|
First Impressions
The Boston Terrier is a smart looking dandy of a dog with a broad head, large round eyes and wearing a tux.
The History Of The Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is also known as the Yankee Terrier and Round Heads.
This is an “All American” breed, the result of crossing an English Bulldog with a now extinct white English Terrier. The original Boston Terrier weighed around 35 pounds, considerably bigger than the twenty-pound or so dog today.
The original Boston fanciers named the dog the Round Head, Yankee Terrier, American Bull Terrier and various other titles. It was in 1893 when the breed was admitted into the American Kennel Club that the name Boston Terrier was agreed.
Description Of The Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier, are compact and muscled dogs. Their faces have a short, wide muzzle with large round eyes set far apart. They have a broad, flat head without any wrinkles. The muzzle is short and square with a large black nose.
The neck is arched slightly and the chest is broad. Limbs are straight and muscled. The dogs hair is short, bright fine in texture. Colors are brindle and white or black and white. Some are born brown & white.
The tail is short set low not carried above the horizontal. It can be either straight or screwed and is never docked. Ears are erect and set at the corners of the skull. Ears are sometimes cropped.
The breed averages 15 - 17 inches tall and weighs from 10-25 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
The smooth, short coat is simple to groom yourself. Just comb and brush with a firm brush and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day. The prominent eyes should be cleaned carefully. Check the ears and eyes regularly for grass seeds which can cause severe irritation.
Temperament & Boston Terrier Training
Originally bred as a fighting dog, the modern Boston Terrier has been bred to have much less aggressive tendencies. They can make good watchdogs barking only when necessary, although some dogs bark hardly at all.
They are a very intelligent breed and properly trained will be gentle and well behaved. This breed loves to learn and is easy to train. They are sensitive to the tone of one's voice So training should be undertaken with calm patience. Great with children.
As with all dogs, Boston Terrier training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Boston Terrier is around 15 or more years.
In common with other short-faced dogs they may have breathing difficulties over exerted. They may also snore or drool. Whelping is often difficult as the pelvis is narrow. Many pups are delivered by cesarean section.
Heart and skin tumors are common problems in this breed. Prominent eyes are susceptible to injury. Badly bred Boston Terriers can suffer bone deformation.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Boston Terriers can thrive equally in an apartment or in the country. They are relatively inactive indoors and will be fine with no yard. They are sensitive to extreme hot or cold weather.
Regular walks or running in a fenced yard are all the Boston Terrier needs to stay fit. They have no need for long walks but happy to follow you wherever. They are quite light and easy to carry.
For More Information on the Boston Terrier
To get more information, check out the Boston Terrier web site:
www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/rescue.html
Summary
At one time the most popular dog in America, they are an ideal breed for the first time dog owner as they will adapt to whatever life style you have.
:: Boston Terrier Training ::
|
