Boston Chin - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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A little hybrid dog called the Boston Chin is created by crossing a Boston Terrier and a Japanese Chin. The resulting hybrid, the Boston Chin, is a great choice for many families and is well-suited for apartment living due to its small size. While some Boston Chins may have longer hair, they still retain some of the distinctive features of Boston Terriers. Combining the vivacious and lively personality of the Japanese Chin with the sweetness and intelligence of the Boston Terrier, these dogs make wonderful family pets. They are eager to please and truly devoted to their families. They are quick learners and respond well to firm but gentle training methods, positive reinforcement, and small rewards. However, Boston Chins can develop a behavior problem known as tiny dog syndrome if they think they are the leaders and become challenging to control. Therefore, it is important for them to have a strong and confident leader. Due to their small size, attractive appearance, and affectionate nature, this delightful breed is gaining popularity.

Ahead, we look at Boston Chin dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Boston Chin, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Boston Chins!

Dog Breed Boston Chin
Size Small
Weight 10-13 lbs (average)
Height 10-13″ (average)
Location United States
Ancestry Boston Terrier and Japanese Chin
Date of Origin Unknown
Group Companion
Life Expectancy 11-15 years
Price $600 – $800
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Boston Chin is a new hybrid breed, created by crossing a Boston Terrier with a Japanese Chin. These dogs are gaining popularity among families living in apartments, although they still require daily exercise. While there isn’t much information available about the breeding history of the Boston Chin, you can easily see the characteristics of both parents in their appearance and temperament.

The Boston Chin can be traced back to the Tibetan spaniel, an old toy breed. Similar-looking dogs can be found on ancient pottery and in decorated ancient Chinese temples, suggesting that they originated in China. The first recorded instances of the breed come from Europe in the 1600s, when Princess Catherine of Braganza received some Chins as gifts from Portuguese sailors. In 1853, Admiral Commodore Perry presented Queen Victoria with a pair of Japanese Chins after his warships visited Japan. However, their numbers dwindled in Japan due to World War 1 and earthquakes. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1977.

The Boston Terrier, the other parent of the Boston Chin, was created by breeding pit fighting bulls and terriers. It’s hard to believe today, but the Boston Terrier had an aggressive background. However, they have evolved to become gentle and affectionate dogs. The breed originated in Boston, Massachusetts during 1865, when coachmen of wealthy businessmen interbred some of their employers’ dogs. This experiment eventually led to the creation of the Boston Terrier. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1893. Despite its name, the Boston Terrier is far removed from the pit fighting dogs of the past and is known for its mellow nature. When combined with the Japanese Chin, the result is the beautiful Boston Chin, which possesses the best qualities of both parent breeds.

🐕 Boston Chin Appearance

The proportion of the parent breed that goes into the hybrid breed determines how the Boston Chin looks. They have a more elegant structure than the Boston Terrier, which is square in appearance. They are petite and well-formed. The wide head has almond-shaped, well-set eyes that frequently have a distinctly Oriental look. Both of the parent dogs’ small muzzles are in proportion to their heads. Depending on the genetic make-up, they have triangle-shaped ears that are kept either semi-erect or floppy. The Boston Chin can have fringe on his ears as a result of his Asian ancestry. They have a long, tapering tail that may have fringe and is held high over their back. They are a lovely breed of dog. They have tiny, rounded paws and straight, short legs.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black
🐕 Coat Color Black, White

Fun Fact: Boston Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Boston Chin

The Bostin Chin is a pleasant companion, clever with a touch of independence, a little sensitive, and. They have a big personality for a little, attractive dog. The Boston Chin is obedient and fast to pick things up, however if bored, they could opt to do something more engaging. Training sessions should be enjoyable and varied, and if you are persistent and patient, kids will pick up the material quickly. They are a cheerful dog who is eager to engage in activity with the family. These dogs get along well with other animals, are trustworthy around young children, and are quite lively. Despite their little size, they may be stubborn if they don’t have a strong leader, thus they need to be educated and taught proper conduct. The Boston Chin is a delightful and fun-loving dog that quickly integrates into families.

