Boston Terrier – Small Dog Breeds

Nicknamed the "American Gentleman", solid and muscular is masked by the breed's warm & funny personality

Boston Terrier Spotlight

Hardy dogs that are muscular and well built
Gets along well with children and other pets
Can reside in apartments and condos
First Breed Made in the USA
Calm indoors
Sensitive to the weather outside
Loud voice and yelling can scare them
State dog of Massachusetts

History

The Boston Terrier first developed in the 1800s in Boston. It is agreed that this was the birthplace of the breed, but it is still a mystery on how the breed got there, as a few different stories describe varying events. While we may not ever discover the true story, the stories do have some commonality within them, which states that the breed was started by a dog named Judge.

The Boston Terrier was first known as other names including Boston bulldogs, bullet heads, American terriers, round-headed bull terriers, and similar. This breed was originally bred to fight, but this is no longer their reason for being bred and they have a calm and loving demeanor.

Often times called American Gentlemen, due to their markings, the Boston Terrier was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893.

Personality & Temperament

The Boston Terrier is an affectionate and loving companion that feeds on the attention of his or her owners. This breed will bring a lot of joy to your life and also leave you laughing due to his or her comical attitude and take on life.

This breed is good with children and other pets that are in the home. You do not have to worry about them chasing cats, as long as they are raised with them. Do make sure that when children handle your Boston Terrier they are gentle. While the Boston does have a strong build, he or she can become easily hurt if mishandled.

The Boston Terrier is intelligent and it shows in their everyday actions. You do need to make sure that you do not allow your Boston to become alpha, as he or she will try to lead you.

Appearance & Grooming

Boston Terriers are small dogs that are well-built with a lot of muscle. When you look at a Boston head on, you will notice that they have a square and short appearance. Do not let this fool you though because this breed is able to lift himself or herself off the ground and he has a lot of stamina.

The bite of the Boston Terrier is usually undershot by a small fraction or even and the ears can be left natural or cropped. You will notice that the shoulders of the Boston Terrier are broad, which makes him or her appear wide.

The coat itself is short and soft with five colors being recognized by the AKC, which include black and white, black brindle and white, brindle and white, seal and white, and seal brindle, and white.

Health

Boston Terriers are considered to be relatively healthy dogs and do not have too many known medical conditions, but it is important for you to work with a reputable breeder to ensure that your pup is healthy.

Hip dysplasia - is a condition that is inherited from the parents and it is painful for your Boston Terrier. This condition is common in many breeds and can occur in both small and large breeds. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint and thigh bone do not properly fit and form together. The result is pain and sometimes arthritis. If your dog does have hip dysplasia, you will usually see signs of lameness in the affected region and your dog may become lethargic as getting up and laying down becomes difficult.
Allergies - Boston Terriers are known to suffer from all types of allergies and the severity of the allergy will depend on your pup and his or her immune system. The most common allergy is a skin allergy and this can result in hair loss and itchy skin.
Reverse Sneezing - This is a condition that can appear at any time in the course of your Boston’s life. It is caused when your pup eats or drinks something too fast or becomes too excited all at once. The nasal secretions then drop down onto the soft palate, which results in the windpipe being blocked. Your pup may begin to make a wheezing sound.
Megaesophagus - This condition may alarm you when you first see it. If your Boston Terrier suffers from Megaesophagus, he or she will regurgitate food that is undigested. If you find that your pup is doing this, you should speak with your veterinarian right away.
Heart murmurs - are not always concerning and many dogs live with them. This condition occurs when your pup has a heartbeat that is either too soft or too loud. If this condition is present, your pup’s heart will not work as efficiently as it can. Veterinarians often treat this condition with exercise, medication, a new diet, and diuretics.
Patellar luxation - is best known as a knee dislocation which often occurs in small breeds. Your Boston Terrier may be more prone to this condition, especially if he or she is very lively and energetic outside. You will be alerted to patellar luxation because your Boston will likely keep his or her leg elevated from the ground and may whine or limp when pressure is placed on the leg. If you think your Boston’s knee may be luxated, you should take him or her to the vet right away.
Cherry Eye - Boston Terriers may have cherry eye, which is a prolapse that occurs with the third eyelid. This condition is genetic in nature and is not painful, but more of a cosmetic abnormality.

Exercise & Care

Boston Terriers do need exercise and should either be walked on a leash or let out into a fenced in back yard. You will find that your pup is often very active outside, but he or she will calm down indoors. Your Boston does enjoy being around you, so a walk or hike will allow the two of you to enjoy each other’s company.

One thing to keep in the back of your mind is that Boston Terriers are sensitive to the weather and do not handle the heat or cold very well, so you must monitor them carefully to prevent dehydration, overheating, and freezing.

Training Boston Terriers is not difficult as they to aim to please their owners. You do need to keep in mind that Boston Terriers respond to your voice and vocals, so if you yell or are displeased, they will pick up on it and may hide or become scared and shut down on you.