What is a Boston Terrier's temperament like?

Boston Terriers are famously friendly, lively, affectionate, and good-natured little dogs, and their pleasant, easygoing, sociable temperament, combined with their dapper "tuxedo" markings and gentlemanly manners, earned the breed its nickname "the American Gentleman". Bostons are typically people-oriented, cheerful, and devoted companions, they love being with their families and are affectionate lap dogs while also being playful and fun. They are generally very good with children (their friendly, sturdy, playful, patient nature) and usually sociable and friendly with other dogs and pets, especially when socialized, making them lovely family and companion dogs, and they tend to be outgoing and friendly with people generally (Bostons are typically not shy or aggressive, though some can be a bit protective/alert). They are moderately active and playful, they enjoy play and walks and have a fun, sometimes clownish, lively energy, but they are not high-energy or demanding in their exercise needs, and are happy to be affectionate companions and adapt their activity to their household, which suits many owners, including apartment dwellers. They are intelligent and generally trainable (they aim to please and can be a bit stubborn in the terrier way, but respond well to positive, reward-based training, and are often quite trainable and eager). They are a companion breed that thrives on being with their people, and can be prone to some separation-related distress if left alone too much, so they suit a household where the dog has company much of the time. Bostons are also known for being expressive and entertaining, with a lot of personality and often amusing habits (some snort and snore, a consequence of the flat-ish face). As with any small dog, early socialization and treating the Boston like a real dog (training and socialization) help ensure a confident, well-mannered companion. Overall, the Boston Terrier temperament, friendly, affectionate, lively, good-natured, and sociable, makes it a wonderful, easygoing companion and family dog, one of the most amiable and adaptable of the small breeds; the main considerations of the breed are its brachycephalic (flat-faced) health and heat sensitivity and its need for companionship, more than anything about temperament. See the temperament and training guide for depth on living with and training a Boston.

Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs and good in Montreal?

Yes, Boston Terriers are generally excellent apartment and city dogs and can suit Montreal well, with some important considerations around their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature and the climate. On apartment suitability: the Boston's small size (typically 12 to 25 lbs), moderate and adaptable exercise needs, and friendly, easygoing nature make it very well-suited to apartments and condos and to city living, so it is a great fit for Montreal's many apartment and condo dwellers. Its friendliness generally makes it a good neighbour, though, like many small dogs, some can bark (training helps). On companionship: the Boston is a companion breed that thrives on being with its people and can be prone to some separation-related distress, so it suits a household where the dog is not left alone for very long stretches. On the breed's brachycephalic nature and Montreal's climate, the key considerations: Boston Terriers are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, though generally less extreme than the English or French Bulldog, so they do have some degree of the associated breathing considerations and heat sensitivity, meaning they can be prone to overheating and must be kept cool and not over-exercised in the heat, so in Montreal's hot, humid summers, careful heat management (keeping the dog cool, air conditioning on very hot days, exercising in the cooler hours, avoiding exertion in heat) is genuinely important (see the health guide). At the other extreme, the Boston has a very short, thin, single coat and little body fat, so it is also quite cold-sensitive and NOT built for Montreal winters, meaning it needs a warm coat (and often booties) for winter walks and outdoor time, its winter outings should be kept shorter in extreme cold, and it must live indoors as a family dog. So the Boston is essentially a climate-sensitive indoor companion at both ends, needing heat protection (cool, AC) in summer and cold protection (a coat) in winter, though its small size and indoor nature make this quite manageable, and it must be an indoor dog year-round regardless. On other points: the breed's short coat means grooming is minimal and easy (a real low-maintenance plus), one of the Boston's conveniences. Overall, for a Montreal individual or family, including apartment/condo dwellers, wanting a small, friendly, easygoing, low-grooming companion, and who can provide companionship (not leaving the dog alone too much) and manage the breed's heat and cold sensitivity (an indoor, climate-controlled dog with a winter coat), a Boston Terrier is a wonderful, adaptable fit that suits city and apartment living very well.

How much does it cost to adopt and own a Boston Terrier in Montreal?

Adoption fees in the Montreal area typically run from around $300 to $600 depending on the organization and the dog's age, and that fee normally covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping, which represents a substantial saving over buying a Boston Terrier from a breeder, where purebred puppies commonly run $1,500 to $3,500 or more (and a reputable breeder matters, as popular small brachycephalic breeds are common in irresponsible breeding, and, like other flat-faced breeds, Bostons often require cesarean sections to give birth, which contributes to breeder pricing). Beyond the adoption fee, budget for ongoing and occasional costs: good-quality food (a small cost given the breed's small size); routine veterinary care (vaccinations, check-ups, parasite prevention); potential health costs, importantly, as the breed can be prone to eye conditions (the Boston's prominent eyes are vulnerable, and issues like corneal ulcers, cherry eye, and cataracts can occur and sometimes need surgery), some degree of brachycephalic breathing issues (occasionally needing corrective surgery in more affected dogs), luxating patellas, allergies, and others (see the health guide), so a fund or pet insurance is worth having; winter clothing, importantly for Montreal, a warm coat (and often booties) for the cold-sensitive, short-coated breed; supplies; and, in summer, the (minor but real) consideration of keeping the heat-sensitive dog cool. Note that the Boston's short coat means grooming costs are minimal (a real saving vs high-grooming breeds), one of the breed's low-maintenance conveniences. Pet insurance is worth considering (take it out while the dog is young and healthy, and, for a brachycephalic breed, be aware some insurers may have breed-specific considerations, so read policies). Under Quebec's Civil Code (article 898.1), animals are recognized as sentient beings, not mere property, a reflection of the genuine responsibility of pet ownership. Overall, a Boston Terrier is a relatively affordable and low-maintenance breed to own (small, low-grooming), but the potential eye and other health costs, and the need for winter clothing, are real considerations, and prospective adopters should budget for good care over the dog's life (Bostons typically live around 11 to 15 years).

What should I know before adopting a Boston Terrier?

Before adopting a Boston Terrier, understand what this friendly little breed needs so you can give it a great home: (1) It has a wonderful, easygoing temperament, Bostons are friendly, affectionate, lively, good-natured, and sociable, generally excellent with children and other pets, and one of the most amiable, adaptable small breeds (the "American Gentleman"), the temperament is the breed's great appeal. (2) It is brachycephalic (flat-faced), and needs heat management, though less extreme than English/French Bulldogs, the Boston still has some brachycephalic breathing considerations and heat sensitivity, so it can overheat and must be kept cool and not over-exercised in the heat (careful heat management, air conditioning, in Montreal summers, see the health guide). (3) It is cold-sensitive, the short, thin coat and little body fat mean the Boston gets cold easily, so in Montreal it needs a warm coat (and often booties) for winter and must live indoors. Essentially a climate-controlled indoor companion at both ends. (4) It needs companionship, Bostons thrive on being with their people and can be prone to separation-related distress, so they suit a household where the dog is not left alone too much. (5) It is low-grooming, the short coat is easy and low-maintenance (a real convenience). (6) It can be prone to certain health issues, especially eye conditions (the prominent eyes are vulnerable, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, cataracts), some brachycephalic breathing issues, luxating patellas, and allergies (see the health guide), so good preventive care and a health fund or insurance matter. (7) It is intelligent and trainable (with positive methods, though it can have a mild stubborn streak), see the temperament and training guide. (8) It is a fairly long-lived, apartment-friendly companion (often 11 to 15 years). For an adopted Boston, ask the rescue what is known about the dog's temperament, history, and health, especially any eye, breathing, or knee issues, and rely on their assessment. If you can provide companionship, heat and cold management (an indoor climate-controlled home with a winter coat), and love, a Boston Terrier is a friendly, affectionate, entertaining, wonderful companion, especially well-suited to apartment and city living; the main things to be prepared for are the brachycephalic heat sensitivity and cold sensitivity, and the potential eye and other health considerations.

Should I buy a Boston Terrier puppy or adopt?

We would always encourage you to consider adoption first. Buying a Boston Terrier puppy from a breeder commonly costs $1,500 to $3,500 or more, and, because the Boston is a popular small breed, it is unfortunately common in irresponsible and high-volume breeding (and, as a brachycephalic breed, it is important to choose a breeder who breeds for better health and less extreme, less-flat faces, and health-tests, especially eyes; Bostons also typically require cesarean sections to give birth, contributing to breeder pricing), so choosing a genuinely reputable breeder takes real care, and cheap Boston puppies, or those from anyone not health-testing or breeding extreme flat faces, or from pet stores (which often source from mills), are a serious warning sign. Adoption, by contrast, gives a dog in need a home, costs far less (typically $300 to $600, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping), and, if you adopt an adult, lets you see the dog's actual temperament and any health/eye/breathing considerations, and rely on the rescue's assessment (knowing an adult's breathing and eye status is genuinely valuable for a brachycephalic breed). The main consideration is that purebred Bostons are popular and can go quickly in rescue, so adopting one may take patience, being open to a Boston mix or an adult helps. If you have your heart set on the breed and truly cannot find one through rescue after genuinely trying, choose a responsible breeder (who health-tests and breeds for better health and less extreme faces) and avoid puppy-mill, pet-store, or cheap puppies. But given the number of dogs needing homes, the prevalence of irresponsible breeding of popular brachycephalic breeds (making adoption an ethical choice), and the value of knowing an adult dog's temperament and health, we would always encourage exploring adoption first. Start with LocalPetFinder's Montreal listings and local/small-breed rescues.

