The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed ‘The American Gentleman’ and justly so. He has earned this nickname due to his wonderful, gentle disposition, not to mention his tuxedo-like coat. The American Kennel club rates the Boston Terrier as one of the most intelligent breeds and he has certainly become one of the most popular.
Boston Terrier History
It is hard to believe that the gentle Boston Terrier that we see today was once bread for as a pit-fighting dog. It is very difficult to comprehend that these friendly little dogs were once fierce pit fighters and champion ‘ratters’, however today’s Boston Terriers in no way resemble the fighter it once was known to be.
This little gentleman of a dog that you will find today has evolved a long way from the pits of Boston. It is sad to think these wonderful dogs once were used to making money for their owners. Not only fighting in the pits, but as stud dogs, to produce more fighters. They were highly prized, and much valued for stud services.
In fact today’s Boston Terrier is well known for its friendly disposition, intelligence, and lively personality. The breed has a wonderful disposition and possesses a high amount of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier a very desirable all-around family pet. When choosing a Boston Terrier one should be educated on the breed, as they are not for everyone due to their spritely nature and terrier traits.
This article will provide you with some useful history and breed information with the hope of aquatinting a perspective Boston Terrier owner with this wonderful breed of dog, the Boston Terrier.
The Boston Terriers origin was England. They bred Bull Terriers and Bulldogs, to produce a very powerful compact muscular bred. In the late 1800s some members of this hybrid stock were sent to America. In 1889, some dog fanciers in Boston organized the first American Bull Terrier Club.
Terrier breeders club members had great objections to this new breed, along with Bulldog fanciers objected that these crosses were not Terriers. In 1891 the name American Bull Terrier was changed to Boston Terrier Club of America. And standards for the Boston Terrier breed were written. They sought entrance to the AKC stud book, but were denied. By 1893, however, the breed was accepted and the first Boston Terrier was admitted To the AKC. The first Boston Terrier to be accepted as the standard of the breed was a dog by the title of Hector #28814, by Bixby’s Tony ex Dimple.
It took some time before the breed to catch on. It was not until 1915 that the breed had become the most popular breed in the country. The Boston Terrier was number one in registrations of the top twenty breeds. They again lead in registrations in 1920, and in 1930. The Boston’s terriers remained in the top ten position until 1960. Since then they have slipped in popularity.
Living with a Boston
Boston Terriers are extremely easy dogs to live with wanting only to please. Boston’s are extremely easy to train and are strictly house dogs, as they are not able to cope with extreme cold, nor can they deal with extreme heat. The Boston can overheat very quickly due to the short muzzle and a slightly elongated palate.
Boston’s Terriers are high energy dogs, and need daily exercise. They are playful, and love all sorts of toys. Fetching, and, and playing with children is a favorite with this dog. It is always wise to teach a child how to play with a dog, and not to be overly aggressive with this breed. The Boston Terrier is a very intelligent dog, and prefers fetching, and finding a hidden toy, than wrestling…
Due to their lively nature this is not likely to be a suitable pet for a timid child, although the Boston makes a great companion for older children or those more experienced with dogs.
Care of the Boston Terrier is easy, they being a short haired dog that sheds minimally. Weekly brushing is recommended, a rubber palm brush is what is recommended for their particular coat. The brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brush and grooming mit for the bath. Work the palm brush in a circular motion, this aids in removing loose hair.
Due to the breeds elongated palate they may snore. It is normal in the Boston Terriers may show some degree of airway obstruction. Another problem in this breed, gas. A good diet, along with regular exercise, will keep this problem at bay.
A proper diet should always be considered a must with the Boston Terrier. To start as a puppy to adulthood, to old age. An improper diet, as a rule, will lead to gas and intestinal problems for the Boston Terrier. While a puppy the diet must be healthy in order for the dog to form a good bone structure and good muscle mass. Not to mention this is the time a dog will build a good immune system, to later ward off disease and infections.
The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion. Not to mention they are very easy to train. They catch on quickly, and remember what they learn.
When buying a Boston Terrier take into consideration. Will the dog be integrated with children? If your children are young, it is recommended an older puppy or grown dog. A dog that can hold its own, when having to flee an overactive child. Will the pet be coming into a home with an elderly person? An older dog is recommended. A dog that will require less activity, and will be less likely to get underfoot. Make sure to take into account how much time you have to spend with your new dog. A puppy deserves an owner that will have time to train and play with them. An older mature dog requires much less playtime, and as a rule, should be trained by the breeder. Are you willing to take the time to house train? Are you positive you are ready to handle the responsibility for a pet?
