Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier was developed in Boston, USA, and was once a tough-looking and tenacious pit fighter dog. That dog was much larger than its descendant, and it weighed more than 40 lbs. Those dogs were supposed to be strong, enduring and assertive. Actually, that was a cross between the now extinct English White Terrier and the English Bulldog. The Boston Terriers’ visual resemblance to the French Bulldog is due to the addition of the French Bulldog’s gene into the dog’s gene pool and acceptance of the offspring as a foundation dog for the would-be Boston Terrier. The dog was first shown in 1870, and received AKC recognition in 1893.

The Boston Terrier of today has none of his father’s aggression, although he can be protective around his loved ones. Boston Terriers have broad and white heads, broad and blunt muzzles, large and round eyes that are placed widely apart and pointed erectile ears. The chest is deep and broad, and the legs are strong and muscular. Boston Terriers measure 15-17 inches high at the withers and weigh 10-25 lbs. Their short and glossy coat comes in black and white, brindle and white and sometimes brown and white.

The Boston Terrier is a very intelligent and affectionate companion. He is quick to grasp new information, and hence he is relatively easy to train. However, Boston Terriers can be willful, and it takes quite a bit of patience, devotion and consistency on the owner’s side to make his or her dog perform well. Boston terriers are friendly with children, elderly people and strangers. They are also renowned for tolerant attitude toward non-canine pets. Because they are glad to play with anyone, either a member of the family or someone they have never seen before, they are no great guardians, although they do look a little formidable.

Boston Terriers are well suited for apartment life, and they do not require large yards. They do not show much activity outdoors, but they do enjoy daily walks and moderate physical exercise. They love to play with children and enjoy games that stimulate their mental abilities. It should be noted that Boston Terriers are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and should not be exposed to heat or cold. Therefore, they do okay in temperate climates. Apartment living can save them much exposure to unfavorable weather conditions.

Like all Bulldog-type and Mastiff-type dogs, Boston Terriers are prone to whelping difficulties, and births usually require Caesarian sections, because the puppy’s head is usually too large to pass through the pelvis. Boston terriers often go down with cold. Drooling and snoring is common with this breed. Some lines show proneness to tumors. The Boston Terrier’s average lifespan is about 15 years.