Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Boston Terrier Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boston Terrier and for the German Pinscher. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boston Terrier or the German Pinscher.

Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boston Terrier is a small-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boston Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the German Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boston Terrier to the German Pinscher based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher

Factor Boston Terrier German Pinscher
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 25 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1670 $2690
Price Range $1200 – $1999 $2500 – $2825
Temperament Score 86.3 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boston Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Pinscher. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Boston Terrier is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boston Terrier is a better pet than the German Pinscher. So, you should get the Boston Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher

    Below is a list of where the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are most different:

    • Boston Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Boston Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher

    The Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are most similar:

    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are very easy to train.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher.

    Boston Terriers weigh 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Boston Terriers are 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher

    The lifespan of Boston Terriers is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Boston Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.

    Boston Terriers live longer than German Pinschers.

    Temperament of the German Pinscher Versus the Boston Terrier

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Boston Terrier is 86.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.3 percent, the Boston Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 80 Boston Terriers and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Boston Terrier versus Price of German Pinscher

    The average price of the Boston Terrier puppy is $1670. The price of the Boston Terrier typically ranges from $1200 – $1999. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 865 Boston Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2690. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $2500 – $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Boston Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boston Terrier and German Pinscher. For different price points, the charts show how many Boston Terrier puppies or how many German Pinscher puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boston Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Boston Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boston Terrier puppy or the German Pinscher puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Boston Terrier versus Health Problems of German Pinscher

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the German Pinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Pinscher than for the Boston Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Boston Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boston Terriers and in German Pinschers.

    Boston Terrier Health Problems

    Boston Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boston Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Boston Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boston Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boston Terriers for:

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boston Terriers here.

    German Pinscher Health Problems

    German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Pinschers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher

    Boston Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Boston Terriers shed more than German Pinschers?

    Boston Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boston Terrier or the German Pinscher

    Boston Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boston Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?

    Boston Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boston Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. German Pinscher

    Boston Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boston Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boston Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

    Boston Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boston Terriers and German Pinschers?

    Boston Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Is the Boston Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boston Terrier or the German Pinscher?

    Boston Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boston Terrier versus German Pinscher. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boston Terrier and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.