All About The Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier (Or Boston or Bossie as he is affectionately known) is a compact, study, people and family-oriented dog with a lively disposition. He will best thrive in a family home where he can feel like he is included in day to day living with his “people”

The Boston is the first, Native American breeder to be recognised by the American Kennel Club and is instantly recognised by his Tuxedo like coat, earning him the nick name of “The American Gentleman”.

These expressive little dogs with their Large Round Dark eyes haven’t just earned their popularity by their stylish fashion sense, these Dapper little Americans are filled with intelligence, always alert and natural comedians that bring smiles to their owners faces. Dressed to the nines and ready for anything! 

History

The Boston Terrier is named after the breed’s Boston, Massachusetts origins. Developed from a mix of English Bulldogs and white English Terriers. The Breed descends from a dog named “Judge”, brought to America from England by William O’Brien and purchased by fellow Bostonian Robert C. Hooper in 1870. Known as Hoopers Judge in breed histories, he is recognised as the patriarch of the Boston Terrier breed by the American Kennel Club.

Original Boston Terriers often called round heads or round headed bulldogs weighed up to 44 pounds and became so popular in the city due to their temperament and easy care that the American Bull Terrier club was formed in 1889. Soon after the clubs formation, local writer of note James Watson suggested the club change the name to the Boston Terrier Club which it did in 1891. Breeding continued by adding French bulldogs and the foundations were now laid for the truly American breed we know and love today, and the distinctive coat color and markings was written into the breed standard  by the 1900’s which is the blueprint for the Boston Terrier.

The Boston’s Good looks and popularity persist to this day- Boston University and Wofford College in South Carolina each boast Boston Terriers as their mascots. The Boston terrier is also the state dog of Massachusetts which is an obvious choice.

0

Personality and Temperament

Boston Terriers possess loving, friendly personalities that easily wins hearts. Their very stable temperaments are excellent for first-time dog owners and seasoned veterans alike, as well as families with children. Highly sociable, intelligent, and entertaining, Boston Terriers are very trainable– especially early in life. Boston’s excel at dog sports including Flyball and Agility. Now with Trick Dog titles being recognised, this seems to be written specifically for the Boston Terrier.

0

Size and Life Expectancy

Size

In his country of origin, Boston’s are divided into 3 weight categories. Its important to note that even in the larger weight classes, they must at all times remain balanced and never coarsely built of too much bulldog in appearance.

  • weight not to exceed 11.4 kg (25 lbs)

Life Expectancy

  • Boston Terriers typically live between 13-15 years.

Zareba Floats Like a Butterfly

Is a Boston right for you?

Boston Terriers have lovely big round expressive eyes that require special attention. The Boston Terrier Club on NSW Inc recommend that owners check them daily for any redness or signs of irritations. Eye injuries can be very serious and any sign that things are not right should be seen by the Vet immediately.

Responsible breeders regularly screen their breeding stock for other common problems including Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts ( JHC) luxating patella’s, xray spines and tracheas, heart health and strive to eliminate genetic disorders to breed healthy happy Boston’s.

As a brachycephalic (flat/ short faced ) breed, Boston’s may also present with breathing problems. Over the years, responsible breeders are doing their best to eradicate breathing issues. Care and Common sense must prevail in the heat and summer months. Your Boston must always have access to shade, but they do actually prefer air conditioned living.

Bostons are very adaptable to living arrangements. Being naturally clean dogs and their compact size with short sleek coats, they make wonderful apartment pets for city living provided they get daily exercise outdoors. They are equally at home in a Suburban back yard or a rural retreat.

If you think a Boston is for you, please feel free to contact the club for a list of responsible breeders. Be sure to source from a breeder who is breeding not only for his dapper good looks but one who is also active in health testing.

Like any breed, Boston Terriers benefit from early socialization and basic obedience training to establish patterns of good behaviour.

Dionne Stephenson
Secretary
Boston Terrier Club Of NSW Inc