Featured
Mid-west Bostons
female16 moBlack and white wlith a little brindle could possibly be considered seal coat
Sawman27m
$800View details →
Boston Terrier Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Boston Terrier
Nicknamed the American Gentleman for its tuxedo markings and polite manners, the Boston Terrier is a lively, people-loving companion that fits city and family life with ease. Bostons are smart, comical, and affectionate, striking a nice balance between playful energy and an off-switch that lets them settle happily indoors. They are typically friendly with children, strangers, and other dogs, and their compact size and short, easy-care coat make them one of the more manageable choices for apartments and first-time owners. A daily walk and some play usually keep them satisfied, and their eagerness to please makes training relatively straightforward. Because the Boston has a shortened muzzle, it is a mildly brachycephalic breed and can be sensitive to heat and heavy exertion, so warm-weather activity should stay easy with plenty of water and shade. Their large, prominent eyes are charming but vulnerable to injury and several inherited conditions, and some lines carry hearing concerns, which is why a good breeder screens for eyes and hearing. Overall the Boston Terrier is an adaptable, good-humored little dog that asks mostly for companionship and a bit of common-sense care.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
Exercise needsTypical
Energy levelTypical
TrainabilityHigher than most
Grooming effortMinimal
SheddingLower than most
BarkingLower than most
Apartment fitDefining trait
Good with childrenDefining trait
Good with other dogsHigher than most
First-time ownersDefining trait
Showing 8 of 40 active listings
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Featured
Mid-west Bostons
male16 moBlack and white with a little brindle could possibly be considered seal coat
Sawman27m
$800View details →
AKC Male Boston Terrier has lots of love for you
male5 moBlack and White
Bonnie Kidd
$1,400View details →
AKC Male Boston Terrier Needing a very special home
male5 moBlack and White
Bonnie Kidd
$600View details →
AKC Male Boston Terrier Ready to come home with you
male5 moBlack and White
Bonnie Kidd
$1,400View details →
Where this breed shines
- Friendly, smart, and adaptable to city and family life
- Short, low-maintenance coat and a compact, apartment-friendly size
- Eager to please and generally easy to train
Things to consider
- Mildly brachycephalic, with some heat sensitivity and exertion limits
- Large, exposed eyes are prone to injury and inherited conditions
- Some lines carry hearing loss, so screening matters
- Can be sensitive and a little stubborn, needing patient, positive training
History
The Boston Terrier was developed in Boston, Massachusetts, during the late 1800s from crosses between bulldogs and white English terriers. Selectively bred down in size and refined for temperament, it became one of the first breeds created in the United States and earned AKC recognition in 1893. Its tuxedo-like markings and gentlemanly disposition gave rise to its American Gentleman nickname.
Temperament
Friendly, bright, and lively, the Boston Terrier is an affectionate companion with a playful sense of humor. It is generally good-natured with people, children, and other animals, and its intelligence makes it responsive to training. Adaptable and eager for attention, it suits a wide range of homes.
Questions to ask a Boston Terrier breeder
- Have the parents had BAER hearing tests?
- Do the parents have CAER eye examinations and OFA patella clearances?
- Has cardiac screening been done, and can you share the line's health history?
Health considerations to discuss
Brachycephalic breathing and heat sensitivity. As a short-muzzled breed the Boston can have some airway restriction and reduced heat tolerance; while often milder than in flatter-faced breeds, owners should still avoid heavy exercise in heat and provide shade and water.
Eye conditions. Prominent eyes make Bostons prone to corneal ulcers, cataracts, and cherry eye; a CAER eye examination in breeding dogs and prompt care for squinting or cloudiness help protect vision.
Deafness. Congenital hearing loss occurs in some lines; the BAER test objectively checks hearing in puppies and breeding stock, helping breeders make informed decisions.
Patellar luxation. Slipping kneecaps are seen in the breed; OFA patella evaluation of breeding dogs and veterinary assessment of any limping support joint health.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: AKC Boston Terrier breed overview · Boston Terrier Club of America · OFA health testing database — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Boston Terrier litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Boston Terrier puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Boston Terrier listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How much do Boston Terrier puppies cost?
Listed puppies currently range from $350 to $2,000. Each breeder sets their own price, which varies with the puppy's age, lineage, and location.
How can I tell if a Boston Terrier breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.