Boston Terriers are companion dogs that are perfect as true friends for modern city dwellers. These small dogs are good-natured to people and animals, take up little space, and are unpretentious in care. Bred in the middle of the 19th century in the United States, Boston Terriers have long become popular outside this country, today they are loved and often purchased as four-legged pets in Russia. Although in European countries the breed is more popular than in our country. So, Boston Terriers (or Boston Terriers) are small dogs of a fairly strong and proportional build. The height at the withers of the Boston Terrier is equal to the length of the body. Boston Terriers are divided by the International Cynological Federation into 3 "weight" classes: dogs weighing less than 6.8 kg, dogs weighing 6.8 kg to 9 kg, dogs weighing 9 to 11 kg.

Бостон-терьер

Photo of Boston Terrier | dreamtime.com

Brief description of the Boston Terrier breed

Outwardly, Boston Terriers are similar to their closest ancestors. - English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs. With a body structure, they resemble terriers, and with a muzzle, respectively, bulldogs. In the heroes of this article, the skull has a square shape, the forehead and cheekbones of the dogs are flat, the superciliary arches are pronounced. The transition from the forehead to the wide and short square muzzle is quite pronounced. The eyes are round, large, dark in color. The nose is wide and large, black. The ears are medium in size, set high, erect (may be docked). The jaws of Bostonians are wide, forming an undershot or level bite. The neck is set rather high, proportional in length and width to the entire body. The chest is wide and deep. Back dogs less than medium length (body looks rather short), ribs prominent. The tail tapers to the tip, is of short length, low-set. The thighs are muscular. The limbs are short and strong (especially the hind limbs). Paws are small in size with small claws. The coat of the Boston Terrier is short and fine, without a pronounced undercoat. Color may be black with white markings (white hair around the muzzle, white blaze between the eyes dogs, on the chest, on the limbs), brindle or black-brown (hue fur seal).

 

basic information

Breed name: Boston Terrier
Country of origin: USA
The time of the birth of the breed: 19th century
Type of: decorative and companion dogs
The weight: 6.8 - 11 kg
Height (height at the withers): 23 - 38 cm
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years old
ICF classification:
Group 9, Section 11, Number 140
Puppies price: 500 – 1670 $
Most popular nicknames: list of nicknames for the boston terrier

 

Assessment of characteristics of the Boston Terrier breed

Adaptability

(a definition meaning how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life)

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Shedding level

(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal)

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Tenderness level

(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives in return for attention to itself)

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Exercise needs

(Dog's daytime activity level)

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Social need

(The required number of contacts of the dog with other animals, as well as people)

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Apartment content

(A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can deliver to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog)

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Grooming

(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the dog)

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Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment

(Features of the behavior of a dog in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment)

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Tendency to bark

(Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume)

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Health issues

(Potential health status of the dog)

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Territoriality

(The dog's tendency to protect his home, yard, or even his owner's car)

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Friendliness to cats

(Tendency towards tolerance of cats and reduced expression of hunting instincts)

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Intelligence

(The ability of the dog to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!)

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Education and training

(The level of difficulty in training the dog to perform certain actions)

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Friendliness to children

(A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether he likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks)

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Game activity

(The concept is defined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all dogs)

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Observation

(The ability of a dog to detect the presence of a stranger on its territory)

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Friendliness to other dogs

(The tendency of the dog to find common language with his other relatives)

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Boston Terrier photo:

бостон-терьер порода фото

Origin story

The early origin of the dogs that were the ancestors of today's Boston Terriers dates back to the 60s of the 19th century in the USA in the city of Boston, which gave the name to the breed. The breeders took the blood of dogs of such breeds as a basis: the Old English Bulldog, bull terrier, french terrier, english terrier, pit bullboxer (often distinguish between the English Terrier and the Old English Bulldog). In 1891, the first Boston Terrier club in the United States was established. Two years later, in 1983, the Boston Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club as an independent breed. Until that time, Boston Terriers were often presented at exhibitions as American Bull Terriers, which was fundamentally wrong, because these breeds are not similar either externally or internally. Although the creation of the Boston Terrier breed also involved fighting dogsIt didn't affect their character. Today, this breed is among the top 20 most popular in the United States.

 

Personality of the Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers - dogs with a balanced psyche, morally calm, devotedly loving not only the owner, but also all family members, including small children. We can say that the Bostonians - they are full participants in all events in the house of their master. They are inquisitive, energetic, adore travel, active walks, behave during which they are excellent, without causing inconvenience to anyone. Sociable Boston Terriers are not intrusive, although they love games and affection shown to them by people. Dogs of this breed are clean, with proper training they do not bring headaches to the owner in the form of damaged furniture, torn curtains, puddles on the carpet. Also, these small pets are not "barking", but they can give a voice if they feel any danger. They are not the best watchmen, if only because of their good-natured nature, but if necessary, they can scare away the ill-wisher from the master's good. Other pets in the house are well treated, often happy to be friends and with cats, and with dogs. In some cases, Boston males can compete with canines of the same sex, but it rarely comes to a real conflict.

 

Maintenance and care

The small size of the Boston Terrier makes it possible to keep them even in a small apartment. But not only because of the size of these dogs are lodged indoors - they are very sensitive to cold and heat, temperature changes (which often happens in Russia). The place of the dog in the house can be arranged where there are no drafts, it is warm, moderately light, it is desirable that the animal can see the owner and family members from its bed. You can provide the place of the Boston Terrier with toys, be sure to always have a bowl of clean water next to the bed. In the first months of life, a puppy can also be equipped with a toilet (a tray with a filler for a dog toilet, and sometimes they use disposable diapers, sawdust, paper instead of a filler). - at the request of the owner).

