Boston Cattle Dog

34-46 lbs
15-17"
United States
Australian Cattle Dog
Boston Terrier

There is not a lot of data about the new hybrid Boston Cattle dog so we must look to the parent dogs for their joint characteristics. Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Boston Terrier have a solid muscular build, so the Boston Cattle Dog will have an athletic but muscular build. These dogs are playful, energetic and very affectionate. They inherit their intelligence and excellent ability to train well from their parent breeds. The Boston Cattle Dog responds well to a firm strong leader, who is consistent and fair at all times- never harsh (they inherit a dash of sensitivity from the Boston Terrier). They have a strong urge to dominate (from the Australian parent) but it is tempered by the Boston Terrier influence. Their inclination to herd comes from the Australian Cattle Dog side, so don’t allow them to nip peoples heels in an attempt to ‘herd’ them to where they think they should go. This dog needs exercise and plenty of mental stimulation (games and tasks to solve) to keep them happy and well behaved. Loyal to their family, they make lively loving family pets who are good with children and devoted to their humans. 

purpose Purpose
Guard dog, companion dog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Australian Cattle Dog, Boston Terrier

Boston Cattle Dog Health

Average Size
Male Boston Cattle Dog size stats
Height: 16-19 inches Weight: 40-57 lbs
Female Boston Cattle Dog size stats
Height: 15-17 inches Weight: 34-46 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Deafness in Merle-Colored Dogs
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Full Physical Examination
  • Eye Tests
  • Hearing Tests

Boston Cattle Dog Breed History

The Boston Cattle Dog is a perfect balance between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Boston Terrier. Although it is a rare breed, the Boston Cattle Dog has become quite popular in the last decade. Their intelligence, loyalty, and affection combined with attractive looks and lively personality drive their success. While their history is vague, if we look at the parent dog history it can provide a sense of what the Boston Cattle Dog has gained from its lineage. The Australian Cattle Dog ancestors were brought to Australian with the early settlers but were unable to handle the long distances and inhospitable climate of the new continent. The pioneer settlers developed the Australian Cattle Dog (during 1800s) by crossing the Dingo-blue merle Collies to Dalmatians as well as black and tan Kelpies. There is a rumour that the Bull Terrier breed may have been added as well. The result was a dog that excelled working on the large ranches herding cattle. The dry dusty hot conditions didn’t affect them, and they had amazing stamina. In 1893 Robert Kaleski wrote the standard for the breed which was approved in 1903. It was in 1980 that the breed was recognized by the AKC. The Australian Cattle Dog is respected for its herding, guarding, retrieving, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. The Boston Terrier was bred down in size from the pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types. These stylish little dogs originated in Boston, Massachusetts making it one of the few breeds developed in the USA. The original Boston Terrier was a cross between the English Bulldog and the now extinct English white Terrier. By 1889 the Boston Terrier had become popular, and the American Bull Terrier Club was formed, but the name was not well liked by Bull Terrier owners. It was finally renamed the Boston Terrier after its birthplace. The Boston Terrier has mellowed a lot from his history as a pit fighting dog and now is a loveable popular dog. With all this history, it explains the Boston Cattle Dogs growing popularity.

Boston Cattle Dog Breed Appearance

The Boston Cattle Dog is a well-muscled athletic looking dog, that is agile and powerful. The length of the body varied due to parentage genetic percentage but is generally slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is narrow, held moderately low and has a slight curve. The front legs are strong and straight, with round feet. The skull is broad and slightly squarish, with a wide set dark oval eyes. The ears are wideset and moderate in size, held up and alert. However, these characteristics can vary depending on the percentage of the Australian Cattle Dog to the Boston Terrier. The muzzle is pointed with the teeth meeting in a scissor type bite. The coat is smooth, short haired, and weather resistant (often with a dense undercoat) and it tends to shed its coat once or twice per year depending on the region.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Boston Cattle Dog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Boston Cattle Dog nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Boston Cattle Dog coat
Brindle
white Boston Cattle Dog coat
White
gray Boston Cattle Dog coat
Gray
blue Boston Cattle Dog coat
Blue
red Boston Cattle Dog coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Boston Cattle Dog straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Boston Cattle Dog Breed Maintenance

The Boston Cattle Dog requires a good brushing once or twice per week to manage any shedding. They don’t require bathing that often, only if dirty or if they get smelly. When you bath them use a special dog shampoo so that it will not irritate their skin. Make sure any folds of skin are dried properly to prevent inflammation or infection. A damp rag rubdown between baths will be all that’s needed and your dog will love all the attention! While you are grooming your dog, check vital areas such as in the ear, the eyes, and brush their teeth. Also check their nails while you are at it. If you get your Boston Cattle Dog used to the grooming routine when young, it will be easier when they mature. These dogs are good with regular exercise (daily) and consistent training.

