Boston Terrier
Appearance
(Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier) The Boston Terrier is a compact, stout, well-muscled mastiff breed. Their distinctive face features a short, broad muzzle and a pair of large, round, far-set eyes that are dark in color. Their ears are short and stand erect, and their nose is large and black in color. The Boston Terrier’s head is wide and flat, and the neck is slightly arched. The breed’s chest is proportionately broad, and the limbs are straight, sturdy, and well-muscled. The coat of the Boston Terrier is glossy, short-haired, and fine in texture. It exists in a number of colors including brindle & white, black & white, or brown & white.Know something we don't? Add it here.
Temperament
Originally, the Boston Terrier was bred to participate in dog fights. Since that time, the vast majority of the breed’s aggressive tendencies have been eliminated. The contemporary Boston Terrier is friendly, alert, and good-natured. They are full of character, energy, and enthusiasm, and they are highly intelligent and well-mannered. Because they are perceptive and sensitive to a person’s tone of voice, they like to learn and are a comparatively easy breed to train. They are independent and free-willed in certain situations. Boston Terriers only bark if they sense a threat, and for this reason, they make good watchdogs. They are very good with children, elderly people, and they are social with strangers. They like to feel like part of the family. Some male Boston Terriers may be dominant towards other male dogs. They get along with non-canine pets. Size
15 – 17 inchesWeight
10 – 25 poundsHealth
Because of their squat muzzle and short face, the Boston Terrier is susceptible to breathing problems in extreme weather conditions. This breed can become overheated if they are overly exerted or pushed too hard by their owner(s). This breed is likely to drool and snore. Boston Terrier puppies are often delivered by cesarean section because of their large-sized head. Their prominent eyes increase the likelihood for eye injuries. Some lines of this breed are especially prone to heart and skin tumors. Poorly bred Boston Terriers are susceptible to a bone defect in the skull that stunts brain growth and causes retardation. This breed typically lives for 15 or more years. They average 3 to 4 puppies per litter.Origin
The Boston Terrier was originally bred in the United States for the purpose of participating in dog fights. The breed used to be much larger in size (up to 45 pounds). Original Boston Terriers were a cross between the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier (now extinct). In the mid-to-late 1800’s, coachmen employed by the wealthy people of Boston began to breed these dogs. Because of their profession, the coachmen had access to many of the fine specimens their wealthy employers owned. One of the English White Terrier and English Bulldog crosses led to the creation of a dog named “Hooper’s Judge”. Hooper’s Judge was bred down in size with a smaller female, and this process continued for two more litters. This offspring, interbred with one or more French Bulldogs, led to the creation of the foundation for the Boston Terrier. By 1889, the breed had become popular in the Boston area, and purveyors of this breed formed the American Bull Terrier Club. The Boston Terrier was given its name several years later, and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1893. Throughout the 20th century, a stronger emphasis was placed on physical appearance, coat color, and markings.Maintenance
The glossy, short-haired coat of the Boston Terrier is easy to groom and care for. Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only as necessary are sufficient methods of upkeep. The face and eyes of this breed should be wiped with a clean, moist cloth on a daily basis. Ears and eyes should be regularly checked. Nails should be kept trimmed. The Boston Terrier is an average shedder.Ideal Environment
The Boston Terrier can live happily in a small household or apartment. They are comparatively inactive indoors and are content to live without a yard. They are sensitive to extreme climate fluctuations. Boston Terriers enjoy going for short, brisk walks and playing in fenced-in areas. Ask a QuestionBoston Terrier Q&A
I have a Boston Terrier that is approx. 6 yrs. old. I have had him about 2 yrs. He has just started for the first time since I have had him lossing hair. He constantly is scratching and knawing until he has himself sore and bleeding. I hink he may have some skin allergies. I'm just not sure. He has sores and big knots where he has scratched his hair off. Please give me so idea what it is and how to handle w/out going to the vet. I don't have the money to take him.
