The Boston
Terrier is a compact, small dog with a square face and a personality
bigger than their 10-25 pound size. Although the most common color is
black and white, they may be brindle or seal, and have distinct
markings required in the standard. They are not a true terrier,
belonging to the AKC non-sporting group. As such, they are usually
not as driven or high energy as the “typical terrier”.
With the
nickname “American Gentleman” the Boston terrier is generally a
friendly, loving dog that can vary within the breed from very willing
to very stubborn. It gives owners a chance to choose a dog that fits
their personality. Some are cuddly, some are more independent but due
to a heritage of being companion dogs they generally get along well
with people, dogs and other pets. Following the Civil War they were
bred in stables around Boston Massachusetts.
Many would be
surprised to hear that these dogs were actually bred down from
bulldogs, bull terriers and later French Bulldogs to reduce the size.
Early in the development they were fighting dogs, largely from
English bulldog and English terrier stock. Due to the origins from
that stock around Boston in the 1870s the club was originally called
the American Bull Terrier Club but that didn’t set well with Bull
Terrier breeders so the name was changed to a more local
representation and the Boston Terrier was born, first admitted into
the AKC in 1893 as the first US breed recognized and the first
non-sporting dog bred in the US.
Much like the
Morgan horse traces to one horse, the Boston terrier traces to
“Judge” owned by Robert Hooper. Bred to Edward Burnett’s “Gyp”
the foundation was started particularly through Well’s Eph. This is
a fairly young breed as history goes.
By the 1900s
the breed’s distinctive markings became part of the standard,
making it a requirement instead of an option. Today they are terrier
in name only. This is a typically easy going breed that gets by on
moderate exercise, the short coat requires little grooming and they
are usually easy to train. He is no longer a fighter but many will
rise to defending themselves if challenged. He makes a wonderful
companion dog.
From a
standards point for conformation the dog should be balanced, with
good expression and proper markings. The head and neck, topline, body
and tail share equal importance, followed by general appearance,
expression, forequarters, hindquarters and gait. Lastly, eyes, ears,
feet and color/markings have points awarded, although solid colored
dogs without markings is cause for disqualification. Additionally
gray or liver base colors are cause for disqualification.
The shortened
muzzle of the Boston terrier does bring some challenges you should be
aware of. Excessive heat or cold can harm your dog so caution is
needed to protect him from extremes while exercising.
Brachycephalic
syndrome is one of the issues that affects not only the French
Bulldog but the Boston terrier as well. The normal dog expels air and
fresh air inflates the lungs, with the pressure of the chest equal to
that of outside air. With these breeds, low pressure within the
airway means the dog must work harder to breathe – to pull that air
into the lungs. This can result in these breeds being susceptible to
overheating at much higher rates than other dogs. Care must be taken
– much like closing your nose off part way it’s harder for air to
get into the lungs.
According to
the standard, the eyes are set square in the skull and the outside
corners should be in line with cheeks when viewed from the front.
This calls for eye protection due to large eyes that somewhat
protrude. Doggie visors can help keep the sun out of their eyes. Do
not let your Boston terrier stick his head outside the vehicle –
while protecting the eyes of any dog with this rule is important,
because of the very structure of the head it’s more true with
Bostons. Keep your Boston terrier away from thorny plants to prevent
getting their eyes scratched, and avoid dusty areas if possible.
This is
stressed because there are 20 different problems that can be created
with Boston terriers. Juvenile Cataracts should be tested for
annually as this can cause blindness. Watch for change to the eye
including a blue, gray or white color. If he begins bumping into
things, is afraid of stairs or getting up on something, is timid in
unfamiliar places it’s all signs to have him checked. If a normally
outgoing dog becomes “clingy” it may also be a sign he’s not
able to see as well and looking to you for help.
Unfortunately
there is nothing that can be done to reverse or shrink cataracts. It
is important to be mindful of protecting the eyes of your Boston
terrier and as much as possible reduce the chances of injury. There
is sometimes surgical options, but this isn’t foolproof. Dogs that
are blind can live a healthy, normal life if handled with this in
mind. Keep the environment familiar and keep him in a fenced yard or
on leash at all times when outside.
Juvenile
cataracts is a recessive hereditary disease – both parents may be
normal but if the offspring have the wrong genetics match up they
could have the disease not present in the parents. Genetic testing
before breeding is highly advised to determine if the individual is a
carrier of juvenile cataracts.
Some heart
issues are also known to affect Boston terriers as well as things
that affect all dogs no matter what breed.
Some breeders
speak of necessary C-sections so in addition to health testing there
is a vet specializing in bully breeds (remember that breathing issue)
and thus a cost of thousands of dollars to produce one puppy. Due to
the blocky head it is not uncommon for a C-section to be needed to
produce puppies, something that warrants serious consideration before
breeding. With the high fees it would seem demand for these wonderful
little dogs is high enough one need never be in rescue, but that is
not the case.
There are
certainly serious considerations to breeding any dog and more so with
breeds like the Boston terrier. Equally certain even among champion
to champion breeding not all will be show dogs but these are still
incredible pets and companions. If the Boston terrier sounds like a
dog that would be a fit for your home, contact a Boston terrier
breeder to see about an unshowable dog, or look into rescues that
pull dogs given up by their owners or found on the streets. There are
incredible dogs looking for homes and if you are serious about
finding your ideal Boston terrier it can happen.
