Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Boston Terrier if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Boston Terrier
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
small
Size
large
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better11–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better2/5
Shedding
4/5
Better1/5
Grooming
2/5
Better5/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$600–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers vs Labrador Retrievers Need?
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Boston Terrier is lower-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs2/5
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Size & Build: Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Boston Terrier is more compact.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs25–36
Height (cm)
38–43
vs55–62
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Labrador Retriever stands 55–62 cm (22–24 in) tall and weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Boston Terrier at 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs).
Temperament Differences: Boston Terrier and Labrador Retriever
Boston Terrier is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Boston Terrier greets the world with a friendly attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Boston Terrier is easier to maintain.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better2/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs2/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Training: Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Cost to Own: Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Boston Terrier vs Labrador Retriever: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better11–15
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 11–15 years for the Boston Terrier and 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Boston Terrier
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary — Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever: Which Is Right for You?
The Boston Terrier comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (2/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Boston Terrier is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Boston Terrier and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Boston Terrier, Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Boston Terrier by roughly $400/year.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Boston Terriers adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Boston Terriers shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Boston Terriers cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
The Boston Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Boston Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Boston Terrier's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever?
A Boston Terrier puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Boston Terriers or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Boston Terrier generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Boston Terrier or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Boston Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.