The Boston Terrier dog originates from the United States and is sometimes called the American Gentleman. The reason for this nickname, besides its gentle and loving manner, is due to its markings that make the Boston Terrier dog look as if it is wearing a little tux. The coat of the Boston Terrier is usually black, brindle or seal with white markings that cover the chest, muzzle, neck and about half of the forelegs.
The Boston Terrier is not a lapdog although it has a small build. It is studier and more compact than most lapdogs. Although it was originally bred as a fighting dog it has lost any aggressive traits that it might have originally possessed as it was then bred as a companion dog. Boston Terriers are excellent companions as they are very loving and enjoy being with people. It is this part of their personality that makes the Boston Terrier ideal for families.
A Boston Terrier dog is a very sensitive dog an it is especially attuned to its owner's moods and feelings. Although it is a sociable dog and will generally get along well with all people in your house, your Boston Terrier may show a particular affinity to one person in the house. They are great companion dogs for the elderly and are very well suited to someone who is older and less active.
Each Boston Terrier is different; each has its own personality. There are high-energy Boston Terriers and there are less active ones who love to nap and cuddle rather than run around. Most Boston Terriers only bark when necessary making them good alarm systems but of course they are not guard dogs because of their size. Some Boston Terriers can be stubborn and you will need patience when training them. Never be harsh with your Boston Terrier when training, be loving and firm for the best results.
If you want the best Boston Terrier dog possible then you should always buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is not in it for the money. Inspect your breeder's premises, is it clean, are the dogs well cared for? Ask how many times a year the bitches have litters. If the breeder seems like they are trying to get as many puppies as possible from the one dog then you should avoid buying.
Irresponsible breeders don't care about inbreeding or weak genetic pools and produce dogs that have health problems characteristic of the breed. A responsible breeder minimizes the chances of this happening. An irresponsible breeder also produces neurotic puppies that are aggressive and prone to incessant yapping. Poor breeding practices can even lead to retarded dogs when dogs are born with a skull defect that stunts brain growth. Find a good breeder and you will have the best puppies.
The Boston Terrier has his beginnings in Boston, located in the United States. Around the year 1870, crossbreeding between English Bulldogs and English Terriers led to a few other breeds. One of the first such dogs was named, Hooper's Judge. He was bred with a white female, resulting in the first of the Boston Terriers, although they did not go by that name until later.
In 1889, the American Bull Terrier Club was organized by owners of this new breed of dogs. Unfortunately, the founders of this club met with some opposition from both Bull Terrier and Bulldog owners. They did not believe that it was fair to consider this new breed in the same standing or to use the same name as their established breeds. The club quickly changed the name to the Boston Terrier Club.
Originally, crossbreeding produced inconsistent results and it took long years of selective crossbreeding, including inbreeding, before consistent results were achieved. Eventually, the breed became what it is today.
A small, compact dog that has a square skull and jaw with a shortened snout or muzzle, the Boston Terrier has round eyes that are set far apart. His head is short, as is his tail, which sits rather low on his backside or rump. His body is rather short due to his short legs.
The ears of a Boston Terrier are pointed and set at the corners of his square skull. They are carried perfectly erect upon his head. The nose of a Boston Terrier is wide and very black. The muzzle and fore chest are typically white in coloring.
Their coloring is commonly black with white markings, seal (a type of reddish-looking black) or brindle with white markings. It is this specific combination of dark coat with bright white markings that leads to the easy recognition of the Boston Terrier. Boston Terriers do not shed very much and their grooming needs are minimal. Trimming is unnecessary at all times.
The Boston Terrier is known for his friendly nature that makes him a wonderful companion. He does well in apartments and living with single people. However, he is equally adaptable to family living since he does get along well with children.
The Boston Terrier is an intelligent breed, lending him to easy training. His disposition is typically friendly and lovable. He enjoys spending time with people and being indoors is quite acceptable to him. In fact, remaining indoors is also advisable due to his extreme sensitivity to changes in temperature and proclivity to skin ailments.
Additionally, he is loyal and empathetic to his owners and their needs. As a watchdog, he is excellent and reliable. He is always alert to any changes and is quick to respond. Intruders will meet with his desire to run them off despite his relatively small size.
However, partly due to his original parentage lines, he does display a tendency to interact on rather an aggressive level with other dogs. He takes quickly to any challenge and does quite well presenting himself and managing to stay ahead in any ruckus.
Healthy Boston Terriers do not need lots of exercise to keep them happy and content. However, moderate exercise that includes walks and some play are important, especially in young puppies that tend to have more energy.
Regular walks and exercise, even on a moderate level are important not only to the dog's physical health, but also, to his mental health. However, it is important to remember this breed's tendency to respiratory problems and to keep his exercise to short sessions that do not involve overexertion on the part of the dog.
The Boston Terrier is a small to medium size. The lightweight dog usually weighs under 6.8 kg or 15 lbs. The middleweights usually weigh between 6.8-9 kg or 15-20 lbs. The heavyweights usually weigh between 9-11.3 kg or 20-25 lbs. The typical height of the adult is approximately 31 to 38 cm or 12 to 15 inches.
Health issues that may affect the Boston Terrier include hypothyroidism, megaesophagus, epilepsy, glaucoma, cataracts, cardiovascular problems, and allergic dermatitis. Eye problems and respiratory problems are common with breeds that have short muzzles. Therefore, this breed might also experience wheezing, especially during extremely hot weather.
The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1893. The average lifespan of the Boston Terrier is between ten and fifteen years.