Boston Terrier

Brief History

The Boston Terrier is an American creation originating in the city of Boston. Today’s Boston Terrier resulted from a blending between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier around 1870, followed by a further combination with French Bulldogs.

Average Life Span

When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 10 to 14 years.

Temperament

They are highly active dogs, sturdy, bold and playful. Some Bostons may get feisty towards unfamiliar dogs. They are highly intelligent but may be stubborn at times. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the best teaching methods, along with socialization and training from a young age.

General Breed Description

Bostons are square proportioned and compactly built. Markings, symmetry, beauty, style and elegance are all hallmarks of this highly distinctive breed. They come in brindle, seal, or black with white markings. A natural bob tailed breed.

Coat and Care requirements

The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture. Their distinctive markings are a beautiful characteristic of the breed. Their coat needs minimal care, just the occasional brushing to get rid of dead hair. A regular check and cleaning of their ears and teeth is advisable and their toenails should be kept trimmed.

Size

Weight: no more than 11.4kgs (25lbs).

Health

All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders in is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does. The Boston Terrier is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include cataracts, stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, allergies, and patella luxation. They are a brachycephalic (short nosed) breed and require extra care in extreme temperatures, hot or cold.  

Suitability

Boston Terriers are a fun family dog and are equally at home with people of all ages. Being clean-cut with little to no doggy odour, they make an ideal house companion.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to ANKC Breed Standard: http://ankc.org.au/Breed/Detail/194