A Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix – also called Bostinese or Boston Peke – is a cute mixed breed dog obtained by crossing two equally cute dog breeds: the Pekingese and the Boston terrier. The result of this cross is a smart, cute, and energetic little dog that has inherited the best qualities of both its parent breeds.
If you are in the market for a Bostinese and want to know how much it costs, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover important questions like how much does a Boston terrier Pekingese mix puppy costs, what are the first-year costs of raising this cute dog, and also the costs you incur over its lifetime.
Despite their small size, you must still treat the Bostinese as a regular-sized dog. This means that training, exercise, regular medical checks, and healthy food are very important if you want to keep your pet in the best of health.
Before you buy your Boston terrier Pekingese mix, it is important to understand that raising a dog takes time, effort, and money. A designer dog like the Boston Peke can cost anywhere between $1000 and $6000 depending on the breeder. And that is not all you also have to consider the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual costs of dog ownership.
A small dog like the Bostonese is certainly easier to handle but many of them require special diets. Some even need prescription dog food which can cost as much as $20/week. Your dog will also need a special bed, crate for house training, and regular vet checkups. A single trip to the vet – even for a routine checkups – could cost up to $50. So, do make sure you are willing to make this financial commitment before buying or adopting your Bostinese.
To summarize:
Let us study these cost-breakups in detail.
How Much Does a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix Puppy Cost?
The cost of a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix can vary from breeder to breeder. Since this little dog is in much demand and there are very few breeders breeding it, its purchase price is on the higher side. The fact that the breed has very small litter sizes adds to this cost price.
Boston Terrier Pekingese mixes are cute, intelligent, and playful. Resultantly, they are very popular and highly sought-after. This demand also increases their price.
Boston Pekes are available in various colors like black, black-white, brown, brindle-white, seal-white, seal-brindle-white, etc. The colors depend on the parents used in the breeding. Some colors are more in-demand and these puppies are priced higher.
Resultantly, some breeders charge almost $600 to $1000 for a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix. If you get your pup from a breeder that has used champion stud or winner female, then s/he might even charge up to $6000. Here is a table showing the minimum and maximum costs of Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix puppies.
The minimum price of Bostinese | $600 |
Maximum price of Bostinese | $6000 |
Price bracket | $600-$6000 |
The average price of Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix | $1000 |
Factors That Affect The Price of Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
Small litter sizes
Breeders selectively breed the Boston terrier and the Pekingese which results in smaller litter sizes. Designer dogs like the Bostinese are very rare and that increases their price significantly. Sometimes, the dogs have to e delivered using C-section. Also, the breeding process could require artificial insemination. These medical procedures can cost a lot of money.
High-demand and popularity
Thanks to social media, the popularity of hybrid dogs like the Boston Peke is very high. Even celebrities are known to buy these dogs and that further increases their demand. Boston Pekes are also small in size, hypoallergenic, and much easier to handle than many medium or large-sized purebred dogs. This is also why the breed is so highly sought-after. This has inflated their prices.
Health guarantees from breeders
Ethical breeders of the Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix are genuinely interested in the breed’s welfare. They only use dogs that undergo stringent health tests to detect genetic health issues like hip dysplasia, PRA, etc. These health guarantees significantly increase the cost of designer puppies.
Where to Buy your Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix?
There are very few breeders having the Boston Peke breed. You can try the following:
- Greenfield puppies
- Southern Bred Boston Terrier Mix
You can also contact some of the following rescue homes for finding a rescued Boston Terrier Pekingese.
- Adopt a Pet
- Adopt-A-Boston – they have many Boston terrier mixes too.
- Kingdom Boston Terrier Puppies
Basic Supplies for your Bostonese and Approximate Costs
1. Collar and leash
Your Bostinese will need a collar and leash of appropriate size. Select one with easy-clasp and sturdy D-rings. Collars and leashes with reflective strips will help your pet be seen in low-light. Cost – about $15-$20.
2. Crate
It is a misconception that crate means punishment for dogs. Crates give your small dog a quiet and safe place to rest. Dogs that are crated till 6 months of age are known to get house-trained more easily and you also get lesser destruction. A small-crate for this small-sized dog costs about $30.
3. Comfy bed
Always determine if your Bostinese is a chewer before investing in a plush, furry bed. If your pet chews things, then it may be better to go in for a ballistic, chew-proof bed. The cost of a sturdy small-sized nylon bed is about $25-$50.
4. Food and water bowls
You can go in for stainless steel or food-grade plastic or ceramic bowls. Place a silicone rubber mat underneath the bowls to contain messes. The cost of food and water bowls is about $10-$15.
5. Toys
Toys are very important for your Bostinese’s mental and physical well-being. Kong toys are one of the best investments you will make for your little Boston peke. Stuff the Kong with treats and your little buddy will be occupied for hours.
6. Grooming supplies
Some Bostinese have longish fur like their Pekingese parent while others have short coats like the Boston terrier. In any case, they will need moderate grooming. Invest in brushes, shampoos, and conditioner to maintain its coat. You also need a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, nail clippers, and ear cleaning wipes as a part of the basic grooming supplies.
Here is a table showing the basic supply costs:
Item | Cost | |
Essentials | Leash | $10.00 |
Collar | $10.00 | |
Food and water bowls | $10.00 | |
Bed | $35.00 | |
First aid kit | $20.00 | |
Dog waste bags | $10.00 | |
Extras | Absorbent house-training pads | $10.00 |
Harness | $10.00 | |
Brush or comb | $10.00 | |
Nail clippers | $10.00 | |
Canine toothbrush | $5.00 | |
Carrier | $20.00 | |
Car dog seat belt | $10.00 | |
Toys | $50.00 |
Training Costs for Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
Without training, your Bostinese could misbehave and think that it is the alpha of the house. Lack of training also leads to unwanted behaviors like excess barking, chewing furniture, biting, etc.
The first thing to do is start with your pet’s house training. As suggested above, also start with crate-training side-by-side. Your pet will not void in the place it eats and sleeps in. So, a crate is a handy accessory during potty training. You can teach your small dog to go potty indoors on training pads or in the yard if you have one.
In addition to house training, you also need to teach it basic obedience. This includes commands like ‘come’, ‘stay’, ‘heel’, etc.
If training at home sounds difficult to you, you could choose to enroll your Bostinese in a doggy kindergarten. You can also hire private dog trainers or canine behaviorists. Some dog parks also offer low-cost dog training as well. Depending on your city and the dog training you choose, you might have to shell out between $30 and $50 for each private session.
The following table will show you the cost breakup for different kinds of dog training:
Group training (cost per class) | $30.00 to $50 per class |
Private obedience school (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
Dog boot camp (cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
Minimum online training program price | $99.00 |
YouTube videos | $0.00 |
Minimum puppy basic training cost (total) | $500.00 |
Maximum puppy basic training cost with boarding (total) | $2000.00 |
Service dog training | $120 per hour |
Bostinese Food Costs
Your Bostinese puppy will do best with the puppy food that your vet or breeder recommends. Later, as your buddy becomes an adult, you can switch to adult dog food.
Most Bostinese weigh between 10 and 25 lb. with a height of 10-15 inches at withers. This size depends on its parent dogs. If the parent dogs are larger, your puppy will be taller and weigh more than its average weight.
In any case, this is a small dog breed. So, you need to feed it accordingly. You can choose from kibble/dry dog food or wet or canned food. Remember that this is a small dog which means they are prone to dental issues like cavities. So, dry dog food might be better for them.
Here are some feeding guidelines for your Bostinese:
- Feed 1 to 1 1/3rd cup of dry dog food or kibble to your 20-lb. adult Bostinese. You can divide this into 2-3 small meals.
- If you choose to feed wet/canned food, you will need 2 containers of wet food of 10-oz. each divided into 2-3 meals every day.
Below is a table showing monthly feeding costs for your Boston Peke:
Type of food | Monthly quantity to feed a 20-lb. Boston terrier Pekingese mix | Monthly cost |
Dry food/kibble | 8 lb. | $20 |
Wet food | 35 lb. | $40 |
Frozen food/freeze dried nuggets | 5-lb | $75 |
Raw food | 8-lb | $35 |
Dog treats | $10 |
Best Dog Food Comparison for Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
Bostinese need high-quality dog food with balanced protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Some of these dogs are allergic or sensitive to certain proteins. However, most tolerate chicken, turkey, and fish.
