Boston Terriers are a very popular breed. They are gentle and friendly to adults, children, and other animals when they are well socialized from a young age. Many families generally recommend the Boston Terrier even with young children in the house. However, the dog and the child should never be left together unsupervised.
This breed is suitable for apartment living due to the dog’s compact size and minimal barking. Boston Terriers are often too friendly to alert their owners when they encounter a stranger.
These dogs love to play indoors and outdoors. Really long walks are not usually necessary. Just playtime with children and other family members can be enough on a daily basis. The Boston Terrier is intelligent and also does well in more competitive frame activities such as agility trials.
These dogs are eager to please their owners. They have a charm of determination, strength and energy, they seem very distinguished and are very balanced. Their personality and the color of their coats (like a tuxedo) earned them the name “American Gentleman.”
Grooming needs of the Boston Terrier
These dogs require minimal grooming. The occasional bath, nail trimming, and ear cleaning is all the maintenance they need.
History of the Boston Terrier breed
The breed originated in 1870 when Robert C. Hooper of Boston bought a dog, he named it Judge Hooper.
The exact lineage of the dog is unknown, but Hooper’s Judge may have been a combination of the Bulldog and Terrier-type breeds used for fighting. Hooper weighed almost 30 pounds (13.5 kg). Hooper was bred with French Bulldogs that created the Boston Terrier, a smaller dog weighing around 20 pounds that we commonly see today.
The breed was first shown in Boston in the late 1800s and became part of the American Kennel Club in 1893. The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog bred in the United States of America.
Originally bred for fighting, Boston Terriers have calmed their aggressive ways over the years of being bred for human company. They are not meant to be outdoor dogs as they are too dependent on human companionship.
Boston Terrier Health
Most Boston Terriers will be healthy. Be sure to discuss any health concerns with a certified breeder or shelter staff when selecting your puppy or adult dog. However, there are some common health problems among the breed.
– Snorting, snoring or reverse sneezing are common due to the short muzzle of dogs. Usually no treatment is necessary.
– Cataracts, Cherry Eye (a prolapsed eye gland) or eye injury due to the breed’s characteristic large bulging eyes. Treatment may require cataract and cherry eye surgery. Antibiotics may be prescribed in the event of blunt or acute trauma to the eye.
– Skin, contact or environmental allergies may occur. Treatment consists of removing the allergen from the environment and from the dog, if possible, and may include treatment with medications to relieve symptoms.
– Irregularity in the way the heart pumps blood effectively. It can be treated with medication and possible surgery depending on the age, health, and size (or grade) of the dog’s murmur at the time of diagnosis. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best treatment for your individual situation.
– “Roaching”, a curvature of the spine. It can affect any dog to varying degrees. Consult your veterinarian for diagnostic and treatment options. Middle causes may not require any special care, just unconditional love!
– Because these dogs have a short muzzle, they are less effective at regulating their body temperature through panting, for example. The short muzzle can make them more susceptible to extreme weather changes.
– All dogs pass gas. This breed has a reputation for flatulence. A controlled diet and small, frequent feedings can help. Consult your vet for advice on your dog’s diet and digestive system if you are concerned.
Boston Terrier exercise needs
These dogs require daily low to moderate exercise, minimum 2 short walks. They prefer to live indoors, they make excellent apartment dogs, they enjoy being around you while you read or drink tea. They are not suitable for super sporty and active lifestyles as their bradicofálica nose (short nose) makes these dogs very sensitive to excess fitness or high temperatures.
Some people chose to monitor their dog’s fitness with the FitBark, a discreet, wearable device that constantly monitors your dog’s activity, sleep and nutrition, and is breed specific. FitBark easily pairs with your Fitbit, Apple Watch, HealthKit, or Google Fit device to monitor progress. Researchers and veterinarians have developed a unique algorithm to provide you with real-time quantitative data on your dog’s health. Great for finding out how your dog is really feeling and making it easy to communicate during follow-up vet appointments.
Everyone wants to know what Boston Terriers are like with children
This breed loves children of all ages and enjoys playing with them. As a low-maintenance pet, they are generally ideal for families with busy schedules and young children. For families with older children, they provide a dog with enough responsibility for teens to have responsibility, while still having plenty of time to enjoy the excitement of the dog’s company. A great introduction to adulthood.
These dogs are a small breed that makes them one of the best dogs in the family. Their unique coloring gives them a noble appearance. Their friendly and fun character makes them suitable for children and adolescents of all ages.
Do you own a Boston Terrier? Tell us why they are the best family dogs