Brushes for Boston Cattle Dog
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Boston Cattle Dog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Boston Cattle Dog Temperament

The Boston Cattle Dog is a loyal, brave and intelligent dog that likes to be actively involved in the family activities. It is alert, easy to train, and makes an excellent guard dog, warning of approaching strangers on the property. While they can have a high dominance level, they respond well to a strong leader who shows consistent management. the Boston Cattle Dog responds exceptionally well to training, with obedience and agility their strongest point. Obedience training can be obtained to a very high level. These dogs have absolute loyalty to their master, and happily fit in with family. They have a wonderful ability to clown around with children, accept and mingle with other animals and pets as long as they are socialised well and trained as puppies. A firm but not harsh hand is best, they respond to praise and treats best. With meek masters, they can become a handful, with their dominance and aggression coming into play. Train them well, exercise them often, make them part of your family and be a strong leader, and these dogs will be your best behaved and loving dog.

Boston Cattle Dog Activity Requirements

The Boston Cattle Dog is a dog that requires daily exercise. They love to run or walk, and enjoy the challenge of hide and seek games or fetch the ball. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and that is when they get into mischief. They also respond well to training and obedience activities and excel in the ring at competitions. While they enjoy activity, and like to part of what you are doing, they also love to curl up and cuddle on the couch. Socialising them by taking them to dog parks or beaches is an ideal way for them to learn to mix with other dogs and people. It also allows them to burn off some energy.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes
activity minutes

Boston Cattle Dog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Boston Cattle Dog Owner Experiences

Milo
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Walk
hide and seek
Fetch
He is one of the silliest dogs on earth, with his constant funny behavior, and his loyalty, it makes him one of the best dogs in the world.
1 year, 1 month ago
Kaia
7 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Potty trained quickly,Has learned relatively easy but must continue to reinforce some unwanted behaviors. (likes to place paws on counter) So much FUN and aims to please. A joy for our household
1 year, 11 months ago
Irma
2 Years
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car rides
Dog Parks
Hikes
Timid with strangers. Friendly but cautious. Loves to play with other dogs. Very loyal. Learns things quickly. Has a defiant streak. Barks very little. Expressive. Patient.
2 years, 7 months ago
Callie
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Play
Fetch
Cuddling
Laying in the sun
She is the sweetest most loyal loving dog ever! Calm when needed and lively when warranted. Protective of our daughter but in a motherly way, not aggressive. Not a mean bone in her body.
6 years, 9 months ago
Hiro
3 Months
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beach
Dog Parks
Walk
Car
Fetch
people oriented, loves attention, incredibly smart, loyal, good with other dogs; especially ones her age, training is a breeze, loving, independent and attentive.
6 years, 1 month ago
Lexi
2 Years
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
wrestling
Lexi challenges me to be active and to give her opportunities to show affection. She is high-spirited and energetic. She loves people - the neighborhood greeter - and enjoys playing with other dogs.
5 years, 9 months ago
Belle
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, sleeping
She loves people but is selective with other dogs. She tries to dominate large dogs and other large animals. She knows no fear except for the vet. She's powerful and extremely agile. She would be perfect for agility if not for her innate need to dominate other dogs. She has a high prey drive and sometimes would harass the cats but we've been able to have her live with four other dogs and a large number of cats.
5 years, 5 months ago
Wally Wally Washington
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
play ball always
we added wally to our home when new neighbors had him chained up he was barking non stop so my husband went to them and asked if there was a problem with him and they said no but would you take him off our hands and he's been here with us 8 years
5 years, 1 month ago
Rosie
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Frisbee
Walking
High energy, stubborn, smart, agile, loving
4 years, 4 months ago
Fenway
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Fenway a year ago. He immediately bonded with our 4 year old yellow lab, Willow. And his 2 legged family. He loves all people, snuggling is his favorite thing to do always needing to be touching someone. He adores children of all ages, gentle and loving laying at there feet, or chasing a ball they throw. His favorite thing to do with other dogs is herding. He was a year old when we adopted him and learned his commands very quickly. He even comes when he is chasing snakes and mice. His only down fall is he loves to chew the corners of pillows....and pull the stuffing out. However he is worth every pillow he has ruined. He looks up at you with those eyes and snuggles next to you.... ya my dogs are spoiled.
4 years, 3 months ago
Coe
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Coe is high energy and the fastest dog at the dog park. He gets along with dogs, but does get defensive when on a leash. He loves to play and gets along with his three cat roommates, sometime he tries to herd them. He is very vocal and loves to talk. He’s always on high alert when hearing anything outside. He’s very excitable, especially when friends are over. My favorite thing about Coe is he’s the most affectionate dog and is always by my side.
4 years ago
Rusty
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have had him for approximately 1 month, so not alot of experience with him as of yet.
3 years, 7 months ago
Booty meems
3 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got meems 3 years ago she is very energetic requires lots of attention loves to play and is very good with people she can be jumpy with some dogs but friendly with most training was a breeze very smart and loyal all and all probably one of the best breeds and dogs I've had
3 years, 7 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd