Choosing to buy my Boston Terrier was a long, thought-out process. I wanted to ensure that I purchased a healthy puppy from a reputable source but also didn’t spend more than I needed to. Thankfully, my research paid off and I found the perfect companion.
Boston Terriers cost, on average, about $1,300. When compared to similar breeds this is very comparable. Some outliers cost a lot less but for the most part, breeds that are considered comparable have comparable prices.
If you are considering purchasing a Boston Terrier and are interested in learning more about their costs, where to purchase them, and the costs of alternative breeds, then you should read on for more information. We will also discuss the pros and cons of places you can buy them.
How Much Do Boston Terriers Cost?
When shopping online for a purebred Boston Terrier, the average price is approximately $1,300. The price can vary anywhere from $350 to $3300, depending on the breeder.
You need to be cautious about the Boston Terrier’s health and origin when you are doing your research. When you purchase a Boston Terrier puppy, you need to know where it’s coming from. You should never purchase a dog you believe to be from a backyard breeder or puppy mill.
While you should consider the cost, you also need to consider where the puppy is coming from. This will determine their overall health and well-being right now and down the line.
Backyard breeders are known for selling sick dogs with no regard for their well-being, which is why you should only buy from a reputable breeder. The price of the pup will increase if they are from a superior line and have a verifiable pedigree.
These dogs hold titles from sports competitions and dog shows and their lineage can be traced back at least four generations. Additionally, the breeders will provide all the necessary health certifications and genetic testing that guarantee the dog’s well-being.
How Much Does Adopting a Boston Terrier Typically Cost?
Adoption prices are much lower, ranging between $100 and $500, depending on the age of the Boston Terrier. Like with breeders, you’ll want to look for a reputable rescue group.
They will ensure that your new dog is healthy, free of parasites, up-to-date on vaccinations, neutered or spayed, and microchipped. Additionally, some will be able to give you information on the dog’s history or hold paperwork for them.
Where Are the Best Places to Purchase a Boston Terrier?
There are several pros and cons to every option of acquiring a Boston Terrier. These are some of the more common options.
Reputable Rescue Centers
Shelters and rescues are typically the cheapest options for buying a Boston Terrier. Your new dog will have all of its health needs taken care of. They usually have a wide range of Boston Terriers available to choose from.
On the downside, they do not generally have 12-week-old puppies. The available dogs also do not have background information, AKC registration, or medical history on file.
Reputable Breeders
Boston Terriers that are purchased from reputable breeders will come with AKC registration and purebred certification. They will also have their genetic and health testing completed. These dogs will be microchipped, parasite-free, and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Additionally, they will be healthy puppies that are socialized. The only real downside to this method of purchase is the high cost.
Craigslist
While Craigslist can often be a source for the cheapest puppies around, it is rife with negatives. It can be the number one place for you to get scammed and the ads will look too good to be true.
There will be no AKC registration, the dogs have a high chance of being unhealthy, and you may be purchasing a puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
Pet Stores
Pet stores often offer medium prices; however, these can go as high as a breeder’s prices. However, there will be no AKC registration, the dogs often come from puppy mills, and the dogs are not socialized and may have health problems.
Similar Breeds and Their Costs
Several breeds have similar features as the Boston Terrier and may sometimes even be confused with them. These breeds are often alternative options to purchasing a Boston Terrier. These are a few similar breeds and their costs so that you can compare them.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers have a similar appearance to Boston Terriers because they both have short coats. However, the Border Terrier has rough fur compared to the Boston Terrier’s fine coat. The average cost for a Border Terrier is between $800 and $1,500.
Boxer
When a Boxer is sitting, it has the distinct appearance of a Boston Terrier because of its square head. Additionally, they are both stocky and muscular. A Boxer costs, on average, between $1,000 and $3,500.
Brussels Griffon
Both the Brussels Griffon and the Boston Terrier have flat faces but the former has a more prominent chin with larger eyes. The typical cost of a Brussels Griffon ranges between $1,500 and $4,000.
Bulldog
The average cost of the American Bulldog is between $1,500 and $3,500. Like the Boston Terrier, the Bulldog has a short-muzzled head with wrinkles on its face.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is similar to the Boston Terrier in that it has short legs and perky ears. The most noticeable difference is its fox-like face. The typical cost for a Cairn Terrier ranges between $1,200 and $2,000.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Featuring an undershot jaw and expressive eyes just like the Boston Terrier, the Dogue de Bordeaux is yet another similar breed. The average cost for a Dogue de Bordeaux is $1,000 to $3,500.
Norwich Terrier
Both Boston and Norwich Terriers have perky ears and compact facial features. The most telling difference between the two is the Norwich Terrier’s slightly foxy expression. The Norwich Terrier typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog and Boston Terrier are both small, brachycephalic breeds. The Boston Terrier is the slightly taller of the two while the Frenchie is more muscular. French Bulldogs generally cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is like the Boston Terrier in that it also has a short, smooth coat. The likeness has given the impression that the two breeds are related somewhere in the past. The average cost for a Jack Russell Terrier is from $600 to $1,500.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a Boston Terrier, you need to take your time and really do your research. It is important to only purchase from a reputable dealer or rescue.
When compared to similar breeds, Boston Terriers are generally no more expensive. They average roughly the same cost as dogs with similar characteristics with only a few outliers.
Whether you choose to adopt or purchase a Boston Terrier, you will be making the investment of a lifetime. You will be bringing home your new best friend, not just a dog.