A cross between an English bulldog and a white English terrier is what makes a Boston terrier.
Originally crossbred in Boston during the 19th century which was meant to be utilized for pit fighting, this breed was later recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a non-sporting breed and has been Massachusetts’ official state dog since 1979.
The pattern of its velvety coat is comparable to a tuxedo; thus, getting the American gentleman nickname.
This small yet sturdy dog normally weighs up to 25 pounds and stands approximately 17 inches tall. It’s normally being mistaken as a French bulldog since they look almost identical.
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What is the Average Price of Owning a Boston Terrier?
In this article, we will catalog all the costs of owning a Boston terrier– from the preparation costs to buying the darling canine. We will also tackle in detail the sum of money it’ll set you back in order to maintain the pet. The sum is inclusive of the expenses on hygiene, grooming, medical, and insurance – all the means needed to hold on to these affectionate creatures.
Upfront Cash Outs to Owning a Boston Terrier
A Boston terrier would typically go for about $25 to $300 when acquired from shelters and rescue facilities and $600 up to $4,350 per pooch when purchased from sellers and breeders. The selling price is determined by elements like the pup’s age, gender, type of breed, what comes with the purchase, and the source.
In addition, the Boston terrier price relies heavily on where you choose to pick up your dog; if it’s from a pet store, a breeder, a shelter or a rescue. Even so, it is highly suggested that you get your furry little angels only from reputable sources, may it be a well-respected breeder or a reputable animal shelter.
Also prepare for a budget to cover the following expenses below, aside from the dog price:
- Shelter
First things first, it is vital that you get a crate to get your Boston terrier settled in with its new home and environment. A home crate goes for $14 for the basic to about $427 for the big ticket one. Equally essential is a crate pad that would run for $5 to $160, varying on how fancy you want it.
In addition, your dog will need a food bowl, priced at $2 to $180 and access to clean water by having a water bowl that costs about $5 to $90 each. The cheapest ones are made of plastic which may save you some money in the short term but note that your pups will chew on them and bite marks on plastic may lead to bacteria growth.
An efficient option is to get a good-sized ceramic or a stainless steel bowl that is well fitted for your Boston. It is also more efficient to get a heavier bowl to avoid food and water spillage.
- Training
Another key to a stress-free life with your dog is proper training. You can take your pup to a canine obedience school or get a trained professional to get the training started. A general obedience class would start from $150, depending on your location and the age of your pup.
- License
Although the licensing and regulations depend on your area, it’s not a bad idea to get your dog licenses as well. The base price of an annual dog license is $35 on an average. A separate permit might be needed depending on your area.
- Microchip
Another thing you might want to look at is getting a dog microchip to safeguard your beloved pet. Although there are reputable breeders who would include this bonus on the purchase cost, some wouldn’t.
On an average, the microchip not inclusive of the veterinarian’s fee would go from $14. This would also get your pet’s information in the pet database just in case it gets lost. Although, if you adopt your pet from a shelter, it’s highly likely that it is already microchipped.
What’s Included When I Buy a Boston Terrier?
If you’re buying your Boston from a pet store, you might get a free food sample, a cage or a collar solely hinged on the pet store you’re going to. However, if you go to a breeder or a shelter, you will only walk away with your new pet.
So, before you go sprinting to the first shelter you see, it’s only sensible to have the essentials ready for your furball’s arrival.
However, important documentations might be available upon purchase depending on the source. Reputable breeders typically hand over your new pet and its parent’s medical records as an assurance of its health.
Recurring Cost of Owning a Boston Terrier
- Food costs
You need to figure out the best food to give your dog. Giving your Boston terrier food high in animal protein is an excellent choice. An adult dog would consume up to 30 pounds of dog food. The prices start from $0.50 to $256 but a 4.5-pound bag of dry food would normally start at $9.
Make it a point to do an extensive research on dog’s diet that’s made specifically for small breeds before you make a large food purchase. Consider the dry, canned and semi-moist variety when making a purchase. Getting samples is one of the smart ways to go about knowing which food is best for your canine.
On the other hand, treats are something that should only be given occasionally to your pup. Treats cost less than a dollar up to $470 for bones or chew sticks, depending on the quantity and the quality.
