We’ve had our Boston Terrier for five years, and she is one of the fastest dogs I’ve seen. When she goes outside to play, there’s just no stopping her. So, it made me wonder, how fast can a Boston Terrier run?
Boston Terriers run at an average speed of 21 mph but can peak at 25 mph. While they can run quickly for short bursts, they are not built for long-distance running and cannot typically sustain the pace for more than one mile. However, given the right conditions, they can hike up to eight miles.
You should continue reading if you would like to learn more about the running speeds of Boston Terriers. I will also discuss how much exercise they need and how you can provide it. I will also cover whether you can make your Boston Terrier your running partner and what causes the zoomies.
Maximum Speed a Boston Terrier Can Run
The average running speed of a Boston Terrier is around 21 mph. However, they can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. While this may seem fast, compare it to the Greyhound, which can run at a top speed of 45 mph.
Boston Terriers have a compact and muscular form that allows them to move quickly. Because of the breed’s fast speed, you should never leave your dog unattended outside. Additionally, you will want to keep your dog in an enclosed space, such as a gated yard or park, where he cannot run into the road or get away from you.
Their speed also makes them excellent at agility courses. While they are not considered sports dogs, they are top-of-class when learning these obstacle courses.
How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers Need?
Your Boston Terrier will need regular daily exercise. He may have the ability to play hard and go for hours before tiring. However, his age will affect how much exercise is safe for his well-being.
You should provide a walk at least 45 to 60 minutes long each day. It’s even better if you can break it up into two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening. Establishing a routine would be the best option for your daily walks.
A Boston Terrier requires purposeful high-intensity activity. This can be anything from fetch to free play with toys. This type of activity will also need to be provided daily.
Running is an option for exercise, but whether it’s ideal for your dog depends on his health and if he has brachycephalic syndrome.
Boston Terrier puppies need a different level of exercise. Because their bones are still developing, they require much less physical stimulation than adults. For every one month of age, they need five minutes of walking time. So, for a three-month-old puppy, he would only need to take a 15-minute walk.
You also need to provide age-appropriate toys and allow him to socialize with other dogs to burn off some of his energy.
Older Boston Terriers also require less activity as they have less energy to expend. They also may have joint pains that prevent them from moving as much as the younger dogs. You will have to find the balance that your senior dog needs.
Can You Go Running With a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are not considered the best runners. Because of the brachycephalic syndrome that many suffer from, they have difficulty breathing while exerting that kind of energy. This condition makes this type of dog more suited to long hikes than running long distances.
They are more suited to short bursts of energy release instead of sustained high-intensity exercise. For this reason, taking your Boston Terrier running with you is not ideal. He is simply not built for that type of activity.
A healthy Boston Terrier cannot typically exceed a one-mile run. However, a Boston Terrier in excellent shape could conceivably complete an eight-mile hike on a day that’s not too hot and with plenty of water breaks.
If you take your Boston Terrier on a run, ensure it is not too hot outside, as the breed is prone to overheating. You will also need to monitor your dog for breathing problems, as his short snout can make it challenging to get enough air during vigorous exercise.
Boston Terrier Zoomies
There are some cases where your Boston Terrier’s energy just overflows and turns into a case of the zoomies. The zoomies are when your dog runs around uncontrollably, expelling all his pent-up energy.
There can be many causes for the zoomies. He may be bored, not getting enough exercise, or has been inside for too long.
You’ll want to provide a safe location for this activity. If he has a favorite spot in the house for zoomies, keep trip hazards out of the way. If it’s outside, ensure he cannot get into the street while free running.
Because your Boston Terrier is built for speed, he will be fast when having a case of the zoomies. It’s best to ensure he cannot hurt himself and has the freedom to work out his energy.
Boston Terriers Are a Medium Energy Breed
Your Boston Terrier is classified as a breed with medium energy. This classification means that your dog needs a good bit of stimulation to release that pent-up energy, or you will have severe cases of zoomies several times a day.
If you have a yard, you may find that taking your dog out to run in the yard is an excellent way to burn some of this energy off; however, that will not be enough activity. You will still need to add in the daily walks and high-stimulation playtime.
Final Thoughts
You’ve probably noticed by now that your Boston Terrier is a fast runner. When he is ready to go, he can shoot off like lightning. As a medium-energy dog, he will need to have enough stimulation physically and mentally to release his pent-up energy throughout the day. You may find that running for short periods will help with this.
Boston Terriers can run at a maximum speed of 25 mph but average at 21 mph. Due to their brachycephalic natures, they cannot sustain this pace for very long, with a mile being the maximum for an in-shape Boston Terrier. However, they can hike up to eight miles when the conditions are right.
You may find that despite all the activity you provide for your Boston Terrier, he still has a case of the zoomies. While the zoomies are sometimes caused by not getting enough exercise, being inside too much, or not getting enough mental stimulation, sometimes they can just happen. Ensure you are providing a safe space for your dog to work out his case of zoomies, so he doesn’t get hurt.