Are Boston Terriers Healthy?
Health problems that the Boston Terrier has a predominance toward, juvenile cataracts, and hypothyroidism. As a rule juvenile cataracts can occur between 8 weeks and 12 months. If hypothyroid disease occurs, it can be controlled by medication.
Protecting the Boston Terrier’s beautiful but prominent eyes is of special importance. The eyes should be checked daily for redness or irritation. Some owners carry saline eye drops to flush out dust or debris. Responsible breeders screen their stock for eye problems such as cataracts, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma, as well as deafness and patellar luxation (comparable to a “trick knee” in humans). Like all flat-faced breeds, Bostons can experience difficulty breathing when not given adequate shelter from excessive heat or humidity.
Don’t ever purchase a puppy from a breeder who can’t produce the health test results for the parents. The currently recommended health tests from the Boston Terrier Breed Club are:
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- BAER Testing
Boston Terrier Appearance
The Boston Terrier is smooth coated and short-headed. The body is compact, with a short tail. All in all a very well proportioned, balanced dog. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog. The body is rather short and, due to this shortness of tail being so prominent, the dog may appear badly proportioned. The limbs strong and neatly turned.
The coat is short, smooth, and bright with a fine texture. Color and markings, Desirable colors included, seal, black, or brindle, with evenly marked white areas. Brindle is preferred. Seal appears black, with the exception of a red cast that can be present when the dog is viewed in sunlight. True black will appear black in any type of lighting.
Desirable markings to look for in a Boston Terrier include, white muzzle band, even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, white collar, white forechest, white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs below the hocks.
Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds. A Boston Terriers leg length should balance with the length of body to give its unique square appearance. The Boston Terrier is a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The muscle and bone must be in proportion, as well as the dog’s weight and structure. If weight and structure are out of balance the dog will appear blocky or chunky in appearance. The thighs are strong with good muscle mass, bent at the stifles and set true. The hocks are short to the feet, turning neither in nor out, with a well defined hock joint. The feet are small very compact with short nails.
The skull of a Boston Terries is square, flat on top and smooth void of any wrinkles. His cheeks are flat, brow abrupt, and well defined. The eyes are wide apart, set square in the skull, outside corners are in line with the cheeks. The Boston Terriers’ eyes are round, with large sockets, dark in color, with a trace of dark blue. The ears are small and erect. It is desirable that the ears are situated as near to the corners of the skull as possible.
A Boston Terriers muzzle should be short, square, wide and deep, wrinkle free, and well proportioned to the dogs head. The muzzle is shorter in length than in width or depth. Not exceeding in length one-third of the length of the skull. The muzzle from stop to end of the nose is parallel to the top of the skull. The nose is black and wide, with a well defined line between the nostrils. The jaw is broad and square, teeth are short and regular in appearance. The bite is even or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle. The chops are of good depth, but not completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed. The Boston Terriers _expression as a rule, portrays pure intelligence’s along with great determination.
The length of neck must display balance to the total dog. It is a bit arched, carrying the head with grace, and sitting neatly into the shoulders. The back is just short, this give rise to the Boston Terrier Square appearance. The top-line is level, the rump curves slightly to the set-of the tail. The chest is wide and deep. The body should appear short. The tail is set on low, short. The preferred tail does not exceed in length more than one-quarter the distance from set-on to hock.
Buying a Boston Terrier Puppy
So you have made up your mind, and are ready to make a long time commitment to caring for a pet. Where do you start to find just the right dog?
You could start by asking your local veterinarian for referrals on breeders, but the best approach would be to contact breeding clubs, most have referral lists of breeders. When you find a breeder, make an appointment to visit, and look over the kennels, and dogs on the premises. Is all in good order? Do the dogs look healthy? Do the dogs have a good rapport with the breeder? Does the breeder appear interested in placing the dog in the right home or are they just ready to sell to the first buyer? Ask the breeder if they sell to pet stores. Remember, a reputable breeder will never sell her dogs to a pet store. A good breeder is very discriminating regarding who their dogs will be sold to. A good breeder will interview a prospective buyer, with hopes of placing their dogs with just the right owner.
You may also choose to rescue a Boston Terrier, which is a very noble act. The best place to start would be the Boston Terrier Club, which can put you in contact with reputable rescue organizations that specialize in Boston Terrier rescue.
Once you feel comfortable that you have located just the right breeder. I suggest you do some research on bringing home a puppy. It is smart to be well educated in training techniques, what you will need in regard to supplies.