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A spunky and intelligent breed, the Boston Terrier is a family dog that loves to stay with people and accompany its master on all errands. Being extremely easy to carry, this dog can be your constant companion.

History

The Boston Terrier, popularly called the American Gentleman, is a breed that is indigenous to America. In the late eighteen hundreds, Boston and its neighboring cities bred Boston Terriers. These regions came together to form the American Bull Terrier Club and this breed was bred as Round Heads or Bull Terriers.

During that time, a debate flourished as to whether this breed should be slotted as Bull Terriers or Bulldogs. Although earlier bred to be a pit fighter, this friendly and lively breed now seems to have adapted well to family life and settled into the role of a loving pet.

Physical description

Originally Boston Terriers were pit fighting dogs bred into three categories:

• Lightweight
• Medium weight
• Heavyweight.

These muscular dogs are compact with a wide muzzle. They have eyes that are dark and round and upright ears. Their broad chest and straight limbs add to their solid look. Their hair is short and fine and their nose is black.

Boston Terriers grow to a height of fifteen to seventeen inches and weigh between ten to 25 pounds. They are commonly available in black and white, brindle and white, or brown and white.

Grooming/exercise needs

A Boston Terrier’s grooming needs are less demanding due to their short, easy-to-comb coat. An occasional ear cleaning and nail clipping session is recommended, along with a routine tick check.

You don’t have to bathe this breed often – just do it when necessary. Wipe your pet’s face and eyes with a damp cloth occasionally to help it stay clean. Boston Terriers, like Boxers and Bulldogs, cannot cope with extreme heat or cold, so when you do bathe your dog, make sure the water is at room temperature.

As this is a domestic breed it needs daily exercise. Chasing or fetching games are a good way to make your pet stay fit while having fun.

Temperament

Today’s Boston Terriers are devoid of the qualities they possessed when they were bred for fighting. Instead this breed makes a wonderful pet and companion. Owners of some Boston Terriers comment on how little they bark.

Gentle, intelligent and obedient, if this breed is raised with a child they assume the role of the child’s bodyguard. Boston Terriers are eager to learn and are therefore easy to train. They are small dogs and live comfortably indoors but they love the outdoors as well. They are very athletic and love to run, jump, and socialize.

Potential health problems

Boston Terriers have short muzzles which sometimes lead to breathing obstruction. This may result in your pet snoring and snorting.

Juvenile Cataract is common disorder that can occur in Boston Terriers, mainly when the dog is between eight weeks to one year of age. Tumors of the heart and skin also are some problems that you may find in this breed.

Unable to cope with extreme heat or cold, Boston Terriers may find extreme weather stressful. Never leave your dog in a car alone during extremely warm or cold days. Even with the windows cracked it could very easily become too hot or cold.

Life expectancy

The average age for Boston Terriers is ten to thirteen years, but healthy pets live for fifteen years or more.

Additional Information
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Boston Terrier - Online Community

Boston Terrier Online Community - DogBreed.org

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