Walking with a Boston Terrier is a must, because an animal sitting within four walls (especially alone) will eventually become depressed and lethargic, which will affect not only the character, but also its health. Leisurely walking around the perimeter of the yard or walking area is a boring and uninteresting activity for a Bostonian. These animals are happy to follow the learned commands of the owner, run, pass obstacle courses, communicate with other tailed brethren, and actively spend time in nature. They need at least two walks daily for 1-1.5 hours. In frost and heat, the walking time can be slightly reduced. By the way, at sub-zero temperatures, Boston Terriers wear overalls and shoes, which can be purchased both at pet stores and sewn on their own.

There are no special features in the nutrition of Boston Terriers. - natural food or ready-made quality food (for dogs of the appropriate size and age). An adult is fed twice a day. - in the morning and in the evening. You should not treat the animal with treats from the table, especially sweet, fatty, spicy foods, and you should not give bones to the Boston Terrier. Naturally fed dogs need at least 2 vitamin supplements per year, as recommended by a physician based on weight, age, health, and diet of the Bostonian.

Caring for Shorthair Boston Terriers is easy. - brushing 1 or 2 times a week, shampooing for dogs 2-3 times a year (or as it gets dirty). Shedding in Boston Terriers is not pronounced, which is beneficial for owners whose furniture, floor and clothes will not be in the dog's coat. A short muzzle after eating should be wiped with a napkin. The eyes (often the "mirrors of the soul" are a weak point in dogs of this breed) should also be wiped daily with a cotton pad dipped in warm water (sometimes tea leaves are used instead of water). Be sure to wipe your Boston Terrier's ears weekly (using water or earwax cleaner). The family pet's nails are trimmed twice a month.

 

Training and education of Boston Terrier dogs

The small size of the Boston Terrier makes it possible to keep them even in a small apartment. But not only because of the size of these dogs are lodged indoors - they are very sensitive to cold and heat, temperature changes (which often happens in Russia). The place of the dog in the house can be arranged where there are no drafts, it is warm, moderately light, it is desirable that the animal can see the owner and family members from its bed. You can provide the place of the Boston Terrier with toys, be sure to always have a bowl of clean water next to the bed. In the first months of life, a puppy can also be equipped with a toilet (a tray with a filler for a dog toilet, and sometimes they use disposable diapers, sawdust, paper instead of a filler). - at the request of the owner).

Walking with a Boston Terrier is a must, because an animal sitting within four walls (especially alone) will eventually become depressed and lethargic, which will affect not only the character, but also its health. Leisurely walking around the perimeter of the yard or walking area - a boring and uninteresting occupation for a Bostonian. These animals are happy to follow the learned commands of the owner, run, pass obstacle courses, communicate with other tailed brethren, and actively spend time in nature. They need at least two walks daily for 1-1.5 hours. In frost and heat, the walking time can be slightly reduced. By the way, at sub-zero temperatures, Boston Terriers wear overalls and shoes, which can be purchased both at pet stores and sewn on their own.

There are no special features in the nutrition of Boston Terriers. - natural food or ready-made quality food (for dogs of the appropriate size and age). An adult is fed twice a day. - in the morning and in the evening. You should not treat the animal with treats from the table, especially sweet, fatty, spicy foods, and you should not give bones to the Boston Terrier. Naturally fed dogs need at least 2 vitamin supplements per year, as recommended by a physician based on weight, age, health, and diet of the Bostonian.

Caring for Shorthair Boston Terriers is easy. - brushing 1 or 2 times a week, shampooing for dogs 2-3 times a year (or as it gets dirty). Shedding in Boston Terriers is not pronounced, which is beneficial for owners whose furniture, floor and clothes will not be in the dog's coat. A short muzzle after eating should be wiped with a napkin. The eyes (often the "mirrors of the soul" are a weak point in dogs of this breed) should also be wiped daily with a cotton pad dipped in warm water (sometimes tea leaves are used instead of water). Be sure to wipe your Boston Terrier's ears weekly (using water or earwax cleaner). The family pet's nails are trimmed twice a month.

 

Health and disease of Boston Terrier dogs

Boston Terriers live for about 12-15 years (sometimes exceeding this limit), they are quite active and inquisitive until the most respectable age. The main problems with these dogs are:

  • From the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, pylorospasm);
  • From the side of vision (cataract, eye injuries);
  • From the musculoskeletal system (dislocations of the joints);
  • Skin diseases (demodectic mange, atopy, allergic reactions);
  • Oncology (melanoma, mastocytoma);
  • Deafness (congenital).

Boston Terrier bitches most often require a caesarean delivery, as puppies' heads are quite large for their diminutive mother. Few puppies are born in the litter - most often from 2 to 4.

 

Some interesting facts

  • The adorable Boston Terriers are not salivating dogs (as many short-faced breeds are), but they often snore when they sleep.
  • At home, Boston Terriers are known as "American gentlemen" due to the color (meaning black and white), as if repeating the colors of the classic men's tuxedo. But it's not just the color - they are very disciplined and loyal to all dogs.
  • The cost of a pet class puppy can start from 30 thousand rubles (sometimes the price is lower), a breed class is more expensive - from 50-70 thousand, and puppies of the highest show class can be sold for 100 thousand rubles or more.

Nurseries and breeders


We borrowed material from the wonderful site of our partners  DOGCATFAN.COM about cats and dogs, the author dogcatfan