Boston Terrier Profile: Why This Charming Breed Is a Great Family Companion

If you’re looking for a small dog with a wonderful disposition, a Boston Terrier may be the perfect companion for you and your family. Here’s some information about Boston Terriers as a breed to help you make a decision about whether this wonderful dog should be on your short list.

Breed History

It was over 100 years ago that the Boston Terrier became an actual breed. It’s a cross between an English bulldog and a white English Terrier.  The Boston Terrier Club of America was established in 1891 and it was then that the new breed took the name of the city in which it was born — Boston.

Appearance

Boston Terriers have short hair which gives them a clean-cut look. They are compact and proportionate for their size with a body that has a short back. While it retains some of the features of its bulldog relatives, it does so with strength, grace and style. The Boston Terrier’s flat face means that it has a pushed in nose which causes it to snore or wheeze.

Personality

This is a dog that can be very clever, but also very stubborn. While known to be quite well-mannered indoors, the Boston Terrier can be shy when meeting new people and unfamiliar dogs.

Health Concerns

Many Boston Terriers do not tolerate great swings in temperature, so they should never be kept outdoors on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. They have an average lifespan of between 10 and 14 years and they are prone to minor ailments such as allergies and patellar luxation which causes the tendon at the knee joint to slip off the groove.

If you’re buying a Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder, ask that breeder for health certificates on the puppies and the parents. Any breeder who gives you an excuse about those certificates is a breeder to walk away from. Since Bostons cannot tolerate anesthesia, many puppies are born by caesarean section.

Trainability

A sensitive and devoted companion, Boston Terriers can be taught manners and tricks.  They love to be outside for a rousing game of fetch.

Grooming Requirements

With its short coat needing minimal care, an occasional brushing is enough to get rid of excess fur. Their coats come in three possible colors: black, seal or brindle.

It’s a good idea to get your Boston Terrier use to a toothbrush because you will want to remove plaque from their teeth at least a couple times a week. Make sure to trim her nails once or twice a month if they are not worn down naturally.  Clean her outer ears with a PH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent infections.

Photo Credit:  istockphoto.com

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