Boston Terrier Breed Description

An Owner's Boston Terrier Description
Boston, as I call him, is such a different terrier than I had imagined him to be. Actually, I wasn't sure if he would be more like a Bulldog than a terrier. Let me first say that Boston is an extremely loving little dog. And he has a sincere desire to please.

It really takes a lot to make Boston mad and when I do get him upset, perhaps with a harsh tone or by my refusal to play, he'll just walk away. He won't pout, and he'll return after awhile and try again.

Boston has been extremely easy to train. I've never had to raise my voice as he catches on very quickly and loves to learn new things. He enjoys learning boundaries and what he's not allowed to do just about as much as learning new games. It all relates to his desire to be obedient. He can get this really sad looking face when he does get upset. He's so easy to love.

Boston is a relatively quiet dog and only barks when he feels he must alert us. I like that about him, since I know that some terriers can bark at every single sound and person. He's also been great with the kids and pretty friendly toward strangers. Boston loves to play and will bring you an assortment of his toys so you can choose one. He's not particular about what game to play, happy just as long as he doesn't have to play alone.

All that's been difficult for Boston has been housebreaking. Personally, I think he just gets so busy with other activities he waits too long to make it to the doggie door. But my husband points out that Boston thinks of himself as a human, not a dog - and what human would go outside when they can use the house?

 

Introduction

Nicknamed the American gentleman among dogs because of his characteristically gentle disposition. The breed is a true American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. They then used the French bulldog to bring down the size of the Boston Terrier to that of the modern Boston Terrier. Also known as the Boston Bull, these dogs were selectively bred using the English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and the extinct White Terrier. The Boston originally weighed over 44 lbs. but was bred down to size. Terrier in name only, these dogs prefer the company of humans, although male Bostons will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory has been invaded. Their coat requires minimal grooming and comes in red / brindle and black / brindle. They do not do well in hot weather. These dogs are good family dogs. They weigh 10 to 25 lbs. and stand 15-17" at the shoulders.

History

The Boston terrier is a truly American breed, but there are many stories about how it originated. The breed was developed in the stables of Boston, Massachusetts after the Civil War. It is a cross between an English bulldog and a white English Terrier. An imported dog, Hooper’s Judge, is considered to be the predecessor of the modern Boston terrier. This dog was sold to a man living in Boston. In 1891 the breed was given the name 'Boston Terrier' after the name of the city of its origin. Seventy-five Boston terriers were admitted in the stud book of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893 and the breed had finally been recognized. The breed developed fast after that and the Boston terrier entered the homes of many Americans and for the first 50 years of the 20th century, the breed was the top breed registered with the AKC. Most of its popularity was due to it being an all-American breed.

General Description

The Boston Terrier is a compactly built and short tailed dog with a smooth coat, typically marked with white, black, brindle, seal or a combination of the three. All other things being equal, a gray or brown streak or pattern (brindle) is the preferred color of the Boston Terrier. His body is short and well structured. His limbs are strong and turned in and the tail is short. In fact, no part or feature of his body is that prominent to make him disproportionate. He gives a decisive impression, carries himself easily and gracefully. A Boston Terrier that meets the AKC standard has a proportionate combination of white and color. He has a square skull that is flat on top without wrinkles. The ears are small and erect and placed as near to the corners of the skull as possible. His large and round eyes are wide apart and set squarely in the skull. The muzzle is in proportion to the skull and short, square, deep, and wide. His gait is sure footed with each step indicating grace and power. His forelegs and hind legs move straight in rhythm.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is not easy to forget. They have a very strong and endearing personality. Although they can display a range of temperaments, varying from eager to please to stubbornness, they are easy to train if the owner is patient and assertive. Overtime, the Boston Terrier has been down bred from a fighting dog to a companion dog: they are now a gentle, alert, and well mannered breed. He will bark only when necessary and enjoys company of another dogs as well as humans. He gets along very well with children provided he is properly socialized. Boston Terriers have various health issues. Juvenile and adult cataracts, cherry eye, patella moving out of position, abnormal sound of the heart and allergies are of major concern. Their tiny nostrils, long palates, and a narrow trachea due to the short breadth to length ratio of their head also can cause respiratory problems. They are prone to reverse sneeze, snoring, repeated forced inhalation through the nose and making snorting or gagging sounds. These problems however do not cause any harm to the dog. The Boston Terrier is marked by his modern look dress and manners. The dapper appearance and gentle temperament of the Boston Terrier earned him the nickname of 'The American Gentleman.' He indeed is a 'gentleman' who carries himself with grace and dignity.

Colors

Bostons are either Black and white, Brown and white, brindle and white, and (in rare cases) red and white.

Living Area

Bostons can adapt very well. They are happy living in apartments, small homes, large homes, mansions, in the city with short daily walks, or the country with a lot of room to run and play. They are inside dogs and MUST be kept inside. They have a hard time handling harsh weather and they are much happier inside with their family than they would be outside.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR

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