The Boston Terrier is a loving companion dog well suited to apartment and small house living. She only requires walks for exercise. She can become overheated in hot and humid climates. She is highly intelligent and easy to train. She is good with children, other animals and the elderly. Just as a reminder, never leave young children with a dog or puppy unsupervised.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Boston Terrier is 15 to 17 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 10 to 25 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Boston Terrier is no exception. Look for juvenile cataracts, whelping problems, skin conditions, Cushings disease, skin tumors and breathing difficulties. They can overheat easily in heat and humidity. Keep an eye on her ears. She may experience eye injuries due to their prominence. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Boston Terrier has a smooth, short and shiny coat. She is a medium shedder and should be brushed weekly. She should be bathed infrequently as this strips her coat of its protective oils. Keep her ears clean.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Boston Terrier can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Boston Terrier originated in Boston around 1870 with a cross between a English White Terrier and a English Bulldog. She was then bred for a smaller size. By 1889, the breed starting becoming popular. She was first recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1893.

Some Registries:

*Boston Terrier Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 4 Boston Terrier puppies

Category: Non sporting. Mastiff.

Terms To Describe: Gentle, alert, intelligent, expressive, well mannered, cuddly, well balanced,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Relatively quiet.

Intelligent.

Very affectionate.

Great with children if socialized.

Does not need much exercise.

Easily trained.

They enjoy people.

Incomparable companion.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Not a guard dog.

She snores.

Can be stubborn.

Can suffer in hot climates and high humidity.

May be difficult to housebreak.

*Other Names Known By: Round Heads, Yankee Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.