Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, suitable activity, controlled weight and regular veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives between 10 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its compact build is solid and the breed enjoys generally rather good health. Its short face can however limit its breathing and its thermoregulation, while its exposed eyes are more vulnerable to trauma and irritation.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the eyes, the quality of breathing, the skin and locomotion. Any unusual shortness of breath, red or painful eye, persistent itching or lameness justifies a veterinary consultation.
Eye conditions: Prominent eyes are exposed to irritation, trauma and corneal ulcers, which requires a prompt consultation in case of redness, pain or discharge.
Brachycephalic syndrome: The short muzzle can lead to snoring, exercise intolerance, breathing discomfort and difficulty regulating temperature.
Difficult births: The conformation of the puppies and the maternal pelvis can promote dystocia and make a cesarean section necessary.
Demodicosis: This parasitic skin condition can cause hair loss, dandruff and crusty lesions requiring a veterinary diagnosis.
Patellar luxation: This knee instability can cause a skipping gait or lameness and should be screened for in breeding dogs.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its short coat offers little protection from the cold and its brachycephalic morphology reduces its tolerance to heat. In winter, outings must remain adapted to low temperatures. In summer, cooler hours should be favored, intense efforts avoided, and shade and water provided at all times.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The ration must be adjusted to age, weight, neutering and activity level. Regular weighing and monitoring body condition help prevent overweight, which worsens breathing difficulties and puts more strain on the joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Gently clean the folds and monitor the skin.
- Regularly inspect the eyes and ears.
- Keep the nails at an appropriate length.
- Avoid intense exertion in hot weather.
- Have the eyes, heart, breathing and kneecaps checked every year.
Vaccination
Boston Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Boston Terrier need? Like all dogs, Boston Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Boston Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Boston Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Boston Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Boston Terrier
Before breeding, it is relevant to check the patellas, the eyes, hearing and respiratory quality. The choice of breeding dogs able to breathe without discomfort and having sufficiently open nostrils helps to limit disorders linked to hypertype.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
