What is the difference between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier?

When comparing American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boston Terrier Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Boston Terrier

6/6

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?

PitPit BullPitbullPittyAPBT

American GentlemenBoston Bull TerrierBoxwoodBoston Bull

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Size Classification

Which is bigger: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Medium

Small

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is heavier?

10-35 kg

6-11 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

22.7 kg

7.9 kg

Height

Which is taller, American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier? Is an American Pit Bull Terrier taller than a Boston Terrier?

35-60 cm

38-43 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

47.5 cm

40.5 cm

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for intelligence rating (3/5).

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for watchdog rating (3/5).

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: American Pit Bull Terrier performs best for training difficulty, with a rating of 4/5, while Boston Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for territorial protection (3/5).

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier. Which breed costs more?

💵$500-$700

💵$600-$800

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier comes out on top with a perfect availability score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring lower at 3/5.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?

AffectionateClownishFriendlyLoyalStrongWilledAggressiveCourageousIntelligentObedientStubborn

AffectionateFriendlyIntelligentPlayfulAggressiveGentleLively

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for sensitivity level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for impulse to wander or roam, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: American Pit Bull Terrier performs best for prey drive, with a rating of 3/5, while Boston Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for social needs (4/5).

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: American Pit Bull Terrier performs best for barking frequency, with a rating of 3/5, while Boston Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: American Pit Bull Terrier performs best for playful nature, with a rating of 4/5, while Boston Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

2/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for apartment adaptability, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring lower at 2/5.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for lifestyle adaptability, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring lower at 3/5.

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

⚠️Low

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Bite Risk Assessment

Which has lower bite risk: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

🟠High

🟡Moderate

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

5/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: American Pit Bull Terrier performs best for mouthing tendency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Boston Terrier, scoring lower at 2/5.

Bite Strength Rating

Which has a stronger bite: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

🐕Between 200 and 400 PSI

🐕Between 100 and 200 PSI

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare average lifespans.

💙10-14 years

💚11-15 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.

☀️Prefers average to warm weather conditions

☀️Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

2/5

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for health concerns, with a rating of 3/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Health Problems

Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boston Terrier health problems comparison:

Demodectic MangeHip DysplasiaSkin Allergies

AllergiesBrain TumorsCataractsCherry EyeDeafnessHeart MurmursMegaesophagusPatellar LuxationReverse Sneezing

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare veterinary requirements.

🩺Frequent

🏥Average

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (4/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

2/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (2/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for activity requirement / exercise need (3/5).

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for obesity tendency (3/5).

Food Consumption

Which eats more: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare daily food needs.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier? Compare breed colors.

BlueGrayWhiteTanBrownRedYellowBlack

WhiteBrindleSealBlack

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for grooming requirements (1/5).

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for shedding level (3/5).

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier are tied with the highest rating for drooling tendency (1/5).

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

Coat Characteristics

How do coats differ between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Boston Terrier? Compare fur types.

Fine

Bathing Needs

Which needs more baths: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.

🚿3-4 weeks

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

1/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for cat friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring lower at 1/5.

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for child compatibility, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

1/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for dog friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring lower at 1/5.

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: American Pit Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier?

3/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Boston Terrier performs best for stranger friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while American Pit Bull Terrier, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Office Friendly

Are American Pit Bull Terrier dogs good office canines? Do American Pit Bull Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Boston Terrier temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

👍Recommended

💚Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare compatibility.

🐕Not Good

🐾Excellent

Good For First Time Owners

Is American Pit Bull Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is American Pit Bull Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Service Dog Capability

Which makes a better service dog: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Which is better for therapy work: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Puppy Litter Size

Compare litter sizes between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which has larger litters?

🐶🐶🐶🐶5-8 puppies

🐶🐶🐶3-5 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

Compare pregnancy duration between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier breeds.

🤰60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

AKC Classification

Compare AKC classifications of American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?

🏅Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.

FCI Classification

Compare FCI classifications of American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which groups are they in?

🏅Not recognized by FCI.

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

Compare kennel club recognition between American Pit Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?

🏅American Canine Registry🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅National Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.🏅Backwoods Bulldog Club

🏅American Canine Registry🏅American Kennel Club🏅America's Pet Registry🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

Basic Info

Origin

United S

Group

Hunting Dogs

Companion Dogs

Popularity

#336

#21

Common Names & Aliases

PitPit BullPitbullPittyAPBT

American GentlemenBoston Bull TerrierBoxwoodBoston Bull

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Medium

Small

Weight Statistics

10-35 kg

6-11 kg

Average Weight

22.7 kg

7.9 kg

Height

35-60 cm

38-43 cm

Average Height

47.5 cm

40.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

3/5

Watchdog Rating

3/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

3/5

Territorial Protection

3/5

Price Range

$500-$700

$600-$800

Availability

3/5

5/5

Personality Traits

AffectionateClownishFriendlyLoyalStrongWilledAggressiveCourageousIntelligentObedientStubborn

AffectionateFriendlyIntelligentPlayfulAggressiveGentleLively

Sensitivity Level

4/5

5/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

4/5

5/5

Prey Drive

3/5

2/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

4/5

Barking Frequency

3/5

2/5

Playful Nature

4/5

3/5

Apartment Adaptability

2/5

5/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

3/5

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Low

Bite Risk Assessment

High

Moderate

Mouthing Tendency

5/5

2/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Between 100 and 200 PSI

Average Lifespan

10-14 years

11-15 years

Climate Tolerance

Prefers average to warm weather conditions

Tolerates warm and cold weather

Health Concerns

2/5

3/5

Health Problems

Demodectic MangeHip DysplasiaSkin Allergies

AllergiesBrain TumorsCataractsCherry EyeDeafnessHeart MurmursMegaesophagusPatellar LuxationReverse Sneezing

Vet Care Frequency

Frequent

Average

Energy Rating

4/5

Sleeping Need

2/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

3/5

Obesity Tendency

3/5

Food Consumption

Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

BlueGrayWhiteTanBrownRedYellowBlack

WhiteBrindleSealBlack

Grooming Requirements

1/5

Shedding Level

3/5

Drooling Tendency

1/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

Coat Characteristics

Fine

Bathing Needs

3-4 weeks

Cat Friendly

1/5

5/5

Child Compatibility

4/5

5/5

Dog Friendly

1/5

5/5

Stranger Friendly

3/5

4/5

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Recommended

Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Not Good

Excellent

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Yes

Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Yes

Puppy Litter Size

5-8 puppies

3-5 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.

FCI Classification

Not recognized by FCI.

Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.

Kennel Club Recognition

American Canine RegistryContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.National Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Backwoods Bulldog Club

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.

Winner / Best value

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American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boston Terrier Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration