Breed Profile: The Boston Terrier
Have you been thinking about getting one of these cute and funny canines? here is what you need to know about them first.
Breed Snapshot
• Size: Small to Medium – Between 38 and 43 cm tall. On average, they weigh anywhere from 6 to 11 kgs.
• Coat: Moderate Shedders. This breed has a short, slick coat that is known for shedding during the warmer months.
• Energy: Slightly energetic. This breed requires short walks one to three times a day. However, owners to be careful and ensure that the dog does not get too hot when outside in warm temperatures.
• Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
• Country of Origin: America
• Breed Type: Descendant of the bulldog and terrier, Boston Terriers are fun, curious dogs that crave attention and affection from their owners.
• Great Breed For: Apartments, Families that have plenty of time to dedicate to ensuring the health and well-being of the dog
What is the Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier is a smart, feisty, and curious dog that loves to explore its surroundings and learn new things. This dog has sometimes been mistaken for a French Bulldog. However, its loveable and adventurous personality help it stand out from similar breeds.
The Boston Terrier originated in Boston Massachusetts, USA in the late 1800s after an American man bought a bulldog and white English Terrier mix that he named Hooper’s Judge. The dog was bred with another dog whose origins are unknown. After a few generations of mixing with several different breeds of dog, the Boston Terrier was born. Today, it is one of the most well-known breeds of dogs in America.
What Do Boston Terriers Look like?
Boston terriers are small dogs that stand around 38 to 43cm tall and usually weigh around 6 to 11kgs. This breed is known for its soft, short coat that tends to look somewhat like a tuxedo as its back and legs are usually a dark or black colour and its chest is solid white. This dog has a square head with tall, triangle-shaped ears that are always extended straight up. It has a short muzzle that proves its bulldog heritage and has a short tail.
What Makes the Boston Terrier Special?
Whether you like to be outdoors or are more of an inside person, the Boston Terrier will be right there with you. This dog is able to adapt to any situation while remaining happy and healthy. This intelligent breed loves to play outside and go on new adventures but can also relax and be perfectly happy spending the day inside.
Boston Terriers are also naturally curious dogs that love to explore and sometimes get into trouble. They are very playful and have been known to have a great sense of humour and be quite funny most of the time.
How Often Do I Need to Groom My Boston Terrier?
When it comes to grooming, the Boston Terrier is fairly low maintenance. This breed has been known to shed moderately and should be brushed with a soft-bristle brush at least once a week to help remove all the excess hair from its body. Brushing will also help to activate the natural oils in its skin which will promote hair growth and keep its skin from drying out. They do not require baths very often. An occasion bath should do unless they get dirty. It’s important to trim their nails once or twice a month.
How Often Should I Walk My Boston Terrier?
Because Boston Terriers tend to be a very energetic dog, they may need to be walked two to three times a day. Even though they crave exercise, they also crave attention. So, if you were to let your Boston Terrier out in the back yard, he would probably just sit by the door until you let him back in. To ensure that your dog gets the exercise that he deserves, you need to walk or jog with him, as well as throw a ball or play. If you interact with your dog in any way, he will be able to properly let out some of his pent-up energy.
How Do I Train My Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers tend to become overly sensitive when they feel that their owner is angry with them. To help make training a little easier, you should use positive reinforcement. When you do need to reprimand your puppy, try to use a calm but firm voice. When your puppy has done something correctly during the training period, be sure to praise them and reward them with a treat.
Quickfire Questions
How Long is My Boston Terrier Expected to Live?
When properly cared for, a Boston Terrier’s life expectancy can range from around 13 to 15 years.
Can my Boston Terrier be left alone during the day?
Boston Terriers are a companion dog who craves human or animal interaction. If you frequently have to leave your dog for long periods of time, it is recommended that you either have a familiar friend r family member come and check on them throughout the day or have another dog at home with them that they can play with. When a Boston Terrier gets bored, they have been known to show undesirable behaviours.
What kind of health risk does a Boston Terrier have?
Because this breed has a short muzzle, they have been known to have difficulty breathing when excited or they have been exposed to a lot of heat and humidity. They also have large eyes that can easily catch dust and debris. It is recommended that you flush your dog’s eyes out at least once a day to ensure that they do not have any dust in them. If you notice any redness in their eyes, you should have a vet check that out immediately to ensure that they are not getting an eye infection. This breed has also been known to be prone to get other eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal ulcers. You may have to also spend thousands of dollars on getting their airways (nasal passage and back of throat) widened so that they can actually breathe as Pet Insurance will not cover pre-existing conditions such as brachycephalia. All of these health risks, if they eventuate, require lots of money, so if you have a high disposable income and like to spend it all at the Vet, then this breed of dog might be for you.
Where do I Get a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers require a lot of love and attention. If you feel that you have the time it takes to properly care for this dog, then a Boston Terrier may be the perfect dog for you. While this dog is popular in America, there are several other countries, including Australia that have Boston Terrier Breeders. However, it is important that make sure that the breeder you choose is responsible and experienced in caring for a Boston Terrier.
Sadly, these dogs get abandoned quite frequently due to their health problems and other factors. If you think that a Boston Terrier would be the perfect addition to your home, check out the RSPCA’s adoption guide to learn how to adopt your very own dog.
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