Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
American Hairless Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
American Hairless Terrier Overview
American Hairless Terriers showcase a muscular, elegant build with smooth, warm skin in various color combinations. Their alert expression and graceful movement reflect their terrier heritage. Standing 12-16 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a balanced, athletic physique with a distinctive wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes that convey their intelligent, inquisitive nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boston Terriers are less energetic than American Hairless Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require less grooming attention compared to American Hairless Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than American Hairless Terriers.
- Trainability: American Hairless Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Hairless Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Hairless Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Boston Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Boston Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 12-16 inches 30-41 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 12-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Energetic, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | American Hairless Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Hairless Terrier Temperament
The American Hairless Terrier is characterized by being energetic, alert, curious, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Boston Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
American Hairless Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Hairless Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Hairless Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Hairless Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
American Hairless Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Dental issues
- Patella luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart issues
Pros & Cons
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
American Hairless Terrier
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for families
- Low maintenance grooming
- Highly adaptable
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Needs sun protection
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boston Terrier and American Hairless Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.