Only the biggest of females will get 8-10 ft long. Females typically get anywhere from 6-8ft, and males right around 5-6'.

If you really want to get a boa, get a baby male. He'll stay small... and since you got him as a baby, you can grow with him---learn his temper, his moods, etc.

FYI: there are smaller boa out there if 6' is still too big. Hogg Island boas usually stay more around the 4-5' mark for males.