About Boston Terriers (Behavior and Health)

The Boston Terrier was born and bred in the United States, which is how it got the nickname ‘American Gentleman’.  The breed’s hometown is Boston, MA.
 
The Boston Terrier came about by cross breeding a Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier.  This breed brings about the best of both worlds with its “spark of enthusiasm and health from the Terriers and the gentle sweetness and good sense of the Bulldog.”  The breed “displays the entire range of temperaments from mellow or more stubborn Bulldog temperaments to the feistier, more-likely-to-be-dog-aggressive Terrier attitude, with most Bostons falling somewhere in the lovable middle.”  

Watch Animal Planet Video about Bostons

Boston Terriers…

  • Are lively and active, NOT a couch potato or over the top hyper

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  • Are house pets and must be inside with air conditioning in the summer months and with heat in the winter months

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  • Are energetic, NOT a jogging partner/they can overheat and die in hot, humid conditions

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  • Are amusing dogs that can play on a moments notice but can settle down into your lap when playtime is over

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  • Love to cuddle and give wet kisses

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  • Are enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious but encompass a great sense of humor

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  • Are reliable with children; patient and tolerant - great family pet

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  • Are eager to explore new things in their environment

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  • *Love to be the center of attention

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  • Have a high degree of intelligence, but can be headstrong; always striving to please their owner

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  • Do well with other pets - can play rough

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  • Love for their owners to take part in their activities; playtime and one-on-one time is important

     

  • Prefer sleeping in bed with their owners, especially under the covers

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  • Low-maintenance dogs with little grooming required.  Shed lightly, short hair

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  • Are short muzzled known to snore, sneeze, wheeze, and snort. 

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  • Not considered to be vocal dogs. Do not bark much unless making you aware of the presence of another dog or person

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  • Would prefer not to be away from the family for long periods of time, being family oriented

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  • Are alert and kind to react quickly to sound

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  • Are big dogs in a little dog’s body; Average size is from 17 lbs to 25 lbs

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  • Take pride in defending their master.

    Common Problems with the Boston Breed

     

    Every breed has common health problems. 

    Things you should be aware of with the Boston Terrier breed.  

         ·        Allergies; environmental or food; Ask your doctor about Benedryl.  Suggested food Natural Balance

    ·    Luxating Patella – bad knee caps (may require surgery due to discomfort and pain; common in small breed dogs. Pain is identified when you Boston is only using three legs.)

    ·    Tumors (both fatty and mass cell/cancer tumors)

    ·    Thyroid disease (low thyroid is common – may test in the normal range but low-normal, still recommend medication if 1.6 and lower. Tests should include the T4.)

    ·    Heart disease (heart murmur which requires medication, congestive heart failure)

    ·    Kidney disease resulting in kidney failure

    ·    Seizures (if you dog has more than one seizure in a 30 day period consult your doctor immediately; medication will be required.  Recommend starting with Potassium Bromide)

    ·    Prone to eye injuries due to their prominent eyes

    ·    Breathing difficulties when stressed by exertion in hot and cold weather

    ·    Reverse Sneezing – gulping air and wheezing

    ·    Overheating; Bostons are indoor dogs and should not be left outside or in your vehicle for any length of time

    ·    Anal gland infection

    ·    Passing Gas – Bostons have a sensitive stomach so feeding him the right food is important, otherwise you have gas.  Same reason people pass gas, we eat something that does not agree with our stomach. Recommended dog food to eliminate gas problems in Bostons is Purina One Sensitive Systems (can be found at any store including grocery stores and retails stores such as Walmart), Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach (can only be found at PetCo and PetSmart) or Natural Balance (PetCo only).

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