It could be any number of things causing the skin irritation… The cheapest way to handle this is to figure out if anything involving the dog has changed. (Changed Shampoo, Food, New Surroundings, New Toys) The cheapest way to handle it is to put him on
I have a 2yr old Boston that gets skin rashes around his neck and ears. I tried changing his food when it first started and that didn't work. I took him to the vet(which was expensive)and got some medicines that worked while he was on them, but they couldn't tell me what was causing it. Now when I see that he's starting to get the rash I put some hydrocortisone cream or oatmeal lotion on it. You can also give him benadryl. A vet recommended it.I just wrap one in a piece of cheese and that at least gives him some relief from the scratching. You might have to get used to it though. I know mine gets it, off and on and I still don't know what really causes it. Good luck!
my mom and I both have bostons. Both require children's benadryl during the allergy season. But my mom's little girl was having lots of trouble beyond that. Constant itching, sores, swelling in her face. She was scratching herself so raw that she would cry, poor girl! Turned out to be a corn allergy. Now she's on a corn-free food and doing very well. Maybe mention it to your vet.
Why is my boston terriers nose not wet or cold? Is there something wrong with him?
My girl's nose is rarely wet or cold. Just moist and room temp.
It's ok. Dog's noses are wet because they lick their noses. I read it on a book called ''The Dog Why Are Dog's Noses Wet?''
I have a 3 month old boston terrier, and have been trying to get him to walk on the leash. He absolutly refuses, dragging his feet, whining, screaming...I even try to get him to come when I have a treat for him, he just sits and stares at me. I could use some ideas on how to get him to!
Mine does this too, but he is only 10 weeks. He is getting better with it, but it's a slow process. What I started to do is from day one, I got him a harness. He is in the harness all day long and I take it off at night. Step two is start to incorporate the leash part. Let him run around loose with it for a couple hours at home. After that, at least my pup is really good about having to go potty outside so every time i put the leash on him and just let him lead and get use to me holding it. This morning I finally got him to walk on the leash to the car. He usually wont walk more than 5 feet, but it's a start. Each time he starts to walk, just praise him and keep treats with you.
try a harness instead of a collar.
Don't worry! I got my Boston right when the winter was starting to get going and I didn't think he would ever like going out side. He would cry and resist and just not like it. Take him to a busy park where there are lots of dogs and other people to meet. Boston's are naturally social butterflies, he will soon figure out the fun stuff is outside. But yeah, get a harness too.
I have a 10 week old puppy and he is pretty calm for the most part, but today was his first day at work with me and he played for a little bit, but he mainly slept most of the day he's been asleep for the better part of the end of the day too. He played a little bit for an hour and a half maybe but he unleashed on the cats lol. How much should he be sleeping all day? He's been sleeping quite at bit at home, but he plays a lot when he wakes up. Will this change when he starts to get more used to my office? I assumed he probably was more calm than usual because it was nice and toasty in there and whenever it's warm, he just passes out. It's usually freezing in our apartment when he's out and about. Thanks for any feedback!
I've had BTs for 30 years, they can play hard and sleep hard. I wouldn't be too concerned about their sleeping after all he's a growing boy. Soon, he won't slow down until he reaches 2 years old. It sounds like he's a comfortable chap. They are quick learners and so easy to train. They love to please. I just wish I coule take mine too work. I'll just settle for a couple pictures and a statue or two.
My three year old plays like a crazy monkey some days and sleeps like a lazy cat some days. Don't worry. He's like all other BT's, plus he's still a baby and needs his naps to grow.
Trust me, you'll miss the quiet nap times of yesteryear right around 6 months and then your on a wild ride! Enjoy becuase they are comedians!
I have a 10 week old Boston terrier puppy his name is Rufus he is a cute sensitive funny little pup.I was wondering how big he would become? He is very small at the moment. I have seen his mother but never seen the father of this puppy is that a good reference as to his adult size. His mother is about 18 pounds.
If the mother was 18 pounds I'd be sure he will grow from 10-20 pounds. No bigger. Height-wise would be from 10-15 inches tall.
I have a 1 year old Boston Terrier (Male). He is 24lbs. His mom was 16lbs and his dad was 20lbs. He stands about 15 inches, and just a ball of energy.
I just got a 17 week old puppy last week. Her ears roll back, one more then the other, will they stand up by them selves or should I try tapeing them?
you need to rub them up! get them between your thumb and index finger and Gently pull them up. Do this as often as possible, they should start standing up on there own. That was a concern we had with our first baby we talked to the breeder and that's what she told us to do.. we did and it worked good luck... Just a word: a dog is a dog but a Boston is Family. We have two, Baxter a rescued black/white and a red/white female Anney.
