The Boston Terrier is an elegant, happy and sociable dog. It can be the ideal pet for dog experts and novice owners. We are talking about a small dog, easy to maintain and really very loving. It is perfect for all types of families and we should not spend too much time educating it. The main quality of this dog is its great sociability, its good behavior and the attachment which it has for its close relations.
This is the perfect dog for city dwellers. Such a pet feels comfortable and does not bother anyone even in the smallest apartments. All because of the relatively small stature, low weight and calm disposition.
Boston Terriers have established themselves as loyal companion dogs. These good-natured animals do not require special care, but the love, affection and care of the owner is vital for them. If you are willing to spend enough time with your pet, the Boston Terrier will become the most devoted friend and companion on any travels.
Boston Terrier photos
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Physical characteristics
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact, short-body dog with a square frame. Its length is equal to the height at the withers. Its legs are not excessively long, but they are very strong and powerful.
In general, we can say that it is a robust and small dog. Although the breed standard does not set a specific height, it usually does not exceed 40 centimeters. On the other hand, the weight that it must have is indicated in the standard, which is between 7 and 11.5 kilograms.
Distinctive features
- Head: The head is almost square, slightly flattened from above. The muzzle is also square and short.
- Jaws: The bite is straight., The teeth form a complete set.
- Ears: Ears of medium size, triangular, erect.
- Eyes: The eyes are large and rounded. Located at a great distance from each other. The color is dark.
- Frame: The body is rectangular. The chest is voluminous. The belly is slightly upturned. The back is straight.
- Limbs: The front legs are straight and set well apart. Muscular hindquarters with a pronounced hock joint. The toes are tightly bound.
- Coat: Short hair, but snug to the body. Color: black and white, red and white, fawn and white, cream, gray and white, tricolor, albino.
Character and behavior
This dog is friendly, sociable and sweet. In addition, he is very loyal and intelligent. Its good nature has made it one of the favorite pets of many families around the world.
He makes a good friend with children, but you have to make sure the little ones don’t harm the dog. He also tends to get along with other dogs and can learn to live with other animals. Either way, it’s important to socialize this dog while he’s still a puppy.
If these dogs are left alone for long periods of time, they can be destructive or even develop separation anxiety.
In summary
In summary, the Boston Terrier is an excellent pet for families with and without children, provided owners have enough time to spend with their dog. Although Boston Terriers are not aggressive, they are not recommended as pets for very young children, as they are fragile dogs that can be mistreated and easily injured.
Health
In order to recognize and prevent the development of the disease in time, you need to know which diseases the Boston Terrier is predisposed to:
- Congenital deafness – When buying a puppy, carefully check if he has hearing.
- Hyperadrenocorticism is one of the most common pathologies of the endocrine system.
- Cryptorchidism is a pathological condition characterized by the non-descent of one or both testicles into the scrotum.
- Brachycephalic syndrome – develops as a result of the anatomical features of the structure of the skull and genetic predisposition.
- Skin diseases – atopy, demodicosis, allergic reactions.
- Oncological diseases.
- Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – pylorospasm, flatulence, volvulus.
- Hydrocephalus is a congenital disease characterized by excessive formation and accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles.
- Problems with the musculoskeletal system.
- Difficult puppybirth – puppies are born with rather large heads, so there are often complications during puppybirth, as a result of which you have to do a cesarean section.
Life expectancy
With proper care, the Boston Terrier lives for 12-15 years, although cases of longevity of 16-17 years are not excluded. From puppyhood to the last years of his life, the Boston Terrier remains a cheerful, inquisitive, playful pet. The owner is obliged to monitor not only the appearance of the dog, but also his health.
Care
The Boston Terrier has a short coat that does not require grooming. It is enough to brush your pet once a week. Always make sure that the dog’s ears and eyes are clean, and trim the nails in time. You need to bathe your pet at least once a month, but more often is better.
Exercise
When it comes to exercise, the Boston Terrier doesn’t need a lot. Daily walks are usually enough to keep him in shape. One hour a day will suffice.
Fun facts
- In 1979, the Boston Terrier was proclaimed the symbol of Massachusetts.
- Small species of dogs in the first year of life increase their weight by about 20 times.
- Representatives of the Boston Terrier breed were also called by other names: “Boston mestizo”, “American bull terrier”, “round-headed bulldog”.
- In the United States, Boston Terrier dogs are called “American gentlemen” because of the white “shirt-front” on the chest and because of their adequate behavior.
History of the breed
The Boston Terrier was, in the 19th century, a cross between an English bulldog and a white English terrier. More breed crosses have been made and this dog has developed further. This happened around 1893. The breeds used for these other crosses were the English Bull Terrier, the Boxer, the Pit Bull Terrier and other terriers. At first, the Boston Terrier dog weighed more than 20 kg, but evolved to become smaller and smaller until it adopted the size with which we know it today.
Many wonderful dog breeds have been bred in America. The Boston Terrier also belongs to the species native to the United States. If we look at the list of popular breeds in America, we will see that Boston Terrier dogs are in 25th place.
This breed appeared in the nineteenth century. American breeders decided to create a new species with the best qualities of terriers and bulldogs. For this, crosses of Old English Bulldogs with English Terriers were carried out. As a result, the resulting offspring had a bulldog face and a terrier body. The breed was officially recognized in 1893.
In European countries, Boston Terriers are not very popular, but in their homeland these cute dogs are very much loved for their loyalty, unpretentiousness and friendliness. According to statistics, about thirteen thousand puppies of this breed are born annually.
Boston Terrier dogs are often confused with French Bulldogs by uninformed people, but in fact there are significant differences between the two species, both in appearance and character.
The Boston Terrier is one of the few truly “made in the America”. “The American Kennel Club considers the Boston Terrier to be one of the most intelligent breeds” …