Breed Spotlight: The Boston Terrier
Breed Spotlight: The Boston Terrier
Today, I am excited to bring to the spotlight on one of my personal favorites: the Boston terrier. These dogs are fantastic family dogs, very affectionate, and love to play! The Boston is an American bred dog, in fact it is the first US bred dog recognized by the AKC. Almost immediately, the Boston Terrier acquired a huge following. Originally bred from fighting dogs, the breed was later selected for companionship and good temperament. Ask any owner, and they will tell you there has never been such a good family dog as their Boston Terrier.
The Boston Terrier is a gentle, affectionate dog.
Appearance
Think of the Boston Terrier as a Mini Cooper…it’s a compact dog! With a small head and small (but not docked) tail, the Boston is balanced and proportionate. AKC recognized colors include black, brindle and seal. If you aren’t looking to show your dog, and desire a more “custom” color, you can also find Bostons that are liver, brown, cream or red. The Boston is highly intelligent, from learning tricks and routines to picking up on subtle cues when its human is having a bad hair day. The Boston is sure to delight any dog lover out there.
Black, Brindle, and Seal on White are the AKC accepted Colors.
Size
Bostons are generally between 10 and 25 pounds and stand15-17 inches high. They are a sturdy dog, without being blocky or chunky. As mentioned earlier, they are in perfect proportion in order to appear square.
Perfect proportions for the perfect puppy!
Markings
Boston Terriers have been called the “American Gentlemen” of dogs because of their ever-present tuxedo. White should cover their chest and muzzle, rise between the eyes, band around the neck and halfway up the legs.
Chest and muzzle should be white, as well as a white strip around hte neck and white blaze between the eyes.
Temperament
How do I love thee, Boston Terrier? Let me count the ways. The Boston Terrier is affectionate, easy to train, loves to be around people, and seldom barks. In fact the Boston Terrier isn’t considered a terrier by the AKC. While terriers were originally used in the mix that created this breed, it is generally believed that most terrier traits have been bred out of Bostons, leaving you with a compact, well-mannered dog. Indeed, Bostons act more like large dogs than small ones. They are tough, love to play, and while they love companionship, don’t need to be dressed up in tutus or fed from a crystal bowl to be happy.
Boston Terriers make great family dogs!
Health
Look for a well-bred Boston. There are several health concerns in this bred, including cataracts, cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur and allergies. Because they are a short- muzzled breed, they do not do well in very hot nor very cold weather, especially if exercising heavily while in these climates. That being said, I have had two Boston terriers, and both were extremely healthy dogs. If you have a Boston and live in a hot climate or are having issues with luxating patellas, make sure your pet is not overweight. A healthy weight makes breathing easier in bracycephalic (short muzzled) dogs, and can ease strain on the knees. You can expect to have your Boston keeping you company for 15 or more years.
Short-muzzled dogs may have a hard time in very hot and very cold climates.
Grooming
The short, smooth coat of the Boston Terrier is easy to keep clean! Check the eyes and ears frequently, especially the eyes as they bulge and are susceptible to injury. Keep nails clipped. The Boston is an average shedder and, if groomed properly does not have a strong odor.
Be sure to check your Boston's eyes frequently...dirt and debris can injure their bulging peepers!
Other notes
Because of its short muzzle, your Boston Terrier may be quite the snorer! Also, Boston’s have a bit of a reputation for being flatulent, especially when fed a poor quality diet. Using a high quality diet can cut down on your American gentleman’s “embarrassing” flatulence! Also, I’ve never met a Boston terrier who wasn’t excited about a game of fetch. This dog’s favorite toy will most likely be a tennis ball.
How embarrassing! A high quality diet can help cut down on this breeds flatulence.
Summary
The Boston Terrier is a companion beyond compare. This dog will be happy to play and exercise. It is also intensely aware of his or her owner’s emotions, and most Boston Terriers make excellent therapists – they are great listeners and will cuddle you too! If socialized properly they will be great with children, the elderly, and other dogs. All in all the Boston is a fantastic choice for just about anyone!
