Breed Versus

Boston Terrier vs Greyhound

A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.

Short answer

Boston Terrier is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it scores higher on apartment fit (5/5 vs 3/5); it is easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5); it costs less to keep ($58 vs $80 a month). Greyhound makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.

Comparison table

AttributeBoston TerrierGreyhound
Speciesdogdog
OriginUnited StatesMiddle East / Europe
Weight (kg)5–1127–40
Height (cm)23–3868–76
Lifespan (years)11–1510–14
Monthly cost (USD)$58$80
Yearly cost (USD)$696$960
Purchase price (USD)$1600$2450
Grooming need (1–5)11
Shedding (1–5)22
Energy (1–5)33
Trainability (1–5)43
Apartment fit (1–5)53
Good with kids (1–5)44
Vocal (1–5)11

What the numbers mean

  • Boston Terrier weighs 5–11 kg and lives 11–15 years; Greyhound weighs 27–40 kg and lives 10–14 years.
  • On estimated monthly cost, Boston Terrier runs about $58/month versus $80/month for Greyhound — a difference of roughly $22 a month, or $264 a year.
  • Boston Terrier has the higher apartment suitability score (5/5 vs 3/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
  • Both have the same shedding score (2/5).
  • Both have the same grooming requirement (1/5).
  • Both have the same energy level (3/5).
  • Boston Terrier has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 3/5).
  • Both have the same kid-friendliness score (4/5).
  • Both have the same vocalisation score (1/5).

Cost over ten years

At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $6,960 for Boston Terrier and $9,600 for Greyhound. The gap is $2,640 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.

Health profile

Boston Terrier

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Protruding eyes
  • Patellar luxation

Greyhound

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Anesthesia sensitivity

Which one should you pick?

  • Choose Boston Terrier if you want a breed that copes well in a smaller home, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $58 a month.
  • Choose Greyhound if you want a more substantial dog to work with, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $80 a month.
  • Neither, if the grooming load is more than you can sustain; both need regular coat care.

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