Is the Boston Terrier Better than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Boston Terrier Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Overview

Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are similar in size. The Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boston Terrier to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

FactorBoston TerrierStaffordshire Bull Terrier
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Weight10 to 25 pounds24 to 38 pounds
Height12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span13 to 15 years12 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/51/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
General Health4/53/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/53/5
NOT Rambunctious2/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/51/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1670$2030
Price Range$1200 – $1999$1050 – $2500
Temperament Score86.3 percent90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)5449

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Boston Terrier is a better pet than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are most different:

    • Boston Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Boston Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    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, Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh 24 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Boston Terriers live longer than Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    Temperament of the Boston Terrier Versus the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 90.9 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 90.9 percent, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boston Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 80 Boston Terriers and 143 Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    Price of Boston Terrier versus Price of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is $2030. The price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more expensive than the Boston Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Boston Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Boston Terrier puppies or how many Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boston Terrier puppy or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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.

    The Intelligence of the Boston Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    `
    Boston Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 54 out of 130 dog breeds 49 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Boston Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 54 out of 130 dog breeds. The Boston Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Boston Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 49 out of 130 dog breeds. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more intelligent than the Boston Terrier.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Boston Terrier versus Health Problems of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Boston Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier than for the Boston Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Boston Terrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boston Terriers and in Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    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.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boston Terriers shed more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boston Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Boston Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boston Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    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.

    Staffordshire Bull 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.

    Do Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    Boston Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boston Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boston Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Boston Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Boston Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to train.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Boston Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Boston Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boston Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Boston Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Boston Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.