If you have decided to bring home a new Boston Terrier, you could be wondering whether to get a female or a male dog. Knowing the differences can help you make the right decision. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about these two dogs in this Boston Terrier male vs female comparison.
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Boston Terrier Male vs Female General Overview
While both female and male Boston Terriers are loving towards their handlers, there are many variations in their personalities.
Male Boston Terriers
The height of male Boston Terriers is between 15-17 inches and they weigh around 10-25 pounds. Their lifespan ranges from 13-15 years while their cost is between $1,500-$2,000. Male Terriers also have more muscle mass and are bulkier.
Additionally, they’re amusing, friendly, and love to please their handlers. However, they’re more attention-seeking and like being pampered. Male Boston Terriers are also harder to train as they are slower learners. While they take time to reach mental maturity, they attain physical maturity quickly.
Male Boston Terriers also require high maintenance as they tend to be messier. They also get easily distracted and are clumsy around children. Although they’re good at protecting the whole family, they don’t get along with other animals. However, they like socializing with people as they enjoy bonding with family members.
Female Boston Terriers
Like male Terriers, female Bostons can also live between 13-15 years. However, they weigh between 9-20 pounds and stand 9-15 inches tall. When it comes to their body, female Terriers are leaner because they gain less muscle and their cost is between $1,200-$1,800.
While they’re friendly, they have less desire to please their owners. Unlike male Boston Terriers, female Boston Terriers are independent and fast learners. They are also less attention-seeking and respect your time alone. However, they’re suspicious of strangers and difficult to socialize with people.
Training female Boston Terriers is also easier because they are more focused. They are also less aggressive and more cautious around children. Additionally, they require low maintenance as they tend to be cleaner. They are also good at protecting one person, their owner, and not the entire family.
Boston Terrier Male and Female Notable Features
Both male and female Boston Terriers are great house pets as they’re affectionate and friendly. However, understanding the differences and similarities of the two types of dogs can help you choose the right pet.
Similarities
- Health Problems: Both dogs are susceptible to certain health issues such as patellar luxation and heart attack.
- Apartment-Friendly: Both dogs are great for apartment dwellers as they rarely bark.
- Size: Both dogs are small although male Boston Terriers are slightly heavier.
- Biting Potential: Both dogs have an average chance of biting someone.
- Affection: Both dogs are happy and friendly towards their owners.
- Sleeping Need: Both dogs don’t spend too much time sleeping.
- Adaptability: Both dogs adapt well to different environments.
- Life Expectancy: Both dogs can live up to 15 years.
- Energy Level: Both dogs have high energy levels.
- Shedding Level: Both dogs shed moderately.
Differences
Below is a table highlighting the differences between the two dogs.
| Trait | Male Terriers | Female Terriers |
| Weight | 10-25 pounds | 9-20 pounds |
| Height | 15-17 inches | 9-15 inches |
| Intelligence | Slow learners | Fast learners |
| Affection Level | Loves to please their owners | Less desire to please their owners |
| Dietary Needs | Eats more portions of recommended dog food | Eats fewer portions except when pregnant |
| Playfulness | More playful throughout life | Less playful |
| Physical Maturity | Matures quickly | Matures slowly |
| Mental Maturity | Matures slowly | Matures quickly |
| Territorial | Protects the whole family | Protects one person |
| Independence | Clingy most of the time | Gives you space when you want to be alone |
| Trainability | Harder to train | Easier to train |
| Socialiability | Gets along with female dogs | Gets along with male dogs |
| Stranger Friendly | Less suspicious of strangers | More suspicious of strangers |
| Grooming | Requires high-maintenance | Requires low-maintenance |
| Child Friendly | Clumsy around children | Cautious around kids |
| Aggressiveness | More aggressive | Less aggressive |
| Dog Friendly | Doesn’t get along with other dogs | Gets along with other dogs |
Major Distinguishing Factor
The two major distinguishing factors of male and female Terriers are height and weight. Males are taller than their female counterparts by two inches. In terms of weight, males are also slightly heavier than female Terriers. This is because they tend to gain more muscles due to being active and playful.
It’s crucial to pay attention to the eating habits of female Boston Terriers because they are vulnerable to being overweight. When a female Terrier becomes obese, it can pose serious health risks when they’re pregnant and during birth since they have a small pelvis.
When it comes to intelligence, more patience is required when training males because they learn slowly than females and are slower in picking up commands. Males also lose focus quickly on what they’re doing. This may be due to their slow maturity rate and innate playfulness.
When To Get a Male Boston Terrier
Males bond well with all family members due to their clingy and playful nature. They can be a perfect choice if you want a dog that’s good at protecting the entire family. Males are also ideal if you want a dog that reaches physical maturity quickly or loves pleasing his owner.
When To Get a Female Boston Terrier
Females are more intelligent and easier to train. Due to this, it’s easier for her to stay close to you. Females also don’t like being given too much attention. So if you want a dog that’s more independent, focused, and a quick learner, consider getting a female Terrier.
Which Dog Is Better?
Both male and female Boston Terriers make great house pets. However, males are less suspicious of strangers while females are more suspicious.
It’s also more difficult to train males to walk off-leash than females. Moreover, male Boston Terriers may not get along with other pets you may have. Due to this, females are a better choice.
Final Verdict
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.
