Easy
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, nicknamed the 'American Gentleman' for its tuxedo-like black and white markings, is a lively, intelligent companion breed developed in Boston in the late 19th century. Their short, smooth, fine single coat is among the easiest to groom of any breed, though their slightly wrinkled face and protruding eyes require regular cleaning. The Boston Terrier's compact tuxedo coat is one of its most recognizable and beloved features.
Coat Type
Short, Smooth, Fine, Single Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Standard Bath
A full bath, blow-dry, rubber mitt polish, nail trim, and ear clean. The complete maintenance groom for this low-maintenance breed.
2
Tuxedo Polish
A specialty finishing groom that uses a whitening or brightening shampoo on the white markings and a contrast-enhancing shampoo on the black sections to make the breed's distinctive tuxedo pattern vivid and crisp.
3
Puppy Groom
A brief, gentle introductory groom for Boston Terrier puppies including a warm bath, soft towel dry, nail filing, and facial wipe to establish comfort with routine handling.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The white portions of the Boston Terrier's coat can yellow without regular washing with a brightening or bluing shampoo — using a specialized white-coat formula every other bath keeps the tuxedo markings crisp and vivid.
- Boston Terriers have large, prominent eyes that are vulnerable to irritation and injury; wipe daily eye discharge from the inner corner of each eye with a damp cloth and check for redness or cloudiness that warrants veterinary attention.
- The facial wrinkle some Bostons carry above the nose needs weekly cleaning and drying — while less pronounced than on Bulldogs or Pugs, it still traps moisture and can become infected if ignored.
- Boston Terriers are brachycephalic and heat-sensitive; keep grooming sessions brief and in cool conditions, and be particularly cautious with cage drying — a Boston in a warm dryer can overheat within minutes.
- A hound glove or rubber curry mitt buffed over the Boston's short coat after bathing produces an impressive shine and removes any remaining loose hair — this breed's coat responds beautifully to a simple polish finish.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
FURminator Short Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs & Cats
BrushSpecifically engineered for short-coated breeds with double coats. The stainless steel edge reaches through the topcoat to pull out loose undercoat fur before it ends up on your furniture. A must-have for Labs, Beagles, Boxers, and short-haired cats during shedding season.
$25 - $55
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Deep Dives
Boston Terrier Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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