small Breed Dogs
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Boston Terrier
Weight: 3 Groups: 1: Under 15 lbs.(6.8 kg), 2: 15 - under 20 lbs (6.8 to under 9.07 kg) 3: 20 -25 lbs. (9.07 to 11.34 kg)
Average Height: 15-17 inches (38.1 - 43.18 cm)
Pronounced: Boss-ton     TEH-ree-er
Group:  Terrier
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: United States

Description

 The Boston Terrier has distinctive features.  The head is flat on top, square and does not have wrinkles.  The cheeks are flat and the brow is prominent. The expression is kind and alert which many perceive to be a show of this dog's intelligence.  The eyes are large, round and dark which are well set apart.  The ears are small and are often cropped in countries where legal, the United States, where this breed originated, being one of them.

The short coat is shiny and smooth, very fine in texture. Why is the Boston Terrier often called the American Gentleman? Because the coat appears to look very similar to a tuxedo.

Colors

 Colors stay close to the tuxedo look, and include: black, brindle or seal with white markings. A seal colored dog is a color that appears to be black but when viewed in bright light has a red tint to it.

Personality

 This is a very friendly, lively dog, noted for his excellent disposition and high intelligence. Kind, gentle and affectionate, the Boston Terrier makes a wonderful family companion who is devoted and loyal to his owners.  This small breed dog generally gets along well with just about everyone: Children, other dogs and cats.  He is a natural watchdog, while not a fighter, and will guard and protect his human family and the house. 

They are bred to be human companions and will suffer emotionally if left alone.  They need interaction with a loving, devoted owner.

Origin & History

A cross breeding was done in the United States between the Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier.  These cross breedings produced not only the Boston Terrier, but also the Miniature Bulldog and the French Bulldog.  In 1889, the American Bull Terrier Club was form and the group later changed the word "Bull" to "Boston".  The AKC recognized this breed in 1893.  From the years 1929 to 1935, this was the most popular dog in the States.

Health

This is an indoor dog... The short sleek coats do not offer protection from outdoor elements. This breed does not do well when outside for too long in very color or very hot weather.  The coat is too short to protect from cold winds and temperatures and the short muzzle makes for difficult breathing in hot, humid weather.

Health issues sometimes encountered with this breed are:
  • Hypothyroidism - an under active thyroid - often quickly resolved with synthetic hormones.
  • Eye diseases
  • Luxating patella - the slipping and dislocation of the kneecap
  • Deafness
  • Demodetic mange - a skin condition which causes the fur to fall out
  • Brachycephalic airway obstruction - due to the flat face
It is normal for this dog to make snorting noises.  It is not normal to hear that the dog is having difficulty breathing, coughing or gagging.  This can be symptoms of an elongated soft palate or other issues that brachycephalic dogs are prone to.
 
Exercise

This breed does need exercise, however because of the face structure, once must be aware that exercise must not done in hot weather.  With a low tolerance to exercise, in time, too much can have a negative affect on the heart, causing undue strain.  A short, easy going 20 minute walk is all that is needed.  Boston Terriers do love agility and this is fine to offer it as long as it is done when it is cool outside and for not a long, extended periods of time. A good rest in the shade with plenty of water will allow the dog to then continue on.

Grooming

The short, sleek coat does not tangle or need a lot of extra attention. An occasional brushing will do just fine and a bath every 3 - 4 weeks.  An owner should take the time to brush the teeth each day, as this greatly helps prevent future tooth decay and infections. Chewing on raw hides or other is not sufficient.

Shedding

The coat of the Border Terrier sheds very lightly. Females may shed more after a heat cycle or after delivering a litter.

Care & Training

 Brachycephalic need some speical care, especially for an owner to notice when breathing is not right.  This dog can become very attached to his owners and for this reason, proper training and preparation should be done if the owner is away during the day.  T

This dog usually does very well with house training and commands when shown in the correct way.  It should be noted again that this is an indoor dog. This breed is also prone to getting very excite during play time and without proper training may nip (this is normal play for puppies) or jump on you to much (again, a puppy considers this to be normal play). With training, it is easy to show a pup what is and what is not acceptable.

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may wish to read some important information about purchasing a puppy. Just click here.

If you already own a Boston Terrier or other small dog, you may wish to click here for more detailed are information.

                 
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