He is cute, funny, and friendly. After all….
“He’s a Boston Terrier!”
But for those of you who may not be familiar with this breed, get ready because we’re about to tell you all about a great little dog breed that is not only a joy to own but also a great little dog to have if you currently have children or one day plan on having a few! And here’s why: the Boston Terrier is a small breed of dog, no bigger than a puppy of some other larger dog breeds, that is fun and friendly, light enough to carry around, and very energetic.
Heck…
They could even be called America’s sweetheart because the Boston Terrier is an “all-American dog.” I am placing this dog breed among a few dog breeds that originated in the U.S. Specifically bred to be a friendly dog that was good with kids, these dogs don’t have an “ancient” history of being used for some purpose other than an excellent companion animal.
And while…
He is indeed a “terrier,” which means he’ll likely be a great little hunter capable of taking down all sorts of vermin and rodents; that’s just a bonus and not something you’ll necessarily have to worry about. So if you purchase a Boston Terrier puppy or, better yet, adopt a Boston Terrier rescue dog, you will get a small, sturdy, and knowledgeable little companion that happens to be quite handsome,e to boot! He’s a perfect dog with you on your couch and “peppy” enough to take on a walk. You could even take him out to a formal dinner, given that he looks like he’s always in a tuxedo!
But is a Boston Terrier Dog Breed the “right” one for you?
Perhaps, after all, he is a perfect companion dog for sure, especially if you have kids. But then, all dogs have something special about them. It will depend on “what” you’re looking for in a dog.
This is why we chose to write this article so that if you are considering getting a Boston Terrier, you’ll have a better idea of what it might be like to own one so that six months from now, you won’t be disappointed with your decision if they don’t want you expected! So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Boston Terrier Dog Breed Facts
Country of Origin: United States
Original Purpose: Companion Dog
Height: Not Specified, Varies.
Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
Dog Breed Classification: Companion Dog, Non-Sporting
Origins of the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier breed dates back to approximately 1865 when employees of the wealthy elite within Boston began interbreeding some of their employer’s “fine” dogs (English terrier with a Bulldog). And out of this… “Experimentation” emerged one particular dog called Hooper’s Judge that “sparkled” brighter than the rest! It’s from this original dog that the rest of the Boston Terrier breed emerged!
And this must have…
He has been a SPECTACULAR little guy because, within just a couple of decades, his progeny became trendy in the region, so famous that folks even created the American Bull Terrier Club, which these little guys were referred to as back then. However, this name didn’t “stick” because “true” bull terrier fans didn’t find the name appropriate. Other words like “roundheads” were tossed around, but that wasn’t all that flattering, which is why folks eventually settled on the word “Boston Terrier” right around 1890, and it is the same name we use today.
In 1893…
The American Kennel Club “officially” recognized the breed, ensuring that this little guy would have a bright future in the United States, where they continue to be one of the most popular dog breeds you’ll see at your local dog park.
He has also been recognized by the Federation Cynologique International, a global kennel club representing countries outside the United States, so don’t be surprised if you see this little guy in even some of the most remote locations in the world!
Physical Characteristics
He is a cute little one with a distinct appearance with his black and white tuxedo, white muzzle, cherry eye, upright ears, and a square jawline. Some Boston Terriers come in brindle or seal short coats with streaks of white, but these are much less common. The Boston Terrier resembles the English White Terrier, The British Bulldog, The American Bull Terrier, and other little fighting dogs. This makes sense because they were initially created by mixing many different breeds.
Easy to carry around…
He weighs only 10 to 25 pounds and is very portable. Even a child could carry him around quickly. But the nice thing about the Boston Terrier is that even though he is easy to carry, this little guy doesn’t “need” to be taken. He can keep up with their owners; he’s just not going to go on a log “jog” or do any trail hiking with you.
Grooming is…
Also, it is straightforward with this dog, as his short coat sheds very little. So, you should only give him a good brush once a week; even then, you won’t likely encounter a ton of shedding.
One with many talents
What’s he good at? Well, he is good at being adorable and funny. He is a perfect therapy dog and is very easy to train. And don’t be afraid to begin your training too soon. As we’ve said, these little guys are super bright, so the earlier you get them started, the better! Also, try to be sure to “vary” your approach. They perform very well in obedience training, incorporating agility training, flyball, and rallies.
Personality and Temperament
The Boston Terrier has a very pleasing temperament. He is fun to be with and continually seeks to please you and everyone else in the room. He is brilliant, agile, and capable of learning any trick. He is gentle and kind with children and loves being with them. If you have small children, the Boston Terrier is the dog breed you should consider adopting.
He is just suitable for those with small apartments…
Many dog breeds, such as the Borzoi, are unsuitable for small or medium-sized apartments as they are too large. The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, is ideally suited for small apartments. But that said, the Boston Terrier is not a great dog if you’re looking for:
- A hunting companion,
- A Guard dog, even though they are pretty alert and will likely inform you someone is at the door. The only problem is that Boston Terriers are more likely to invite a burglar into the house if burglars are away!
- Or an exercise companion. Boston Terriers don’t want to go on a 5-mile jog with you.
Plus, some folks don’t like small dogs (This does not include us here at IndulgeYourPet). So, if you generally “prefer” larger dogs, what more can we say other than a Boston Terrier isn’t going to be “right” for you?
Potential Health Concerns
The Boston Terrier is a small but sturdy dog, generally very healthy. But because he has been bred to have a flat-faced dog, he, like other “flat face dogs,” is considered a brachycephalic dog breed.
What does this mean?
A brachycephalic dog breed generally has many health problems, most minor, such as snuffling and snoring. There are also a few major health complications that the little dog could suffer from, including:
- Breathing difficulties that might require surgery.
- Corneal ulcers,
- Hemivertebrae,
- Various eye disorders, such as cataracts or corneal ulcers.
As well as:
- Patellar Luxation,
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy,
- Mitral Valve Disease,
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease,
- Cushing’s Disease,
And while this may seem like a ridiculously long list, the truth is just a list of medical conditions that can affect almost any dog breed, so please don’t think…
“Wow, Boston Terriers have a lot of problems!”
Chances are, if you choose to work with a reputable breeder, you’re Boston Terrier will be just fine! But you never know. This is why we always recommend that any new dog owner take a moment and consider purchasing a pet insurance policy just in case something goes wrong.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you know what they will and won’t cover and how much they’ll cost, how will you be able to know for sure?
This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet have written our Best Pet Insurance article so that readers can see the pros and cons of owning a pet insurance policy and decide for themselves.
I own a Boston Terrier. He is currently two years old. I have to say that he has a crazy personality at home. He jumps and runs around all the time, seeking attention. When people come into our house, he demands lots of attention and plays in a hard way; it is difficult to control him. Some people are afraid that he is going to bite or attack them, but in reality he is harmless and only wants to play. However, When we take him out for walks, he acts like a complete different dog; he ignores other dogs and is very respectful. It is only at home that he acts energetically.