Boston Terriers are a very popular breed. They are gentle and friendly with adults, children and other animals if well socialized from an early age. Many families generally recommend the Boston Terrier even with small children in the house. However, dogs and children should never be left unsupervised together.
This breed is suitable for apartment living due to the dog’s compact size and minimal barking. Boston Terriers are often too friendly to warn their owners when meeting a stranger.
These dogs love to play both indoors and outdoors. Really long walks are usually not necessary. Just playing time with the kids and other family members every day can be enough. The Boston Terrier is intelligent and also does well in more competitive, structured activities like agility trials.
These dogs strive to please their owners. They radiate determination, strength and energy, they appear very distinguished and are very self-confident. Their personalities and the coloring of their coats (like a tuxedo) earned them the nickname “American Gentleman”.
Boston Terrier grooming needs
These dogs require minimal grooming. The occasional bath, nail clipping and ear cleaning is all they need.
History of the Boston Terrier breed
The breed originated in 1870 when Robert C. Hooper of Boston bought a dog he named Hooper’s Judge.
The dog’s exact lineage is unknown, but Hooper’s Judge may have been a combination of the Bulldog and Terrier breeds used for fighting. Hooper weighed nearly 30 pounds. Hooper was bred to French Bulldogs, which produced the Boston Terrier, a smaller dog weighing around 20 pounds that we see frequently today.
The breed was first shown in Boston in the late 19th century and became part of the American Kennel Club in 1893. The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog bred in the United States of America.
Originally bred to fight, Boston Terriers have quieted their aggressive nature over the years as they were instead bred for human companionship. They are not intended as outdoor dogs as they rely too much on human company.
Boston Terrier Health
Most Boston Terriers will be healthy. Make sure to discuss any health concerns with a certified breeder or shelter staff when choosing your puppy or adult dog. However, there are some general health issues with the breed.
– Snorts, snores or reverse sneezes are common due to dogs’ short snouts. Usually no treatment necessary.
– Cataracts, cherry eye (a prolapsed eye gland) or eye injuries due to the breed’s characteristic large, bulging eyes. Treatment may require surgery for cataracts and cherry eyes. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the eye suffers blunt or sharp trauma.
– Skin, contact or environmental allergies may occur. Treatment involves removing the allergen from the environment and the dog, if possible, and may include treatment with medication for symptomatic relief.
– Irregularity in the way the heart pumps blood effectively. Treatable with medication and possible surgery, depending on the dog’s age, health, and the size (or degree) of the murmur at diagnosis. Your vet can recommend the best treatment for your unique situation.
– “Roaching”, a curvature of the spine. Can affect any dog to varying degrees. Ask your veterinarian about diagnostic and treatment options. Mean causes may not require special care – Just unconditional love!
– Since these dogs have a short snout, they are less able to regulate their body temperature, for example by panting. The short snout can make them more vulnerable to extreme weather changes.
– All dogs step on the gas. This breed has a reputation for bloating. A controlled diet and small, frequent feedings can help. Contact your vet for advice on your dog’s diet and digestive system if you’re concerned.
Boston Terrier exercise needs
These dogs require low to moderate exercise daily, at least 2 short walks. They prefer to live indoors, they are great apartment dogs, they like to lie close to you while you read or have tea. They are not suited to super athletic, active lifestyles as these dogs are very sensitive to over exercise or hot temperatures due to their bradycephalic nose (short nose).
Some people have chosen to monitor their dog’s fitness with the FitBark, a wearable, discreet device that constantly monitors your dog’s activity, sleep, and diet and is breed-specific. The FitBark easily pairs with your Fitbit, Apple Watch, HealthKit, or Google Fit device to monitor progress. Researchers and veterinarians have developed a unique algorithm to provide you with real-time, quantitative data on your dog’s health. Ideal for finding out how your dog is really feeling and facilitating communication during follow-up appointments at the vet.
Everyone wants to know how Boston Terriers interact with children
This breed loves children of all ages and enjoys playing with them. As a low-maintenance pet, they’re generally great for families with busy schedules and young children. For families with older children, they provide a dog with enough responsibility for teens to take on responsibility while still having plenty of time to enjoy the thrills of canine company. A great introduction to adulthood.
These dogs are a small breed that makes for one of the best family dogs. Their unique coloring gives them a noble appearance. Due to their gentle and fun-loving character, they are suitable for children and young people of all ages.
Do you own a Boston Terrier? Tell us why they are the best family dogs?
