chronicle , Care Tips , and Helpful Information for Pet Owners

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Boston terrier is a small non - sportingdog breed from the United Statesbred to serve as a fellow dog . nickname the " American Gentleman , " these well - mannered , bright , affectionate canines make wonderful four - legged friend and family dog-iron . With their little , smooth , black and ashen coat that ’s pattern to resemble a tuxedo jacket , the Boston terrier is undeniably lovely and can easy be describe as dapper .

Two people driving a car with a Boston terrier on the passenger’s lap in the 1920s

Boston terrier in the 1920s.Credit: H. Amstrong Roberts / Getty Images

Boston terrier typically like to be around their humans as much as possible and are eager to please . They tend to get along with just about everyone , including young child whoknow not to be too rough , other home dogs , and dog - well-disposed cats . With their friendly , lively , and active personality , it ’s no marvel that the Boston terrier is such a popular breed . study on to determine all about the delightful Boston terrier .

Breed Overview

GROUP : Non - Sporting

HEIGHT:15 to 17 inches

WEIGHT:12 to 25 Egyptian pound

Boston terrier puppy

Credit:Anye / 500px / Getty Images

COAT : brusque , smooth

COAT COLOR : Black and white ; black , brindle , and lily-white ; brindle and white ; seal of approval and bloodless ; seal , brindle , and white

LIFE SPAN:11 to 13 year

Boston terrier smile

Credit:Tereza Jancikova / Getty Images

TEMPERAMENT : Affectionate , favorable , playful

HYPOALLERGENIC : No

ORIGIN : United States

Boston terrier in seal and white

Credit:Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images

Characteristics of the Boston Terrier

Boston terriers typically have well-chosen , friendly , and affectionate temperaments . Their love of play and comical nature also aid to mold their personalities . They ’re typically dependable around people , include kidsand alien , and they often get along well with other pets .

Despite their small size , Boston terriers are combat-ready , high - vigour canid that lean to do well in click sports such as flyball andagility . These intelligent dogs can easy be taught conjuring trick , but are sometimes obstinate , so do n’t expect your Boston terrier to obey every clip you give a dictation .

This is a brachycephalic strain , have in mind that the typeface is two-dimensional , with a moderately " squashed " appearing . Keep in intellect , however , that like other breeds with this facial structure , Bostons can overheat easily and should be allowed to rest when needed .

History of the Boston Terrier

amazingly , the friendly , playful , and sometimes silly Boston terrier is a descendant of dogs that were originally bred for pit fighting and other " blood sports " popular in 19th - one C England . However , the Boston terrier today is in general non - aggressive towards world , nor prostrate to scrap or hostility with other dog . Most are outgoing and well - mannered with just about everyone .

The Boston terrier ’s story began in the 1860s when a Boston man named William O’Brien purchased abulldog - snowy English terrier mixture from England diagnose Judge . O’Brien cease up betray Judge to another Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper . phonograph recording touch to “ Hooper ’s Judge ” as the father of the Boston terrier stock from which all Boston descend .

Judge was a muscular , toughened , but fairly low dog , weighing in at around 30 pound . His head was substantial , and his coat was dark brindle with a white stripe down his face . Judge was engender with a minuscule , white-hot , bulldog - type female , and that launched the selective breeding process . breeder specifically were looking to create a pocket-size , friendly fellow traveller bounder .

In 1891 , the Boston Terrier Club of America was ground . And before long after in 1893 , the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed . Since then , the Boston terrier has become quite popular throughout the United States . It ’s Boston University ’s official mascot , as well as the official dog for the state of Massachusetts .

Boston Terrier Care

For the most part , Bostons are a fairlylow - maintenance breed . They do require regular practice session , curry , and breeding , like any dog , but in sum that are lower than many other breeds . If left alone too often , however , or not provide with enough mental and physical stimulant , they can become destructive or develop annoying behaviors . Remember that your Boston terrier was bred to be a companion dog and wants to be with you as much as possible .

Exercise

Boston terrier are comparatively energetic and should meet about anhour of exercise per solar day . A duet of daily paseo , games of fetch , playing withpuzzle toy , and function around in a secure expanse should answer . Dog sports , such as agility and mass meeting , can serve to burn their mental and physical DOE . The key is that Bostons choose to be active with their human . If you allow them to their own devices , they mightbecome boredand develop problem behaviors , such as unwanted manduction .

