The Boston Terrier versus the Border Terrier: How are they different?

Two breeds that might catch your attention are the lively and playful Border Terrier and the sweet and eager Boston Terrier. Both dogs are similar in many ways, and it’s not just their names. They are also both playful, energetic, affectionate breeds that do well with children and other dogs in the house.

However, they both have their traits and quirks about them that set them apart. If you don’t already know what these might be, ask yourself: when is a terrier not a terrier?

Can you guess how the breeds were started? You’ll be surprised to learn how different their origins are.

How the breeds got started

Like most terriers, the Border Terrier has a very heightened prey drive. The reason for this is due to the breed’s origin. According to the AKC, they were bred to hunt foxes in Scotland. In the current day, most pet owners don’t need to protect sheep from wily foxes, but the Border Terrier’s can-do attitude and sharp intelligence remain strong.

On the other hand, the Boston Terrier has a very different beginning to its breed. According to the AKC, the original crossbreed that the Boston Terrier originated from was used for pit fighting in England and was then brought to Boston, Massachusetts.

This may surprise anyone who has met one of these dogs, as they are known for being very friendly and affectionate pets that get along well with other dogs. They’re even more friendly and playful than the Border Terriers, although they’re less vocal.

Now what's even more surprising is that despite the name, the Boston Terrier isn’t in the Terrier group! Unlike Border Terriers, which are in the Terrier group, the Boston Terriers are under the Non-Sporting group. Strange, right?

Apart from how their breeds got started, these two breeds also look very different. Take a look at them and you’ll see.

For a start, look closely at the Boston Terrier. They look similar to Bulldogs with their short, smooth coat, round eyes, as well as their stocky frame. The coloration of a Boston Terrier also looks unique; the coat is darker in some areas and lighter in others, making it look like it is wearing clothes. What a nice little gentleman!

In contrast, the Border Terrier's wiry coat, longer legs, and narrow shoulders give off a very different impression. A Border Terrier is also lighter and larger than the Boston Terrier. The colors of a Border Terrier can vary, but they all have darker fur around the muzzle and ears. The AKC breed standard says that Border Terriers have heads like “otters, which is certainly a very high compliment—have you ever seen an otter?

Unlike the Boston Terrier, the coat of the Border Terrier repels dirt, which is useful as these playful pups love digging and are likely going to be in it a lot. The smooth coat of the Boston Terrier also comes in handy for their owners. Generally, they don’t need much grooming. Border Terriers do not need too much grooming either, but as they are a double-coated breed, during shedding season they will need more intensive brushing.

Isn’t it cool to see how breeds with such similar names can be so different from each other? They’re both playful, energetic small dogs with similar names, so you’d think that they’d be more similar to one another. They’re actually pretty different, aren’t they?