Boston Terrier -
Patient And Loving With Children!
Background And Description:
The Boston Terrier was bred originally to be a fighting dog, but today's Boston is strictly bred to be a companion, and a fine
one he is.
The all-American Boston Terrier, formerly known as the American Bull Terrier, originated
after the Civil War. He resulted from the crossbreeding of an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier, known
as Judge and Gyp and was named after the city of its roots.
During the breed's early development other terrier breeds were introduced to the mix, among them the
Boxer and the English Bulldog. Today's Boston is not only smaller, but also more mellower than his ancestors.
This breed gives the overall appearance of being well-balanced, strong, athletic, stylish and in good proportion. His
demeanor and expression convey intelligence and altertness. In dog shows, they are seen participating in conformation,
obedience, agility, flyball and rally.
Appearance:
There are three weight classes:
Light, up to 15 pounds
Medium, 15 pounds up to 20 pounds
Heavy, up to 25 pounds.
The height range is between 10 to 16 inches, and the standard coat colors must be
black, brindle or seal with white markings.
Coat and Care:
The coat is smooth in appearance and short-haired. Its texture is fine and and there is no undercoat.
Boston Terriers do shed, but can be controlled with weekly brushing. In addition to brush work, a daily face
wipe, regular ear inspection and nail clipping is needed.
A popular all-in-one grooming aide for this
breed is the
the Brush Buddy.
Personality and Traits:
This charming and classy dog breed is very popular for his many excellent traits. First and foremost, he is a family oriented,
devoted pet with a playful and very affectionate nature. He has a gentle disposition and a high level of intelligence. He'll warn you of a
stranger approaching your home, but he is not a nuisance barker.
Because
this dog is so loveable, it is easy to let him take charge of the household. If this happens, behavior problems will likely
not be far behind. Bostons thrive on human interaction, but they also need direction - as in a leader. Owners who take
over the leadership and train their pet with gentle, positive methods will find him very responsive to
direction, eager to please and a quick learner.
There is one fairly common trait of the Boston that some may view as a downside. It is something fairly often
associated with short-muzzled dogs - and that is snoring. Unfortunately, he does have a bad rap in
this department. In light of his many redeeming qualities, the majority of owners probably choose to overlook
this while giving him his own room to sleep in!! Or invest in a pair of ear plugs.
Dogs that are mainly bred for companionship, like the Boston, often fall into the hands of careless breeders. For this reason
buyers considering a Boston Terrier are advised to make sure they thoroughly check the
breeder credentials before acquiring a dog. Responsible breeders strive to keep the standard profile in tact.
Activity Level:
The Boston Terrier is pretty active around the house, but he still needs a modest daily walk. This breed
does not do well in extreme weather conditions. For this reason, it is best to choose the coolest time of
days for walks when the weather is hot. During cold weather, consider investing in a coat for your Boston.
Space Needs:
Apart from the necessary walks and potty breaks, the BT is basically an inside dog. While he prefers
to live in climates that are not extreme, he easily adapts to either a house or apartment, city or country living.
Children:
This breed has an excellent reputation with considerate children and will patiently join in their games, but play should be
supervised at all times by an adult.
Elderly:
The Boston Terrier has often been used in therapy work. His loving nature, sensitivity toward the elderly and the low maintenance
requirements makes him an ideal pet for seniors or the housebound, providing his daily walks can be arranged.
Reading And Viewing Recommendations:
Expert information covering care, grooming, training, health, nutrition, and
potential disorders that may concern the breed. Also included are fun facts and activities.
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