How tall is a Boston Terrier?

An adult Boston Terrier stands about 11 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Boston Terrier considered a small dog?

Yes — at 11" / 19 lb, the Boston Terrier falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #212 tallest.

How does a Boston Terrier compare to a person?

At 11" tall, a Boston Terrier stands about 17% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Boston Terrier Size Compared to a Person

A Boston Terrier stands 11″ at the shoulder and weighs about 19 lb — that puts it at 17% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #212 by shoulder height and falls into the small-breed size class (Small breeds, 11–15").

Boston Terrier next to a person at scale — 11-inch shoulder height, 19 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Boston Terrier at 11″ / 19 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Boston Terrier compares

	Boston Terrier	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	11″	64″	-53″
Weight	19 lb	135 lb	-116 lb

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About the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier, affectionately known as the "American Gentleman," is one of the few dog breeds that originated in the United States. With their distinctive tuxedo-like black and white markings, compact muscular build, and expressive round eyes, Boston Terriers have captured hearts since the late 1800s. They are lively, intelligent, and brimming with personality, making them one of America's most beloved companion breeds.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Small size class with shoulder height closest to the Boston Terrier.

American Eskimo — 11″ / 8 lb (same height)
Australian Terrier — 11″ / 18 lb (same height)
Bichon Frise — 11″ / 15 lb (same height)
Bichpoo — 11″ / 12 lb (same height)
Bolognese — 11″ / 8 lb (same height)
Coton de Tulear — 11″ / 12 lb (same height)
Doxiepoo — 11″ / 18 lb (same height)
Doxle — 11″ / 22 lb (same height)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Boston Terrier?: An adult Boston Terrier stands about 11 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Boston Terrier considered a small dog?: Yes — at 11" / 19 lb, the Boston Terrier falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #212 tallest.
How does a Boston Terrier compare to a person?: At 11" tall, a Boston Terrier stands about 17% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier dog names & full breed page · All small-size breeds · Visual atlas (Small section) · Size comparison home