Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is sweet, cheerful and above all very pleasurable to live with on a daily basis due to its good character and intelligence. These dogs are sociable, get along well with their peers and appreciate the presence of children. Although very attached to their social group, they are nevertheless still terriers that sometimes do as they please. Seducers at heart, they know how to make people understand what they need and, in particular, how to convince their loved ones to get what they want.
Key facts about the Boston Terrier
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...
Origins and history
Almost nothing is known about the Boston Terrier’s origins, except that they evolved most significantly in the United States, in the city of Boston, from which they got their name. The Boston Terrier seems to have evolved through the crossbreeding of the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. However, the French Bulldog must have also been involved as the Boston Terrier resembles them a great deal. The American breed evolved in 1891 and two years later, it was recognised by the AKC (American Kennel Club), the equivalent of the Kennel Club in the UK. The breed was introduced in 1901 in the UK.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 11 : Small Molossian type Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Boston Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 16 in
Male : Between 10 and 16 in
Weight
Female : Between 13 and 24 lb
Male : Between 13 and 24 lb
Weight doesn't exceed 25lbs.
Coat colour
The coat of this little molosser can be either brindle, and white or black and white. They have a white stripe at the muzzle, a white stripe between the eyes and white at the breast corresponding to their official standard.
Type of coat
Their hair is short.
Their coat is smooth, shiny and of a fine texture.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark.
Description
The Boston Terrier is a robust, small dog. Their head is composed of a flat, square skull, not heavy, a steep forehead, a well-defined stop and a short, broad, square muzzle. The teeth are slightly prognathic. The eyes, wide apart, are very large, round and dark, with an attentive and gentle expression. The ears, usually cut, are small, thin, and straight. The legs are straight, muscular and well balanced. The tail, short and low, can be straight or oblique; it is carried horizontally. It should be noted that there are three varieties of weight: less than 15 lbs, between 15 lbs and 20 lbs and between 20 and 25 lbs.
Good to know
The Boston Terrier is a truly versatile companion dog, but until recently it was poorly represented outside the United States. The existing breeds are of very good quality, but it is necessary to book the puppies well in advance.
In recent years, this breed has enjoyed great popularity, just like their cousin the French Bulldog to whom they are often compared to or mistaken for.
They are nicknamed the gentlemen of dogs because of their black and white coat which gives the impression that they sport a tuxedo.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Boston Terrier
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Is the Boston Terrier right for you?
take the testLifestyle
Compatibility
Price
The price of a Boston Terrier varies according to its origins, age and sex. It is necessary to count on average £980 for a dog registered with the KC.
Concerning the average budget to support a dog of this size, it is necessary to account for approximately £20/month.
Grooming
Neither exhausting nor constraining, the Boston Terrier is very easy to maintain, thanks in particular to its short and smooth coat. A few regular brushing sessions are enough to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of their coat.
In addition, their eyes and ears must be regularly monitored and cleaned to avoid infection.
Shedding
Hair loss is moderate but increases considerably during moulting periods, mainly in autumn and spring. They require daily brushing to remove dead hair.
Nutrition of the Boston Terrier
Neither difficult nor greedy, this dog adapts to everything and is content with little. In fact, a diet based on high quality kibble is suitable for them, as are homemade meals based on meat, rice, pasta and vegetables.
Veterinary follow-up is recommended, especially during the puppy's growth, in order to provide all the nutrients necessary for proper physical development.
One meal a day is enough for them once they become adults, preferably in the evening. Even if they could very well regulate themselves, it is not advisable to use a self-service bowl, for obvious health reasons.
Health of the Boston Terrier
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is estimated at around 14 years.
Strong / robust
The Boston Terrier is a small dog that is very robust considering its size and can live for a very long time. However, their coat does not allow for them to properly withstand harsh or cold weather properly, so they are somewhat fragile.
Withstand heat
Although much less sensitive to heat than its cousin Bulldog, the Boston Terrier is still fragile and can suffer from respiratory problems. Thus, outings must be carried out early in the morning and late in the evening in summer and regularly renewed water must be made available to them.
Withstand cold
This small dog's short, smooth coat does not allow it to withstand the elements, cold or harsh rain. Thus, in winter, they are happy at home and it can be worth considering a coat for them to go out in.
Tendency to put on weight
If their dietary portions are balanced, controlled and adjusted, this companion dog has no particular reason to gain weight, other than a lack of physical activity and the overconsumption of snacks between meals.
Common illnesses
- Eye irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Birth complications for pregnant females
- Skin problems