If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the Bossi-Poo crossbreed, then this is the right place to gather all the information you’ll need. In this article, we’re going to talk about the Bossi-Poo’s appearance, personality, size, variations, health and lifespan, and maintenance requirements. Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- What Is A Bossi-Poo?
- Bossi-Poo Physical Appearance
- Bossi-Poo Pictures (Puppy & Adult)
- How Big Will A Bossi-Poo Get?
- Bossi-Poo Variations & Generations
- Temperament & Personality
- Bossi-Poo Health & Lifespan
- Exercise & Training
- Bossi-Poo Coat & Grooming
- Where Can You Get Bossi-Poo Puppies?
- Bossi-Poo FAQ
What Is A Bossi-Poo?
Bossi-Poo is a hybrid cross between the Boston Terrier and Poodle. Although currently not as well-known as some other Doodle breeds, we’re seeing more and more of this adorable Dood emerging thanks to the growing popularity of Poodle mixes and other hybrid breeds.
The Bossi-Poo’s purebred parents need no introduction – Poodles and Boston Terriers have been amongst the most popular dog breeds for ages now. And it was about time breeders started combining these two awesome purebreds together!
Both Poodles and Boston Terriers have a long history, dating back hundreds of years by now. The Boston Terrier originally was also a crossbreed, combining the stocky Bull Dog with the now extinct White English Terrier. And Poodles have a notorious history as hunting dogs, especially for hunting waterfowl. In fact, the Poodle’s intricate hairdos were initially created for them to be more efficient when hunting in water, keeping the most crucial body parts warm.
The Bossi-Poo crossbreed, as we mentioned, is quite new and it’s not exactly known when they were first created. But that’s not even the most important thing, anyway! The Bossi-Poo, a.k.a Bossi Doodle or Boston Poo, is a true gem that combines the best traits of both of its purebred parents. Of course, predicting the exact traits a Bossi-Poo inherits can be a bit tricky, as their genetics ultimately decide the outcome.
Bossi-Poo Physical Appearance
Colors
Both Boston Terriers and Poodles come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. And by combining these two purebreds, we have almost endless possibilities!
The purebred Boston Terrier usually flaunts coat patterns like black and white, black brindle and white, brindle and white, seal and white, and seal brindle and white. Oftentimes, they sport that signature tuxedo pattern that looks as if they’re quite literally wearing a tuxedo, how cute!
Purebred Poodles come in a variety of solid colors and also a few fun patterns. In fact, there’s much more versatility in the Poodle’s colors, ranging from darkest black and chocolate solid coats to the lightest cream, cafe au lait, silver, and white coats. In addition to that, purebred Poodles can also have phantom, sable, parti, abstract, or merle coat patterns.
Based on that information, we can expect Bossi-Poos to inherit more Boston Terrier like coats or sometimes come with solid coats like that of the Poodle. At the end of the day, it all boils down to which genetics are more dominant and if a breeder is specializing in specific coat colors.
Coat, Shedding, & Hypoallergenic Level
As you may know, Bossi-Poos and other Poodle mixes are generally praised for their low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats. Indeed, the purebred Poodle is a top pick amongst people with allergies, as they shed very little.
On the other hand, we have to take into account the other side of their lineage – the Boston Terrier. Oftentimes, there’s a misconception that all Poodle mixes are low to non-shedding dogs with hypoallergenic coats. But if the other purebred parent is a double-coated breed that sheds, there’s always a chance that their Doodle pups will also inherit a shedding undercoat.
Fortunately, that’s not the case with Bossi-Poos, as the Boston Terrier also has a single layer of fur! Although they might shed a little hair from time to time, they’re generally rather low-shedding. Therefore, the Bossi-Poo makes a wonderful companion for people who suffer from allergies, or who simply prefer a pet that doesn’t shed too much hair.
One thing to note, however, is that even the purebred Poodle isn’t technically a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Even single-layered dogs shed some hair! The main difference here is that the curly and textured coat tends to trap in more of those loose hairs, making it less likely to fall out, or shed. So, if your Bossi-Poo inherits that smooth and straight coat from the Boston Terrier, they might exhibit slightly more shedding due to that simple reason.
Speaking of which, a whole other thing is the coat type a Bossi-Poo inherits, as this can greatly determine how much you have to groom your Dood. Since we are talking about a crossbreed, we have to keep in mind that the outcome may lean on either side of their lineage.
Bossi-Poos usually come in one of three coat types – curly Poodle-like hair, straight coat that resembles more of the Boston Terrier, or a wavy coat that isn’t really curly nor straight.
