| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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The Boston Terrier was designated the official state dog of Massachusetts, this is one of the most popular breeds in the world.
From what you can deduce from its name, the Boston Terrier is a breed originating in Boston, Massachusetts. It used to be a fighting dog a long time ago. It was created by crossing the Bulldog and a few small Terriers, some Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier exemplars included.
In 1865, its standard was recognized, although some changes were applied throughout the years. The Kennel Club recognized the breed with all its features.
There is, though, a funny story that some consider a legend about the origin of the first Boston Terrier as we know it today. In 1865, Robert C. Cooper, who lived in Boston, had a dog named Judge, which weighed around 33 lb (15kg), had white coloring with black and white markings in its neck, and a hook-shaped tail, a Bulldog very similar to Terriers. Its owner crossed it with a white English Terrier, named Gyp, which resulted in the birth of Eph, a small tabby puppy with white markings.
Eph looked like its father, but much smaller, with its mother’s height. In turn, Eph mated with Kate, which resulted in the birth of Tom, considered to be the first Boston Terrier as we know it. It weighed around 22 lb (10 kg) in tabby love, with white markings in the nose, the feet and chest, and a hook-shaped tail.
In 1979 it was designated the official state dog of Massachusetts, and it is quite loved by Americans. Obviously, it is an officially recognized breed by the AKC and the FCI. We are talking about a dog belonging to the molosser family. No matter where its family lives, it is not a housebreaker, and also a good guard dog!
Boston Terrier: Temperament
The Boston Terrier is an intelligent and sweet breed, amazing with kids, one of the reasons it is so beloved. It rarely barks and only if it is necessary, for example, if its owner is in danger or in case of an emergency. It is gentle, but not eager to be pampered constantly; it may be comfortable in its dog bed and it seeks to be the center of attention.
However, it is an extremely lively dog. If it sees we are busy and that we cannot spend time with it constantly, it will be fine on its own. It is very discreet, and, although it is not large, it is always confident: it is courageous, attentive, loyal and tireless.
The Boston Terrier is not prone to be a predator, but it might be intrigued by small animals. Chasing after a small lizard might keep it entertained, but it will not go after a wild animal or a cat.
In short, it is difficult to name a flaw in the Boston Terrier, it is really the perfect dog for kids.
Boston Terrier: Use
Bred in the American city from which it took its name, later than the mid-19th century, the Boston Terrier was a fighting dog. Once this activity was banned and became illegal, passionate breeders refined its features through careful and meticulous work. They improved its character until they got to the breed we know today.
This American dog is a good partner, always attentive and watchful, lively and smart with an assured and firm temperament.
The Boston Terrier is a fantastic family-oriented breed, it becomes attached to all members of the family and becomes one as well. It is high-spirited and clownish, with that “Gentleman-like” coat resembling a tuxedo that makes everyone who knows it fall in love with it.
As it was previously mentioned, the Boston Terrier is a reactive, calm and placid dog, but also quite watchful. It will be protective of its family and territory, doing a great job at it. If a stranger is introduced by a family member, the Boston Terrier will be friendly. Socialization is extremely important from early puppyhood, so it becomes a great guard dog that knows when to intervene.
The Boston Terrier is well suited to live in apartments. It may also adapt to an owner who lives in the field and wants an elegant dog indoors. This is because the American Gentleman’s hair is short and soft, and grooming is not a problem since it does not shed hair all around the house.
Boston Terrier: Relationship with Other Dogs
Even though it was bred to be a fighting dog, careful inbreeding led to a great level of friendliness. The Boston Terrier is not only friendly towards people, but also other dogs. It loves to play with other dogs and its great temperament makes it an excellent partner to any animal. However, it is always calm during playtime and hyperactivity is not an issue.
The Boston Terrier has an excellent character and good temperament; this breed is “clear” to be a fantastic partner to anybody, even first-time owners. Its personality traits are known and loved by those who take care of it: it gets along with its family, children and all animals living in the household.
Boston Terrier: Health
- Due to its brachycephalic shape feature (small head), the Boston Terrier is not well-adjusted to high temperatures. During summer days, it is advised to keep it indoors, and let it out only during less sunny hours. It must be kept in well ventilated spaces and it should always have fresh water nearby. Bostons are susceptible to heat stress.
- Shedding is not a problem to the Boston Terrier, hair loss is minimal. Its coat consists of very short, straight shiny hair, with a fine texture.
- It is not prone to drooling; despite the fact its teeth might not be prominent enough to make the snout square. If it drools too much, owners will have to make sure it is not mouth swelling or an infection.
- The Boston Terrier, due to its short fine coat, does not require special grooming. Simply brush it to remove any dirt and bathe it only if necessary. Owners should keep an eye on their ears, eyes and mouth to make sure there are no infections or swelling.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy dog, not prone to genetic diseases. However, it must be checked for patellar luxation and eye diseases. For this reason, you must always buy from a serious certified breeder, who can provide detailed proof of the mating and assure you the parents are in perfect health.
Boston Terrier: Appearance And Physical Traits
Boston Terriers are classified into 3 groups:
- Light, less than 14,88 lb (6,75 kg),
- Medium, between 13,77 and 19, 84 lb (9 kg),
- Heavy, more than 19, 84 lb (9 kg).
According to the standard, medium-sized dogs should not weigh more than 24 lb (11 kg). Their build is squared-shaped, proportionate and muscular.
Bostons have a flat-nosed face, a typical trait of this breed, along with amazing big and expressive eyes. The ears are pointy, straight and small, while its legs are slender and the tail is short.
Its hair is short and shiny, straight and uniform: it must have white markings, but not too many. Purebreds have little white markings, if there are too many the breed purity can be questioned. Its mixed-colored coat is a distinctive trait, along with its one of a kind expression.
Boston Terrier: Puppies and Breeders
There are Boston Terrier breeders in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, but also in New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa. This breed can be purchased in these countries, provided that the assurance that all tests were carried out to check for possible diseases is given (Bostons may suffer from hereditary patellar luxation, eye diseases and various heart diseases).
The Boston Terrier is prone to gaining weight, so proper feeding, adequate exercise and daily movement is necessary. It is essential to take it for walks everyday, make it move and play willingly. It must be fed with an adequate proportion of protein and good-quality fats.
Boston Terrier: Price and Puppies For Sale
Sure, Boston Terriers are certainly not inexpensive: a well-bred and taken care exemplar by a certified breeder, with all required pedigree papers and documents costs around 1300 and 2400 dollars, or 1200 to 2200 English pounds.
Even though their price is high, they are quite widespread in the US (also because they originated there). It is integral that you buy from a trustworthy breeder so you can be sure your puppy has been:
- Bred to have good health and temperament;
- Well selected (its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Duly socialized, so it is not too fearful or aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well taken care of.
If you adopt a puppy, a trustworthy breeder will give you a veterinary certificate, specifying the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy when delivered.
You can always ask for the pedigree papers, which is actually essential: it allows you to prove the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics, breed traits that differ from others.
Now that all major aspects have been cleared you can go on and find your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- French Bulldog
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Borador
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Boston Terrier
- English Bulldog