Like all small dogs, the Bostinese needs to eat 2-3 small meals per day to maintain muscle mass and energy levels. They also need food containing vitamin E and omega fatty acids to maintain the healthy skin barrier and nourish the coat and skin.
Based on these, here are some of the top dog food brands along with their costs:
Name | Features | Cost per lb. |
Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
|
Vet-recommended food containing real chicken as first ingredient. No artificial flavors | $1.55/lb. |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
|
Made in the USA, helps in weight management. | $2.73/lb. |
Solid Gold – Mighty Mini with Sensitive Stomach Probiotic Support – Grain-Free Holistic Dry Dog Food for Toy And Small Breed of All Life Stages
|
Grain-free food with probiotics for healthy digestion. Omegas support skin and coat health. | $4.5/lb. |
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Grain Free High Protein Kibble + Natural Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
|
High-protein kibble plus freeze-dried raw food. Made in the USA. Contains real cage-free chicken. | $6.25/lb |
Medical Costs for Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
Most designer dogs are hardy and healthy. The same is true about the Boston terrier Pekingese mix – especially if you have bought yours from a reputed breeder. Good breeders would have conducted health checks on the parent dogs before breeding. This can significantly reduce the risk of many genetic health issues commonly seen in Pekingese and Boston Terrier dog breeds.
Having said that, your little dog will still need routine exams and health checks from time to time.
In the first year, you would also spend on spaying/neutering your pet. This surgery can cost between $100- $200 depending on your location. Spay/neutering helps prevent the risks of many cancers in dogs.
Your puppy will also need several core and non-core vaccinations to protect it from deadly canine diseases like distemper, hepatitis, etc.
The following table shows you the age at which your Bostinese needs the vaccines at and the costs of core and non-core vaccines:
Vaccination costs and age for Boston Peke
Age | Vaccine | Cost |
6-8 weeks | Canine parvovirus – core vaccine
Distemper – core vaccine Canine hepatitis – core vaccine |
$100.00 |
6-8 weeks | Bordetella bronchiseptica – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
9-12 weeks to be repeated 2 to 4 weeks later | Borrelia burgdorferi – non-core vaccine | $25.00 |
10-12 weeks to be repeated every 4 weeks until the puppy is 1 year old | Leptospira bacteria – non-core vaccine | $50.00 |
16 to 18 weeks and a booster at 12-16 months and repeat as per state law | Rabies – core vaccine | $15.00 |
Some other medical costs
Item | Average cost annually |
Flea and tick prevention | $40 to $200 |
Spaying | $100-$200 |
Neutering | $50 to $100 |
Dental cleaning | $50 to $300 |
Routine checkups | $45- $ 55 |
Ear infection | $40 to $150 |
Diarrhea/stomach upset | $100 to $300 |
Complex and Emergency Care Costs – Average
Type | Average Cost |
Cancer | $4137 |
Chemotherapy | $4000 |
Diabetes | $2892 |
Eye issues | $319 |
Fractures | $2371 |
Arthritis | $724 |
Dental disease | $519 |
Heart ailments | $1140 |
Inherited Diseases in Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
Below are some diseases commonly found in Pekingese and Boston terriers. There is a chance that these could be passed on to Bostinese pups:
Patella luxation
Dogs with patellar luxation refuse exercise due to the debilitating pain they experience in the knee area. They might have a pronounced limp while walking/running. The cost of surgery to fix this condition is about $2000. If you cannot afford surgery, you could choose rehab physical therapy – each session costs about $50.
Stenotic Nares
Both parent breeds – Boston terriers and Pekingese – are brachiocephalic which leads to stenotic nares. In this, the affected dogs suffer from gagging, difficulty in breathing, noisy breathing, snoring, vomiting, and several other health issues. Treatment to fix stenotic nares includes surgery to shorten elongated palates or the removal of the part of the tissue that causes obstruction in breathing. The cost of this is about $500-$1000.
Herniated discs
Herniated disc or intervertebral disc disease is very painful and, if left untreated, could lead to paralysis in dogs. The cost of treatment is about $2000-$4000 not including X-rays and other imaging methods.