Don't do a thing. It is normal for one or both ears to roll back. Sometimes it takes up to six months for the muscles to fully develop and hold the ears erect.
I have owned three Bostons (all AKC registered) and all of them have had different "styles" of ears! Some flop halfway, some stay flopped and others stand straight up! I think it truly depends on each individual dog. All in all they are adorable! :-)
I wouldn't worry about your puppies ears. My BT's ears did the same and for the longest time one rolled back and the other one would stand straight up. I was also worried but it is normal. They will eventually stand if they are meant to. If not they are still very cute!!!
Hi I have a male boston who is almost a year old and one ear still folds backwards I think thats just how it gonna be. I have tried everything and it is still the same. Oh well I love him just the way he is...
Yes you can tape them or have them cropped in a show crop. I personally dont like to crop but taping works well if their ears havent stood by 4 1/2 months.
I just got my son a 14 week old puppy. His toes seem to be spread apart. Is that normal for this breed or anything I should be concerned about? Other than that, we are thrilled and he has been so much fun.
It's perfectly normal. Other than that, enjoy your new pup and have fun:)
I got a female boston 1 year old about 2 month ago after getting her spaded she started lossing her hair behind her ears and behind her hind legs. What should i do and how can I make the hair grow back vitamin or change dog food?
Try feeding her lots of poultry and meats for the hair to grow back. If she feels depressed, sooth her and say she's a good girl. Oh, and remember lots of treats and play!
Be carefull about switching to a meat/pultry diet, this can cause intestinal upset. If you are concerned about hairloss, consult your vet.
Is it ok to shave their little whiskers? I think it makes her look cute!!!!!
No. Bad idea. Cute or no cute. The whiskers are a very important part to a dog. Just like a cat, they help the dog feel and sense things.
I have a one year old BT and she has a habit of eating her own feces. Whether she goes inside or out, she will sample the stool. She is healthy, well fed, and gets plenty of activity in a fenced in yard. Any ideas on how to stop her bad habit?
mine did this to so I asked my mom (rescues animals for a living) she said its called coprophagia. They make medicine for it.
My BTs are doing that same exact thing and it is soooo gross!!! I did get them some over the counter chewable pills that I give them and the box claims that within a month they should break the habbit. Its completely normal according to my vet and they said its usually just a phase. Good luck!
Yep this is totally normal and there is no need to medicate your dog for normal behavior. Just dont let her eat other animals feces.
Yeah...I've got a poo eater too! It's gross, but if you teach them a good "leave it" your life will be a lot easier. I don't think medicine is necessary lots of dogs eat poo everyday and they are just fine...just icky
I had a dog that use to do this and our vet told us to give him canned pineapple and it worked.
I have a 3 1/2 months old Boston Terrier. When I bought him, I made sure to see the parents papers. Everything seemed normal and they look like all the pictures I see of BT. Mind only has a black spot around one eye and now he's black fur is turning kinda reddish. Is it normal? And are they hard headed dogs or is my dog deaf? I call is name shake his bag of food and he doesn't even move.
Yes it is completely normal for the brindle coloring to appear later on. Both of my BT's have just a little bit of brindle to them and it didnt show until around 3 months. You should take your dog to the vet to see if he is deaf or hard of hearing. Have you ever tried sneaking up on him ... normally they wont allow it but if he is deaf then he wouldnt be able to hear you comming ... ?
Boston Terriers do have a problem with deafness, and bilateral deafness especially when one ear is white. There is a test called a BAER Test that can be done to test for this.
We have just had our first litter of Bostons. All of their muzzles are white, including their noses. Will ... and when will thier noses turn black?
My little boston has white on one of her ears, is that bad or considered good?
neither! its nothing special just like one of my bt legs are white and the rest asr black. it just makes your dog unique :D
Hi, my sister just gave me her puppy because she could not care for him,he was sleeping outdoors on concreate and developed a severe skin irratation,she told me that the Vet. asked her if there were any constructions being made around her house which is true and vet. said irration was caused by concreate dust. Is this common in these dogs i have a English Bulldog female which has been alone for 5 years me bringing in this male puppy is it a good idea? and i started the boston terrier on antibiotics with omega 3 vitamins and selson blue with aloe.what do you think
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-76x_1201583587114.jpg "Boston Terrier, 10 weeks, My new Baby")
