The Boston terrier is a tiny, non-sporting dog breed native to the United States. It has a short, smooth coat and is frequently described as having a “tuxedo” appearance with color on the back and white on the chest. The dog’s square head, with its short muzzle and wide, round eyes, is another distinguishing feature. Generally speaking, Boston terriers enjoy being with their owners and are eager to please. If you’re searching for a little dog and are a first-time dog owner, they can be a terrific option.

History

Everyone agrees that the Boston Terrier dog originated in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s, however different accounts of how the breed was created abound. According to one legend, the breed was formed by affluent families’ coachmen by mating Bulldogs with the now-extinct English White Terrier to produce a new dog-fighting breed. According to a different story, Bostonian Robert C. Hooper brought Judge, a Bulldog/English Terrier mix, to the United States from England in 1865 because the dog reminded him of one he had as a boy. Another claim is that in 1870, Hooper bought Judge from William O’Brian, another Bostonian.

Size

Compact, well-proportioned, and charming tiny dogs are Boston Terriers. Their chests are wide. Their muzzles are short, square, and broad, and their heads are square and rather flat on top. The Boston Terrier has attractive eyes that are huge, black, and round. Although some Boston Terriers are born with floppy ears that are cut to stand, the ears are often short and erect, like “bat” ears. Short and straight or “corkscrew” in shape is the tail. Three weight ranges for Boston terriers exist: < 15 pounds, 15 – 20 pounds, and 20 – 25 pounds. They live between 10 to 13 years, which is a good length of time.

Personality

The Boston Terrier is a cheerful, active dog that has a tendency to be highly determined and independent. They are typically wonderful with kids and enjoy playing, but they may be boisterous, so it’s important to watch out for games that might injure them, especially their eyes. They enjoy being around people, make loving pets, and are outgoing and sociable with everyone. Although they go by the name “terrier,” they do not belong to the terrier breed and do not act like one; instead, they are much happy at home with their owner than they are getting up to trouble as normal.

Food

Ensure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. And feed it a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food. To make sure their dog is receiving the right quantity, most owners give their dog two measured meals per day. To ensure that you are meeting the specific needs of the dog, you should always talk to your veterinarian about the type and quantity of food. Pay attention to treats and other extra food as well. Many Boston terriers have a voracious appetite and will ask for food from people. However, too many extras could make your dog overweight because even a slight weight gain can be too much for this small dog.

Grooming

The smooth, beautiful coat of the Boston Terrier does shed slightly, but not a lot. The loose hair can be removed by giving your dog a weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush, a rubber grooming tool or mitt, or a hound glove. A thorough brushing also promotes the development of new hair and improves the condition of the coat by dispersing skin oils therein. Unless they get into something messy, Boston Terrier dog breeds only sometimes need to be bathed. Like all breeds, the Boston should routinely have its nails clipped because they can grow out painfully and impair the dog’s ability to move about and run and walk.

Training

A Boston Terrier dog is a joy for the whole family to own as a pet. This breed is clever and curious, and it enjoys learning new skills and working for treats. Both the attention it brings them and showcasing their tricks are enjoyable to them. Boston Terriers have a tendency to be animated; they happily interact and bond with people. It’s crucial to instill politeness in your dog through a relationship- and reward-based training approach (positive reinforcement). A good place to start is with simple commands like leave it, down, and sit, along with something entertaining like shake. To reward your dog for being very wonderful, use lots of praise, treats, and special toys. The ideal time to begin Boston Terrier obedience training is when it’s a puppy, just like with most dogs. Make sure they continue to follow those instructions throughout their life. Keep in mind that consistent practice results in a well-behaved, lifelong friend!

Health

With a nutritious diet and regular exercise, you may expect your Boston terrier to remain healthy. Boston terriers are prone to obesity, which increases the risk of heart disease and digestive problems. If you do not have dog insurance, this could result in high vet expenditures. The following are some other common health problems to watch out for:

• Cherry Eye
• Expansion of the Esophagus (Megaesophagus)
• Corneal (Eye) Ulcers
• Patellar Luxation
• Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome
• Congenital Deafness

Bottom Line

As a family pet, Boston Terriers are excellent. They like to play and are often quite amiable and loving. Boston Terriers are tolerant of guests entering the home, therefore youngsters inviting their pals over should be no problem for them.

Due to their tiny size, Boston Terrier dog breeds usually get along better with older kids who can be a little more understanding of their requirements and are kind with them. This does not exclude you from owning a Boston Terrier if you have a toddler, but you will need to work with them to teach them how to treat the dog with care.