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Pet Insurance for Boston Terriers

Find out all about Boston Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$800–$3,000

Height

28cm - 38cm

Weight

6kg - 11.5kg

Personality

Friendly, intelligent, lively

Coat length

Short, smooth

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

11 - 13 years

Boston Terrier

Overview

The Boston Terrier is often referred to as the Boston Bull Terrier or the ‘American Gentleman’ due to their unique tuxedo-like coat markings. They are a small and charming breed originating from Boston in the United States. They are the result of breeding between the English Bulldog and the now-extinct English Terrier in the 1870s, and they were the first dog breed to be created in the United States.   

They have a sleek, short coat that requires minimal grooming. Boston Terriers are friendly, sociable, and excellent family pets. They prefer to snuggle up on the settee with their owners rather than have more strenuous exercise, so they are very suitable for apartment living. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. These dogs thrive in homes where they receive love, attention and constant companionship. 

Common diseases and conditions of Boston Terriers

  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Brachycephalic means ‘short-nosed’ and breeds that have this characteristic (flat, or ‘pushed-in’ faces) tend to suffer from difficulty breathing due to narrowed nostrils. It is a common condition in many breeds of terriers, pugs, bulldogs and boxers.  
  • Hemivertebrae: This can occur in any breed but is most common in brachycephalic, screw-tailed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs and Boston Terriers. It means the dog is born with bones of the spine that are abnormally shaped, which can lead to deformity of the spinal column as the dog ages.  
  • Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort. Early detection and surgical intervention can help alleviate this issue.
  • Skin Allergies: Skin allergies in Boston Terriers can be triggered by various factors, including environmental allergens and food sensitivities. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and skin irritation.

Breed-specific issues:  

Their sensitive nature requires gentle reward-based training methods, and they do not respond well to harsh discipline and have been known to become aggressive if disciplined. They are prone to respiratory problems due to their flat faces, so care should be taken to prevent them from overheating in hot weather. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Boston Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Boston Terrier, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Boston Terriers

Do Boston Terriers snore a lot?

Yes, Boston Terriers are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have flattened faces. This can lead to snoring, especially when they are asleep. 

Do Boston Terriers get along with children and other pets?

Yes, Boston Terriers are generally good with children and other animals when properly socialised. They are sociable animals and enjoy companionship from other dogs and sometimes cats, although they can chase smaller pets. 

Do Boston Terriers require any special grooming?

No, Boston Terriers have short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to keep their coat clean and healthy. 

Do Boston Terriers require a lot of exercise?

No. While they enjoy playtime, Boston Terriers don't have extremely high exercise needs. A low to moderate amount of daily exercise to prevent obesity, and daily mental stimulation is usually sufficient. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Boston Terrier

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