Bostillon

Home
Dog Breeds
Bostillon

9-16 lbs

10-16"

United States

Boston Terrier

Papillon

A Bostillon is a happy, lively, and friendly companion dog. They require a moderate amount of activity, but a lot of affection from their owners. Their lifespan is average for small breed dogs at 10 to 15 years. They generally weigh between 10 and 17 pounds and grow to be between 10 and 16 inches tall. The breed has the compact torso and the taller legs of a Boston Terrier and the facial features, including signature ears, of a Papillon. This mix has been bred for decades and is relatively stabilized as far as temperament and looks, but is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Purpose
Companion


Date of Origin
Unknown


Ancestry
Boston Terrier, Papillon

Bostillon Health

Average Size

Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 10-17 lbs

Height: 10-16 inches Weight: 9-16 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Minor Concerns

Deafness
Cataracts

Occasional Diagnoses

Distichiasis
Hydrocephalus
Esophageal Achalasia
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Stenotic Nares
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)

Occasional Tests

Biopsy
Ophthalmic Exam
Orthopedic
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis

Bostillon Breed History

The name Bostillon is a combination of the two names of its parent breeds: the Boston Terrier and the Papillon. The Boston Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893. A popular breed, it was bred often in Boston, Massachusetts, its origin city after being brought from England, giving us the breed we know today. From 1905 to 1939, the Boston Terrier was the most popular dog in the United States and still holds favor with many. The Bostillon’s other parent breed, the Papillon, got its name because of its butterfly wing shaped ears. The breed originated over 700 years ago in France and was very popular with European royalty and elite. Papillons can even be identified in Italian frescoes and paintings as early as the 13th century. Interestingly, this breed originally had pendant ears. Over time, however, it developed the erect ears that we recognized it by today. In fact, many litters still produce puppies with both types of ears. Papillons became popular in North America during the early 20th century, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1915. The product of these two breeds, the Bostillon, is suspected to have originated in the early to mid-1900s when both parent breeds were in North America. It was likely bred haphazardly or by mistake for some time. Only recently has it been recognized as a designer hybrid, but not by the AKC.

Bostillon Breed Appearance

A Bostillon looks like a true mix between its two parent breeds. It is a small dog with the compact torso and the taller legs of a Boston Terrier. At the same time, it has the relatively longer muzzle, big round eyes, and signature upright ears of a Papillon. Bostillons weigh between 10 and 17 pounds and grow to be between 11 and 16 inches tall. Their coat is short to medium length and soft with feathering around the ears, feet, paws, and underbelly. Bostillons are typically black and white, also known as the “tuxedo” pattern, but can also have other colors common in Papillons such as browns and reds. Bostillons’ large signature ears sit high on their heads in an erect fashion. They have long tails and round, delicate paws that carry its prancing-like gait.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

White

Brown

Red

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Bostillon Breed Maintenance

Bostillons are not hypoallergenic and thus are not suitable for owners with allergies. They do not require much grooming or bathing since they don’t carry common odors as much as other breeds. However, owners should be cognizant of trimming the feathered parts of their coasts around the eyes, ears, and paws to avoid infections, matting, or debris buildup in those areas. Tangles or matting in these areas should be brushed out as soon as they are noticed. Like all breeds, Bostillons must have their teeth brushed daily and their nails clipped a few times a month to prevent painful overgrowth or breaks.

Brushes for Bostillon

Dematter

Scissors

Clipper

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Bostillon Temperament

Because Bostillons retain many desirable qualities of both its parent breeds, it is known as a wonderful family companion that loves to hang out with its owners. Bostillons are known to be gentle and get along with children, elderly, and other dogs very well. They also enjoy downtime indoors with their owners and family members. They are not a hyper breed and are content with daily moderate walks and a romp in the dog park. Since Bostillons are relatively social, they will bark and whine if left alone for too long. This affectionate hybrid is better suited for homes that have someone present during the day. In fact, it is important to note that this breed tends to be “barky” in general. Otherwise, Bostillons have a generally happy disposition, which make them more adaptable than their Boston Terrier parent. Overall, they are sweet pets that thrive in structured environments where social, exercise, and downtime are relatively consistent.

Bostillon Activity Requirements

The Bostillon is a springy and playful breed that requires daily moderate exercise, social time with other dogs, and lots of human affection. Bostillons enjoy a moderate walk, daily trip to the park, and/or playtime with their owners. They do not, however, tolerate hot weather very well and should not be over exercised in warm temperatures. They are fast and agile runners with a tendency to wander and hunt, so owners should not to leave Bostillons unattended outside. In fact, Bostillons are primarily an indoor dog and will be happiest if they have a healthy mix of indoor and outdoor physical exercise and playtime.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Bostillon

Similarly Sized Breeds to Bostillon

Bostillon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 10/16/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

More articles by Kathleen Egger

Bostillon Owner Experiences

Valentino

1 Year

2 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Fetch

Walks

wrestling

Cuddles

Valentino has a high energy level, loves to be the center of attention, he's very social and always happy.

5 years, 4 months ago

Cocohantas

6 Years

2 People

Condo

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

We enjoy tag in the morning before going to work.

Gorgeous baby girl; lovely companion. Has my heart.

4 years, 4 months ago

My Bostillion’s name is Beanie Baby, we call her Bean.

5 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

She is the best dog I ever rescued. She is sweet, affectionate, great with children and our older dogs.

2 years, 4 months ago

Ludo

4 Months

2 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Going to work on the farm

Fetch

Sleeping

Farm work

Walks

My puppy is a fast learner. Well behaved. Not at all barky left alone a couple of times a week but no whining. Affectionate, loving and definately loves the heat! Sits in front of the fire and always in the sun when he can

1 year, 11 months ago

Book me a walkiee?

Pweeeze!

Sketch of smiling australian shepherd