The Boston Terrier - Gentleman of Dogs

by Shawna L. Krautheim & Debbie Moore
Copyright© 2007 Dog and Puppy Central
All rights reserved

The Boston Terrier is a unique and distinctive little breed of dog. Nicknamed the “Gentleman of Dogs,” due to his extremely sweet and gentle disposition, this adorable little toy dog has won the hearts of many, across the world. If you’re looking for a spunky and adorable little friend, the Boston Terrier may be just the sort of companion that you had in mind.

Boston Terrier History

As his name implies, the Boston Terrier is a native American breed of dog, first bred in the beautiful city of Boston, Massachusetts. The result of crossing an English Bulldog (named Judge) with a now-extinct breed, known as the white English Terrier (named Gyp), a pup named “Wells’ Eph” would later be crossed with “Tobin’s Kate” and the Boston Terrier would develop from these crossings. Originally called the American Bull Terrier, the breed’s name would be changed in 1891, after a great deal of opposition from both Bulldog and Bull Terrier breeders. At the time, the American Bull Terrier Club received no support from the AKC, who declared the breed too young and stated that they were unsure, as of yet, whether or not the available representatives would continue to breed true and continue to produce offspring of the same type.

Fortunately, the American Bull Terrier fanciers were determined and had a great deal of faith in their little dogs. Changing the name to Boston Terrier, honoring the city where the dogs were first bred, they continued to breed and exhibit these captivating little dogs until they were finally admitted into the Stud Book in 1893. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Boston Terrier Appearance

Once nick-named “Round Heads,” the Boston Terrier is a very distinctive breed, well-known for his compact little body and noticeably round head. Boston Terriers are a determined little dog and this shows in their build and their stance; they are alert and intelligent, as well as being a very active variety of toy dog, and their bodies are built for strength, despite their short stature.

The Boston Terrier can come in a brindle, seal, or the more common black shade, and are to be evenly marked with white. Additionally, these charismatic little dogs are shown in one of 3 separate weight classes: Under 15 pounds, 15 to under 20 pounds, and 20 to under 25 pounds. While there are no official “teacup” varieties, some breeders will often refer to their smaller Boston Terrier puppies as being Teacup Boston Terriers. This simply means that they are of the smaller weight class and is nothing more special than that.

Boston Terrier Temperament

“Personality-plus” is a term that best-suits these adorable little dogs. Often nick-named the gentleman of dogs, they are charming, captivating and very cuddly, making wonderful companion animals for the elderly. Additionally, the Boston Terrier gets along well with children and seems to have a great deal of patience for smaller humans. The main concern with Boston Terrier is that they can sometimes bite off more than they can chew, much like any other terrier, trying to stand up and protect their humans and property from much larger dogs. This, as one can imagine, can sometimes get your Boston Terrier puppy into a world of trouble if he is left unsupervised or let run loose.

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Boston Terrier Exercise Needs

A high-spirited little dog, the Boston Terrier does enjoy an active lifestyle. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to wear out those short little legs. A short walk in the park or a little bit of chasing the ball down the hallway can get him panting in no time. Additionally, the Boston Terrier enjoys gentle games of tug-o-war and most like to chew on rubber toys, happy to keep himself somewhat entertained for a time.

Boston Terrier Grooming Requirements

Care and upkeep of your Boston Terrier puppy is relatively simple. Not overly heavy shedders, you will find that your Boston Terrier sheds the most in the spring and then, again, in the fall. In the meantime, a simple brushing once or twice a week will suffice, and will help to keep his coat glossy by stimulating the oils in his coat and helping to free and remove any dander. To brush him, use a soft-bristled brush and go with the grain of hair, brushing in a gentle and flicking motion. He will love the free back-scratching.

A Boston Terrier shouldn’t need to be bathed too often; once or twice a month is usually a good bet, unless you have an individual who really enjoys getting dirty. Aside from this, the only other major grooming needs that a Boston Terrier requires are keeping his nails clipped, his ears clean and, if he will let you, his teeth brushed. Should tooth-brushing be an issue, however, there are a variety of toys and treats now available, which help to reduce tartar build up and tooth decay.

It's also a good idea to learn how to clip your Boston Terriers nails on a regular basis, starting from early puppyhood. Care needs to be taken to avoid cutting the "quick" of the nail. Once you become proficient at this, nail clipping will be a routine event. All dogs should have their teeth brushed every day to prevent gum and tooth decay, and ears should be given a wipe with an ear cleansing solution that cleanses and acidifies the inner ear environment to avoid ear infections.

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Training Your Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a keenly intelligent breed and one that desires to please his owner. For these reasons, he is generally very easy to train and receptive to the praises that he receives for good behavior. Obedience classes are highly recommended, if you are inexperienced with training dogs - not only does it teach your dog basic commands and obedience, but it also teaches you how better to understand your new puppy, and what methods he bests responds to. In no time, you two are sure to be teaching one another new tricks.

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Boston Terrier Health Issues

Boston Terriers can be prone to a number of hereditary health problems. That is why choosing a responsible breeder from which to purchase your Boston Terrier puppy is very important. Responsible Boston Terrier breeders will be well educated about the breed and carefully screen their breeding dogs for disorders that can affect these dogs.

Like any breed of dog, the Boston Terrier is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Boston Terrier puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy.

For further reading, here is a very informative web site dedicated to education about health concerns in the Boston Terrier dog breed:

http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/health.html

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Is the Boston Terrier The Right Breed For You?

The Boston Terrier is indeed a gentleman amongst dogs. Dressed in his little tuxedo and sporting one of the most charming personalities in the dog world, he is a captivating little companion that is sure to warm your heart. Due to his low maintenance requirements, he makes an ideal pet for an elderly person, as well as making a great family dog. Boston Terrier puppies should be supervised with small children, however, as they can be seriously injured if accidentally dropped, fallen on or poked in the eyes and, even the gentlest of souls can still get a little nippy when prying and pinching fingers get to be too painful. Provided you have the time to give your Boston Terrier some love when you come home from work and the occasional lap to sit upon or lay beside, he will consider himself king of the castle and the happiest dog in the world.

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