Boston Terrier vs Chihuahua
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
Chihuahua
Toy 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.
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boston Terriers are less energetic than Chihuahuas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Chihuahuas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chihuahuas.
- Trainability: Chihuahuas may be slightly easier to train due to their Chihuahua's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahua, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Charming, Graceful, Sassy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is characterized by being charming, graceful, sassy, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Chihuahua, 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
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
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.
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas 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
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
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
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boston Terrier and Chihuahua, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.