<< DOG BREEDS
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are known for being very intelligent —
sometimes too much so. Their lively, affectionate nature makes them extremely
loveable, though their sometimes stubborn nature or spurts of hyperactivity can
land them in hot water with their owners. Any angst about their behavior,
however, soon melts when they look up at you with those huge, round eyes that
seem to say "I love you."
Although Boston Terriers are small, they're sturdy and
muscular. They have a sleek, shiny, straight coat with crisp white markings in
a pattern that resembles a tuxedo — part of the reason they gained the name
American Gentleman. Boston Terriers' distinctive ears naturally stand erect and
are quite large. And then there's those big, beautiful eyes that are set quite
apart to add to their outstanding good looks.
Boston Terriers have a broad, flat-nosed face without
wrinkles. They belong to a class of dogs called brachycephalic (brachy meaning
short, and cephalic meaning head). Like other brachycephalic dogs, the lower
jaw is in proportion to the body, but they have a short upper jaw to give them
a "pushed in" face.
Boston Terriers' carriage give them a presence that goes
beyond their size. They have a slightly arched, proud neckline, a broad chest,
and a sturdy, boxy appearance. Their tail is naturally short (docking is
forbidden) and set low on the rump.
The Boston Terrier's small size and lively, affectionate
nature make him a great family pet and companion. They love children and amuse
people of all ages with their antics and unique, appealing expression. They are
especially good companions for older people and apartment dwellers. Although
gentle and even-tempered, they can have the spunky attitude of their terrier
ancestors.
Highlights
o Short-nosed
dogs like Boston Terriers can't cool the air going into their lungs as
efficiently as longer-nosed breeds, and they're much more susceptible to heat
stress. Because of their short coat, they can't stand extremely cold weather
either. Even in temperate climates, the Boston Terrier should be kept indoors.
o Because
Boston Terriers can have respiratory problems, avoid pulling on your dog's
collar
to get him to go what you want.
o Your
Boston Terrier is prone to corneal ulcers because his eyes are so large and
prominent. Be careful about his eyes when you're playing or taking him for a
walk.
o Depending
in part upon their diets, Boston Terriers can be prone to flatulence. If you
can't tolerate a gassy dog, a Boston Terrier may not be for you.
o Because
of their short noses, Boston Terriers often snort, drool, and snore (sometimes
loudly).
o With
their large heads and small pelvises, whelping isn't easy for Boston Terrier
mothers. If you have thoughts about breeding, be sure you realize that in
addition to the potential whelping problems that often require a caesarean
section, Boston Terrier litters typically are not large (a litter consisting of
only one puppy is not uncommon). You may have to wait for several months to get
a good quality Boston Terrier puppy from a qualified breeder.
o Boston
Terriers can be gluttonous about their food, so monitor their condition and
make sure they don't become overweight.
o They can
be stubborn, so persistence and consistency are definite pluses in training
methods. They are sensitive to your tone of voice, and punishment can make them
shut down, so training should be low-key and motivational. Crate-training is
recommended while housetraining your Boston Terrier.
Element
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Rating
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Adapts Well to Apartment Living
|  |
Good For Novice Owners
|  |
Tolerates Being Alone
|  |
Tolerates Cold Weather
| |
Tolerates Hot Weather
|  |
Affectionate with Family
| |
Friendly Toward Strangers
| |
Amount Of Shedding
| |
Size
| |
Intelligence
| |
Prey Drive
| |
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
| |
Wanderlust Potential
| |
Exercise Needs
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