As a general rule of thumb, the curly coat is the most high-maintenance of them all. The tight, dense curls easily trap in loose dog hair, dirt, and debris, which can quickly become knotted. Eventually, these knots and tangles will form into mats if they’re not properly brushed out. In contrast, the straight coat is usually the easiest to manage of them all. As their hair tends to be quite smooth, it’s not as prone to matting.
Bossi-Poo Pictures (Puppy & Adult)
Get ready to immerse yourself with all that Bossi-Poo cuteness! Here are some adorable examples how a Bossi-Poo pup might turn out:
| Photo Link | |
| White Bossi-Poo | @bossipoo_ |
| Brown Bossi-Poo | @bossi.poo |
| Black Bossi-Poo | @milo.chamberlain.bossipoo |
How Big Will A Bossi-Poo Get?
The Bossi-Poo is quite a small dog with their average weight ranging between 10 and 25 pounds as an adult. Their typical height is usually between 10 and 15 inches when measured at the shoulder.
If you know a little bit about Doodles and hybrid crosses, you know that it can be difficult to predict their size. For starters, as we’re combining two very different purebred dogs, there are never any guarantees. To make matters even more complicated, we must take into consideration that both purebred Poodles and Boston Terriers come in three different size categories.
The Boston Terrier is categorized as:
- Dogs weighing less than 15 pounds
- Dogs weighing between 15 and 20 pounds
- Dogs weighing between 20 and 25 pounds
The purebred Poodle comes in the following sizes:
- Toy Poodle that weighs 4 to 15 pounds
- Miniature Poodle weighing between 10 and 15 pounds
- Standard Poodle that weighs between 38 and 70 pounds
Because all the different Boston Terrier sizes are rather similar and still on the smaller end of the scale, the Bossi-Poo is usually created by using either Miniature or Toy Poodles in the mix. As the Bossi-Poo crossbreed is relatively rare at this point, they’re most commonly produced with the Miniature Poodle. However, it’s safe to say that we can expect more breeders to add the Toy Poodle into the mix in the near future.
| Toy/Mini Bossi-Poo Size | Mini/Standard Bossi-Poo Size | |
| Weight | Less than 15 pounds | 15-25 pounds |
| Height | 10-12 inches | 13-15 inches |
| When Full-Grown? | 7.5-11 months | 11-13 months |
*A dog’s height is measured from its withers, which is the highest part of its shoulder blades, not from the top of its head.
Bossi-Poo Variations & Generations
An interesting thing with Bossi-Poos (or any other hybrid breeds) is that they can be produced in multiple ways.
To illustrate: when producing a litter of purebred puppies, a breeder must simply mate together two health and DNA tested parent dogs. But when it comes to crossbreeds, a breeder could either cross two purebreds, or instead opt for a mix that crosses a Doodle back to a Poodle, or even two Doodles.
Let’s take a closer look at all the possible Bossi-Poo generations and what each of them represents:
| 1st Parent | 2nd Parent | % Boston Terrier* | % Poodle* | |
| F1 Bossi-Poo (first-generation) | Boston Terrier | Poodle | 50% | 50% |
| F1B Bossi-Poo (first-generation backcross) | F1 Bossi-Poo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F1BB Bossi-Poo (first-generation backcross backcross) | F1B Bossi-Poo | Poodle | 12.5% | 87.5% |
| F2 Bossi-Poo (second-generation) | F1 Bossi-Poo | F1 Bossi-Poo | 50% | 50% |
| F2B Bossi-Poo (second-generation backcross) | F1 Bossi-Poo | F1B Bossi-Poo | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| F2B Bossi-Poo (alternate cross) | F2 Bossi-Poo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F3 / Multigen Bossi-Poo | F1B Bossi-Poo or higher | F1B Bossi-Poo or higher | Varies | Varies |
*These are generic calculations only – genetics are rarely mathematically accurate.
As you can imagine, there’s quite a bit of unpredictability involved when producing a litter of Bossi-Poos. Especially if it’s a first-generation mix. However, with each consecutive generation we can achieve more control over the puppies’ physical and emotional traits, including their coat type, personality, size, and so forth.
For instance, if a breeder’s goal is to achieve a litter of Bossi-Poos with more Poodle-like traits, they’ll likely opt for backcross generations like F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb, where the majority of the genetic makeup is often inherited from the Poodle’s side of the lineage. Nevertheless, that’s not to say that all F1b Bossi-Poos will lean more on the Poodle’s side. At the end of the day, it all comes down to each puppy’s unique genetic makeup.
Currently, the Bossi-Poo crossbreed is hard to come across, and they’re most often bred as first-generation pups. But like with other Poodle mixes, we can expect to see more variations of the Bossi-Poo emerging as they become more and more well-known.
Temperament & Personality
When it comes to the Bossi-Poo’s personality and temperament, we once again have to first understand their heritage. After all, these Doods inherit the traits that are most often seen in their purebred parents.
The Boston Terrier is well-known for its lively, even goofy personality. They’re super friendly, affectionate, and they adore being at the center of attention. They’re also eager to please and quite intelligent little pups, which means that they’re not that difficult to train, either.
The only thing to note with purebred Boston Terriers is that they can have a stubborn streak from time to time. They can also get a bit hyper, so basically you have a small kid to deal with. As it’s often the case, their Bossi-Poo offspring might inherit this trait, too.
The purebred Poodle is also an active pup with a playful nature. They’re very loyal, loving, and overall a joy to be around. In fact, Poodles also tend to exhibit their mischievous side, much like the Boston Terrier. But what makes the Poodle so special in the doggy world is that these pups are one of the world’s most intelligent!
Based on the personality and temperament traits of its parents, the Bossi-Poo is generally a remarkably loving, sweet, and smart Dood. With their goofy antics, Bossi-Poos light up everyone’s world around them, and they just cannot get enough of fun activities that require them to move their precious lil’ bodies.
Bossi-Poos are also regarded as wonderful family pets thanks to their fondness of children and other pets. Of course, early socialization is key to teaching your new pup how to properly interact with others around them. This is also an excellent way to prevent any potential fear-based aggression or anxiety in the future.
Separation Anxiety
An important thing to note with Bossi-Poos is that they can be prone to separation anxiety. It can be challenging for these Doods to spend extended periods of time without their loved ones, leading to stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviors, including excessive digging or chewing.
For this reason, we do recommend you carefully weigh the pros and cons of the Bossi-Poo, as they might not be the best choice for people who have to leave the house for long hours or who like or have to travel very often.
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Bossi-Poo Health & Lifespan
Not only are Bossi-Poos as sweet as they can be with their loving and playful temperament, they bless us with their companionship for a long time. The average lifespan of a Bossi-Poo is between 13 and 15 years, similar to both purebred Boston Terriers and smaller Miniature and Toy Poodles.
What’s more, hybrid breeds like the Bossi-Poo are thought to live healthier, longer lives thanks to hybrid vigor. Essentially, this means that crossbreeds should inherit superior qualities from their purebred parents thanks to their more diverse genetic makeup.
Still, it all boils down to ethical breeding practices through careful health and genetic screening of the breeding dogs. You should also keep in mind that a healthy and balanced diet, daily exercise, and overall a stress-free life can greatly promote your pup’s longevity and wellbeing.
And even though Bossi-Poos might be somewhat healthier than their purebred parents, they’re still at risk of the health conditions that are prevalent in Poodles and Boston Terriers. Most notably, joint problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patella, epilepsy, Cushing’s syndrome, and Addison’s disease. Bossi-Poos are also at risk of certain heart problems, such as mitral valve disease (MVD), and eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Less serious health conditions that Bossi-Poos are prone to include allergies, sensitivities, and skin issues, ear infections, as well as dental problems. Fortunately, these can be minimized and prevented with proper grooming and hygiene regimens, and a healthy, high-quality diet.
Exercise & Training
Energetic by nature, Bossi-Poos thrive on all things related to exercise and fun sports. The good thing is that even though they’re high energy dogs, Bossi-Poos can comfortably thrive in an apartment setting thanks to their small size. But make sure you set aside at least 30 to 60 minutes every day to exercise your little Dood.
When it comes to training a Bossi-Poo, you’ll be glad to learn that this shouldn’t be much of a problem with these pups. As Bossi-Poos are highly intelligent and eager to please, they tend to pick up good habits, behaviors, and new tricks relatively easily. On the other hand, if their stubborn streak raises its head, be prepared to practice being patient and that much more consistent with your pooch.
With highly intelligent and energetic pups like the Bossi-Poo, it’s vital that you’re able to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. In addition to walkies and playing fetch in the doggy park, make sure your dog has lots of stimulating toys to play with. Puzzle toys and interactive games are wonderful for keeping your pup entertained and their brain at its peak. Boredom is the enemy, and if your pal doesn’t get to express all that pent up energy and their natural capabilities, you’ll soon have to deal with behavioral problems and very likely a destroyed home.
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Although Bossi-Poos are naturally intelligent, they won’t become well-rounded and well-behaved adults on their own. You should start with obedience training, potty training, and crate training from the moment you bring your new puppy home. This will help you establish good boundaries, behaviors, and they’re much more likely to carry on into adulthood.
Likewise, it’s so important to let your new puppy safely socialize with people of all ages, including children and elderly, and also other pets. The sooner your pup learns how to interact with others, the more likely they’ll be comfortable with meeting new people and other animals in the future. It’s also an excellent confidence boosting trick!
Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School
Whether it’s your first time getting a puppy or fifth, things can get overwhelming. There’s so much to consider – from potty training and socialization, to leash walking and household desensitization. No wonder it takes so much time and effort to raise a puppy, it’s hard to tackle everything on our own!
For a new dog owner, one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing a young, a bit silly and misbehaved pup grow into an adult dog with good manners and calm demeanor. An excellent way to get started on the right foot is to enroll your puppy to an online puppy school, such as this one from Baxter & Bella.
Not only is it immensely cheaper than attending physical training classes or hiring a dog trainer, it’s set up in a way that you’ll be the one teaching your dog all the appropriate behaviors and skills. Your pup will grow into a well-behaved dog and you’ll form an unbreakable bond with your best pal!
Bossi-Poo Coat & Grooming
Like with other Doods, there’s no way around regular grooming and hygiene routines. That’s especially true for Bossi-Poos who inherit the Poodles tight and textured curls, as this coat type is the most prone to matting. For these pups, daily brushing is an absolute must to get rid of any knots and tangles, and also remove any dirt and debris from the coat.
In contrast, Bossi-Poos with wavy or straight coats likely won’t need as much upkeep, as their hair has a smoother texture that doesn’t mat as easily as the curly coat. Still, daily brushing is an excellent way to minimize shedding and also to prevent potential allergic reactions. What’s more, you likely won’t have to bathe your Doodle as often, either, as brushing helps remove any daily grime from the fur.
For at-home grooming, you should invest in a good quality dog brush and a metal comb. For Bossi-Poos, we recommend either a pin or slicker brush – a slicker brush is a better option for curly-haired Doods. You might also find a dog detangler spray super helpful when dealing with more textured fur.
In addition to regular brushing, don’t forget to bathe your dog as often as needed. The frequency usually depends on a variety of factors, including your dog’s skin and coat health. But all in all, if your pup starts to get stinky, you know it’s time for a bath. On the other hand, you don’t want to bathe your dog too often, either, as this could lead to skin dryness, irritations, and other issues. Make sure you opt for a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner, emphasizing on the fact that these products must be specially formulated for dogs.
There’s also the matter of haircuts. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Bossi-Poos do require regular hair trimming to keep their hair at a healthy length. You can either have your dog professionally groomed, which can get quite costly pretty fast, or you could trim their hair at home yourself. If you want to take the latter route, then we recommend you learn all the basics from our How To Groom A Doodle At Home online course.
Furthermore, don’t forget to pay close attention to your Bossi-Poos ear hygiene, drying their ears after each wash and swim, and using a dog ear cleaner on a regular basis. You should also trim your dog’s nails weekly, and stay on top of their oral hygiene routine.
Where Can You Get Bossi-Poo Puppies?
As the Bossi-Poo is such a new crossbreed, finding a reputable breeder who specializes in these Doods can be tricky. We strongly advise you to carefully vet each breeder you consider working with to ensure that they follow responsible breeding standards, and that you’ll get a healthy and happy pup that’s well taken care of.
If you’re not sure where to look for ethical dog breeders, then we recommend you have a look at our Doodle Breeders Directory where we list responsible breeders all across the US (and soon other parts of the world, too).
Keep in mind that adopting a Doodle puppy is not cheap, and you’ll likely have to pay anywhere from $1,500 and up to $4,000 for a Bossi-Poo pup. But rest assured, if you adopt your new puppy from a reputable breeder, it’s well worth the price tag.
Bossi-Poo FAQ
Thanks to their loving and playful nature, Bossi-Poos make wonderful pets. They’re usually kid-friendly and get along well with other pets in the household. And thanks to their high intelligence and eagerness to please, they’re relatively easy to train.
The great thing about the Bossi-Poo is that their purebred Boston Terrier parents are notoriously quiet dogs. On the other hand, as the Poodle is quite a high energy pup, they might inherit a bit of that ‘vocalness’ from that side of their lineage. Still, with proper training and socialization, you can prevent barking becoming an issue altogether.
Bossi-Poos are best for people and families that have the time and energy to raise an active dog. They can also be prone to separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for people who can bring them along on daily outings or who don’t have to spend long hours away from home every single day.
Learn How to Groom Your Doodle At Home!
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