Boston Terrier Adoption in Montreal

Q: Where can I adopt a Boston Terrier in Montreal?

There are several routes to adopting a Boston Terrier in the Montreal area. Start with LocalPetFinder's Montreal dog listings, which aggregate adoptable dogs from Montreal-area shelters and rescues in one place and are refreshed regularly, and search for Boston Terriers and Boston mixes. Boston Terriers and Boston mixes do turn up in rescue, so also: check the Montreal SPCA (spca.com), the largest animal-protection organization in Quebec, which takes in dogs of all kinds; watch Montreal-area general and small-breed rescues (many are foster-based and post dogs through their websites and social media as they become available); consider breed-specific and small/companion-breed rescue networks in Canada that sometimes cover Quebec; and keep in mind that Boston mixes (including crosses with other small breeds) turn up in rescue and can make wonderful pets. Because Bostons are a popular small breed, purebreds can be adopted quickly when they appear in rescue, so adopting one may take patience, being open to a mix or an adult helps, and staying in touch with rescues. Setting up alerts is useful. Adopting an adult Boston has advantages: you can see the dog's temperament and any health/breathing/eye considerations (the breed can have breathing and eye issues, so knowing an adult's status helps). If you specifically want a Boston Terrier and cannot find one through rescue, and are considering a breeder, choose responsibly, a good Boston breeder health-tests (especially eyes and, for a brachycephalic breed, breathing/structure) and breeds for better health and less extreme faces, and is transparent, and be wary of anyone breeding or selling Bostons cheaply or without health testing (popular small brachycephalic breeds are common in irresponsible breeding). But rescue is always worth pursuing first.

The short answer

Boston Terriers are friendly, affectionate, lively, and easygoing little companions, the dapper “American Gentleman,” generally great with children and other pets and one of the most adaptable small breeds. Their small size, modest exercise needs, and minimal grooming make them excellent apartment/city dogs. Start on LocalPetFinder's Montreal listings, the Montreal SPCA, and small-breed rescue (be open to a mix or an adult; popular brachy breeds are common in irresponsible breeding, so adoption is the ethical choice). Two climate points: they're brachycephalic (flat-faced, less extreme than bulldogs but still heat-sensitive, keep cool in summer) and cold-sensitive (short thin coat, need a winter coat), essentially an indoor, climate-controlled companion year-round. They also thrive on companionship. Adoption runs ~$300 to $600; they live ~11 to 15 years.

Browse Adoptable Dogs in Montreal →

A Boston Terrier in Montreal — A friendly, easygoing, low-grooming little companion, the Boston Terrier suits apartments and families for owners who can manage its heat and cold sensitivity and provide company.

The Boston Terrier is about as easy a companion as small dogs come: friendly, funny, affectionate, low-grooming, and perfectly happy in a city apartment. It's no accident the breed is a perennial favourite. The main things to be ready for aren't about temperament, they're practical: this is a flat-faced breed that needs to stay cool in summer, a thin-coated one that needs bundling up in Montreal winters, and a companion dog that wants your company. Here's what adopters should know.

Where to adopt in Montreal

A few routes, though popular purebreds can go quickly, so patience helps:

•LocalPetFinder's Montreal dog listings, aggregating adoptable dogs from Montreal-area shelters and rescues, refreshed regularly. Search Bostons and Boston mixes.
•The Montreal SPCA, Quebec's largest animal-protection organization.
•Montreal-area general and small-breed rescues, many foster-based, posting dogs through their websites and social media.
•Boston Terrier and small/companion-breed rescue networks in Canada that sometimes cover Quebec.

As a popular small brachycephalic breed, the Boston is unfortunately common in irresponsible breeding, so adoption is an ethical choice. Adopting an adult lets you see the temperament and, valuably for a flat-faced breed, any breathing or eye considerations. Be open to a Boston mix or an adult.

The friendly “American Gentleman” temperament

Bostons are famously friendly, lively, affectionate, and good-natured, their pleasant, easygoing, sociable nature (plus the dapper “tuxedo” markings) earned the nickname “the American Gentleman.” They're people-oriented, cheerful, devoted companions, affectionate lap dogs and playful clowns both. They're generally very good with children (friendly, sturdy, patient) and usually sociable with other pets, and outgoing with people. They're moderately active and playful but not high-energy, adapting their activity to the household (great for apartment dwellers).

They're intelligent and trainable (eager to please, with a mild terrier stubborn streak, responsive to positive methods), and a companion breed that thrives on company (prone to some separation-related distress if left alone too much). They're expressive and entertaining (and often snort and snore, a consequence of the flat-ish face). As with any small dog, socialization and treating the Boston like a real dog ensure a confident, well-mannered companion. The temperament is the breed's great appeal, one of the most amiable, adaptable small breeds, with the brachycephalic health/heat sensitivity and companionship needs the main considerations. See our temperament & training guide and health guide.

