Bostillon (Boston Terrier & Papillon Mix): Breed Info, Pictures

If there ever was a designer breed that’s a true amalgamation of its parents, it’s the Bostillon. Crossbred between the Boston Terrier and Papillon, this feisty and energetic little pup looks just like you’d imagine they would.

But it’s not their unique adorableness that makes them so desirable. They’ve got huge personalities bursting out of their tiny frames. And they’re not afraid to let you know. They are notorious yappers, but that habit can be minimized with training. What can’t be contained are the happiness and love they have towards their owners. They love nothing more than cuddling up in your lap after a hard day of play.

What’s more, if you’re looking for a lower maintenance dog, the Bostillon might be able to fill that void. They’re relatively simple to properly care for, and they’re great for elderly individuals or those who live in an apartment.

Boston Terrier Papillon Mix Puppies

Before you jump into the role of Bostillon parent, there are some things you need to be aware of. First, they can be pretty yappy dogs. This trait is mainly inherited from the Papillon side of its lineage. However, with work, you can minimize the excessive barking into slightly less than excessive barking. They’re alert and active dogs, so eliminating this behavior altogether just isn’t going to happen. You need to be ready to embrace this as a Bostillon owner.

Next, you need to be a bit cautious when allowing smaller children around your Bostillon pup. Not because they get too nippy, but their small stature and body can be easily injured by an unruly child or one who hasn’t been fully taught how to handle smaller dogs.

And lastly, they are a social dog. While they don’t need a great deal of exercise, Bostillons crave interaction with either people or other dogs. If you’re going to be a dog parent to a single pup, you’ll either need to devote lots of attention to them or arrange for playdates with other dogs.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bostillon

1. Bostillons don’t require frequent bathing.

One big part of owning a dog is making sure that they’re properly washed and bathed. And some breeds definitely need more scrubbing than others. The Bostillon is one of those pups that doesn’t need a whole lot of work. And that’s because they don’t produce and emit that “dog smell” like most other dogs. In fact, they probably won’t really have a smell at all.

Bathing them once a month (or when they get into something nasty) should suffice for their scrubbing routine. Plus, less frequent bathing will only help to combat sensitive skin issues.

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2. They’re a combination breed of Old World elite and New World favorite.

The Papillon was an extremely popular dog to the ruling elite of Europe, while the Boston Terrier took the United States by storm. The first Bostillon was suspected to have been bred in the United States in the early to mid-1900s.

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3. Bostillons are prone to separation anxiety.

Once you become a Bostillon owner, you’ll find out just how quickly they’ll crave your attention. And when you leave them alone for extended time periods, you’ll need to ensure they aren’t left unattended or in a position to cause damage. They really don’t like being left alone and may become destructive.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boston Terrier Papillon Mix 🧠

Bostillons might be small on the outside, but they’ve got huge personalities where it counts. They’re some of the happiest, liveliest dogs you’ll ever meet. However, they’re not necessarily hyperactive. Bostillons can actually be relatively mellow with their happiness. They are very social creatures and just love to be the center of attention and make their presence known.

Are Bostillons Good for Families? 🏡

Bostillons can be a great family dog! They’re just so lovable and affectionate to members of their family. And if you’re looking for a loyal companion, look no further. Bostillons love little more than to cuddle up with you and pass out in your lap.

We do recommend that you watch smaller children around your Bostillon however. Younger children may not quite grasp the concept of how to treat a smaller dog. This can lead to undue injury for your pup and possibly a nip at the child.

Do Bostillons Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

When it comes to other dogs, the Bostillon gets along splendidly. As a matter of fact, they tend to do better when they have a companion or playmate. But you’ll need to take caution when letting them around other smaller pets — especially rodents. They have a tendency to enjoy a good chase and hunt.

Things to Know When Owning a Bostillon

Before you jump into Bostillon ownership, you should first review some basics as they apply to this breed. You’ll find that there are several unique nuances about Bostillons when compared to other dogs.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Being a small dog, the Bostillon doesn’t require much food at all. As a matter of fact, a single cup of food each day is more than enough to keep them well-fed and nourished.

We recommend choosing a high-protein brand full of great healthy ingredients such as Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Bites. You can take a look at all of our favorite small-breed dog food choices here too, if you’re interested in a bit of variety.

This food will supply them with all the nutrition your Bostillon needs to live a long, happy, healthy life.

Exercise 🐕

These little pups are very vocal and active. But when it comes to exercise, a little goes a long way. They really don’t need too much daily exercise. An hour a day should help them relieve any built-up nervous energy and fully stretch them out. Just don’t be surprised if after playtime your Bostillon finds a nice place to nap.

Training 🦮

The Bostillon will absolutely require training. And they aren’t necessarily the easiest dog to train — particularly when it comes to curbing their barking. It’ll seem like nothing works at times. However, you’ll have to be persistent and provide strong, positive reinforcement during training.

Sometimes, they’ll also exhibit an anxious nervousness — a trait shared with many similarly-sized dogs. This uneasiness can actually lead to nipping or fear of others. The best way to combat this is through early socialization with both people and other dogs.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming a Bostillon is actually much easier than many other breeds. That’s because they don’t require frequent bathing. They naturally don’t carry common dog odors that require scrubbing out.

Also, despite their plumed “mane”, Bostillons don’t need daily brushing. A simple once-a-week treatment should do the trick. Just keep in mind that these dogs are not hypoallergenic and are prone to shedding.

Health Conditions ❤️

Despite their diminutive size, the Bostillon is actually a very robust dog breed. They have minimal health concerns and can live long, healthy lives. The largest concern Bostillons have is actually patellar luxation—a condition where their kneecaps seem to slip or float out of place. Other than that, they are more subject to only a few other conditions: deafness and cataracts.

Male vs. Female

As far as male vs female, there’s really no discernable physical difference between the sexes. When it comes to learning and temperament, females of the breed tend to be more affectionate and take to commands faster than the males.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet, happy addition to your family, you might want to consider a Bostillon. They’re chock full of hype and personality and always ready to make you smile. Bostillons are also very healthy dogs that’ll require minimal vet visits and grooming. The breed is relatively low maintenance and worry-free with the exception of their separation anxiety. So, when looking for your next forever friend, don’t skip over this joyful bundle of fur.

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Featured Image Credit: Tap10, Shutterstock