Are you looking for a dog who’s got a lot of heart, but inside a stocky little body? If yes, look no further than the Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix!
Commonly referred to as a “Boston Pit,” this hybrid dog breed combines the energy of a Boston Terrier with the loyal nature of a Pit Bull. As far as dog mixes go, this muscular pooch is definitely a unique one.
Curious if a Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix is a good fit?
DoggieHQ outlines the characteristics, history, and health of this one-of-a-kind breed.
Why People Love the Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix Breed
These dogs are full of smiles. There’s so much to love!
Each year, the American Kennel Club releases a list of most popular dog breeds in the U.S. And without fail, the Boston Terrier always makes the cut. People love Boston Terriers for loads of reasons, including their silly personalities, goofy tongue grins, and handsome black and white coats.
Likewise, Pit Bull owners are some of the most devoted dog parents in the universe. In fact, it’s estimated the 20% of all dogs in the U.S. are labeled as Pit Bull-type dogs.
A Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix is the best of both worlds.
People love them because they are:
- Alert
- Spirited
- Eager to please
- Trainable
- Faithful
- Courageous
- Obedient
- Good guard dogs
- Medium size
- Low shedding
- No drooling
These traits make them an excellent choice for somebody who wants a loyal four-legged companion. Boston Terrier Pit Bull mixes form very deep emotional bonds with their families. Believe it or not, they will often “pick” their favorite human!
For this reason, they do best with an experienced dog owner who understands canine psychology and has time to properly train them to be polite, happy, and confident pets.
Keep in mind, Boston Pits can have a stubborn streak. They aren’t naughty dogs…not at all. Those big brains and loyal hearts just require some extra support. Enrolling in training classes is a must for this strong-willed hybrid breed.
Breed Histories
So, where did the Boston Terrier Pit Bull come from?
Did these two separate breeds mix by accident, or were they purposely developed?
To answer these questions, we must time travel all the way back to the last half of the 19th century. Modern Boston Terriers can be traced back to a man named Robert C. Hooper who was from…yup, you guessed it! Boston, Massachusetts.
Originally, the Boston Terriers were bred by combining an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Horrifically, Boston Terriers were created for the sole purpose of dogfighting. In time, other breeds such as the Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, and Manchester were added until finally, those sweet little dogs we all recognize came to be.
Terrier Hub shares that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1983.
That’s a (very!) brief history of the Boston Terrier. Now, what about Pit Bulls?
The Smart Canine points out that Pit Bulls get a bad reputation. There is a stereotype floating around that all Pit Bulls are dangerous, vicious, uncontrollable, and more likely to bite. These rumors likely arose due to their violent history. Like the Boston Terrier, Pit Bulls were the victims of blood sports in the 1800’s. In the United Kingdom they were used in dog fights and for rat baiting.
Then, before the Civil War immigrants from Europe arrived on the shores of North America, and the so-called “Pit Bull Terrier” came along to guard families and livestock, act as a nanny to children, and help with frontier life. Love-A-Bull explains that during WWI and WWII, Pit Bulls even became wartime dogs.
All that bravery was hugely appealing to soldiers!
Today, Pit Bulls are companions.
However, they still have a drive to work, often doing well as police dogs, law enforcement, search and rescue, and in sports like weight pulling.
Overview of the Boston Terrier Mixed with a Pit Bull
Remember, a Boston Terrier Pit Bull puppy will have the genetics of both sets of parents. That means that breed details can be unpredictable.
Size: 17-19 inches
Weight: Approximately 25 – 60 lbs
Temperament/Personality: Alert, even-tempered, joyful, social, energetic, intelligent
Lifespan: Between 10 – 15 years
Unique Qualities: With proper training, they can make fantastic sports dogs, guard dogs, and household companions for families with older children
Do they shed: All dogs shed a little. Yet generally speaking, Boston Pits are low to moderate shedders. The Pit Bull half does shed year-round, since they are a single-coated breed. Regular grooming in the form of weekly brushing will keep dead hair and dander under control.
Hypoallergenic: No
Health Issues: Of the two breeds, Boston Terriers have more health concerns than Pit Bulls. A hybrid is at risk of the following: Brachycephalic Syndrome AKA breathing problems, sensitive skin, allergies, some cancers, and digestive issues. Before adopting a Boston Pit, talk to your breeder about the dam and sire’s medical histories.
Family Friendly: Yes, but preferably with older children.
What Does A Boston Pit Look Like
The appearance of a Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix can be summarized in one word – cute!
First, they have gigantic heads. Like seriously…big and round, with eyes that seem to pop. This is due to their large skulls. Actually, in U.S., there were once fondly known as “The American Gentleman.”
Why?
Notice the classic black and white marking on their fur. It sort of looks like they are wearing tuxedo, doesn’t it? Very gentlemanly, indeed!
But beyond their tough, muscular legs and giant heads, Boston Pits can look very different from one another. It all depends on what genes get passed on from their mother and father. No two will look exactly the same.
Still, most will have:
- Short and broad muzzles
- Upright ears
- Ears that stand up like triangles
- White patches on the chest / face
- Short coats
- Brown eyes
They can range in colors from:
- White
- Black
- Brindle
- Fawn
How Big Do They Get?
Despite their tough exteriors, Boston Terrier Pit Bulls don’t get too big.
Most won’t surpass an adult’s knees in height. Of course, the larger the Pit Bull or smaller the Boston Terrier, the more of a difference breeders are likely to see. Puppies will start off about the size of an apple and weigh only a few lbs. As they grow into adults, approximately 25 – 60 lbs is the norm.
As always, males are typically larger than females.
Boxer
(Video) Top 15 Pitbull Terrier Mix Breeds | Dog WorldBullmastiff
Staffordshire Terrier
Is a Boston Terrier Pit Bull a Bully Breed?
People sometimes get confused over the term “bully breed.” Let’s clear that up. Essentially, a bully breed is a label applied to particular dog breeds. American Pit Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, French Bulldogs, and Staffordshire Terriers all fall under the umbrella of bully breed.
So, yes.
If you look at the historic roots of where Boston Terrier Pit Bulls are descended from, they can be considered a bully breed.
Common Health Issues
Of course, you’ll want to make sure your new furry best friend is as healthy as possible!
Hybrid dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs, but it’s still important to be aware of any potential health issues that could arise. According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, the top claims for short-faced breeds (like the Boston Pit) include:
- Growths/cancer
- Skins issues
- Eye conditions
- Ear infections
- Digestion issues
Pit Bulls can also suffer from hip dysplasia.
The key to having a healthy Boston Pit? Regular exercise, high-quality food, and regular veterinarian checkups.
Places to Find Boston Pits – Rescues, Puppies, and Adoptions
Unlike other celebrity designer dogs, it’s tricky to find a Boston Pit.
Serena Williams, Orlando Bloom, Madonna, and Usher have all owned Pit Bulls, yet locating a responsibly bred hybrid mix proves much more challenging (for famous people and ordinary folks alike!) The website pitbullpuppies.org estimates a puppy will cost anywhere between $750 to $900. Petsidi places the price of a registered pup closer to $1200.
Or, you could seek out an adult dog.
The easiest place to look is through animal rescues and shelters.
For example, The Boston Terrier Club of America has their own rescue committee and works with various organizations and volunteers. They are 100% committed to helping Boston Terriers, as they say, “regardless of pedigree, health condition, or age.” Therefore, it may be possible to find a Boston Pit rescue through this group.
Unfortunately, Pit Bull mixes are the #1 most common breed in shelters. Their reputation for being aggressive, strong-willed, and energetic is often to blame. On a positive note, this also makes finding a mixed breed – such as half Pit, half Boston – much easier.
They are out there!
You’ll just have to do some research and talk to knowledgeable dog rescuers and/or breeders. Keep an eye on websites like Petfinder, too.
Final Thoughts
Have you fallen in love yet? Without a doubt, the Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix is an exceptional dog breed. Their long history has earned both Boston Terriers and Pits two much-loved spots in the canine world.
If you want a dog that is smart, eager to please, handsome, and has an unbeatable smile, a Boston Terrier Pit Bull could be the ideal pooch for you.
FAQs
How big will a Boston Terrier pitbull mix get? ›
Appearance. Size-wise, the Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix will be anywhere from 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder. Their weight can be around 25 to 30 pounds on the low end to about 60 pounds in larger dogs.
What is a Boston Terrier mixed with a pitbull? ›What is this? A Boston Terrier Pitbull mix or simply a Boston Pit is a cross between a purebred Boston Terrier and a Pitbull. You can expect them to be medium to large dogs that are even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal companions. Unexpectedly, these dogs usually grow up not resembling either of their parent breeds.
What two dog breeds make a Boston Terrier? ›The Boston Terrier is the result of a cross between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier, later considerably inbred. The AKC admitted the Boston Terrier in 1893. The original sire and dam of the Boston Terrier breed (the Bulldog and English Terrier that were bred) were named "Judge" and "GYP".
Are Boston Terriers part pitbull? ›A Boston Terrier isn't a Pitbull, although the breed's bloodline came from the English Bulldog and the extinct White English Terriers.
How long do BoJack dogs live? ›The BoJack Terrier is a well-mannered family dog that can live 12-15 years and reach about 15-20 pounds at full growth.
Is a Boston Terrier a bully breed? ›What are bully breeds? Bully breed is a generic term used to identify a variety of terrier-type dogs such as American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers and French Bulldogs.
What is a Boston bully? ›Description: Bully Boston is a crossbreed of Boston Terrier and English Bulldog. The breed is known for their small to medium frame and stout body. Boston Bulldogs get their large head shape from their Bulldog descendants paired with a short muzzle, broad black nose, wide nostrils and large cheeks.
What is a pitbull terrier mix called? ›A Pitbull Terrier Mix can also be called a Pitweiler. It's one of the most popular “guard dog” breeds yet friendly and loyal to its family.
Where do Boston Terriers rank in intelligence? ›But as a potential owner, you may wonder if these care-free dogs are intelligent as well. The Boston Terriers is the 100th smartest dog breed for “obedience and working intelligence.” And while this is just “average,” they're actually smarter than you think.
Which is better male or female Boston Terrier? ›Male Boston Terriers are better if you're interested in a dog that's clingy, playful, and excels at protecting an entire territory. Female Boston Terriers are better if you want a puppy that's independent, intelligent, cautious, and respects your time alone.
Is it better to have 2 Boston Terriers? ›
Having two Boston Terriers at home has been the best experience. This breed is bred to be companion dogs not only to us as their owner handlers but to each other. After having two Bostons I can never envision anything else and plan to always have two in our home.
How long do Boston Terriers live? › How often should you bathe your Boston Terrier? ›The Boston Terrier does require regular bathing and grooming. This lively and intelligent little dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle. With this smooth coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat.
Is a Boston bull terrier the same as a Boston Terrier? ›Because the Boston Bull Terrier and the Boston Terrier have similar sounding names, many people believe they're one and the same. The truth is that the Boston Terrier is a purebred dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893 while the Boston Bull Terrier is a mixed breed not recognized by the AKC.
Are Boston Terriers good house dogs? ›Boston Terriers make for great family pets and are known for their affectionate nature and bursts of energy. They love human interaction and like to be doted on. They are perfectly happy in smaller homes and apartments providing their exercise needs are met.
How big is a Boston Terriers brain? ›| Breed (alphabetical order) | Dog N | Mean brain weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Terriera | 12 | 73.22 |
| Boxera | 12 | 98.95 |
| Bulldoga | 11 | 94.78 |
| Chihuahuaa | 9 | 55.10 |
Boston Terriers are known for being very intelligent — sometimes too much so. Their lively, affectionate nature makes them extremely loveable, though their sometimes stubborn nature or spurts of hyperactivity can land them in hot water with their owners.
Do Boston Terriers like being held? ›Yes, Boston Terriers love to cuddle with their owners. And Boston's can be known to want to cuddle all day long. Cuddles provide Boston with warmth, affection, and a sense of belonging. As well as an increase in oxytocin levels and a decrease in cortisol levels.
