Contrary to what the name suggests, the Boston Terrier is famous for their quiet and well-mannered disposition which has made them a highly popular companion since the early 1900s…
The Boston Terrier (nicknamed “the American gentleman”) is a compact non-sporting breed that features a brindle, seal or black non-shedding coat with white markings, a square-shaped face, erect ears and a short tail. The breed can be traced back to the 1800s, and they were officially the first breed of dog purely designed for non-sporting or show dog purposes within the United States.
A number of their most distinguishing features often include their playful, gentle, intelligent and well-mannered disposition as well as their non-shedding coat – which have made the Boston Terrier one of the most popular companion breeds for families, apartment dwellers or allergy sufferers since the early 1900s. Below are a handful of fast Boston Terrier facts:
Trainability & Intelligence:
Friendliness With People:
Compatible With Animals:
Daily Exercise Required:
Grooming Requirements:
Suitable For A Family Pet:
Suitability As A Guard Dog:
Origins Of The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is known to have come from Boston during the 1800s where their creation is largely attributed to Robert C. Hooper and his original English Terrier and Bulldog cross called Hooper’s Judge. This dog formed the foundation for the Boston Terrier breeding program which later incorporated the French Bulldog and they were unique in that they were the first breed specifically designed for dog show purposes in the United States.
Average Size Of The Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are classed as a small-sized breed. The recommended standard size for the Boston Terrier male and female is 15-17 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 15-25 pounds.
Temperament Of The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is famous for their friendly, gentle and well-mannered temperament – which is what gives them their famous nickname “the American gentleman”. They are often reserved with strangers at first but quickly become friendly, which can mean they are unsuitable as a guard dog.
The Boston Terrier is also known to be fairly intelligent – ranking equal 54th with the Akita in comparison with other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience instructions. They are additionally known to be great with children – meaning they are quite suitable as a family pet. The Boston Terrier is usually very compatible with other dogs and pets once they are properly socialized.
Grooming Requirements Of The Boston Terrier
Grooming the Boston Terrier is a relatively simple assignment. They require only occasional brushing when necessary and full grooming every month or two. The system for fully grooming the Boston Terrier can be explained as:
- Brush through the coat with a bristle brush.
- Moisten a cotton ball with ear cleaner and swab the ears to remove dirt and wax, following up with medicated ear powder.
- Use a guillotine-type nail clipper to cut the nails.
- Moisten a cotton ball in water and wipe the corners of the eyes, then use eye stain remover to remove the stains under and around the eyes.
- Clean the wrinkles on the face with a moist cotton ball.
- Bathe the dog using tearless protein shampoo to add body to the coat and repair damaged hair.
- Dry using a cage dryer then finish with a blow dryer while brushing through the coat with a bristle brush.
- If desired, remove the whiskers with scissors.
- Trim any dark patches of hair that overlap the white with scissors then thin out any heavy areas to improve the overall appearance.
- Finish by spraying mink oil on the coat and then polish it with a towel to add shine.
Living Requirements For The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier doesn’t need a yard and is relatively inactive while inside the home, so they are highly suitable for apartment life just as long as they are exercised enough. They are sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures which means they need air conditioning while inside the home and extra protection when going outside in cooler weather.
Health & Life Expectancy Of The Boston Terrier
Similar to a lot of small-sized dogs, the Boston Terrier is typically longer-lived possessing a life expectancy of 10-14 years. The largest health concern for Boston Terriers is widely recognized as cataracts and other eye problems. They are also vulnerable to conditions including deafness, patellar luxation, breathing difficulties in hot weather, sensitivity to hot and cold, snoring, allergies and ingrown or corkscrew tails.
Exercise Needs For The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier takes pleasure in hobbies such as play sessions in the yard or indoor games of fetch. They possess a moderate to high level of energy and this calls for exercise every day in the shape of long walks when it’s cool to prevent excessive weight gain.
Who Should Own The Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier can be the right dog breed for active owners, apartment dwellers, allergy sufferers or families who have plenty of time for companionship. They are well-matched for anybody who is prepared to commit to a small amount of grooming and allocate time to give them positive training and early socialization in addition to take them on long daily walks and bestow a very high amount of love and devotion. Though they might be a little out of place as a guard dog, if you are able to meet their need for human interaction, sensitive care and a comfortable living environment then the Boston Terrier can make the best breed of dog for you.
Posted by Brent McCoy on December 7, 2011