Cutest Dogs in the World: Boston Terrier Vs. Beagle

How can beagles and Boston terriers look so different, but both be so cute? You might really struggle to determine which breed is cutest!

Beagles have long, floppy ears, long snouts, and thrive with other dogs. Boston terriers have short snouts, large, triangular ears, and are super snuggly. Both breeds are active and sweet-tempered.

In this article, we’ll discuss beagles vs. Boston terriers, what makes them cute, and which breed is the cutest.

What Makes Boston Terriers Cute?

Little Bodies

Boston terriers stand 15-17 inches tall and weigh 12-25 pounds on average. They’re a great size as they’re less fragile than smaller breeds, but still small enough that most people can lift them if needed. 

They’re also easy to handle on leash, and it’s nice not to be dragged around by your pup on a walk!

Large Eyes and Ears

Bostons have been bred to have some big, almost exaggerated features. These include their eyes and ears. Many dog breeds have large eyes because it triggers a nurturing instinct in humans. We find big, puppy dog eyes very cute! Their large, upright ears are also adorable and stand up naturally as puppies grow into adults.

Short Snout

The short snout is another exaggerated feature of the Boston terrier. Over time, it’s been bred shorter and shorter.

While most people do find this cute, it’s definitely not healthy for the dogs. They struggle to breathe and can also develop a multitude of other health problems.

Multi-Colored Coat

When bred to adhere to American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, Boston terriers always have bi or tri-colored coats. Accepted coat colors include:

• Black and white
• Black, brindle, and white
• Brindle and white
• Seal and white
• Seal, brindle, and white

Their coats are short and soft, and shed moderately.

Active

Boston terriers sometimes struggle to exercise because of their short snout, especially in hot weather. However, they’re quite active dogs that love to romp around, explore new places, and play with their toys.

It’s so sweet to see a Boston terrier bowing into a play pose or doing zoomies around the house!

Sociable

Boston terriers are good dogs to adopt if you plan on bringing them around new people and animals often, as they tend to get along with almost everyone!

Of course, introductions should be made slowly, and you shouldn’t push your Boston’s boundaries. These sweet dogs tend to be very outgoing, but there will be outliers and dogs who just don’t like one person or pet for unknown reasons.

Snuggly

These little dogs love to snuggle close to their people after a long day. They’re also known to follow their families around like little shadows.

Boston terriers can be pretty clingy, and they thrive when involved in your activities. Leaving them alone for too long will result in a stressed dog prone to misbehavior.

Quiet

Great additions to a peaceful home, Boston terriers seldom bark. However, you’ll hear them when they’re alerting you to someone nearby or perhaps when they’re excited, like during play. But they aren’t prone to excessive barking and will likely quiet quickly.

What Makes Beagles Cute?

Small Size

Beagles have two sizes. Some stand under 13 inches tall and weigh under 20 pounds, while others stand 13-15 inches and weigh 20-30 pounds.

Like Boston terriers, they’re a good size for people who don’t want to fear stepping on a six-pound Chihuahua, but who also don’t want a large dog.

Floppy Ears

Beagle ears are also large, but contrast Boston terrier ears in that they’re long and floppy.

Beagles’ ears actually help trail scents while hunting, as the scents become trapped on the sides of the dog’s head and guided toward its nose!

Long Snoots

Long snoots also help beagles follow a scent. Most hunting dogs have long snouts that help them to have a better sense of smell.

We personally love dogs with long snouts–it’s what makes a dog a dog! And they come with health benefits, unlike brachycephalic snouts.

Multi-Colored Coats

Beagles that adhere to AKC breed standards always have bi or tri-colored coats, just like Boston terriers. Their coats can be any of the following colors:

• Black, red, and white
• Blue, tan, and white
• Black and tan
• Black, tan, and bluetick
• Black, tan, and white
• Black, white, and tan
• Brown and white
• Brown, white, and tan
• Lemon and white
• Tan and white
• Red and white

Their fur is short and smooth, and they shed a little more than Boston terriers.

Cheery Disposition

Beagles tend to be happy dogs who love to bring a smile to your face! Their goofy antics, curiosity, and playfulness are some of their cutest personality traits.

Playfulness

Beagles love to run and play! They’re very active dogs who require plenty of daily exercise, and make great companions on walks, hikes, and other outings.

Pack Dogs

These dogs are the perfect addition to multi-dog households. They were bred to hunt in packs and thrive around their canine companions!

And the only thing cuter than one beagle might just be two! Or three, or four…

Independence

Some people will get frustrated with a beagle’s independence. These smart pups know how to think for themselves and can sometimes be pretty stubborn.

They also aren’t as cuddly as Boston terriers, which might be a plus if you don’t want a lap dog. However, you won’t get out of spending time with them, because beagles are still clingy in their own right.

Determination

Beagles are also determined dogs with great stamina. If they’ve caught a scent, they want to follow it through! Seeing them so focused is amazing!

Vocalizations

Lastly, beagles aren’t as quiet as Boston terriers. In fact, they’re one of the noisier dog breeds! They don’t just bark, but instead vocalize in many ways including howling and baying.

Beagles vs. Boston Terriers: Pulling Back the Curtain

Grooming

Both beagles and Boston terriers need to be brushed weekly. Beagles may take a bit longer to groom, but both should be quick and easy.

Beagles also have a shedding season in the spring during which they blow their undercoats, meaning they shed more profusely and require more frequent brushing.

Boston terriers specifically are prone to dental disease. Brush your pup’s teeth once a day and talk to your veterinarian about regular professional cleanings.

Exercise

Beagles require at least an hour of daily exercise with their people. This can include both daily walks and hands-on playtime, or even two beagles playing together.

Boston terriers are also energetic and require daily walks and play. However, be careful about strenuous exercise as they’re prone to what’s called exercise intolerance because of their short snouts. Bostons should stay indoors on hot days, preferably going on walks in the early morning or late evening if temperatures cool.

Training

Boston terriers are eager to please and tend to cue into their peoples’ emotions. They’re sensitive dogs that need positivity and encouragement during training. Avoid aversive training methods.

Beagles are also born people-pleasers, but they also have hunting instincts that can make recall training difficult. Never let your beagle off-leash in an unenclosed space, as relying on them to listen to your recall rather than their instincts is a losing game.

Beagles are also escape artists, so make sure your yard is well-enclosed before adopting one. Fencing should be 5 foot or taller with underground fencing so that your beagle cannot dig her way out.

Health

Both breeds are prone to eye problems and luxating patella. Beagles are also prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy.

Never adopt a puppy from a breeder unless they have performed all recommended genetic health testing and can prove it with published results.

Boston terriers are prone to deafness and brachycephalic syndrome. Their brachycephalic (short) muzzles make breathing and exercise difficult day to day. They’re also prone to a host of other health problems related to their snout length.

Please avoid shopping with Boston terrier breeders – they are bred incredibly unethically!

Are Boston Terriers or Beagles Cuter?

So, what do you think about these breeds? Are you leaning one way or the other?

Of course, whether Boston terriers or beagles are cuter is all down to personal preferences. If you’re thinking of adopting one of these pups, consider their needs and how they fit your lifestyle.

Beagles are healthier on average. They’re great for people who want an exercise companion, have multiple dogs, and don’t mind a vocal pup.

Boston terriers are great for people looking to adopt an adult dog instead of buying from a breeder. They’re cuddlier and not as prone to running off as beagles, but their vet bills are likely to run higher, as will pet insurance if you opt for it.

You can’t go wrong with either breed so long as you commit to adopting or shopping responsibly!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©