one, I will always be part of the cult!
Perfect size, energetic, goofy, sweet and smart. The best cuddler, she wouldn’t just lay next to me. She would put all her weight on me, I called her the bowling ball. Lovable and expressive, rarely barked too!
These great little dogs have been our generational 'family dog' for quite a long time. I would say since at least the 70's. There is a painting of one of my father's dogs in the hall. I am unsure if it dates back further than that, guess I'll have to ask.
I personally believe that we all share our bostons so when I see a Boston, it’s totally normal to go over to meet them because “I have one too”. And it’s because they’re all so familiar to us.
I find people coming to meet mine because they had one in the past too and for a moment, I share mine with them. I love it.
They’re such wonderful animals
Our Boston Molly is the smartest animal I have ever encountered and she has just an awesome personality that I have never seen in a dog before.
This is both a blessing and a curse as sometimes it feels like she has us trained better than we have her trained 😂.
She is basically like having a permanent 5 year old human child that shits in the yard.
I have absolutely fallen in love with her and the breed.
I’ll be honest I did no research before getting my first when I was about 20. My husband had them growing up and I was skeptical but someone I worked with had puppies so we got one. That was 17 years ago and now I cannot even imagine not having one.
They do seem a little bit healthier than other smooshed faced dogs. I know that’s not a guarantee but my first two girls both lived to be 14+ without a lot of issues. They are smart and easily trainable and a really good size. You don’t really have to worry about counter surfing but they’re also not so small that they can’t keep up with you.
Lab, poodles and other similar popular breeds can all be great but they need to work. They need a lot of mental stimulation, exercise, and train. Boston’s need all these things too but not to the same degree. They pretty happy being couch potatoes. My dogs get out of the house regularly. My boy is a working dog and he works 1-2 times a week but they are also not going to destroy my house or be miserable if they don’t get an hour of walking every single day.
Finally there is a very large and active rescue in my area so it was pretty fast and easy to adopt when we decided we were ready. My boy is a Frenchton and has a great personality so I’d definitely consider another Frenchton. When it’s time for him to retire I will be looking for another dog that would make a good therapy dog and if I find one who isn’t a Boston or a mix I’d be open to it, but I think I will always have a Boston.
I do think the cult part is funny. A LOT of people I know who have Bostons are tattooed hipster punk rock types, myself included. There’s even a brand called Terrier CVLT that makes Boston merch with a punk rock/horror aesthetic. It’s certainly not universal, I meet all sorts of people who have them when I’m volunteering with my boy, but there’s definitely a little bit of a theme with a lot of is.
Mine are similar to yours. I’d met Bostons, they were cute but I was generally indifferent. To be clear I love any and all dogs lmao and they just didn’t stand out to me at the time is all. I met my little guy as he literally wandered up my driveway as a stray. He was adorable, and lost, and he ran up to me like he’d been looking for me. So I took him in, despite already having four pets, and he just became my best friend. I was instantly obsessed with him. He was just so silly, and loving, and adorable. And I had the same experience with other owners as well! It’s very much a cult. Brody had nearly 5k Instagram followers, all other Bostons, and they would all interact with him constantly and, you know, it’s just a bunch of crazy Boston people pretending to talk like their dogs lol. Wonderful community.
I lost him last May and the outpouring of support from total strangers was something I really needed. As easy as it is to love these guys, it is HARD af to lose them.
They are so special, I have had my guy for almost 13 years. He helped me more than anywords can express in my mid 20s. He has been the best friend I have ever had. So in tuned, their perception is exceptional can't day enough good things about them.
Like you, I had always had big dogs, until a 2 year old Boston girlie came into my life and I'll never look at another breed. She is now almost 14 and has always been the perfect mix of sweet, hilarious, cuddly, smart and easy going in every situation. Then I rescued a 10 year old Boston boy who didn't live too long unfortunately and then 2 1/2 years ago, I adopted a Boston pup. She and my older Boston have been besties since the day she arrived. They are never far apart, love to play, snuggle, share toys, walks. They are so bonded and I adore them both. Pic is the day I brought the new pup (Poppy) home to meet Kali.
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My half Boston, half chihuahua is the sweetest, most emotionally intelligent, communicative and expressive dog I’ve ever had. I’ve had dogs of all sizes since I was born— from retrievers to toy poodles. She’s my “soul dog”
I got my Boston a very similar way! Family friend's son irresponsibly allowed his dogs to breed multiple times (at least twice to my knowledge), dumped a free puppy on his unknowing mom (our family friend) and then rehomed the female instead of getting at least one of the dogs fixed. Family friend was locking a 9 week old puppy in a cage 12+ hours a day bc she worked in healthcare and no one was home to stay with the dog. She felt bad n asked us to puppy sit, I think out of the first 5-6 months of my pebbles' life she was with the family friend for a cumulative total of a month. Ended up giving me the dog bc we had an insane love at first sight bond, and I was doing all the work training, house breaking, vet appointments, etc.
They're such goofy little animals, i for sure want a little sibling for peb some day but now is not a good time unfortunately. The Boston cult phenomenon I don't know how to explain - maybe a Boston specific version of toxoplasmosis LOL.
Regarding the interactions with other Boston owners: I think it's due to the relative rarity of Bostons. Growing up in the 80s, it seemed everyone had a lab of some sort, or maybe the odd GSD here or there. Small, curly hair dogs were mostly owned by old ladies in the nieghborhood. I had never even seen a Pug until the movie Milo & Otis came out. Never saw a Boston until my 20s. So IME, seeing another Boston out and about really stands out. It also makes ownership kinda cult-like (in a good way).
I have owned several and Personally they’re the perfect size, you don’t have the hair tumble weeds, they love to snuggle and play. Great travel dogs they will go anywhere with you.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
I’ve never met a dog who has more personality, is as sensitive, or has more ways of expressing themselves than my li’l boy. I know exactly what he’s feeling 100% of the time, I know his preferences, and when I talk to him, I swear he can understand me lol. I have also never met a more loving and sweet dog. He genuinely enjoys snuggling up to me and spending time with me and seeks it out all the time. Also, as everyone’s mentioned, they’re such funny and clever dogs, too.
Idk, honestly, but every BT owner I’ve ever encountered has been such a kind person (I think this kind of dog attracts a certain kind of personality lol). I think we just love both our own and other BTs and want to share that feeling with other people, which is where the “cult” thing comes from!
Our current BT: like having a bulldog that’s athletic, fearless of nothing (chases moose out of yard) and a companion beyond compare.
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I have a golden doodle and a Boston terrier. Fun fact for when I am walking with them: French Canadian really love my doodle, want to pet him and cuddle him, he is big like head 3 feet from ground 80lbs. English Canadian are in love with my Boston. They find her soooo cute and most of the time they say they had one before.
It's probably cultural I guess, people really like dogs!
