How long does a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 9–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Boston Terrier (11–13 years).

Is a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix easy to train?

Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › German Shepherd › German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix

German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix

A German Shepherd Boston Terrier mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Boston Terrier. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–60 lb and live 9–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Boston Terrier, a purebred dog — Boston TerrierPhoto: Svenska Mässan from Sweden, CC BY 2.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight30–60 lbcan be 12–90 lb

Height18–22 inat the shoulder

Lifespan9–12 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix30–60 lb

Boston Terrier12–25 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 18–22 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 15–17 in for the Boston Terrier. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Very low to high

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Boston Terrier very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Boston Terrier as friendly, bright, amusing. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Boston Terrier vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix	Boston Terrier
Weight	50–90 lb	30–60 lb	12–25 lb
Height	22–26 in	18–22 in	15–17 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	9–12 yr	11–13 yr
Shedding	high	very low to high	very low
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix get?: Most grow to 30–60 pounds and 18–22 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 12–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 9–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Boston Terrier (11–13 years).
Does a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix shed?: Shedding is very low to high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix easy to train?: Trainability is very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Boston Terrier mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.