Boston Terrier 101
The Boston Terrier is one of the few dog breeds to actually have originated in the United States. They were bred as a non-sporting type of dog and are more of the companion to people type. Boston Terriers are a lovable pet and are easily distinguished by their flat shaped face, pointy ears and black and white colors. They are a small, compact dog with a short tail and they are known to be very intelligent and easy to train. Boston Terriers currently rank 23rd in the American Kennel Club’s most popular dog rankings for 2015.
Breed History
Known as the “American Gentleman” by pet lovers, the Boston Terrier originated from attempts to cross Bulldog and Terrier breeds. This resulted in a small breed of dog with personality traits of both its ancestors and was first revealed to the public in Boston in 1870. At first they were referred to as Bull Terriers, or by the nickname “roundheads,” but shortly after their introduction the Boston Terrier Club was formed. Due to this club being located in Boston, and thus carrying the city’s name, these likable pets were simply called Boston Terriers.
The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog breed to originate in the United States. In their early years, the color and pattern of their coats were not very important, but by the early 1900s they became easily recognizable by their unique features. Boston Terriers came to resemble more of a Terrier than a Bulldog, and thus they ended up preferring the company of humans and inherited their mild manners.
Today, Boston Terriers are an easily recognizable breed and have become a standard for American dogs. Boston University even uses them for a mascot, since they were originally bred in their city.
Boston Terrier Physical Appearance
The modern day Boston Terrier is easily identified as a clean, small dog with a short muzzle and flat face. They have large pronounced eyes, pure white markings surrounded by a black coat. With their smug nose and stout body they have come to resemble more of a Terrier than a Bulldog.
The clean-cut Boston Terrier has a square shaped, compactly-built, and short body. This dog passes on the impression of liveliness, sturdiness, strength, and style. It preserves many features of its Bulldog relatives, but has a clean-cut structure. Its short coat is elegant in appearance with a smooth shine to it.
With their broad heads and protruding eyes, Boston Terriers often have an alert, pondering expression on their faces. They are compact, smaller dogs with erect pointed ears that point straight up. They are known for their short tails being set low on their bodies and tapering off. Their smooth, short coat is soft to the touch.
Boston Terriers are shorter in height dogs that typically stand between only 12 and 15 inches when measured at the shoulder. They are light and easy to handle or pick up, weighing between 10 and 25 pounds. This makes them an ideal pet for small children or adults who intend on transporting their dogs frequently.
The coat of the Boston Terrier has a fine, smooth layer of fur that lays flat against their body. Every Boston Terrier will have white muzzles and chests of varying degrees. They are often referred to as looking like they are wearing a tuxedo.
Personality and Temperament
A Boston Terrier preserves the gentle, sweet nature of its Terrier ancestors and the good senses of their Bulldog line. These dogs are very intelligent and enjoy large amounts of attention as well as being around people. They tend to be good lap dogs and they frequently try to cuddle with their owners on the sofa or bed.
You can expect the Boston Terrier to be excited, and possibly jump, when greeting guests or strangers. They will end up settling down in time and can typically learn to entertain themselves when their owner is not able to pay attention to them. These Terriers will usually have a favorite toy or two to occupy himself with, but they much prefer interacting with people for entertainment.
Sometimes these dogs can get the reputation for being overly active or excitable, but that’s actually not an inherent trait for this breed. A well-bred and trained Boston Terrier will be naturally outgoing, but never demanding for time and attention. They usually will adapt to a set daily schedule, but they can change their routines without any disruptive behavior.
Boston Terriers are very fond of children, and usually children are just as fond in return to them. Since they are smaller dogs, however, it’s still important to make sure that the children learn proper dog handling etiquette. These Terriers will also make good friends with other pets in the household. It’s typical to see a Boston Terrier taking an afternoon nap with a cat or other dog. They don’t enjoy being alone and if their owner is gone for long periods of time on a regular basis, it may be nice to have a companion pet to keep them company.
Behavior
Although Boston Terriers do have general, inherent, traits their behaviors can vary. Some may be more excitable and rowdy, while others may tend to be more relaxed and mellow. All of these dogs do love being around people, engaging in activity with them and receiving lots of attention in return. This makes them a good choice of dog for the elderly, since they usually focus their attentions on one person, and they will bond closely with their owner.
A Boston Terrier is particularly sensitive to other people’s emotions, and will adjust their behavior accordingly to match them. They may sense when you are sad, and will come closer and display affection.
Early training of the Boston Terrier is essential, as they are ready to start learning at only 8 weeks old. Any dog, no matter how well-mannered, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, chewing and other undesirable behaviors if they are untrained or unsupervised. Any dog can be difficult to deal with during adolescence. In the case of the Boston Terrier, their adolescent years can start at six months and continue until the dog is around two years old.
Health
The Boston Terrier will have an average lifespan of between 13 and 15 years. These dogs are among the flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dog breeds. This means they have small noses and may be prone to breathing issues and snoring. It’s important to make sure they have somewhere cool to stay when the weather is hot or humid.
Female Boston Terriers, like female Bulldogs, will often have difficulty giving birth. This means they will likely require caesarean sections, and it’s important for owners to plan for this if they intend on breeding them.
The flat faces and protruding eyes also leave the Boston Terrier at risk for ailments such as persistent allergies. Similar to Bulldogs, they can also develop issues with their joints, hips or knees due to the unique slanting shape of their bodies.
Grooming and Care Requirements
Boston Terriers should not be kept outdoors all the time, as many do not tolerate heat or the elements well. They have a short coat so you don’t have to worry about tangling or fur balls. The Boston Terrier is an indoor dog but does, however, need exercise daily, which can be accomplished with a short walk or a steady romp in the yard.
The Boston Terrier has a short coat that is easy to groom and doesn’t shed too heavily. Simple weekly brushing can keep your Terrier’s coat looking healthy and vibrant. This breed is also considered a very clean type of dog. They don’t usually have an odor to them or their fur, and thus will only require a bath every few months or if they get into dirt.
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