- Hygiene Costs
Basic hygiene items to keep your dog clean and fresh all the time should be on the priority list. Items such as dog shampoo ranges from $2 to $147, toothpaste which is around $2.50 to $18, a toothbrush starting from $4 to $13, a nail clipper each for $5.50 to $53, and be sure to grab some flea, tick, and parasite control items which would go for $6 to $80.
- Medical Costs
As a responsible fur-parent, you should make sure you have copies of your fur baby’s medical records. You can get those records for free from where you bought your dog. This is to ensure that your pet is healthy at all times.
Another thing you can do when you get your pup from a reputable breeder, you can also get its parent’s medical records, to certify that your pup is disease free.
Immediately after purchasing your Boston, you need to take it to the vet right away just to be safe. The average cost for vet consultation is $35 to $48 per visit. In terms of annual immunization, individual prices range from $14 to $25 depending on the age of your pup.
- Grooming
It is paramount that your dog gets enough exercise and stays well groomed. For professional grooming service for this bath-only breed type, the basic rate comes to about $25 to $45, depending on the salon.
- Travel and Recreation
When you’re planning to travel with your Boston terrier, there will be expenses involved. Aside from the actual airline costs for traveling with your pup, you would need a few essential items too.
First is an airline-approved crate that you can also use to transport your pups to the vet (just to avoid buying multiple crates). The said crate would go from $30 to $326 relying on how fancy you wish it to be.
Dog leashes, collars or harness are also important to have in handy. Prices start at $3.50. On top of that, must-haves are clean-up bags, water, and food travel bowls that normally start at $2.50 each.
- Toys and Exercise
Keep your pet busy at home and when traveling by getting it doggie toys worth a dollar to as steep as $200.
There’s a wide variety of toy choices so make sure you choose the best ones for your Boston. It needs to be constantly occupied and getting it interactive toys like those versatile chew toys or a weighted bottom toys is never a bad idea. Those costing $11 and up are great options.
Furthermore, it’s vital to keep your dog healthy by proper exercise. Although this pup is a home buddy and doesn’t require too much exercise, a frequent walk outside will be beneficial. Playing fetch is also one of its favorite games. Likewise, mentally stimulating exercises are excellent for this Boston pup especially when you live in a small home.
- Insurance
Dog ownership is very costly, apart from the great responsibility. So, it is understandable to seek for possible assistance in times of emergencies and uncertainties, especially if you are working on a budget.
Dog insurance is optional but can definitely save the day when the need arises. Typical coverage costs around $44 per month, the accident only policy starts at $38, and the accident and illness policy has a base rate of $46 and up.
Factors That Can Affect Price
The price of a Boston Terrier is determined by the mode by which it was bought. Adopted pets from respected shelters and rescue facilities would go for $25 to $300, while well-bred puppies from reputable breeders would range from $2,350 to $4,350 for the pure breeds.
Some breeders would also charge a higher rate for a female Boston, seeing that there seem to be more males available in the market.
Also, age matters when it comes to the price. New pups would average from $2,350 to $4,450 and adults would go from $1,950 to $2,350.
Boston Terrier Buying and Caring Tips
If you’re looking to adopt, you might want to check out the sites like Petfinder or AdoptAPet. Both are good all-breed rescue listing sites. Likewise, The Boston Terrier Club of America has links to breed rescue.
Equally, well-respected breeders like Premier Pups or Puppy Spot are also good places to start if you prefer to go that route instead.
Remember that every Boston terrier is different, even though some have similar traits. It is imperative that you test the canine’s temperament and check if it jives with yours for a longer and healthier life together.
Dog-proofing your house is a must before you take your new Boston terrier home. Make your home pet-friendly by going through your entire house to look out for things that can harm your new pet. Get things like cords, small toys, chewing gums, and household cleaners out of the way.
Aside from those toxic household items, look out for certain food and plants that are toxic to it as well. What’s safe for us might be deadly for your dog so make it a point to educate yourself about your little darlings.
If you currently have other pets in the house, check how they interact with each other before you leave them alone. Moreover, keep the hotline for pet poison control handy in cases of emergency.
Bringing a Boston terrier home and getting everything ready for it is not an easy task. But just imagine looking at those big expressive eyes and I’m sure it’ll all be worth it!