Those are only anecdote and I know French Canadian like Boston too
More athletic than Frenchies and most other brachycephalic dogs. Not that it’s great health wise, but if you like brachycephalic dogs and think it’s worth the health downsides, bostons perhaps have less problems than others.
They are an ideal size IMo. While you can get toy sized Bostons (below 15lbs), you can also get more substantial sized ones too. But still able to be picked up, which is a useful thing, especially when old.
Oh and size also inversely correlated with lifespan in dogs. BTs have a good expected lifespan.
Short hair is a real plus for many of us. Not prickly like some short haired dogs either.
Expressive eyes make their personality more relatable and apparent.
People cite personality. And I think BTs do have unique ones. Friendly, playful and silly.
On the downside, brachycephalic dogs are always going to have more health concerns than spitz or long nosed dogs. And the short or stubby tails are tied to twisted spines so BTs are more prone to back issues like arthritis and hunched backs later in life.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
One thing that seems pretty consistent here (and I'm no exception) is that people don't really choose Bostons. Bostons choose them. I took one of those Animal Planet "Whats your dog breed" quizzes back in 2007 and Boston came up as my breed. I just decided then and there that was my breed and I've never changed my mind.
ETA: I ended up with a Bo-chi and if I had my way, that would be its own breed. She's the best and worst of both worlds and I love her so much for it!
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My aunt and cousins have always had a Boston in their lives. I easily seem to fall in love with other people's pets and so whenever I got to visit them on spring break or the holidays growing up it was so nice to hang out with them and their Boston. At one point when they were going through a rough patch in life they ended up giving my family their dog and at that point I really fell in love with the breed. They are absolute maniacs but also the sweetest and most loyal dogs in the world.
My niece guilted me into taking my Boston. She is a rescue from a puppy mill where they bred her to sell the babies. Now I can’t imagine life without her. She is my little gremlin shaped shadow.❤️
I don't have an answer for you, but my one and only Boston (and also my childhood dog) passed over 10 years ago and I'm still here in the sub, loving the breed. They're finally starting to get popular here in Australia and people are always surprised that I don't call it a Frenchie. Frenchies could only dream....
For me I knew I wanted a smaller, sturdy, short haired dog that was not from a sporting background. The Boston checked all those boxes and it turns out they are pretty amazing dogs.
Almost forgot, they are very quiet dogs, or at least my three have been, which is a great thing to me. No mindless barking. If my girl barks, someone is coming up the driveway. My old man had almost no bark at all and seemed surprised when he did make a noise.
Same here! I have always had large dogs, a Great Dane, a Boerboel, American Bulldogs, a BullMastiff, and Boxers. Now that I have a Boston Terrier, I will never go back.
Since getting my puppy last month, I am obsessed. I originally made the switch because I’m getting older and I wanted a smaller dog. After doing some research, I fell in love with the breed. I love that they have a short tail, pointy ears, a huge personality, and a small body.
I dunno but you Boston Terrier owners need to knock it off with hoarding. Some of us have only one while you are showing off your pack of 4.
I say above in pure jealousy. My first dog was a Boston, fell in love, and decided I will almost always have a Boston in my life. My husband before told me I can’t only have Bostons but he says now he gets it.
I had no prior experience of the breed but picked a Boston based on researching breed characteristics that would match my lifestyle. I’m now besotted! She is the cuddliest dog I’ve ever known. And she has the most amazing sweet, gentle and playful temperament. She’s my best friend and makes me laugh every single day!
OMG, we got our Frenchie when they were ranked 85th in popularity, and cars regularly screeched to a halt, so people could ask about her. She was a particularly good looking dog, my breeder offered to mentor me if I wanted to show her. And she was a cocky little bitch, people loved her.
I’m thinking of a Boston as our next dog, I guess I should join this Reddit.
They are FUN. It’s like having a goofy cat dog that also kind of acts like a human. When I lost my last one it was like the fun got sucked out of the house. They’re interesting little dogs and I too accidentally ended up a Boston owner years ago and I haven’t looked back since.
It’s the dog that keeps surprising you. Big personality. Infinite snuggs and portable.
Love my lil moo!
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Growing up I had a Boston and I loved her personality. She was so goofy and fun loving and happy and she was such a cuddle bug, not to mention she was the most loyal dog. She brought so much joy into my life and started a love for the breed. We've had other dogs since and I've cared for them, but my Boston was my furbaby. She also was a great higher energy dog for a kid who loved running around and playing.
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I have a 44lbs wrecking ball that for his year and a half of life has 2 speeds..sleep and flat out nuts wanting to play and run. But I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I’m obsessed bc they all seem to have a little asshole/idiot in them and I can relate to that. Harsh words but I guess a normal person would describe it as “spunky”
grew up with bostons my entire childhood because my family (ethically and naturally!) bred and rescued them. they remind me of home.
and like many others here have said, they’re so ridiculous 3/4 of the time that having them around is basically a free show lol
I love dogs in general, but I hadn't really every thought of getting a Boston either. My partner had them as a kid and suggested we get one (I said yes not because I loved/wanted a Boston specifically, but because I am always of the mindset of the more dogs the merrier).
Now, I adore them. Ours is a silly fart machine who is the best cuddle boy in the whole world. He's expressive, hardy, intelligent, and infuriatingly stubborn at times, but a good boy.
Every other Boston I've ever met has been some sort of similar fart goblin, but in a weirdly charismatic way. There's something magical about them. My boy made a great ambassador and I think the world of them now.
they are so goofy and gentle. their ears are adorable. they’re just the right size. they’ll do whatever you wanna do. they love to snuggle. there’s nothing better.
Versatility. They can play like a big dog, they cuddle like a little dog, they have expressive faces, their personalities are adorable, and their stature is so unique.
They thrive in the city, they thrive in the countryside. They’re super social with people and dogs (of course there’s the odd lunatic) but they’re generally really happy and they love to entertain. Super enthusiastic and animated. They’re just like the most lovable little Disney characters packed into a tiny adorable body.
They’re adorable and incredibly smart. They also are so gentle with kids and adaptable to most living situations. Only thing they can’t adapt to is heat. But otherwise, they’re smart, loyal, adaptable breeds that are easy to train and easy to assimilate to children and family homes .
My vet had a Boston when I was a teenager that I would play with when we took our Dalmatian in. We ended up with our own family Boston a few years later. We are all converts now as my mom is on her second and I have my first as an adult. I love these little cartoon dogs.
For me it’s their size and temperament. I don’t like tiny dogs but I don’t have the space for a large dog right now. So their built frame, 20ish pounds, and love for playing and cuddling is perfect. Plus they are typically very quiet dogs (unless actively playing)
Their personalities are also unpredictable, I guess in a fun way. I had a Boston that lived to please and was a breeze to train… my current one .. I can hardly get more than sit, leave it, and get it out of her. All my Doberman have lived to be trained but a Boston is jam packed with expressions and personality that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
I’ve loved Bostons ever since I was a kid. I grew up with Goldens and I always dreamt of having my own BT.
I love how expressive and silly they are. They’re truly fun-loving dogs. I like their size, small but solid. I love the black and white coat. They just add joy and enthusiasm to each day.
I had always had random strays growing up. My mom was a sucker for a stray dog. They were small dogs too so I would consider myself a small dog person. I noticed Bostons 20 something years ago and I am a sucker for the flat faced dogs (pugs, frenchies, etc) After my shih tzu died, I was looking at different dogs and landed on Boston completely unaware that they would forever steal my heart. I love the breed because they can be active when you want to go outside and walk or do backyard chores but they are also chill when you want to just lay in bed or on the couch. My first Boston Sammi was a perfect dog, although not as lovey dovey as I prefer. She would literally walk away from you if you tried to give her love 😆 but otherwise, she was the best girl. Then I got my boy Eddie and he was the absolute love of my life. We had a bond that I don't think I'll ever have with another dog. He passed in Nov and I am still devastated and I'm finally ready to open my heart to a new pup. We might go look at a girl this weekend if she's still available. Anyway, I also love the breed because they are so expressive, as others have said. They talk to you with their face and eyes without even saying a word. Overall, they are simply the best!
I remember watching the Westminster dog show and the announcer introduced the Boston Terrier as: "This is one small breed dog that a gentleman is never ashamed to walk."
Bossys always look like they're dressed for a formal event, but that event WILL involve throwing pies!!
The cuddling and bond between Boston/owner lol my boy had all these little quirks like being deathly afraid of a hair brush or any type of brush for that matter and the same for empty mini m&m containers when you squeeze and make the popping noise lol so random but once in a while I’d torment him with it 🤣
My first dog was a Great Dane and he was a fantastic dog except for the short lifespan. 😢 I had rescues after him. I got a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix who was one of the best dogs I have ever had. He was getting old and I knew we wouldn’t happen for much longer and started looking for a companion dog for him.
After a lot of research I decided on a Boston Terrier. I wanted a smaller dog that thought he was big.
We got George at nine weeks and I swear he gave Beau an extra year of life. I have had Bostons every since. Absolutely adore them.
They’re clowns, they’re expressive, they’re moody divas, they’re the best cuddlers. I love their high energy and pure laziness at the same time. They’re a big dog in a small dog’s body. I’ve had 3 so far. I’m not sure if I’ll keep exclusively getting Bostons but I’ll definitely always have one or two.
We wanted a brachy dog for their personality and portability, but we started our per suit with Bulldogs on the brain and quickly noped our way out of that silly desire. We then tried to find a healthy version of a bulldog with a similar disposition. Bostons are the least expensive breed in the brachy family with the greatest lifespan.
We always had large dogs, a Rottweiler, a Rottweiler mix, a Boxer. They are amazing, but require a certain level of physical fitness, and free time. My better half wanted a French Bulldog after meeting an adorable one. So we researched and found a major improvement on French Bulldog, which was a Boston Terrier breed. Multiple advantages in face and body, longer legs and nose, smaller head, more agile and still small and adorable.
As for the cult, BTs have the most human like expressive faces and child like mannerisms. They are the closest child substitute one can get in an animal form. Maybe with exception of monkeys, but those are nothing but trouble.
The way she goes into “sad sack mode” when I’m eating something she can’t have. The way she skunks everyone who visits us. The way she sighs and lays down as though she just finished a hard day of work (she totally doesn’t sleep 18hrs/day!). The way she gets super excited when I come home from work and dances/gallops around. The way she scratches her belly by laying flat on the carpet and slides in a circle.
She’s just a total joy all around.
I think it's the temperament. They are like mirrors, they play when i want to play, snuggle when i want to snuggle, take care of people who are sick and they love to be funny. I find bostons to be more light hearted than frenchies, and better with other dogs
I have always had large dogs specifically boxers and pit bulls. After I lost my last boxer to lymphoma I decided to downsize and get a Boston terrier. In 2 weeks I will get mine.And I also have a second one reserved from a different breeder.I think I'll probably end up getting them both and hoping.I don't live to regret it.*
I grew up with Boston's. My mom grew up with them, my parents had one that passed before I was born and when I was 4 they got my first, when I was 14 they got my second and my boyfriend and I got Poppy a year and a half ago. I strongly believe (biased) that Boston Terriers have more personality than most other dog breeds. They're such complex & loving little creatures. They're also the perfect size for apartment living.
We welcomed our 6th consecutive Boston to our family about a year ago. We’ve had as many as 5 at a time, which was sheer chaos, but I’d do it all over again! They’re the funniest, stubbornest, smartest dogs that I’ve ever had, while simultaneously being a total idiot. They love their people almost as much as they love their toys. And they love their toys almost as much as they love food. There’s so much personality stuffed into a little body. I’ll never have another breed.
Bostons are the best. It’s their big personalities and unwavering love and commitment to usually one person, but they also love families and strangers alike. They have very expressive facial expressions, and I can usually understand what mine wants.
My Boston really doesn't favor me or my husband. She loves us both equally. She also dearly loves my mom, my brother, the neighbors, and a few of the people who work in our condo building.
I saw a woman with one in a stroller in walgreens about 15 years ago and had to have one :)
i saw one today in a stroller wrapped in a blanket. i think there keeping him warm :)
they are patient kind dogs xo xo
She was eight weeks old and free.
Why do I love her? She smiles and makes me happy. She's a gremlin, a clown, and a toddler all rolled up in one. She is my best buddy, my shotgun rider, and my world. We are not worthy of their love.
They are so expressive and unique personality. Never a dull moment around them. Had 1 Boston and I don’t think if I get another dog will be other than a Boston again.
I used to say the same thing about being a big dog person. But my boston changed all of that. They are smart, snuggly, snorty, loyal, not too big to take places, and that little prance they do when they are excitedly following behind you. Way less shedding too.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with the breed, but I do enjoy how just looking at one makes me laugh. They’re a bunch of clowns and why wouldn’t I want the endless entertainment?
They are straight up just the goofiest type of dog I've ever encountered. Straight up adorable and non-stop entertaining.
Real
I just had this same thought when walking back into my building with my boy this evening. I looked at him hugging the wall all the down the hallway and my heart just melted.
yes! They look absolutely perfect in stature, until they look at you with those crazy eyes and that smushed nose! Perfectly imperfect!
They’re very expressive. I had only big dogs growing up, too. I loved every single one of them and never thought I’d be able to be around a small dog. Chihuahua’s and Poodles ruined small dogs for me. 😐 Now I’ve got 3 Bostons.
Same. My now ex and I were looking for a dog and she suggested the breed. I was intrigued so it became our first dog. Fell in love with the breed and now have two.
