With so many options for dogs similar to Boston Terrier, it was honestly a hard decision when I chose my dog. In hindsight, I’m glad I chose a Boston Terrier as she is one of the best dogs I have ever had the pleasure of owning.
Boston Terriers are very similar to the French Bulldog, and the two are often confused for one another. They also share similarities with Pugs, Jack Russell Terriers, Boxers, Chihuahuas, and English Bulldogs, whether it’s their temperaments or their looks.
If you’re interested in which dogs have similarities with Boston Terriers, you should read on. I will cover the basic similarities between Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Jack Russell Terriers, Boxers, Chihuahuas, and English Bulldogs.
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs
When it comes to dogs similar to Boston Terrier, you can’t get much closer than a French Bulldog. In fact, this breed is most commonly mistaken for the Boston Terrier. Both breeds have their ancestry with the English Bulldog.
They have many striking similarities in appearances. Both have short muzzles, tiny tails, and protruding eyes. Boston Terriers are slightly taller than French Bulldogs, making them hard to distinguish based on size.
Considering their colorings and markings, it becomes easier to tell the two apart. Traditional Boston Terriers are well-known for their tuxedo markings – the black and white markings that make them look like they are dressed for a night on the town.
Bostons can also come in brindle or seal colorings. On the other hand, Frenchies come in fawn, white, brindle, and cream.
You can also tell these two apart by their ears and their heads. A French Bulldog features bat-like ears on a square-shaped head, while a Boston Terrier has pointed ears on a round head, which makes sense because they are known as “round heads.”
Both dogs are brachycephalic and prone to having breathing problems. They do not do well with the heat or overzealous exercise. A significant difference between the two is that a Boston Terrier will be able to swim, but a French Bulldog will not.
Boston Terriers and Pugs
Pugs are another similar breed to the Boston Terrier. Both dogs have that characteristic smushed face that we know and love. They also feature protruding eyes, compact frames, and wrinkled faces.
The Boston Terrier stands around 12 to 15 inches tall, while the Pug only stands 10 to 14 inches tall. They have similar weight ranges, with the Boston Terrier 10 to 25 pounds and the Pug 13 to 20 pounds.
Boston Terriers and Pugs have very similar temperaments. They’re both bred to be companion animals and prefer to be with their families. Neither breed enjoys being left alone for long periods or being separated from their families.
The Boston Terrier can be stubborn, while the Pug is more of an entertainer. The Boston Terrier is considered a high-energy dog, but the Pug will rest much more than a Boston Terrier. Both are brachycephalic and will need to be monitored during exercise.
Boston Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers
Both Boston Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They have high adaptability, which allows them to adjust to apartment living.
While Boston Terriers are brachycephalic, you won’t have this problem with Jack Russell Terriers. For this reason, Jack Russells are better able to handle hot weather combined with exercise. They can also handle cold weather extremes better.
Both breeds make excellent companion animals, being very affectionate with the family. They are good with children and typically don’t know a stranger when they meet one.
Maintenance for both breeds is relatively easy as well. With their short hair, shedding is not excessive and can be managed with routine brushing and bathing.
Boston Terriers and Boxers
Boston Terriers and Boxers have a somewhat similar appearance with Boxers being the larger of the two. Boxers require a household with an active family and a large yard while Boston Terriers a best for first-time pet owners who lead a somewhat active lifestyle.
Boston Terriers do not require as much activity as Boxers and enjoy relaxing with you as much as they do playing.
Boxers are known for being protective, sensitive, very loving, and loyal. They will do whatever they can to please their owners, which can result in hurt feelings. Known for goofball antics, they’ll keep you amused and entertained while they dish out the love and affection.
On the other hand, Boston Terriers are full of personality and spunk, which can be surprising for a dog that small. Both breeds do well with other pets, such as cats, but Boxers may not do well with other dogs of the same sex.
Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas
Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas have the same great adaptability to apartment living due to their small statures. Both have limited tolerance for excessive heat and will need to be monitored outside when the weather gets too warm.
During colder weather, the Boston Terrier will do better than the Chihuahua because its fur is thicker. You will need to find a jacket or sweater for your Chihuahua to wear to keep it warm.
When it comes to leaving the dogs alone, the Chihuahua cannot handle alone time. You will have a much easier time leaving your Boston Terrier alone than your Chihuahua.
Both breeds have similar temperaments when it comes to relationships with family and children, being very affectionate and fitting in well. When interacting with other dogs, the Boston Terrier has a much better attitude than the Chihuahua.
Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs
Both Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are known for having a bit of a stubborn streak in them. You’ll have to be patient with either breed throughout their training.
You can choose either breed if you have a small home, kids, or cats. They’ll both do wonderfully with all three situations.
Like the Boston Terrier, the Bulldog is prone to many health problems, possibly even moreso. They’re both sensitive to warmer weather. Grooming, however, is not a problem with either breed.
Final Thoughts
While Boston Terriers are quite unique in many ways, several breeds are similar. From appearances to temperaments to health conditions, there are a wide variety of instances in which they can be compared.
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are frequently mistaken for each other due to the host of similarities between the two breeds. Other breeds similar to the Boston Terrier include Chihuahas, Boxers, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Jack Russell Terriers.
All these dogs have in common that they make great family pets. They are devoted, loving companion animals, which makes them very similar to the Boston Terrier.