Boston Terrier FAQ:
Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts. At the time, they were referred to as a “Boston Bull Terrier”, but after an objection from Bull Terrier fanciers, the “Bull” was dropped. Since then, the breed is known simply as the “Boston Terrier.”
The common belief is that Bostons were bred from the English Bulldog and English White terrier with possibly some Boxer, French Bulldog and Bull terrier thrown in. They are “brachycephalic” (flat nosed) with a sweet, easygoing personality like the Bulldog but with the slim body and the tenacity of a terrier. They are a “BIG” dog in a small body. Bostons are divided into three-weight classes for AKC conformation shows: under 15 lbs., 15 to 20 lbs., and 20 to 25 lbs. Breed standards do not recognize Bostons who are over 25 lbs., although large Bostons make wonderful pets. There are no weight restrictions for entering AKC performance events such as Obedience, Agility and Tracking.
Bostons come in three recognized colors: black and white, seal and white, and brindle and white, with specific AKC breed-standard markings. Browns, fawns, whites, blues and mis-marked Bostons that an unscrupulous breeders often advertise as a “rare” are the result of genetic mutation and they should never be bred. These Bostons may still make wonderful pets but are prone to various genetic disorders so a complete and regular medical check-ups are essential for these off-colored Bostons.
Do Bostons make great pets? It all depends on you and your lifestyle. Boston terrier, due to their short coat and short snout, should never be kept outdoors. They are an indoor dog, even in mild climates. Because of their large, prominent eyes, you need to be very careful when playing or even on a walk. Corneal ulcers are a very common problem with this breed, which untreated can lead to a loss of vision. Bostons are extremely intelligent, sometimes too smart for their own good. They are lively, loveable and affectionate but at the same time, they can be stubborn, tenacious, and hyperactive. They also tend to “snort” and drool more that the average dog. Due to their flat nose, Bostons can snore loudly, which can be a problem if you are a light sleeper. They also have a tendency to be slightly more flatulent than other breeds, although that depends somewhat on their diet.
If you are thinking about adding a Boston Terrier to your family, please consider the following:
Do your homework! Get your Boston Terrier from a responsible, reputable breeder. Health problems in this breed include but are not limited to: brachycephalic syndrome including cleft palate, stenotic nares, elongated soft palate and harelip; hypothyroidism; eye diseases including corneal ulcers, cataract and corneal dystrophy; deafness; joint problems such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia; epilepsy and dermatitis which can include mange. No breeder can “guarantee” a perfectly healthy puppy, but why chance it? Ask the breeder about CERF (eye), BAER (ear), and OFA patella (knee joint) testing.
Good things come to those who wait! Boston puppies are hard to come by, especially a well bred ones. You may have to be on a waiting list before one becomes available. Boston Terriers often require a caesarian section due to the size of the puppy’s head. Because of this, the frequency of breeding may be limited. The number in a litter also tends to be small and a litter of one is not uncommon. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot find a puppy right away.
For additional information, please visit Boston Terrier Club of America’s website at: http://bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/
Boston Terrier originated in Boston, Massachusetts. At the time, they were referred to as a “Boston Bull Terrier”, but after an objection from Bull Terrier fanciers, the “Bull” was dropped. Since then, the breed is known simply as the “Boston Terrier.”
The common belief is that Bostons were bred from the English Bulldog and English White terrier with possibly some Boxer, French Bulldog and Bull terrier thrown in. They are “brachycephalic” (flat nosed) with a sweet, easygoing personality like the Bulldog but with the slim body and the tenacity of a terrier. They are a “BIG” dog in a small body. Bostons are divided into three-weight classes for AKC conformation shows: under 15 lbs., 15 to 20 lbs., and 20 to 25 lbs. Breed standards do not recognize Bostons who are over 25 lbs., although large Bostons make wonderful pets. There are no weight restrictions for entering AKC performance events such as Obedience, Agility and Tracking.
Bostons come in three recognized colors: black and white, seal and white, and brindle and white, with specific AKC breed-standard markings. Browns, fawns, whites, blues and mis-marked Bostons that an unscrupulous breeders often advertise as a “rare” are the result of genetic mutation and they should never be bred. These Bostons may still make wonderful pets but are prone to various genetic disorders so a complete and regular medical check-ups are essential for these off-colored Bostons.
Do Bostons make great pets? It all depends on you and your lifestyle. Boston terrier, due to their short coat and short snout, should never be kept outdoors. They are an indoor dog, even in mild climates. Because of their large, prominent eyes, you need to be very careful when playing or even on a walk. Corneal ulcers are a very common problem with this breed, which untreated can lead to a loss of vision. Bostons are extremely intelligent, sometimes too smart for their own good. They are lively, loveable and affectionate but at the same time, they can be stubborn, tenacious, and hyperactive. They also tend to “snort” and drool more that the average dog. Due to their flat nose, Bostons can snore loudly, which can be a problem if you are a light sleeper. They also have a tendency to be slightly more flatulent than other breeds, although that depends somewhat on their diet.
If you are thinking about adding a Boston Terrier to your family, please consider the following:
Do your homework! Get your Boston Terrier from a responsible, reputable breeder. Health problems in this breed include but are not limited to: brachycephalic syndrome including cleft palate, stenotic nares, elongated soft palate and harelip; hypothyroidism; eye diseases including corneal ulcers, cataract and corneal dystrophy; deafness; joint problems such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia; epilepsy and dermatitis which can include mange. No breeder can “guarantee” a perfectly healthy puppy, but why chance it? Ask the breeder about CERF (eye), BAER (ear), and OFA patella (knee joint) testing.
Good things come to those who wait! Boston puppies are hard to come by, especially a well bred ones. You may have to be on a waiting list before one becomes available. Boston Terriers often require a caesarian section due to the size of the puppy’s head. Because of this, the frequency of breeding may be limited. The number in a litter also tends to be small and a litter of one is not uncommon. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot find a puppy right away.
For additional information, please visit Boston Terrier Club of America’s website at: http://bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/