The American Kennel Club cites Hooper's Judge as the ancestor of nearly all true modern Boston Terriers.

The Boston Terrier has lost most of its aggressive nature, preferring the company of humans, although some males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.

[9] Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as "the American Gentleman.

[12] Boston Terrier is a gentle breed that typically has a strong, happy-go-lucky, and friendly personality with a merry sense of humor.

[13][better source needed] They enjoy being around people, get along well with children, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets, if properly socialized.

[2] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[18] Effects of brachycephaly are stridor, stertorous breathing, emesis, skin fold dermatitis, brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, exophthalmos, pharyngeal gag reflex, cyanosis, and laryngeal collapse.

[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications whilst under anaesthesia,[26] and hyperthermia — with the latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting.

[27] Bostons frequently require caesarean section to give birth, with over 80% of litters in a UK Kennel Club survey delivered this way.

[30] The breed is predisposed to the following dermatological conditions: atopic dermatitis,[31] allergic skin disease, demodicosis,[32] hyperadrenocorticism, mast cell tumour, pattern alopecia, and zinc-responsive dermatosis.

[35] In 1921 at a ceremony to commemorate the United States' 102nd Infantry, the U.S. Army awarded a gold medal to an honorable war dog: Sergeant Stubby.

"[36] Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC has had a live Boston Terrier mascot named Blitz since 2003 that attends home football games.

[37] In 2012, a high school student named Victoria Reed took the advice of her veterinarian and submitted a photo of her Boston Terrier, Bruschi, to Guinness World Records.