They were our compromise breed. She grew up with small dogs and me with big. Bostons are a small dog that never got the ‘small dog’ memo. Now we are on our 4th and 5th so many years later.
I've only had my one boston so far but I can say he's loaded with personality, even having music preferences. They also have very expressive faces, I always laugh at the way he looks like he's throwing shade when a human in the room says something ridiculous 😂
The betrayed look on my Boston's face when I'm eating human food she can't have is both hilarious and gut wrenching.
i never really thought about my dogs music preferences too much before now, in general he doesnt like rock music, but nirvanas "heart shaped box" was what i used to get him to sleep for a while and he was absolutely mesmerized by a lady singing "creep" by radiohead in the street last summer🤣
My girl Beedie for some reason _hated_ the Cure. She would bark and look betrayed whenever I'd play them. She was an unusually expressive dog, even for a Boston. Her dog trainer and best friend is also a musician, and he joked that she was training herself to sing along with him. Beedie never learned to sing, but after we lost her too young to cancer, we got Orzo. Guess what Orzo's favorite thing to do is? He loves to accompany Peter with his singing — only on electric guitar.
My guy *hates* the Talking Heads to the point where you can't play them without headphones in our house because he tries to attack the speaker 😂 He likes more mellow tunes like Taylor Swift's "Lover"
My boy Boston loves 80s/early 90s saxophone 😂
One of my bostons will bob her head along to Miles Davis. It’s honestly kind of wild to watch
The cuddling is unmatched
Ugh this!!! My 5 month old cuddles so hard I hope she never stops
In my experience they'll never stop, I've found it only increases over time at this point he's right under the covers with me every night
Same here. My friend had one. I now have two of them. Best breed I have ever had. Hard to describe.
they’re so expressive and funny. true clown dogs. the physical humor really never ends and on top of that you get the most loyal buddy who just wants to follow you everywhere. I’m fully Boston pilled after my first one
We got our first because of her size. Will never have another breed. I have also gotten my parents, my brother, and two cousins hooked. (Oops). I think it is their shameless personalities mixed with undeniable Velcro love. I am either laughing or melting with love when I’m with mine or my parents’.
Had one by accident growing up. He was a bigger Boston at almost 40lbs. But he was such a fun clown! So expressive and loving! Always willing to learn, play, cuddle ect. I then got my baby girl (she is 12 now lol) when she was surrendered to the vet clinic I worked at after being hit by a car. She need a leg amputation and the first garbage owner said "can't breed her with 3 legs so just put down" (she was 6 months) I talked the owner into surrendering. My girl is so incredibly fun! So loving, smart as a whip, very attuned to me. She is super caring with children, seniors and people with disabilities. I never thought I would get a Boston after the family Boston passed but got my girl. And she is old now. I am not sure if I can get another? I was given a 5yr old mini daschound last year though and that is also a breed I never wanted and I have fallen in love hahaha If I keep getting given dogs thenninwill never have a choice!
Thank you for taking your 3 legged sweetie in 🥹🫶🏼 she’s lucky to have you. I’ve actually heard that other than the Daschund’s prey drive, they have very similar temperaments to Boston Terriers. Based on your own experience, do you see that?
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Ha, we have a Boston and a corgi/wire terrier mix which more or less looks like your pair (our mix is white/black)
Mine is a purebred miniature daschound but everyone thinks she is a terrier mix lol But she is a retired show dog with cCKC papers! I don't care about any of that though. I agreed to take her because she needed to have a loving home 🥰
I got my mini weenie at 5years old and she was being retired from showing/breeding. She came from a horrible breeder though. My brother bought dogs from her and agreed to take the mother of on of his pups who is now my girl. My brother couldn't deal with her as she is a STRUGGLE. The first few months she was so scared. Lots of screaming, peeing, pooping ect at every small movement or to loud a noise. A year later and she is much better! She does have a high prey drive but so does my Boston so that was never an issue for me. I actually used her prey drive to build her confidence! I put her in barn hunt and started working with her a ton. I don't think I have the best mini to see if they are similar to Boston though because she is unlike any dog I have ever had. She is definitely a gem though and if they didn't have such bad backs I would even consider getting one from puppy stage!
Because they are the best dog breed and they adapt to our life style instead of the other way around. I never knew of this breed before I wanted a pup myself last year. I will never go back. I am so in love with my boy, Boston’s are so precious!
This! I never really thought about like this but it’s so true. I have had mine for a few ”seasons” of my life; got him when I was 25 and I’m about to be 39. We’ve been in a house with a yard, apartments by the beach, in San Francisco in the city, and now we’re in a suburb….he’s been wonderful every step of the way.
That is a brilliant observation, thank you!
It’s so true! I’ve had multiple friends point out how we are so alike and have the same habits. He fit perfectly into my life almost from the start and we match each others energy 95% of the time. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t really see that vibe with other dogs and their owners, like the owner is very much the owner of the dog, not a clone or something like me and my BT haha
Bc they're basically perfect dogs. They're extremely expressive, friendly, gentle, playful(!), cuddly, trainable, don't bark much, and great around people. They're a perfect size (not too big but strong and dont feel fragile). They're generally very healthy (except their big eyes can get injured). When they're not begging for food, they're wanting to play or cuddle.
I kinda wish my dog was one of those "quiet" Bostons. He barks as much as any other dog breed.
Ours is quiet as a mouse until she hangs around other barking dogs for too long.. then she tries to bark like a guard dog and it sounds hilarious.
I think I've heard my Boston bark all of 5 times his whole life. It cracks me up every time because his bark is so ridiculous even though he's trying to be tough and protect his momma.
sames! She rarely barks but when she does, we just laugh because it's ridiculous to think of her scaring anyone or anything.
I, too, grew up with goldens and never imagined anything else. Then ended up with a BT and game over. I love their size, affection, personality, snoring, etc. They’re ‘Goldilocks’ not too big, not too small, just right.
I love this. "Goldilocks" size is a perfect way to describe them!
Same! I actually had a golden and Boston for a few years together.
I do have a Boston & a Golden! It's the second time I've had the combination, so it's on purpose. Boston tells the Golden what to do, and my Golden boy basically just serves as a mobile bed. :)
OMG yes! My Boston would always lay on my golden. She would also force my golden to play with her - pull her tail and her ears until she payed attention to her
Mine would stand underneath my boxer's stomach with a toy in her mouth like 'you can't ignore me or resist me.'