What dog is similar to Boston Terrier? ›Shared Heritage. Because they are both smaller descendants of the Bulldog, the Boston and Frenchie share certain characteristics, like their sturdy compact bodies and short muzzles. According to Stansell, the Frenchie originated as a Toy Bulldog in England during the Industrial Revolution.
How much does a BoJack puppy cost? ›Part of this is because the purebred puppies from both of the parents are typically less expensive dogs. The Jack Russell Terrier costs $500 to $600, and the Boston Terrier is only slightly more at $600 to $800 for a puppy, depending on the breeder.
What is the biggest bully breed? ›
XL. This type of Bully is another that is an amendment of the Standard. The XL is stronger and taller than the Standard which makes it the biggest of the Bully breeds. Breeding XL Bullies can be quite difficult, however, as meeting requirements is hard considering the overall size of these dogs.
What two dogs make a Pocket bully? ›Pocket Bullies are a cross between American Bullies and the Patterdale Terrier. American Bullies are a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. So, yes, Pocket Bullies have “Pit Bull” in their genetic makeup, but they're also distinctly different from Pit Bulls.
What two dogs make a American Bully? ›The American Bully was created through years of selective breeding by combining the desired traits of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier. Some lines have added other bully breeds into the mix and sometimes non bully breeds.
Are Boston Bulldogs smart? ›A well-rounded, happy-go-lucky dog, the English Boston-Bulldog has a comical appearance and a goofy personality that makes them great family dogs. The pups are quite intelligent and can be quick to train, especially when coupled with patience and consistent command patterns.
What is the difference between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog? ›The Boston terrier is leaner and taller, standing up to 17 inches, whereas the Frenchie is stockier and shorter at about 13 inches. The bulldog is also more hefty than the terrier. "Boston terriers are easier to pick up than French bulldogs," Moyano says.
What is a French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix called? ›The Frenchton is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Boston Terrier and French Bulldog breeds. Sturdy, sociable, playful, and chill, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
What is the rarest pitbull breed? ›For years the typical Pitbull has been seen in black, white, blue, red, fawn, brown and brindle. However, the most special and rarest of them all is the tri-color. Tri-color Pitbulls have a coat that is made of three colors.
What owning a pitbull says about you? ›Pit Bulls. Pit bulls have a strong desire to please and will do anything for their family or friends. Pit bull owners are courageous, full of vitality, and are constantly looking out for those they love. They enjoy being around children and make excellent parents and grandparents.
Why do Boston Terriers love blankets? ›The Boston Terrier is comfortable and secure in a small space that feels like a den. His instinctive burrowing behavior tells him that he feels safe and secure in a small protected place. Going under the covers plays into his instincts to burrow and then nestle into the small, warm den he has made.
Why are Boston Terriers so special? ›They are known for their boundless energy and fun-loving ways. They can provide endless entertainment with their silly antics. They are also typically sweet, smart, and easy to train. Boston Terriers tend to love people and make great dogs for families.
Why does my Boston Terrier lick my face so much? ›
Why do Boston Terriers lick so much? For the Boston Terrier, licking is a form of communication, and there are several reasons behind this: to show affection or submission, to request for food or to get a taste of something, caused by a medical condition, or an instinctive response.
Do Boston Terriers pick one person? ›Extremely sensitive to his owner's moods, some Boston Terriers are one-person dogs, with a special affinity for the elderly. But many are outgoing with everyone, and even the ones who are a bit standoffish are polite. Yet he is a dependable watchdog who will let you know when someone is at the door.
Can a Boston Terrier defend itself? ›Territorial aggression is one of the most common types of aggression in dogs. One of the reasons the Boston terrier is so loved is because they're loyal family dogs—and as such, they may guard and defend their homes if they see someone or something as a threat.
Can Boston Terriers be left alone? ›Boston Terriers are devoted companions that prefer company, but they can be left home alone for four to eight hours if a safe space—such as a dogproof area or a crate—is provided. They can be difficult to housetrain, and being left alone before they've learned to hold their bladder may compound the issue.
Are Boston Terriers jealous dogs? ›The Boston Terrier does not take teasing lightly. He becomes jealous and possessive, but you can help him work through this by training him out of it at an early age. This breed is also not used to being close to other dogs.
