Best Names for Boston Terriers

While there are over 400 recognized dog breeds in the world today, only a fraction of that number originated in the United States. Many of the breeds created in the U.S. are not widely known. One American breed that is well-known and very popular is the Boston Terrier. As the name suggests, this handsome, dapper dog was developed in Boston. Although the Boston Terrier has ancestors that were once used for dogfighting centuries ago, this little dog has spent the last 100-plus years becoming one of the world’s best house pets.

History records that the Boston Terrier’s story began in 1870 when a dog named Judge, of “bull and terrier” background, was purchased. This dog was bought by a man named Robert C. Hooper and he became known as Hooper’s Judge. He is the ancestor of nearly all modern Boston Terriers. Interbred with French Bulldogs, these dogs provided the foundation for the Boston Terrier. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893, becoming the first American breed accepted by the club.

In temperament, Bostons are very gentle dogs. They are friendly with a sense of humor. They are usually eager to please their owner and are not hard to train. They only need minimal grooming and like to keep themselves clean. Some people have remarked that the breed has some cat-like qualities.

Boston Terriers are usually quiet dogs and don’t bark much. For this reason and because of their small size, Boston Terriers can be a very good choice for people that live in apartments. If they are socialized when they are young, Boston Terriers usually enjoy being around people and they get along well with children and other pets. They can also be a good dog for seniors. If they are not socialized, they can be somewhat protective and territorial toward other people and pets.

Although they are relatively small, Boston Terriers enjoy romping and playing. They can have a very clownish personality at times and they love to spend time with their people. They make a first rate companion dog for many people.

The breed can weigh up to 25 pounds and stand up to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, though some Bostons are smaller. Dogs can have a brindle, seal, or black coat but all Bostons have distinctive white markings on their chest and muzzle, and a blaze on their head. Because their coloring and markings make the dogs look like they are wearing a tuxedo, Boston Terriers are often referred to as “American Gentlemen.”

Today the Boston Terrier is the 21^st most popular breed registered by the AKC. Between 1905 and 1935 Boston Terriers were either the 1^st or 2^nd most popular breed registered in the country.

Naming your Boston Terrier

Since Boston Terriers are a genuine American breed, your options are really limitless when it comes to names. You might look at Boston themes – more than one Boston Terrier has been named “Brady”! You might consider names based on your dog’s splendid appearance. Or, you could choose a simple friendly name. (My aunt had a Boston Terrier named “Tracy” who seemed to live forever.) Or, how about a name based on your dog’s personality? We’ll give you some suggestions below.

“Boston” names for your Boston Terrier

What other city has as many connections to American history as Boston? Perfect for a very American breed of dog!

Male Boston Terrier Names

Allston

Beacon

Belichick

Boston

Brady

Bruin

Cambridge

Celtic

Charles

Chester

Chowder

Concord

Fenway

Harvard

Lawrence

Merrimack

Norman

Otis

Patriot

Plymouth

Quincy

Sox

Sturbridge

Thoreau

Tufts

Walden

Webster

Female Boston Terrier Names

Amherst

Bay

Berklee

Boston

Brandeis

Brighton

Bristol

Chelsea

Freedom

Gillette

Isabella

Martha

Mayflower

Mystic

Peabody

Rice

Roxbury

Wellesley

Windsor

Famous Boston sports names

Boston is a great sports town. They have the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and the Patriots are nearby. Here are some famous players’ names that might make good dog names.

Bird

Boggs

Brady (again)

Clemens

Cousy

Cowens

DeBrusk

Esposito

Fisk

Garnett

Havlicek

Heinsohn

Lynn

Maxwell

McHale

Moss

Ortiz

Parish

Pierce

Rice

Russell

Vinatieri

Yastrzemski

You might find some other names you like here if you’re a true sports fan  (view website).

Names for your Boston’s appearance

If you prefer a name based on your Boston Terrier’s handsome appearance, try one of these chic names.

Male Boston Terrier Names

Armani

Bond

Dapper

Draper

Fred

Gatsby

Groom

James

Justin

Oscar

Penguin

Pepe

Puffin

Ritz

Sylvester

Timberlake

Tux

Female Boston Terrier Names

Audrey

Barbara

Chanel

Claudette

Fancy

Goldie

Ingrid

Joan

Mae West

Marlene

Natalie

Olivia

Vivien

Fun names for your Boston Terrier

There are also plenty of fun names for your Boston Terrier. Since so many Boston Terriers are black and white, you can have fun with lots of names that play on that theme.

Bowtie

Butler

Chaplin

Chess

Chester

Coco

Cookie

Cupcake

Dice

Domino

Garbo

Groucho

Inky

Jazz

Magic

Magpie

Mickey

Obsidian

Onyx

Orca

Oreo

Osprey

Panda

Parfait

Penguin

Raccoon

Raven

Retro

Shadow

Shamu

Silhouette

Sundae

Swan

Zebra

Zorro

Conclusion

No matter what you decide to call your Boston Terrier, it’s best to choose a name that has one or two syllables. Dogs usually respond best to a short name. Names that end in “ee” or “ey” are easy to use as call names and dogs will usually answer to them easily. You can normally add an “ey” to most names. For example, “Swan” can become “Swanney” when you are calling your dog. Keep in mind that you might be yelling the name out your back door for the neighbors to hear so it’s best not to name your dog something like “Killer.” You might find the police arriving on your doorstep.

Boston Terriers make wonderful companions. Be sure to socialize your Boston Terrier from a young age. These are very sweet, gentle dogs but they can be a little territorial if they are not socialized and trained early in life. Otherwise, they are good pets and do well around everyone in the home, including children and other animals. Good luck with your Boston Terrier!