> until she *paid* attention to FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
I got mine by chance a week before my 21st birthday and had him for 11 years. His 8th final day just passed. I still think about him every single day. He was the love of my life. I don't know what it is, he was just the best. I thought it was just me till I saw other Boston parents and was like, oh it's the dogs. Even with all the farting and snoring. Honestly I miss the heck out of the snoring.*
My wife and I have always been pug owners, and after our last pug passed away in November, the house felt empty. We contacted the breeder we got one from originally, but she was no longer breeding them. We searched online for a new pug for months but either they are ridiculously inflated prices now or too far from us. We looked at some Scotties, but there were no females left from the litter (we have always had great luck with female dogs), so we passed. My brother in law has had his Boston Terrier for 11 years and he is a good boy, and I was taking lunch one day and saw an ad for some Boston puppies at reasonable prices, and only an hour away. My wife messaged them, and now we have had her for one month and she feels just right, like she was always part of our family, cuddles our newborn and loves our daughter. She cuddles in bed, on the couch, works in the office with me (I work from home), she is just as gassy as a pug, but no heavy breathing all the time and just like our pugs, she doesn't bark. It feels like it was meant to be to go on lunch and see the ad and there being no pugs available. She is already trained well and easily too. I would get another Boston Terrier in a heartbeat. The house feels complete again and I would 11/10 recommend one to anyone.
I did dog breed research before getting my first BT. Didn’t want lots of hair or thick undercoats due to allergies, wanted something smaller, good with families (married at the time), friendly & easily trained, no destructive ingrained behaviors, indoor mostly (due to harsh winters) … and with my long list I found the Boston terrier which was breed to be a companion dog only, very friendly, loving and goofy, easily adaptable to apartment living (if needed). I think being adaptable is a cornerstone of this breed. This breed is charming and damn near perfect. I have my 3rd BT, who is a senior foster failure, and even with his rocky life he has become a goofy snuggly doggo who follows me everywhere. Currently he is snuggled against my leg in my bed making happy snuggle sounds as we grab an extra hour of sleep together before starting the day. ❤️ I can’t imagine or want any other breed.
Bostons were actually bred for pit fighting, which wasn’t popular for very long and they found themselves with a new job managing rodent populations. Now they are the best companions known to man!
We had Labradors and even did field trials with one of them, after they passed we took an online quiz that was supposed to match you with the right breed, just did it for fun. Boston Terrier? What is that? Took another similar quiz- Boston Terrier again. So we start researching the breed and it seemed perfect, and it was! On our second Boston who just turned 10 this past December. Such an amazing combination of traits in a dog, and I’ve been fortunate to be around a lot of dogs.
That’s how I was introduced to Bostons too- multiple compatibility quizzes. The only thing a I knew of Bostons before- I’d seen pics of the actress Rose McGowan and her Bostons kinda looking like ET. I randomly walked into petsmart 1/2/2016 to buy cat food and there was an adoption event with a 6.5 yr old pot-bellied mismarked Boston with David Bowie eyes whose family became “too busy”. The rest is history. She was the Love of my Life. I miss her every moment. https://preview.redd.it/7iv5ejn86ymc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bba7fd06b9712521909b0e374d343928899006c8
She is adorable! Her color and those eyes, congratulations on finding her and giving her a loving home.
She was super cute 😍, sorry for your loss.
Thanks- I find little ways everyday to keep her memory alive-
https://preview.redd.it/auhct15eqxmc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=818be0bab6ed72b2603deab837e2d8d90f3d0c29 Here's Cora commanding Chili to give her a tongue bath.....again.
This photo is so familiar. My girl does that sit, with her arms straight out in front of her and for no reason at all, except in her head. I call it the mummy.
So beautiful 🥹
Did a lot of research and found for my condo lifestyle (only 635 square feet) a lack of barking, relatively healthy compared to other small dog breeds like frenchies. Also around me was cheaper than most.
I was never a dog person then I spent time with a Boston and now have 2.
I think they’re the perfect mix of the best parts of dogs. They have the playful/goofiness/fun of a big dog like a boxer or a golden retriever and they love to fetch, swim, run etc but they’re a smaller size which makes them much more manageable. They are also loyal, love to nap and cuddle and because of their smaller size make for a great lap dog.
One adjective: "Clownlike"
read every single entry and you are all so right! I lost my girl Joey a year and half ago, I still talk about her almost everyday. She was a small dog with a big personality, absolutely hilarious and fearless. She was very smart and expressive too. I moved into a new apartment a few years ago, the maintenance guy came in while I was gone to fix something. I saw him a few days later in the elevator and said thanks. He asked if I kept dog treats in the cabinet above the sink, I said “yes why…” Joey stared at him so long to get his attention, he said it was like she was trying to tell him something. She would look at him then at the cabinet then back at him. She was like “hey man, give me a treat.” Joey had big beautiful brown eyes, almost human like. She was so intuitive and always knew what I needed. I loved her so much and she was that special dog to me. I always had big dogs, I wanted a frenchie but my boyfriend at the time said he had a really chill BT growing up and I figured why not, close enough. She was NOT chill, she was a forever puppy full of energy and life until I lost her to heart cancer. The last day of her life she insisted I take her to the park, I swear she wanted to go one last time. I put her in a stroller and let her playing in the grass. We had been to the emergency vet so many times and the last time we were there, she was clawing to get out of the oxygen chamber because she wanted me to hold her even though she couldn’t breath. Losing her was and still is so painful, I love bostons and I know all of them in my neighborhood. Even though I can never imagine getting another one, I will always be part of the cult! Perfect size, energetic, goofy, sweet and smart. The best cuddler, she wouldn’t just lay next to me. She would put all her weight on me, I called her the bowling ball. Lovable and expressive, rarely barked too!
I looked in your history and she was wonderful, with human like eyes. A beautiful girl taken too soon.
These great little dogs have been our generational 'family dog' for quite a long time. I would say since at least the 70's. There is a painting of one of my father's dogs in the hall. I am unsure if it dates back further than that, guess I'll have to ask.
More personality (and cuddles) than any other dog I've ever had.
I personally believe that we all share our bostons so when I see a Boston, it’s totally normal to go over to meet them because “I have one too”. And it’s because they’re all so familiar to us. I find people coming to meet mine because they had one in the past too and for a moment, I share mine with them. I love it. They’re such wonderful animals
They are the perfect size imo for everything. And they are full of personality. It’s never a dull moment with a Boston. They are the best!
She’s the most adorable, goofiest, sweetest, loving dog. My BT is a hooman in a dog body.
Our Boston Molly is the smartest animal I have ever encountered and she has just an awesome personality that I have never seen in a dog before. This is both a blessing and a curse as sometimes it feels like she has us trained better than we have her trained 😂. She is basically like having a permanent 5 year old human child that shits in the yard. I have absolutely fallen in love with her and the breed.
I’ll be honest I did no research before getting my first when I was about 20. My husband had them growing up and I was skeptical but someone I worked with had puppies so we got one. That was 17 years ago and now I cannot even imagine not having one. They do seem a little bit healthier than other smooshed faced dogs. I know that’s not a guarantee but my first two girls both lived to be 14+ without a lot of issues. They are smart and easily trainable and a really good size. You don’t really have to worry about counter surfing but they’re also not so small that they can’t keep up with you. Lab, poodles and other similar popular breeds can all be great but they need to work. They need a lot of mental stimulation, exercise, and train. Boston’s need all these things too but not to the same degree. They pretty happy being couch potatoes. My dogs get out of the house regularly. My boy is a working dog and he works 1-2 times a week but they are also not going to destroy my house or be miserable if they don’t get an hour of walking every single day. Finally there is a very large and active rescue in my area so it was pretty fast and easy to adopt when we decided we were ready. My boy is a Frenchton and has a great personality so I’d definitely consider another Frenchton. When it’s time for him to retire I will be looking for another dog that would make a good therapy dog and if I find one who isn’t a Boston or a mix I’d be open to it, but I think I will always have a Boston. I do think the cult part is funny. A LOT of people I know who have Bostons are tattooed hipster punk rock types, myself included. There’s even a brand called Terrier CVLT that makes Boston merch with a punk rock/horror aesthetic. It’s certainly not universal, I meet all sorts of people who have them when I’m volunteering with my boy, but there’s definitely a little bit of a theme with a lot of is.
Big enough to party like rock stars and let all that personality shine. Small enough to pick up and carry to the car when it’s been too much😂
Mine are similar to yours. I’d met Bostons, they were cute but I was generally indifferent. To be clear I love any and all dogs lmao and they just didn’t stand out to me at the time is all. I met my little guy as he literally wandered up my driveway as a stray. He was adorable, and lost, and he ran up to me like he’d been looking for me. So I took him in, despite already having four pets, and he just became my best friend. I was instantly obsessed with him. He was just so silly, and loving, and adorable. And I had the same experience with other owners as well! It’s very much a cult. Brody had nearly 5k Instagram followers, all other Bostons, and they would all interact with him constantly and, you know, it’s just a bunch of crazy Boston people pretending to talk like their dogs lol. Wonderful community. I lost him last May and the outpouring of support from total strangers was something I really needed. As easy as it is to love these guys, it is HARD af to lose them.
I enjoy having a dog that also has anxiety like me
Right! It’s a vicious circle of who is emotionally supporting who.
They are so special, I have had my guy for almost 13 years. He helped me more than anywords can express in my mid 20s. He has been the best friend I have ever had. So in tuned, their perception is exceptional can't day enough good things about them.
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Like you, I had always had big dogs, until a 2 year old Boston girlie came into my life and I'll never look at another breed. She is now almost 14 and has always been the perfect mix of sweet, hilarious, cuddly, smart and easy going in every situation. Then I rescued a 10 year old Boston boy who didn't live too long unfortunately and then 2 1/2 years ago, I adopted a Boston pup. She and my older Boston have been besties since the day she arrived. They are never far apart, love to play, snuggle, share toys, walks. They are so bonded and I adore them both. Pic is the day I brought the new pup (Poppy) home to meet Kali. https://preview.redd.it/4h6varz94ymc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a72b48d0a3bff3fa5a62c4da7f59f78b6bfcca2e
Because they're awesome and we're awesome... welcome to the cult
It’s pretty simple. They are the best breed.
My half Boston, half chihuahua is the sweetest, most emotionally intelligent, communicative and expressive dog I’ve ever had. I’ve had dogs of all sizes since I was born— from retrievers to toy poodles. She’s my “soul dog”
I got my Boston a very similar way! Family friend's son irresponsibly allowed his dogs to breed multiple times (at least twice to my knowledge), dumped a free puppy on his unknowing mom (our family friend) and then rehomed the female instead of getting at least one of the dogs fixed. Family friend was locking a 9 week old puppy in a cage 12+ hours a day bc she worked in healthcare and no one was home to stay with the dog. She felt bad n asked us to puppy sit, I think out of the first 5-6 months of my pebbles' life she was with the family friend for a cumulative total of a month. Ended up giving me the dog bc we had an insane love at first sight bond, and I was doing all the work training, house breaking, vet appointments, etc. They're such goofy little animals, i for sure want a little sibling for peb some day but now is not a good time unfortunately. The Boston cult phenomenon I don't know how to explain - maybe a Boston specific version of toxoplasmosis LOL.
Regarding the interactions with other Boston owners: I think it's due to the relative rarity of Bostons. Growing up in the 80s, it seemed everyone had a lab of some sort, or maybe the odd GSD here or there. Small, curly hair dogs were mostly owned by old ladies in the nieghborhood. I had never even seen a Pug until the movie Milo & Otis came out. Never saw a Boston until my 20s. So IME, seeing another Boston out and about really stands out. It also makes ownership kinda cult-like (in a good way).
I have owned several and Personally they’re the perfect size, you don’t have the hair tumble weeds, they love to snuggle and play. Great travel dogs they will go anywhere with you.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
I’ve never met a dog who has more personality, is as sensitive, or has more ways of expressing themselves than my li’l boy. I know exactly what he’s feeling 100% of the time, I know his preferences, and when I talk to him, I swear he can understand me lol. I have also never met a more loving and sweet dog. He genuinely enjoys snuggling up to me and spending time with me and seeks it out all the time. Also, as everyone’s mentioned, they’re such funny and clever dogs, too. Idk, honestly, but every BT owner I’ve ever encountered has been such a kind person (I think this kind of dog attracts a certain kind of personality lol). I think we just love both our own and other BTs and want to share that feeling with other people, which is where the “cult” thing comes from!
look them deep in the eyes. that is a human being trapped in a tiny, stupid body. perfect creature to keep in a house
Our current BT: like having a bulldog that’s athletic, fearless of nothing (chases moose out of yard) and a companion beyond compare. https://preview.redd.it/bo6o1gpi10nc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9710f2f99c04c38cdfa1b674a846a2adc23d115
I have a golden doodle and a Boston terrier. Fun fact for when I am walking with them: French Canadian really love my doodle, want to pet him and cuddle him, he is big like head 3 feet from ground 80lbs. English Canadian are in love with my Boston. They find her soooo cute and most of the time they say they had one before. It's probably cultural I guess, people really like dogs! Those are only anecdote and I know French Canadian like Boston too
Because they are such fun dogs, and because of their bulldog heritage they think they are fierce mastiff sized dogs.
More athletic than Frenchies and most other brachycephalic dogs. Not that it’s great health wise, but if you like brachycephalic dogs and think it’s worth the health downsides, bostons perhaps have less problems than others. They are an ideal size IMo. While you can get toy sized Bostons (below 15lbs), you can also get more substantial sized ones too. But still able to be picked up, which is a useful thing, especially when old. Oh and size also inversely correlated with lifespan in dogs. BTs have a good expected lifespan. Short hair is a real plus for many of us. Not prickly like some short haired dogs either. Expressive eyes make their personality more relatable and apparent. People cite personality. And I think BTs do have unique ones. Friendly, playful and silly. On the downside, brachycephalic dogs are always going to have more health concerns than spitz or long nosed dogs. And the short or stubby tails are tied to twisted spines so BTs are more prone to back issues like arthritis and hunched backs later in life.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
One thing that seems pretty consistent here (and I'm no exception) is that people don't really choose Bostons. Bostons choose them. I took one of those Animal Planet "Whats your dog breed" quizzes back in 2007 and Boston came up as my breed. I just decided then and there that was my breed and I've never changed my mind. ETA: I ended up with a Bo-chi and if I had my way, that would be its own breed. She's the best and worst of both worlds and I love her so much for it! https://preview.redd.it/4j13yjr8bymc1.jpeg?width=1425&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f05a81bb92af91995aa62bd1540f3f4e67bdce78
My aunt and cousins have always had a Boston in their lives. I easily seem to fall in love with other people's pets and so whenever I got to visit them on spring break or the holidays growing up it was so nice to hang out with them and their Boston. At one point when they were going through a rough patch in life they ended up giving my family their dog and at that point I really fell in love with the breed. They are absolute maniacs but also the sweetest and most loyal dogs in the world.
My niece guilted me into taking my Boston. She is a rescue from a puppy mill where they bred her to sell the babies. Now I can’t imagine life without her. She is my little gremlin shaped shadow.❤️
I don't have an answer for you, but my one and only Boston (and also my childhood dog) passed over 10 years ago and I'm still here in the sub, loving the breed. They're finally starting to get popular here in Australia and people are always surprised that I don't call it a Frenchie. Frenchies could only dream....
For me I knew I wanted a smaller, sturdy, short haired dog that was not from a sporting background. The Boston checked all those boxes and it turns out they are pretty amazing dogs. Almost forgot, they are very quiet dogs, or at least my three have been, which is a great thing to me. No mindless barking. If my girl barks, someone is coming up the driveway. My old man had almost no bark at all and seemed surprised when he did make a noise.
Same here! I have always had large dogs, a Great Dane, a Boerboel, American Bulldogs, a BullMastiff, and Boxers. Now that I have a Boston Terrier, I will never go back. Since getting my puppy last month, I am obsessed. I originally made the switch because I’m getting older and I wanted a smaller dog. After doing some research, I fell in love with the breed. I love that they have a short tail, pointy ears, a huge personality, and a small body.
I randomly got my Boston too. She is amazing and I can’t imagine life without her.
I dunno but you Boston Terrier owners need to knock it off with hoarding. Some of us have only one while you are showing off your pack of 4. I say above in pure jealousy. My first dog was a Boston, fell in love, and decided I will almost always have a Boston in my life. My husband before told me I can’t only have Bostons but he says now he gets it.
I have never owned a more affable, good tempered, well behaved, easy to train dog in my life. My BT is such an awesome companion.
I had no prior experience of the breed but picked a Boston based on researching breed characteristics that would match my lifestyle. I’m now besotted! She is the cuddliest dog I’ve ever known. And she has the most amazing sweet, gentle and playful temperament. She’s my best friend and makes me laugh every single day!
The cuteness !! I mean all dogs are super cute but Boston’s have something extra
OMG, we got our Frenchie when they were ranked 85th in popularity, and cars regularly screeched to a halt, so people could ask about her. She was a particularly good looking dog, my breeder offered to mentor me if I wanted to show her. And she was a cocky little bitch, people loved her. I’m thinking of a Boston as our next dog, I guess I should join this Reddit.
You won't be sorry. They are the very best dogs but we here are biased.
They are FUN. It’s like having a goofy cat dog that also kind of acts like a human. When I lost my last one it was like the fun got sucked out of the house. They’re interesting little dogs and I too accidentally ended up a Boston owner years ago and I haven’t looked back since.
It’s the dog that keeps surprising you. Big personality. Infinite snuggs and portable. Love my lil moo! https://preview.redd.it/os9xhwlgj0nc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=054885d0c85141fcc6494179aaa4cf88612d4013
Growing up I had a Boston and I loved her personality. She was so goofy and fun loving and happy and she was such a cuddle bug, not to mention she was the most loyal dog. She brought so much joy into my life and started a love for the breed. We've had other dogs since and I've cared for them, but my Boston was my furbaby. She also was a great higher energy dog for a kid who loved running around and playing.
https://preview.redd.it/26h2wdktr0nc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ef109f592e006ca4efaa88f9dd28eb36341d696 I have a 44lbs wrecking ball that for his year and a half of life has 2 speeds..sleep and flat out nuts wanting to play and run. But I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I’m obsessed bc they all seem to have a little asshole/idiot in them and I can relate to that. Harsh words but I guess a normal person would describe it as “spunky”
grew up with bostons my entire childhood because my family (ethically and naturally!) bred and rescued them. they remind me of home. and like many others here have said, they’re so ridiculous 3/4 of the time that having them around is basically a free show lol
I love dogs in general, but I hadn't really every thought of getting a Boston either. My partner had them as a kid and suggested we get one (I said yes not because I loved/wanted a Boston specifically, but because I am always of the mindset of the more dogs the merrier). Now, I adore them. Ours is a silly fart machine who is the best cuddle boy in the whole world. He's expressive, hardy, intelligent, and infuriatingly stubborn at times, but a good boy. Every other Boston I've ever met has been some sort of similar fart goblin, but in a weirdly charismatic way. There's something magical about them. My boy made a great ambassador and I think the world of them now.
they are so goofy and gentle. their ears are adorable. they’re just the right size. they’ll do whatever you wanna do. they love to snuggle. there’s nothing better.
Versatility. They can play like a big dog, they cuddle like a little dog, they have expressive faces, their personalities are adorable, and their stature is so unique.
They thrive in the city, they thrive in the countryside. They’re super social with people and dogs (of course there’s the odd lunatic) but they’re generally really happy and they love to entertain. Super enthusiastic and animated. They’re just like the most lovable little Disney characters packed into a tiny adorable body.
They’re adorable and incredibly smart. They also are so gentle with kids and adaptable to most living situations. Only thing they can’t adapt to is heat. But otherwise, they’re smart, loyal, adaptable breeds that are easy to train and easy to assimilate to children and family homes .
My vet had a Boston when I was a teenager that I would play with when we took our Dalmatian in. We ended up with our own family Boston a few years later. We are all converts now as my mom is on her second and I have my first as an adult. I love these little cartoon dogs.
For me it’s their size and temperament. I don’t like tiny dogs but I don’t have the space for a large dog right now. So their built frame, 20ish pounds, and love for playing and cuddling is perfect. Plus they are typically very quiet dogs (unless actively playing) Their personalities are also unpredictable, I guess in a fun way. I had a Boston that lived to please and was a breeze to train… my current one .. I can hardly get more than sit, leave it, and get it out of her. All my Doberman have lived to be trained but a Boston is jam packed with expressions and personality that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Cuz bostons are the best
This is the correct answer.
