Datasheet Boston Terrier
Size:
38-43cm
Life expectancy:
13 to 15 years
fur length:
short
coat structure:
smooth, shiny and fine
Suitable as:
companion and companion dog
Behave:
temperamental and humorous, people-friendly, compatible with conspecifics, alert (but not aggressive), relaxed, sensitive, playful
Child friendly:
yes Cedricflorian, Boston Terrier Eden Forever, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
Breed characteristics and external appearance
As you can easily see from their appearance, the Boston Terrier is one of the mastiff-like dogs. His stature is very compact and the square head with the raised bat ears looks massive.
The short nose is also typical of this breed and the tail forms a so-called «bobtail». In addition, the face is wrinkle-free.
This terrier is basically divided into three weight classes: light (no heavier than 6.8 kg), medium (6.9 to a maximum of 9 kg) and heavy (9 to 11.3 kg).
This dog’s coat has no undercoat and is characteristically very shiny. The regulations for this breed also require white markings that are evenly distributed.
Boston Terriers are either various colors of brindle, black, or «seal» (a tinged reddish brown).
essence and character
If you are looking for a playful, people-oriented and loyal partner for life, you are spot on with the Boston Terrier. Nevertheless, he is very temperamental and is always happy about contact with conspecifics.
He also encounters other pets with curiosity and joy. The fact that he is very alert is shown above all by the fact that he indicates the unknown by barking and can develop a certain hunting instinct outside his home.
Nevertheless, he is basically not an aggressive dog and also refrains from annoying constant barking.
This breed usually remains active and playful even into old age and proves its sensitivity through its ability to adapt to the mood of “its” human.
Last but not least, it is worth noting that the Boston Terrier is not a nervous breed, but on the contrary mostly remains calm and composed.
Franck1967, Boston terrier010, CC BY 3.0
Origin and history of the breed
As mentioned above, the Boston Terrier belongs to the Great Dane family and, contrary to what the name might imply, is not a hunting dog.
Rather, it was created in the USA in the 1870s by crossing white English terriers with English bulldogs. As French bulldogs were introduced genetically, the public began to take notice of these new dogs.
In 1878, a few specimens were first exhibited in the eponymous city of Boston, and some time later the first terrier club was founded there.
The Boston Terrier name has been official since 1893. Since those days, the breed has enjoyed great popularity in the USA and since 1927 the small dog has also been spreading more and more in Europe.
Nutrition
A balanced and healthy diet is the be-all and end-all to keep your pet healthy and fit into old age. In the case of the Boston Terrier, this initially means a very high proportion of meat in the feed.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s dry or wet food. In addition, the proportion of grain should be as low as possible; Grain-free food is also recommended.
Because this breed has a very compact stature anyway, the risk of obesity is increased. For this reason, you should always keep a close eye on your calorie intake.
Because he has a sensitive stomach, dietary changes should always be made slowly, mixing the new and old food and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. Otherwise, the dog could get diarrhea.
Feeding is best done after a walk. He should be left in peace while he is eating and be able to relax afterwards.
Two portions per day are enough for adults, while puppies eat up to four times a day. Fresh water must be available 24 hours a day.
Care
The terrier’s coat is very easy to care for; it is not prone to matting and only needs brushing every few days. The ears should be checked regularly and, if necessary, carefully cleaned to prevent infections.
If you don’t want to get your dog used to brushing his teeth, you should provide him with special chewing products for cleaning his teeth every few days.
Because he freezes easily in very cold weather, it makes sense to buy a dog coat.
Health and race-related diseases
Like most breeds, the Boston Terrier is prone to breed-specific genetic diseases. One of them are so-called patellar luxations. One leg is spared because the kneecap pops out.
The risk of going blind is also quite common, since this type of eye diseases such. B. Cataracts. Due to the specially bred short snout, breathing difficulties often occur due to narrowing of the airways and other deformations.
Loud breathing and snoring noises, as well as breathing problems are the result. The Boston Terrier does not tolerate heat well and the eyes should be protected from drafts to prevent inflammation.
However, if you buy from a responsible breeder, you can avoid many of these hereditary diseases.
Michelle Lehrich, Mrs. Nubbins, CC BY-SA 4.0
Other questions
Finally, questions are clarified that are frequently asked by readers.
Is the Boston Terrier a Beginner Dog?
Because he is easy to train and not aggressive, the Boston Terrier is also suitable for inexperienced owners.
How Much Does a Boston Terrier Cost?
If you want to get a copy from the breeder, you have to reckon with prices of up to 2000 euros. The adoption of an animal in need, on the other hand, is much cheaper.