Apartment and climate fit

The Boston's small size (12 to 25 lbs), adaptable exercise needs, low grooming, and friendly nature make it an excellent apartment/city dog, a great fit for Montreal's apartment and condo dwellers. It thrives on companionship (don't leave it alone all day).

Two climate points, at both ends. Heat: as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed (less extreme than English/French Bulldogs, but still), the Boston has some breathing considerations and heat sensitivity, so it can overheat and must be kept cool and not over-exercised in heat, meaning careful heat management (air conditioning on hot days, cool-hour exercise) in Montreal summers (see the health guide). Cold: the very short, thin coat and low body fat make the Boston cold-sensitive and not built for Montreal winters, so it needs a warm coat (and often booties), shorter cold-weather outings, and to live indoors. Essentially a climate-controlled indoor companion year-round.

Its small size and indoor nature make this quite manageable, and the short coat means grooming is minimal and easy (a real low-maintenance plus). For a Montreal individual or family, including apartment/condo dwellers, wanting a small, friendly, easygoing, low-grooming companion who can provide company and manage the heat/cold sensitivity, a Boston Terrier is a wonderful, adaptable fit that suits city and apartment living very well.

The real cost

Adoption fees run ~$300 to $600 (usually covering spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping), vs $1,500 to $3,500+ from a breeder (Bostons typically need cesarean sections to give birth, contributing to breeder pricing). Ongoing costs are relatively low: small-breed food, routine vet care, minimal grooming (short coat, a real saving), a winter coat, and a fund or insurance for potential issues, especially eye conditions (the prominent eyes are vulnerable, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, cataracts, sometimes needing surgery), some brachycephalic breathing issues, luxating patellas, and allergies.

Pet insurance is worth considering (take it out while the dog is young and healthy, and for a brachycephalic breed, read policies for any breed-specific considerations). Under Quebec's Civil Code (article 898.1), animals are recognized as sentient beings, not mere property. A Boston is a relatively affordable, low-maintenance breed (small, low-grooming), but the potential eye and other health costs and the need for winter clothing are real considerations, budget for good care over the dog's life (Bostons typically live ~11 to 15 years).

Browse adoptable dogs in Montreal

Bostons and Boston mixes turn up in rescue, and adopting avoids supporting the irresponsible breeding popular brachy breeds are common in. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

See Available Dogs →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I adopt a Boston Terrier in Montreal?

Start with LocalPetFinder's Montreal listings, the Montreal SPCA (spca.com), general and small-breed rescues, and Canadian Boston/small-breed rescue. Popular purebreds can go quickly, so be patient and open to a mix or an adult. As a popular brachy breed common in irresponsible breeding, adoption is the ethical choice; adopting an adult also shows you the temperament and any breathing/eye issues.

What is their temperament like?

Friendly, lively, affectionate, and good-natured, the easygoing “American Gentleman,” generally great with children and other pets and one of the most adaptable small breeds. Moderately active and playful but not high-energy, intelligent and trainable (with a mild stubborn streak), and a companion breed that thrives on company (prone to some separation distress). Expressive and entertaining (they snort and snore).

Are they good apartment dogs in Montreal?

Yes, excellent, small, adaptable, low-grooming, and friendly, ideal for apartments and city living (they thrive on company, so don't leave them alone all day). Two climate points: as a flat-faced breed they're heat-sensitive (keep cool in summer, AC), and their short thin coat makes them cold-sensitive (need a winter coat in Montreal). Essentially a climate-controlled indoor companion year-round.

How much does it cost?

Adoption runs ~$300 to $600 (usually including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping), vs $1,500 to $3,500+ from a breeder. Ongoing costs are relatively low: small-breed food, vet care, minimal grooming (short coat), a winter coat, and a fund or insurance for potential eye conditions, some breathing issues, luxating patellas, and allergies. They live ~11 to 15 years.

What should I know before adopting one?

A wonderful easygoing temperament, low grooming, and apartment-friendly, but it's brachycephalic (heat-sensitive, keep cool in summer), cold-sensitive (needs a winter coat, an indoor dog year-round), thrives on company (some separation distress), and can have eye conditions (prominent vulnerable eyes), some breathing issues, luxating patellas, and allergies. A friendly, entertaining companion for an owner who manages the climate needs.

Should I buy a puppy or adopt?

Consider adoption first. Buying runs $1,500 to $3,500+, and as a popular brachy breed the Boston is common in irresponsible breeding, so a reputable breeder (health-testing, breeding for better health and less extreme faces) takes care to find (cheap, pet-store, or extreme-faced puppies are warning signs). Adoption costs far less, avoids supporting bad breeding, and, with an adult, shows you the temperament and breathing/eye status. Be open to a mix or an adult.

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