🤝 Are Boston Chins Friendly or Aggressive?

The Boston Chin dogs are known for their friendly nature and get along well with strangers, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sociable pet. They are also great with kids, making them a suitable option for families with children. Additionally, Boston Chin dogs are cat-friendly and can easily coexist with feline companions. They are also dog-friendly, which means they can be a good addition to a multi-dog household or enjoy participating in dog meetups. Due to their calm and gentle demeanor, Boston Chins are often recommended as a suitable breed for elderly individuals.

This breed is known for being:

  • Playful
  • Loving
  • Independent
  • Alert
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Affectionate
  • Loyal
  • Lively
  • Gentle
  • Aggressive

🐩 Boston Chin Care & Maintenance

To reduce shedding, the Boston Chin dog has to be brushed once a week. Any stray hair may be removed and the house kept tidy with a good, hard brush. The brushing will prevent the fringe on your Boston Chin from matting if he has any on his body. The Japanese Chin dog is the source of the Boston Chin’s grooming behaviors, which include routine self-grooming for cleanliness. While the Boston Terrier gives it its durability. All that is required to maintain your Boston Chin’s appearance is an occasional bath when necessary with a nice dog shampoo or a quick wipe down every now and then with a wet cloth. Checking the ears for extra dirt and cleaning the teeth are two more maintenance tasks. Regular nail cutting will wrap up the maintenance. These dogs certainly need regular exercise to stay in shape, but they don’t need to go on hour-long runs or walks. They are companion animals that flourish while living with the families they adore.

Boston Chin dogs have a moderate shedding level, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing helps minimize the amount of hair that falls out. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. Additionally, these dogs typically require baths every 6-8 weeks to keep them clean and maintain their hygiene.

🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or approximately $25.00 – $30.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Boston Chin dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 5 miles per week, which equates to about 40 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Boston Chin dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Boston Chin Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Boston Chin Dog Breed can be:

  • Cherry Eye
  • Congenital Heart Defect

While minor concerns include:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Glaucoma

🤧 Important: Is Boston Chin hypoallergenic? No.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Boston Chin.

⚡ Boston Chin Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Boston Chin a great choice for families with young children?
The Boston Chin is a great choice for families with young children because they are reliable and playful with small children. They mix well with other pets, making them a good addition to a family with multiple animals.

Is the Boston Chin breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Boston Chin breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are an ideal apartment size dog, making them a good fit for families living in smaller spaces.

How much exercise does a Boston Chin require compared to other breeds?
The Boston Chin requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are enthusiastic and ready for action with the family, but they do not have extremely high energy levels.

Is the Boston Chin breed known for being good with other pets?
Yes, the Boston Chin breed is known for being good with other pets. They mix well with other animals and are reliable in their interactions with them.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Boston Chin?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Boston Chin include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. These breeds also have small sizes and pleasant loving natures.

What are the common health issues that Boston Chins are prone to?
Common health issues that Boston Chins are prone to include brachycephalic airway syndrome, patellar luxation, and allergies. It is important to monitor their health and provide regular veterinary care.

Are Boston Chins known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Boston Chins are generally considered easy to train compared to other breeds. They are quick to learn and respond well to firm but kind training, praise, and treats as incentives.

Are Boston Chins more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Boston Chins are not specifically prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, it is important to provide them with proper socialization and mental stimulation to prevent any potential anxiety issues.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Boston Chin that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Boston Chin that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Boston Chin are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Sizes of dogs similar to the Boston Chin that are best for individuals or families with limited space are small to medium-sized breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Shih Tzu.

Is the Boston Chin breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Boston Chin breed is known to be good with children, including those with special needs. Their gentle nature and ability to mix well with other pets make them a suitable choice for families with children with special needs.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Boston Chin?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Boston Chin are moderate compared to other breeds. They have a short to medium-length coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They do shed, but not excessively.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Boston Chin dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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