Are Boston Terriers good off leash? ›Boston Terriers may not be large dogs, but they are strong and they are known to be leash pullers. Training your Boston Terrier to walk nicely on a leash may be a challenge, but it's not impossible. You should always able to walk your dog without fear of losing an arm!
Why do Boston Terriers shake? ›Boston Terriers shake for various reasons, such as excitement, nervousness, cold temperatures, anxiety, stress or a medical issue. There are a number of ways you can use to discern the reason for their shaking (or shivering) so you can make are aware of when it's a concern or not.
What is a pitbull terrier mix called? ›A Pitbull Terrier Mix can also be called a Pitweiler. It's one of the most popular “guard dog” breeds yet friendly and loyal to its family.
What is a Boston bully? ›Description: Bully Boston is a crossbreed of Boston Terrier and English Bulldog. The breed is known for their small to medium frame and stout body. Boston Bulldogs get their large head shape from their Bulldog descendants paired with a short muzzle, broad black nose, wide nostrils and large cheeks.
What is a Boglen? ›The Boglen Terrier is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Beagle and Boston Terrier dog breeds. These dogs are known to be playful, spunky, loyal, and often times, stubborn. This lovable and perky mix has proven to become quite popular among owners from various backgrounds.
How big do pit terriers get? ›
The American Pit Bull Terrier varies in size: males are normally about 18–21 inches (45–53 cm) in height and around 35–60 pounds (15–27 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 17–20 inches (43–50 cm) in height and 30–50 pounds (13–22 kg) in weight.
What is the rarest pitbull breed? ›For years the typical Pitbull has been seen in black, white, blue, red, fawn, brown and brindle. However, the most special and rarest of them all is the tri-color. Tri-color Pitbulls have a coat that is made of three colors.
Are Boston Bulldogs smart? ›A well-rounded, happy-go-lucky dog, the English Boston-Bulldog has a comical appearance and a goofy personality that makes them great family dogs. The pups are quite intelligent and can be quick to train, especially when coupled with patience and consistent command patterns.
What is the difference between a Boston Terrier and a Boston Bulldog? ›The three major distinguishing factors between these two types of dogs are weight, height, and coat color. Boston Bulldogs are a bit bulkier as they weigh between 20-35 pounds while Boston Terriers weigh between 10-25 pounds. In terms of height, Boston Bulldogs can grow up to 17 inches on average.
What is the difference between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog? ›The Boston terrier is leaner and taller, standing up to 17 inches, whereas the Frenchie is stockier and shorter at about 13 inches. The bulldog is also more hefty than the terrier. "Boston terriers are easier to pick up than French bulldogs," Moyano says.
What breed is a Boggle dog? ›A boggle is a designer crossbreed created by mixing a boxer with a beagle. These dogs are also often referred to as bogles or boxels. How much do boggles cost to own? The average cost of a purebred boggle is somewhere between $700 and $1,000.
What type of dog is a Frengle? ›The Frengle is a mixed dog breed–a cross between the French Bulldog and Beagle dog breeds. Charismatic, affectionate, and even-tempered, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
What kind of dog is a Borkie? ›A Borkie is a hybrid result of breeding a Beagle with a Yorkshire Terrier. It's a small dog known for its loyalty, intelligence and affectionate nature. Though their coat is silky like a Yorkshire Terrier's, it is usually tricolor like a Beagle's.
What owning a pitbull says about you? ›Pit Bulls. Pit bulls have a strong desire to please and will do anything for their family or friends. Pit bull owners are courageous, full of vitality, and are constantly looking out for those they love. They enjoy being around children and make excellent parents and grandparents.
Are male or female pitbulls better? ›If you have children in the house, male Pitbulls are much better playmates than their female counterparts. But the female Pitbulls are much calmer and less clumsy, which is excellent if you intend to bring them to family outings. If you have a cat or other pets in the house, it would be smarter to get a male Pitbull.
How smart are pit bulls? ›
The Pit Bull, namely the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, are average to above average intelligent dogs. For obedience & working intelligence, they're the 94th and 48th smartest dog breeds, respectively.