Boston Terrier

History: Born and bred in the United States, the Boston Terrier, or Boston Bull, is a fairly new breed of dog, derived from a cross between the English and French Bulldog and other Bull Terrier fighting dogs, like the now extinct English White Terrier.

It is said that the idea of the breed came about from servants of wealthy Bostonians around the 1860s that had English and French Bulldogs and decided to crossbreed to make a middle to lightweight fighting dog. These dogs also came in handy to help rid the servants’ living space of rats in the overcrowded city.

The original breeders tried to show the dogs as Bull Terriers or Bulldogs, although many breeders in the late 1800s objected to either of these classifications. This is how they became known as the Boston Bull Terrier instead. Today they still remain in the Terrier group, although very distinct from other Terriers. Originally the Boston Terrier weighed closer to 30-40 pounds and was only bred down to a smaller size once the American Kennel Club recognized it in the 1890s. Soon after the breed became known as more of a house pet than a fighting dog.

Description: Although only averaging 20 pounds, the Boston Bull Terrier, is a sturdy and muscular dog with a prominent head and eyes. With a wide but short face, protruding eyes and a strong jaw, this breed still carries the physique of a fighter and a hunter. Although they may be confused for other small dogs, like the pug, and may even have similar traits to the English Bulldog, they have distinctive ears that are perky and stand up straight. The average dog sits 15 inches off the ground, although there is a smaller, miniature version of the breed, which will weigh closer to 15 pounds and reach only 12 inches at full maturity.

The most common coat for the breed is black, with markings of white, although there is also a brindle and white variety of the dog available. The extremely short and sleek coat makes the dog especially easy to groom.

Life Span: 12-14 years

Common Ailments: Careful selection of Boston Terrier puppy breeders is necessary, as this breed is extremely prone to genetic disorders. These include hip dysplasia, eye disease, epilepsy, auto-immunity disorders, and skin conditions. It is important to be careful with their large protruding eyes, as these are the most susceptible to problems.

Suitability with Children: Yes

Suitability with Other Pets: Yes, but Boston Terrier males may have a tendency towards dominant behavior if not properly trained from a small puppy

Living Conditions: Will do fine in a home with a small yard or an apartment, although they enjoy a good walk.

Training: Owners may have difficulty with housetraining, although this breed is otherwise easy to train.

Exercise Required: Low to Medium

Cost of Maintenance: Low

Breed Temperament: Originally bred as a ratter dog, or rat hunting dog in coal mines and factories, as well as a fighting dog, this breed is one of the more energetic of the small breeds. The use as a fighting and hunting dog may account for some male Boston Bull Terriers being a bit aggressive towards other pets. Keep in mind, though, that these dogs will almost always respond well to proper training that will help to control aggressive tendencies. Once trained as a family pet, owners will learn that the Boston Terrier is a dog that could be considered to have a sense of humor, with a quirky attitude and an energetic spirit. They do well with children and will enjoy a day of chasing the kids in the backyard.

Because of their wide, short faces, breathing might be a problem, especially when exercised in warm weather, so it is best to keep exercise short when it is extremely warm outside. They may also be prone to snoring and have even been known to slobber. All in all, most Boston Terrier owners find them to be a delightful family pet that does well with children and is relatively adaptable to any living situation.

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