Eye issues
Since both parent breeds suffer from different eye issues, the Boston terrier Pekingese mix is also prone to them. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is one such eye issue. Treatment for this includes lifetime use of medicines to lubricate the eyes.
Pet Insurance for Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
It is a good idea to buy pet insurance while your Bostinese is still young. Younger dogs have fewer health issues and pre-existing conditions. You will also pay a lower insurance premium when you buy insurance while your dog is in good health.
Being the parent of a boisterous Boston Peke means that you must prepare yourself for unexpected medical costs. Good pet insurance can help you cover many of these costs. You also get other benefits such as:
- Fully reimbursed wellness checks. Your pet will benefit from routine visits to the vet as many conditions can be diagnosed early and prevented from escalating.
- Full/partial coverage of hospitalization and surgery.
- Some pet insurance companies even allow you to visit any vet of your choice.
- You even get 24/7 pet helplines.
Here are some popular pet insurance companies and their costs:
Name | Cost | Pros | Cons |
Figo Insurance | As low as $1.5 per day | You can choose your annual benefit, deductible, and reimbursement rate. They have a
Pet Cloud app that connects policyholders to a live vet 24/7
|
May not cover pre-existing conditions. |
Embrace Insurance | Basic coverage starts under $7 | Covers most types of cares | They have hidden fees. |
PetsBest | About $20/month | Their plans offer customizable annual limits, annual deductibles, and 70, 80, or 90% reimbursement. | Limited annual limit options. Also, end-of-life expenses not covered. |
Additional Costs of Owning a Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
As seen above, you will incur many costs while raising your little dog. Below are some other miscellaneous costs that dog owners need to be aware of:
Grooming costs
Thankfully, this small dog does not need too much grooming. However, if your Bostinese develops a long-hair coat like the Peke, it will need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
Even if your Boston Peke has a short coat like its terrier parent, then you’d still need to brush it from time to time. If you choose to get professional grooming, you could spend anywhere between $30 to $100 depending upon the services. Basic grooming services include anal gland expression, shampoo-conditioning, nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.
Dog boarding or pet-sitting services
Now that travel is reopening everywhere, pet owners often have to board their Bostinese. This can cost anywhere between $40 and $100 per day depending on the kind of facilities they provide and your city. You could also hire a pet-sitter. These charge on an hourly basis. Some pet-sitters also walk the dog, clean the litter box, collect your mail, and water your house plants. Such services can cost about $75 per day.
In case you decide to take your Boston terrier Pekingese mix with you, then be prepared to pay between $125 and $250 one-way on air-fare.
Daily dog-walking
Don’t let the Boston terrier Pekingese mix’s small size fool you. This energetic dog needs plenty of exercise without which it could get bored or depressed. Dog walkers tend to charge anywhere between $10-$30 per walk of 20-30 minutes depending on your area.
Conclusion – Summary of Costs of Raising your Boston Terrier Pekingese Mix
First-year cost
The first-year cost of owning a Boston terrier Pekingese mix includes the cost of buying or the adoption fees. Adopting a dog is always cheaper- most rescue homes charge about $400 as a basic fee.
Buying a designer dog like the Bostinese can be expensive because breeders tend to charge anywhere between $600 and $6000 depending on health check guarantees, the color of the coat, size of litter, etc. You will also spend about $200 on vaccinations and deworming. It is also recommended to spay/neuter your dog in the first year itself. All this can add to about $1500 in the first year.
Monthly costs
The monthly costs of raising a small dog are between $60-$100. This includes costs of food, flea-tick prevention, grooming, routine health checks, and dog walking.
Annual costs
In the subsequent years, you will spend between $750 and $1000 on the care and upbringing of your Bostinese. This includes food and dog treats, miscellaneous supplies, routine medical costs, dental care, flea and tick prevention, deworming, and dog training. You will spend more if you travel or board your pet.
Lifetime costs
The life expectancy of Bostinese is about 15 years. So, over its lifetime, you can expect to pay about $15000 for its care. If your pet develops health issues, these costs can go up significantly.
We hope this guide helps you decide on the financial commitment before you bring your Boston terrier Pekingese mix home.