Boston Terriers are a very popular breed. They are gentle and friendly with adults, children, and other animals when well socialized from a young age. Many families generally recommend the Boston Terrier even with small children in the house. However, the dog and child should never be left unattended together.
This breed is suitable for apartment living due to the dog’s compact size and minimal barking. Boston Terriers are often too friendly to alert their owners when they come across a stranger.
These dogs love to play indoors and outdoors. Really long walks are usually not necessary. Just playtime with the kids and other family members can be enough on a daily basis. The Boston Terrier is intelligent and also performs well in more competitive structural activities such as agility trials.
These dogs are eager to please their owners. They have a charm of determination, strength and energy, they appear very distinguished and are very composed. Their personality and the coloring of their coats (like a tuxedo) earned them the name “American Gentleman.”
Boston Terrier Grooming Needs
These dogs require minimal grooming. The occasional bath, nail trim, and ear cleaning is all the upkeep they need.
Boston Terrier Breed History
The breed originated in 1870 when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog, he named it Hooper’s Judge.
The exact lineage of the dog is unknown, but Hooper’s Judge may have been a combination of the Bulldog and Terrier type breeds used for fighting. Hooper weighed nearly 30 pounds (13.5 kg). Hooper was bred with French Bulldogs that created the Boston Terrier, a smaller dog weighing around 20 pounds that we commonly see today.
The breed was first shown in Boston in the late 19th century and became a part of the American Kennel Club in 1893. The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog bred in the United States of America.
Originally bred to fight, Boston Terriers have calmed down their aggressive ways over the years of being bred for human companionship. They are not meant to be outdoor dogs, as they are too reliant on human companionship.
Boston Terrier Health
Most Boston Terriers will be healthy. Be sure to discuss any health concerns with a certified breeder or shelter staff when selecting your puppy or adult dog. However, there are some common health issues among the breed.
– Reverse snorting, snoring or sneezing is common due to the short muzzle of dogs. Treatment is usually not necessary.
– Cataracts, Cherry Eye (a prolapsed eye gland) or eye lesions due to the large, bulging eyes characteristic of the breed. Treatment may require cataract and cherry eye surgery. Antibiotics may be prescribed in case the eye receives blunt or acute trauma.
– Skin, contact or environmental allergies may occur. Treatment consists of removing the allergen from the environment and from the dog, if possible, and may include drug treatment for symptomatic relief.
– Irregularity in the way the heart pumps blood effectively. Treatable with medication and possible surgery depending on the dog’s age, health, and the size (or grade) of the murmur at diagnosis. Your vet can advise you on the best treatment for your individual situation.
– “Roaching”, a curvature of the spine. It can affect any dog to varying degrees. Consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment options. Medium causes may not require any special care, just unconditional love!
– Because these dogs have a short muzzle, they are less effective at regulating their body temperature through panting, for example. The short snout can make them more susceptible to extreme weather changes.
– All dogs pass gas. This breed has a reputation for flatulence. A controlled diet and frequent small doses can help. Consult your vet for advice on your dog’s diet and digestive system if he is concerned.
Boston Terrier Exercise Needs
These dogs require low to moderate daily exercise, 2 short walks minimum. They prefer to live indoors, they make excellent apartment dogs, they enjoy lying close to you while you read or have tea. They are not suitable for active and super sporty lifestyles, as their bradychephalic nose (short nose) makes these dogs very sensitive to excessive physical activity or high temperatures.
Some people have chosen to monitor their dog’s fitness with the FitBark, a discreet, wearable device that constantly monitors their dog’s activity, sleep and nutrition, and is breed-specific. FitBark easily pairs with your Fitbit, Apple Watch, HealthKit, or Google Fit device to track progress. Researchers and veterinarians have developed a unique algorithm to provide you with real-time quantitative data on your dog’s health. Great for finding out how your dog is really feeling and facilitating communication during follow-up appointments with the vet.
Everyone wants to know what Boston Terriers are like with children.
This breed loves children of all ages and enjoys playing with them. As a low-maintenance pet, they are generally great for families with busy schedules and small children. For families with older children, they provide a dog with enough responsibility for teens to have responsibility, while still having plenty of time to enjoy the excitement of the dog’s company. A great introduction to adulthood.
These dogs are a small breed which makes them one of the best family dogs. Their unique coloring gives them a noble appearance. Their tender and fun character makes them suitable for children and adolescents of all ages.
Do you have a boston terrier? Tell us why they are the best family dogs?