Moreover , due to the Boston ’s flat face , the breed is prone to breathing issues . Discuss this with your veterinarian , and know how to spot the signs oflabored breathingduring exercising .

Grooming

Boston terrier generally call for little more than basic dressing , as their shortsighted pelage does n’t shed much . sweep them weekly with a flaccid - bristle brush or grooming hand to dispatch loose pelt and pass around skin oils . program ongiving a bathroughly every month , depending on how dirty your dog gets .

In addition , check your dog ’s nail every few weeks to see whether they ’re due for a passementerie . Look in the ear weekly for wax buildup , debris , and other abnormalities;clean the earsas needed . For dental health , sweep your dog ’s teethevery day .

Training

set about education and socializing your Boston terrier from as young of an age as potential . Enrolling in a puppyobedienceclass is an ideal direction for your domestic dog to find out introductory commands and manners . Expose your dog to different mass , other dogs , and various noises and locations to help to boost their assurance and comfort in all kinds of situations .

Always usepositive reinforcement methods , such as praise and treats , as this breed can be particularly sensitive to harsh corrections . And be consistent in your commands . Boston terrier broadly want to please their humans and will take to training well .

Because they typically love the society of people , Boston terrier can be prone toseparation anxietywhen left alone . Professional blackguard trainers and behaviourist can give you point to help combat this . But a household where someone is home for most of the day is the good option for this breed .

Anye / 500px / Getty Images

Tereza Jancikova / Getty Images

Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images

Common Health Problems

Boston terriers are prone to some transmitted health issues , including :

Diet and Nutrition

check that your andiron always has access to fresh water and feed a high - character , nutritionally balancedcanine diet . Most owners feed two metric meals per Clarence Day to ensure their firedog is baffle the proper amount . You should always hash out both the amount andtype of foodwith your veterinarian to make trusted you ’re meeting your dog ’s individual needs .

Also , be aware of treat and other extra food . Many Boston terriers have a strong lovemaking of food and will beg for handouts . However , too many extra might result in yourdog becoming overweight , as even a small weight increase can be a slew for this small detent .

Where to Adopt or Buy a Boston Terrier

Boston terriers are apopular dog stock , especially in North America . Be sure to gibe local animal shelter and breed - specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a dwelling . If you ’re looking for a puppy from a reputable stock breeder , expect to bear around $ 600 to $ 2,000 , though this can vary wide .

For further information to connect you with a Boston terrier , see out :

Boston Terrier Overview

Friendly and affectionate

Minimal grooming motivation

Can be good with kids and other pets

Flat face can cause external respiration issues ( brachycephalic syndrome )

prostrate to eye problems

Can develop breakup anxiousness

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog stock , if you ’re interested in a Boston terrier , do plenty of research before bring one home to ascertain that the dog is worthy for your lifestyle . Talk to engender owners , deliverance groups , veterinarians , and reputable stock breeder to learn more .

If you ’re interested in like breeds , agree out :

There ’s a whole world of potentialdog breedsout there — with a little inquiry , you’re able to detect the ripe one to bring abode !

No , the two are separate stock . Boston terriers and French bulldogs look similar because they ’re both descendants of thebulldog . Hub of the Universe have pointy ear , orotund heads , and lean bodies while Frenchies have snipe auricle , blockish heads , and shorter , more muscular dead body .

Boston terriers can be excellent crime syndicate dogs when they are by rights trained and socialized . As long as the dog wo n’t be left alone too often , this is a neat breed for families , for hoi polloi who have n’t have a cad before , or for anyone who want an affectionate favourite that prefer to be near their human as much as potential .

Boston terriers typically can make respectable apartment dogs , as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulus . They usually do n’t bark excessively , and they do n’t require a tidy sum of space for shimmer . However , if you are go for long time of day everyday , your Boston might suffer with legal separation anxiousness and recrudesce undesirable behaviors .

Boston terriers generally are not fast-growing when they ’ve had preparation and socializing from an former years . Indeed , they are known for their well-disposed , extroverted , and silly personalities . Still , they have a moderate watchdog nature and can become territorial if they comprehend a threat .

Boston Terrier . American Kennel Club .

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