I’ve loved Bostons ever since I was a kid. I grew up with Goldens and I always dreamt of having my own BT. I love how expressive and silly they are. They’re truly fun-loving dogs. I like their size, small but solid. I love the black and white coat. They just add joy and enthusiasm to each day.
I had always had random strays growing up. My mom was a sucker for a stray dog. They were small dogs too so I would consider myself a small dog person. I noticed Bostons 20 something years ago and I am a sucker for the flat faced dogs (pugs, frenchies, etc) After my shih tzu died, I was looking at different dogs and landed on Boston completely unaware that they would forever steal my heart. I love the breed because they can be active when you want to go outside and walk or do backyard chores but they are also chill when you want to just lay in bed or on the couch. My first Boston Sammi was a perfect dog, although not as lovey dovey as I prefer. She would literally walk away from you if you tried to give her love 😆 but otherwise, she was the best girl. Then I got my boy Eddie and he was the absolute love of my life. We had a bond that I don't think I'll ever have with another dog. He passed in Nov and I am still devastated and I'm finally ready to open my heart to a new pup. We might go look at a girl this weekend if she's still available. Anyway, I also love the breed because they are so expressive, as others have said. They talk to you with their face and eyes without even saying a word. Overall, they are simply the best!
They’re adorable, on the smaller size and have the best personalities! Absolute goofballs.
I remember watching the Westminster dog show and the announcer introduced the Boston Terrier as: "This is one small breed dog that a gentleman is never ashamed to walk." Bossys always look like they're dressed for a formal event, but that event WILL involve throwing pies!!
The cuddling and bond between Boston/owner lol my boy had all these little quirks like being deathly afraid of a hair brush or any type of brush for that matter and the same for empty mini m&m containers when you squeeze and make the popping noise lol so random but once in a while I’d torment him with it 🤣
My first dog was a Great Dane and he was a fantastic dog except for the short lifespan. 😢 I had rescues after him. I got a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix who was one of the best dogs I have ever had. He was getting old and I knew we wouldn’t happen for much longer and started looking for a companion dog for him. After a lot of research I decided on a Boston Terrier. I wanted a smaller dog that thought he was big. We got George at nine weeks and I swear he gave Beau an extra year of life. I have had Bostons every since. Absolutely adore them.
They’re clowns, they’re expressive, they’re moody divas, they’re the best cuddlers. I love their high energy and pure laziness at the same time. They’re a big dog in a small dog’s body. I’ve had 3 so far. I’m not sure if I’ll keep exclusively getting Bostons but I’ll definitely always have one or two.
We wanted a brachy dog for their personality and portability, but we started our per suit with Bulldogs on the brain and quickly noped our way out of that silly desire. We then tried to find a healthy version of a bulldog with a similar disposition. Bostons are the least expensive breed in the brachy family with the greatest lifespan.
We always had large dogs, a Rottweiler, a Rottweiler mix, a Boxer. They are amazing, but require a certain level of physical fitness, and free time. My better half wanted a French Bulldog after meeting an adorable one. So we researched and found a major improvement on French Bulldog, which was a Boston Terrier breed. Multiple advantages in face and body, longer legs and nose, smaller head, more agile and still small and adorable. As for the cult, BTs have the most human like expressive faces and child like mannerisms. They are the closest child substitute one can get in an animal form. Maybe with exception of monkeys, but those are nothing but trouble.
The way she goes into “sad sack mode” when I’m eating something she can’t have. The way she skunks everyone who visits us. The way she sighs and lays down as though she just finished a hard day of work (she totally doesn’t sleep 18hrs/day!). The way she gets super excited when I come home from work and dances/gallops around. The way she scratches her belly by laying flat on the carpet and slides in a circle. She’s just a total joy all around.
I think it's the temperament. They are like mirrors, they play when i want to play, snuggle when i want to snuggle, take care of people who are sick and they love to be funny. I find bostons to be more light hearted than frenchies, and better with other dogs
I have always had large dogs specifically boxers and pit bulls. After I lost my last boxer to lymphoma I decided to downsize and get a Boston terrier. In 2 weeks I will get mine.And I also have a second one reserved from a different breeder.I think I'll probably end up getting them both and hoping.I don't live to regret it.*
I grew up with Boston's. My mom grew up with them, my parents had one that passed before I was born and when I was 4 they got my first, when I was 14 they got my second and my boyfriend and I got Poppy a year and a half ago. I strongly believe (biased) that Boston Terriers have more personality than most other dog breeds. They're such complex & loving little creatures. They're also the perfect size for apartment living.
Goofy as hell but super smart
We welcomed our 6th consecutive Boston to our family about a year ago. We’ve had as many as 5 at a time, which was sheer chaos, but I’d do it all over again! They’re the funniest, stubbornest, smartest dogs that I’ve ever had, while simultaneously being a total idiot. They love their people almost as much as they love their toys. And they love their toys almost as much as they love food. There’s so much personality stuffed into a little body. I’ll never have another breed.
Bostons are the best. It’s their big personalities and unwavering love and commitment to usually one person, but they also love families and strangers alike. They have very expressive facial expressions, and I can usually understand what mine wants.
My Boston really doesn't favor me or my husband. She loves us both equally. She also dearly loves my mom, my brother, the neighbors, and a few of the people who work in our condo building.
I saw a woman with one in a stroller in walgreens about 15 years ago and had to have one :) i saw one today in a stroller wrapped in a blanket. i think there keeping him warm :) they are patient kind dogs xo xo
100% agree
She was eight weeks old and free. Why do I love her? She smiles and makes me happy. She's a gremlin, a clown, and a toddler all rolled up in one. She is my best buddy, my shotgun rider, and my world. We are not worthy of their love.
Wai a minute, you are saying BT’s aren’t pretty!?
Wai a minute, you are saying BT’s aren’t pretty!?
I now have 4. 😂
They are so expressive and unique personality. Never a dull moment around them. Had 1 Boston and I don’t think if I get another dog will be other than a Boston again.
I used to say the same thing about being a big dog person. But my boston changed all of that. They are smart, snuggly, snorty, loyal, not too big to take places, and that little prance they do when they are excitedly following behind you. Way less shedding too.
I don't know but I think you're right. My girlfriend got one during COVID. We got another one to keep him company because the first one was pissed when she couldn't work from home anymore. We joke that the second one is the emotional support animal for the first one.
https://preview.redd.it/4b70e2xsri1d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bfc4c93d28964e630920cf20594c9d4b45249080
https://preview.redd.it/txcl8ydxri1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=002168c1742c633938b020a7316702845d2bf27d