Boston Terrier Dogs

Breed Type: Companion dog

Weight: 10-25 pounds (4.5-11 kg)

Height: 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)

Coat Type: Short, smooth and lustrous coat

 

Boston terrier is sweet natured dog that originated in the United States of America. It is a cute and compact dog that is also known as Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, Boxwood, and American Gentlemen, for its clever and intelligent gesture. The dog is loved for its affectionate nature and playfulness. The breed was recognized by the American kennel Club in 1893 and later, Boston terrier became the state dog of Massachusetts. However, while bringing this cute dog home, make sure that it has been bred properly, as a badly bred dog can suffer from bone defect in the skull, which leads to stunted brain growth and causes retardation in the pet. In this article, we bring you details on the history, appearance, grooming, personality and genetic disease of Boston terrier dog breed.

 

Boston terrier breed evolved from the crossbreeding between Bulldog and Bull Terrier in America, in 1870. The dog was first shown in Boston in 1870 and by 1889; it had become quite popular. Boston terrier was earlier known as the American Bull Terrier and was proposed to be in the American Bull Terrier Club. However, the dog was not well received by the Bull Terrier Club. It was then nicknamed as roundhead, but was again received poorly. Writer James Watson then suggested the option of naming its club as Boston Terrier Club and in 1893, the dog received membership of the American Kennel Club. It was the first American-developed breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. At present, it is the state dog of Massachusetts.

 

Boston terrier is a small, well-balanced, short-tailed dog with strong head and a short & wide muzzle. The eyes are round and large, with dark color. The small and fine, erect ears make the dog look extremely cute and adorable. It possesses a wide, wrinkle-free flat head and a short, square muzzle leading to a large black nose, giving it a square shaped look. A Boston terrier has straight muscular legs, with white underbelly and a combination of seal, brindle and black color on its back. Seal remains the defining color for the dog. It is also referred to as the ‘American Gentleman’ for its refined and pleasing personality and attentive and clever expression.

 

Boston terrier dog was initially bred as a fighting dog; but was later down-bred to become a companion dog. Hence, the dog possesses a friendly personality and is quite intelligent, gentle, expressive and lively. It is well mannered and very affectionate towards the owner and his family. While most of the Boston terriers are eager to please their master, some are very stubborn as well. However, the dog can be easily trained by a master who is patient and assertive in nature. It is a good-natured family dog that loves children and can make them laugh with its wit and clown-like gestures. A Boston terrier barks only when necessary and is very sensitive to the tone of one’s voice. The dog can be moody sometimes and would perform task at its will. It does not like going on long walks, but will follow its master wherever he goes.

 

A Boston terrier can be affected by a number of health issues, like luxating patellas, deafness, cataracts, allergies, cherry eye, heart murmur, and curvature of the back (roaching). Roaching is most likely caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn makes the dog lean forward, onto the forelegs. The prominent eyes of the dog can suffer from ulcers or minor injuries to their cornea. In addition, the dog finds it difficult to stand extreme weathers (excessive hot or cold), due to its short muzzle. It is also likely to reverse sneeze when excited. In this case, the debris or fluid gets trapped in the palate that irritates the throat and even limits breathing. Most of the times, reverse sneezing resolves itself. Boston terrier dog can even snore, which can be taken as a sign of serious health issue. The dog has an average life span of 13 years.

 

A Boston terrier has short hair and thus even a little maintenance of the coat will go a long way in keeping it well groomed. The coat can be brushed occasionally, along with regular cleaning of ears and trimming of claws. A special lotion can be applied in the facial creases of the dog, which require some attention from time to time.