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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small dogs with a short, fine-textured coat. The color of the
coat could be brindle and white, black and white, or brown and white. The dogs with
the brindle and white markings are preferred when showing the breed. It is ideal
if the white markings are located on the muzzle, head, collar and breast. The head
is square shaped and the top of the skull is flat. The square muzzle is short with
a black nose. The prominent, round eyes should be wide set, bulging and dark in
color. The small ears should be at the corners of the skull and cropped to stand
erect. The teeth should meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. The slightly
arched neck merges into a broad chest. The deep ribs should be well-sprung connecting
to the slender body with well-defined lines. The muscular legs should be straight
and the thighs strong. The compact feet should be round and the short tail set low,
never carried high.
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Temperament
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Boston Terriers are gentle, enthusiastic, alert, well-mannered and have a great
sense of humor. They are excellent with children however they should be supervised
since they can easily be injured during rough play. They are very affectionate dogs,
love human companionship and are friendly to strangers, making them ideal house
dogs, especially for the elderly. Boston Terriers usually get along with other household
pets if socialized from an early age. Males also can become dominant and may fight
with other dogs. This breed may be difficult to housebreak. They also snore and
drool.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 15-17" ; Weight: 10-25 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Boston Terriers are prone to breathing difficulties if exerted too much during cold
or hot weather. Because of their narrow pelvis, they may have difficulty in giving
birth without a cesarean section. Other major problems with this breed include skin
tumors and heart problems.
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Living Conditions
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Boston Terriers will do fine with apartment living if given regular exercise. This
breed has weather sensitivities.
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Exercise
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This breed likes running free in an enclosed or safe area. They don't like to go
for long walks and prefer to accompany you in your car or arms.
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Life Expectancy
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15 or more years
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Grooming
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Care should be taken with cleaning the Boston Terrier's eyes. You should check their
ears often for ticks. Their short hair is easy to groom with a firm bristle brush
and only bathe when necessary. They are average shedders.
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Origin
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Around 1865, the coachman of wealthy Bostonians began to interbreed English White
Terriers and English Bulldogs developing a dog by the name of Hooper's Judge. Judge
weighed more than 30 pounds. He was bred down with a smaller female. Their offspring
was also bred down and interbred with French Bulldogs providing the foundation for
the breed. By 1889 this dog became extremely popular in Boston and was formally
named the Boston Terrier after its birthplace. Around 1893, the breed was further
developed by interbreeding with the English Bull Terrier, the Boxer, the Pit Bull
Terrier and other terriers. The Boston Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1893
and by the UKC in 1948.
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Group
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AKC Non-Sporting, UKC Companion Dog
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