The Boston terrier was the first dog breed in the United States to be publicly documented. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a non-sporting breed. Due to their tuxedo-like shape, this breed is known as the “American Gentleman.”

They enjoy the company of their owners and are dedicated to them. They are the perfect friend dog for anyone no matter what stage they are at in life. The Boston terrier is a calm dog that is perfect for older people and also a great playfellow for children.

What Is the Usual Lifespan of Boston Terriers?

How long do Boston terriers live? That varies on a variety of factors. The Boston terrier has a lengthier lifespan than most dog breeds because it is a minor dog breed. That can range from 11 to 13 years. Researchers have examined why the lifespan of smaller dog breeds is longer.

Several studies and researches attempted to determine whether the lifespan of domestic dogs was related to their body size and whether the capability to proliferate cells was linked to relative longevity. According to these conclusions, dogs with large skeletal frames have longer life spans, but consistently low cellular propagation rates.

Small dogs have a longer lifetime and a developed rate of cellular proliferation, whereas dogs with small skeletal frames have a shorter lifespan. The life expectancy of dogs of many sizes was inversely linked to their body size when small, medium, and giant dogs were evaluated.

The Average Boston Terrier Life Cycle

Boston terriers live an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. You should also know about their life cycle. When Boston terriers are young, they are cute and tiny, but as they get older, they become active and love to play. There are certain things that you can expect while your Boston is growing.

Puppy

The ears and eyes of Boston terrier puppies are closed at birth just the same as those of other breeds. A baby Boston does not become conscious of hearing and seeing till two weeks of age. In this time, the puppy becomes used to moving around and using its eyes.

Boston terrier puppies will also start showing social behaviors and playing together when they are this age.

Youth

By six to eighteen months of age, Boston terriers are considered young adults. At this stage, you will see them displaying a lot of energy and being very hyper. They may even start acting violently or become defiant.

During this phase, it is suggested that you begin training your Boston terrier. By doing so, your dog will become calmer as an adult.

Maturity

At about 18 months of age, a Boston terrier enters adulthood. They are now adults and should no longer grow anymore. The weight and height of mature dogs range from 10 to 25 pounds and 16 inches tall.

You will see the Boston terrier’s character shine through at this point. They will generally be quite outgoing, making friends anywhere they go.

Senior

By the time they reach the age of seven or eight, Boston terriers become seniors. Their behavior can modify as they grow older. Their energy level will reduce as well as their reaction time may become gentler.

Aging Factors

Diet, environment, and genetics all play a part in defining the rate at which a breed will age.

Health

Health problems linked with Boston terriers are typically connected to their flat faces. These dogs often have trouble breathing and have eye hitches. They can also overheat quite simply. Boston terriers are susceptible to a lot of health problems including patellar luxation (misalignment of the kneecap), cataracts, corneal ulcers, cherry eyes, glaucoma, hemivertebrae, entropion, and brachycephalic syndrome.

Food and Environmental Influences

The breed’s well-being depends on a healthy and nutritious diet. There is a list of things not to do if you own a Boston terrier:

• Industrially ready and processed food
• Deficiency of physical movement and idle lifestyle
• Chlorinated water intake
• Exposure to toxic internal or external environment

For your Boston terrier to be protected from untimely aging, you must adapt to the diet plan and the atmosphere.

Genetics

Boston terriers are certainly inclined to hereditary diseases, including hemivertebrae, glaucoma, and cataracts. Reckless breeding is mainly to blame for these diseases.

In Boston terriers, large heads make cesarean sections a very common birth procedure. If the owner or breeder does not offer satisfactory care, the mother and babies are at high risk of injury and death.

Things to Do to Increase a Boston Terrier’s Lifespan

You now understand the answer to how long do Boston terriers live? You must understand the things you need to do and the care you have to take to possibly increase the lifespan of a Boston terrier.

Follow a Well-Adjusted and Nutritious Diet

For your dog to live a healthy and long life, it must eat a well-proportioned diet. You have to follow the suggested daily ratio for your dog’s food and make sure to give it only superior veterinary-quality food.

Include Antioxidants in Diet

Be sure to offer your dog sufficient antioxidants so that their bodies can be protected from free radical harm. Colorful fruits and vegetables and organic veterinary food contain antioxidants such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Hydration

Don’t forget the importance of drinking enough water. In a dry and/or warm environment, dogs also need to stay hydrated, just as humans do. Ensure that you provide filtered water for your dog. Every pound of weight of a dog requires approximately one ounce of water.

A 15-pound dog would therefore need a bit less than two cups of clean water per day. More water may be needed by active dogs and puppies.

Regulate Their Body Weight

To extend the lifespan of your doggie companion, it is imperative to preserve the ideal body weight. Keeping your dog lively and ensuring a proper diet plan can help them get the ideal body weight. You should not offer them table food and you should not surplus them with treats for training purposes.

Consistent Veterinary Checkups

You can maintain your dog’s health by arranging consistent medical examinations with your vet. To spot any diseases emerging in a dog’s body, regular checking and inspections are important.

Regular eye examinations are the only way to prevent and treat Boston terrier eye disorders since Boston terriers are more prone to eye infections.

Timely Vaccination

The key reason for vaccinations for dogs is to shield them against infectious diseases that are more generally detected in dogs. Ensure that your dog gets the essential vaccinations on schedule.

Vaccinations that are not needed may be avoided or an antibody test may be completed to determine the compulsory vaccinations.