How Old Do Boston Terriers Live?

If you’re considering owning a Boston Terrier, you would most likely research the breed’s physical traits and behaviors to know if it suits your lifestyle. Other things you should know are: how old do Boston Terriers live? what affects their lifespan? and what I can do to help them live happy healthy lives?

How Old Do Boston Terriers Live?

The average life expectancy for Boston Terriers is 11 to 13 years. Some can reach up to 15 years, although this depends on several factors like genetics, size, health, lifestyle, and environment.

Understanding Mortality in Boston Terriers 

Statistics show that 11 years was the median age of death across all breeds, with most dogs dying of natural causes at 12 years. Some Boston Terriers may die younger, although 8% of dogs get to live beyond 15 years. 

Boston Terrier puppies age at the rate of 1 month that is equivalent to aging 1.25 human years. This rapid growth slows down once the breed reaches adulthood. They will then grow at a rate of 1 year, equating to 4 human years.

This chart shows how old your Boston is in human year equivalents.

Aging Factors in Boston Terriers 

Genetics is the uncontrollable factor in aging Boston Terriers, making brachycephalic faces inevitable. Irresponsible breeding may also contribute to Boston Terriers getting other syndromes not usually found in their breed.  

Meanwhile, nutrition is the first thing you can take control of, as what you feed your Boston may either lengthen or shorten its lifespan. Boston Terriers are omnivores, so their dietary needs come from meat and plants. The key is to find the right dog food for your Boston’s age and health condition.

Physical health also comes from proper nutrition. Boston Terriers need at least 30 minutes of exercise or physical activity per day. Besides playing or running, you can use dog toys to keep your pet active. 

Lastly, Boston Terriers want to live in stress-free environments. Similar to humans, anxiety, depression, and loneliness can cause them to lose appetite, feel withdrawn, and even suffer from a weak immune system. 

Common Health Issues in Boston Terriers 

Boston Terriers are susceptible to a number of diseases and infections that may affect how long they can live with me.

• Brachycephalic syndrome: What I perceive as adorable baby faces come at the price of Boston Terriers having shortened noses. This condition causes them to suffer from breathing problems due to constricted nasal airways. 
• Eye problems: Those large, captivating eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers and hereditary cataracts. 
• Cancer: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among the general dog population, with an estimated canine cancer mortality rate of around 30%.
• Dystocia: Boston Terriers may not reach their average lifespan if they die at birth due to dystocia. This condition causes them to have relatively large skulls. As a result, there’s a greater chance of them getting stuck during the birthing process. 
• Neurological issues: This may include brain and spinal cord problems such as tumors, stroke, seizures, and paralysis. 
• Metabolic problems: Any disease that affects the organs, such as liver and kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary stones. Boston Terriers may also get Cushing’s disease due to tumors in the pituitary and adrenal glands. 

Ways to Help Boston Terriers Live Longer

Even if there are things that you can’t control about the mortality of your Boston Terriers, there are several ways I can help them enjoy longer lives.

• Develop a diet plan: Like humans, Boston Terriers need to take the appropriate amount and type of food depending on their age. A consistent, well-prepared diet can help your pet beat the odds of growing old frail, and sickly. 
• Schedule vaccination: This type of preventative healthcare can be lifesaving. Vaccines can help your Boston Terrier develop immunity to certain diseases like kennel cough, parvovirus, rabies, hepatitis, distemper, and parainfluenza. 
• Parasite control: Regular deworming can kill fleas, ticks, and heartworms to stop them from harming Boston Terriers. 
• Considering spaying and neutering: Spaying female Bostons eliminates their risk of getting a fatal urine infection or uterine tumor. Meanwhile, intact male dogs have a greater chance of developing testicular or prostate cancer. 
• Exercise: Overweight dogs are more likely to develop muscular, skeletal, and heart problems. Playing with the best dog toys and exercising your Boston Terrier at least 30 to 60 minutes per day is another way of keeping your pet fit, and consequently, living longer. 
• Ensure oral and ear care: Similar to humans, dirty ears, unclean mouth, rotten teeth can cause bacteria buildup. You can use a damp cloth and dog-friendly ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ears. Aside from brushing the teeth, you can also give your dog some edible chews that can remove tartar and plaque. 
• Regular checkups: A veterinarian can monitor your pet’s vital signs and overall health. Regular checkups ensure your dog gets periodic physical examinations that can assess your Boston’s health and spot diseases early. 

Related Questions

Are Boston Terriers Easy to Train?

Boston Terriers are easy to train thanks to their intelligent minds and nature to please owners. While they can be headstrong at times, patience and positive reinforcement can drive a Boston Terrier to learn and obey your commands. 

Do Boston Terriers Make Good Family Pets?

Boston Terriers are among the best family dogs, whether you have a small or big household. They love bonding with people, have modest grooming needs, and adapt well to indoor living. As long as you love and treat them nicely, they will reciprocate with kindness and devotion. 

Conclusion

Be sure to love and bond with your Boston Terrier because they may only live for 11 to 13 years. Despite aging factors and health concerns, there are many ways I can care for them so that they can be with us as great family members for years to come.