The Boston terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. And for good reason! Energetic, friendly, a reputation for being one of the most polite and well-mannered breeds out there, not to mention that they’re cute as a button, what’s not to love about this breed?
Bostons also appeal to more laid-back pet owners thanks to their relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. But while they won’t require the same kind of care as a more grooming-intensive breed (like a poodle, for instance), if you want your pet to look and feel their best, you do need to understanding their bathing, brushing, and overall grooming needs.
But what, exactly, do those grooming needs look like? Here’s everything you need to know about grooming a Boston terrier.
Shedding
The Boston terrier’s coat is short, smooth, and fine-textured. When it comes to shedding, this breed falls somewhere in the middle of the road; this pup definitely shed, but with the proper care—and, in particular, regular brushing—the shedding should be pretty minimal.
If you want to keep shedding to a minimum (and keep your Boston’s coat looking and feeling it’s best), the American Kennel Club recommends brushing their coat on a weekly basis with a soft-bristled brush, a grooming mitt, or a hound glove. Not only will this help remove excess hair and reduce shedding, but it will also help evenly distribute your dog’s natural skin oils across the entire coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.
Bathing
There are plenty of dog breeds that need a weekly (or even daily!) bath to stay clean, but this isn’t one of them.
Unless your pup gets messy or dirty (for example, after a muddy trip to the dog park or getting into the trash), there’s no reason they need more than the occasional bath; once every four to six weeks should be plenty to keep your dog looking (and smelling!) fresh.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you give your Boston a bath:
- Brush first, bath second. Unless you want your bathtub covered in dog hair, brush your pet before giving them a bath.
- Use bathing products for dogs and rinse them out completely. Human shampoo and conditioner are made for humans, not pets–so make sure to use products specifically formulated for dogs. Rinse thoroughly or the residue could irritate their skin.
- Don’t forget to protect their eyes! You know how annoying it is when you get soap in your eyes in the shower? It’s the same for your pet. Shield your dog’s eyes while you’re rinsing out any shampoo or other cleaning products.
Additional grooming needs
Brushing and bathing are core components of your Boston terrier’s grooming routine, but that’s not where their needs end. If you want to keep your terrier clean, happy, and feeling their best, there are a few other areas that need regular attention.
Trimming your dog’s nails regularly is a must. If your pet’s nails get too long, it can be uncomfortable or even painful for a dog to walk. Ideally, trim your dog’s nails should every month or two. (A good way to know that your dog is ready for a trim? If you can hear their nails clack-clack-clacking on the floor when they walk, your dog is past due for a nail trim.)
Nail trims can be tricky, so if you’re nervous, definitely enlist the help of a professional groomer.
You’ll also want to clean your dog’s ears on a regular basis—every few weeks should be fine. (Just don’t go overboard; according to the AKC, over-cleaning can lead to infection and irritation. Not fun for your pet!)
Do Boston terriers need haircuts?
So, in addition to bathing, nail trims and ear maintenance, should you plan to schedule regular trims for your Boston?
In a short answer—no.
Bostons simply don’t need to have their coat cut, trimmed, or shaved. These dogs have a short coat, so it’s never going to grow to the point where it needs a trim. And having the hair they do is important for temperature regulation, In a nutshell, don’t worry about getting your Boston Terrier trimmed. With regular brushing and the occasional bath, your pup should be ready to roll!
