Boston Terrier are small dogs that originated in the United States where he was developed to be a delightful companion. Fondly known as the “American Gentleman”, this little dog is known by several other names including the Boston Terrier, Boston, Boxwood, Boston Bull Terrier and the Boston Bull. With their sweet personality and gentle demeanor, you would never guess that Boston Terriers were bred down in size from pit-fighting dog breeds. However, it is true. Bostons are the result of crossings between English Bulldogs and English White Terriers. These early pups were dubbed Olde Boston Bulldogges and weighed as much as 44 pounds fully grown. Olde Boston Bulldogges were often used as pit-fighters before dog fighting was outlawed. A small group of breeders in Boston, Massachusetts favored the smaller Bostons and began breeding programs to stabilize their small stature. Their success was amazing, and by the late 1800s, the dogs were favorites among many wealthy families. During this time, these smaller Bostons were renamed Boston Terriers.
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog that shares many characteristics with the bulldog, mainly its square-proportioned body. It has a short, fine coat. It does not shed a lot, but needs weekly brushing. The Boston Terrier cannot tolerate heat. Boston Terriers are compact dogs that can weigh anywhere between 10 and 25 pounds. They have triangular erect ears, a short pushed-up muzzle and a very short tail that can be either straight or cork-screwed. The nose should be black, and the eyes are typically round, dark-colored and set slightly far apart. This is a short-haired dog that is usually black and white. However, the American Kennel Club also permits Bostons that are brindle or seal with white markings. Some less common colors for Boston Terriers include brown and white, cream, liver and white, and red and white.
Personality
The Boston terrier is a gentle and sensitive little dog breed. It is playful and needs moderate daily exercise. This dog especially loves games and can get quite boisterous at times. They are strong-willed and can get stubborn. Their friendliness towards children makes them ideal family dogs. While Boston Terriers are extremely gentle and friendly dogs, they can be very protective of their human family members. When they feel as if their family is being threatened, they can become aggressive towards other pets or strangers. Nevertheless, this is generally a happy-go-lucky dog that loves to play. Bostons are also quite smart and can be trained fairly easily and quickly. They are typically quiet dogs that bark only when strangers are around. They are patient and well-mannered pets, which makes them a great choice for seniors. Furthermore, most Bostons get along quite well with other household pets as well.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Moderate Cold |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 14-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Boston, Boxwood, Boston Bull Terrier, Boston Bull |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Boston Terrier Build Information
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog that shares many characteristics with the bulldog, mainly he is square-proportioned body. He has a short, fine coat. He does not shed a lot, but needs weekly brushing. The Boston Terrier cannot tolerate heat. Boston Terriers are compact dogs that can weigh anywhere between 10 and 25 pounds. They have triangular erect ears, a short pushed-up muzzle and a very short tail that can be either straight or cork-screwed. The nose should be black, and the eyes are typically round, dark-colored and set slightly far apart. This is a short-haired dog that is usually black and white. However, the American Kennel Club also permits Bostons that are brindle or seal with white markings. Some less common colors for Boston Terriers include brown and white, cream, liver and white, and red and white.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Crop |
Behaviour and Personality
The Boston terrier is a gentle and sensitive little dog breed. He is playful and needs moderate daily exercise. This dog especially loves games and can get quite boisterous at times. They are strong-willed and can get stubborn. Their friendliness towards children makes them ideal family dogs. While Boston Terriers are extremely gentle and friendly dogs, they can be very protective of their human family members. When they feel as if their family is being threatened, they can become aggressive towards other pets or strangers. Nevertheless, this is generally a happy-go-lucky dog that loves to play. Bostons are also quite smart and can be trained fairly easily and quickly. They are typically quiet dogs that bark only when strangers are around. They are patient and well-mannered pets, which makes them a great choice for seniors. Furthermore, most Bostons get along quite well with other household pets as well.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Boston Terrier is one of many breeds that does not require any extensive grooming. Unless your little fella frequently plays in the dirt, you will only need to bathe him about once a month. During shedding season, you can get rid of any dead hair on your Boston by “petting” him with a hound glove. You should check your dog’s ears once a month for wax accumulation and/or signs of infection. If there is excess wax in the ears, do not use a cotton swab to clean it out. Instead, use the tip of a damp, clean rag. Additionally, when the nails become too long, you can clip the tips of them off using a guillotine-style nail clipper. However, take extra care not to cut into the veins that grow inside each nail.
| Colors: | Black & White, Light Brown, Tan Brindle, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Boston Terrier Common Health Conditions
Although a healthy Boston Terrier can live in excess of 15 years, this breed is prone to developing a variety of health issues. While some of these issues are only minor concerns, some can become serious without proper veterinary attention. You will find the most common of these problems listed here: Luxating Patellas, Cataracts and Other Eye Problems, Deafness, Heart Problems, Skin Allergies, Reverse Sneezing/Breathing Difficulties, Mast Cell Tumors, Anesthesia Sensitivity and Complications with Whelping. If you have been looking for a little dog that has perfect manners and will fit into most any size home, the Boston Terrier may be the breed for you. Bostons are gentle little dogs that bond quickly to their owners and love nothing more than to cuddle on their laps. Furthermore, due to their small stature, they fit comfortably into most any house or apartment.
Boston Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Bostons that are 10 to 15 pounds are not recommended for small children who could hurt them during rough play. The Boston Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club in 1893. Due to their short snouts, Boston Terriers cannot withstand extremely hot or cold weather.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
