Boston Terrier

Breed: Boston Terrier | Size: Small | Average lifespan: 13 to 15 years | Character: Sociable, active, and endearing | Coat: Short, thin, and shiny | Origin: United States.

The Boston Terrier is a truly loyal companion dog that is nicknamed the “American Gentleman”. This breed is small, robust, and endearing. As these dogs are active, intelligent, and calm, they are ideal for families with children. In addition, the Boston Terrier is easy to train and handles the presence of other pets well.

The origins of the Boston Terrier

This dog breed appeared in the United States during the second half of the 19th century, meaning that the Boston Terrier is a relatively recent breed. As the name suggests, they were developed in the city of Boston, in the state of Massachusetts.

Boston Terrier, the result of a cross between multiple breeds

Robert C. Hooper, a Boston inhabitant adopted a dog named Judge in 1865. This dog was a cross between an English White Terrier and an English Bulldog. Judge mated with a female of a smaller size named Gyp. From this union a male puppy named Well’s Eph was born. This dog was crossed with females. Some of these females presented character traits of the French Bulldog.

All of these crosses shaped the breed’s characteristics. As they were formerly bred for dog combats, the first Boston Terriers were more robust and stately than the Boston Terriers we know today, weighing up to 20 kg (≈ 44.1 lb). As time passed, their size was reduced and their temperament was softened, making them excellent pets.

The breed quickly gained popularity

The Boston Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893, making them the first canine breed originating in the United States to obtain this distinction. Their popularity exploded during the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, this breed was even designated the official animal of Massachusetts. Today, the Boston Terrier is known all over the world and is considered the ideal pet.

The character of the Boston Terrier

While these dogs were formerly combat dogs, the Boston Terrier became the “American Gentleman”. These dogs are appreciated for their affectionate character and small size. Because of this, they are also particularly appreciated by children.

The qualities of the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is friendly and kind towards children. Moreover, they are sociable, active, and extremely endearing. They can even be considered a bit clingy. Boston Terriers are affectionate and intelligent dogs that always in the mood to play. In addition, these dogs are always happy and give their owners a lot of attention. These dogs are relatively easy to train because they learn fast and do everything they can to please their owners. To be. a good dog parent for them, you need to be firm, but also gentle. Thanks to their sociability, this dog breed can live in harmony with other pets, such as cats and birds.

Are there any downsides of having a Boston Terrier?

Attachment is one of the main assets of the Boston Terrier, but it can become a downside as they do not handle solitude well. These dogs can stick to you like glue and it can become invasive. In addition, you need to adapt their training to their character. Boston Terriers can be stubborn, but their intelligence and gentleness generally make training and breeding easier. However, it’s important to keep in mind that their short coat does not protect them very well from the cold. Therefore, it’s best to keep this breed inside the house.

The physical characteristics of the Boston Terrier

Elegant and silky, this dog is distinguished by its small size and short coat. The breed makes a cute companion that any family would love to adopt.

General

Boston Terriers can be broken down into three weight categories:

• less than 6.8 kg or ≈ 13.2 lb (light),
• 6.9 to 9 kg or ≈ 13.2 to 19.8 lb (medium),
• 9 to 11.3 kg or ≈ 19.8 to 24.3 lb.

The maximum height at the withers of this dog is around 43 cm. Their short, glossy coat can be black, “steal” (black with red highlights) or brindle.

Head

The Boston Terrier’s head is large and does not have any folds. It is elegantly held by a slightly curved neck. The ears on their head are similar to that of a bat. They have a short muzzle and their eyes are round, giving an expression that is nice, hardy, and tender.

Body

This dog combines elegance and strength in a well-proportioned body, with regular lines and short and solid legs. The back of the Boston Terrier is short, their croup is slightly curved and their chest deep. Like the coat, the tail is short. It can be corkscrew or straight.

Boston Terrier: coat, color, and grooming

This dog breed stands out for its magnificent and soft coat that is easy to groom.

Coat and colors

Preferably brindle and seal-colored, usually a false black, with a russet appearance only visible in strong light or sunlight. According to breed standards, these dogs should also have evenly distributed white markings (muzzle, chest, between the eyes and potentially on the forelegs).

Grooming

It is easy to groom the Boston Terrier. With regular brushing, you can keep their coat clean and beautiful. The grooming needs to be done daily during molting periods (in autumn and in the spring). Unless your dog is particularly dirty, one or two baths with a specific shampoo is enough per year. However, their eyes need particular attention because they bulge. To avoid the risks of infection in the eyes, ears, teeth, and the claws of the Boston Terrier, they should be inspected often.

Health and average lifespan

Even though they’re always cheerful and endearing, Boston Terriers need good care to stay healthy. With the right care, they can enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life with their owners.

Frequent health problems

This breed is prone to patella luxation and can also suffer from respiratory problems, notably due to their short nose. Eye problems, particularly corneal ulcers, are fairly regular. Boston Terriers can have heart and skin problems. On the skin, the breed can suffer from demodecie. This disease causes crusty lesions on the Boston Terrier’s skin, with some dandruff. Regular check-ups at the vet’s are crucial for optimal care as the dog ages.

Average lifespan

This American breed can live a long time, for up to 15 years if they are taken care of well. In addition to their vet care, you need to pay attention to their diet which should essentially made up of good quality kibble. Their diet needs to be suitable for the sex of the puppies, their age, and their level of physical activity.

Lastly, this “American Gentleman” is an exceptional apartment dog. You can adopt them without fear.