The Boston Terrier

Theo

Ari

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​Origin:
The original Boston Terrier is very different from the one we know and love today. Sadly, the breed was bred for pit fighting as such, was originally a much larger dog, weighing around 20kg.
They are one of the few breeds of dogs that have originated out of America, and as their name suggests – they originate from Boston in Massachusetts. The breed was created by crossing the English Bulldog with a English White Terrier (the latter now being an extinct breed.)
The original Boston Terrier, known as the Olde Boston Bulldogge, was then bred down over time by cross breeding with French Bulldogs and then leading to the Boston Terrier that we know today. It was in 1893 that the ‘Boston Terrier’ was first recognised by the American Kennel Association. Thankfully, the breed we know today is a very VERY distant relative of its original breeding.
 
Purpose:
As mentioned, the original Olde Boston Bulldogge was bred for a pit fighting dog. Thankfully, overtime they have bred into smaller companion dogs making them ideal for families as well as being great therapy dogs.

Coat care:
The shorthaired and smooth coat of the Boston is easy to maintain, requiring brushing at least once a week and bathing only when needed. Their eyes will require more attention and should be wiped and cleaned gently daily to avoid any build up. They are prone to catching grass seeds in their ears, so should also have these checked daily. They are a breed that produces little to no doggie odour and is only an average shedder.


Health & Temperament:
This happy little dog is very gentle, keen and intelligent. Training, with the correct approach, is easy although they are known for being a little challenging to toilet train. Their small size should not fool you, they are little pocket rockets who require a good amount of daily exercised. Without this, they can become quickly bored and destructive. Prone to small dog syndrome, they love to be a part of the family but it’s important they know they are not the boss, this can quickly lead to serious behavioural issues.
With the right balance, the Boston makes for a wonderful family pet and are fantastic companions for children and the elderly. When well socialised from a young age, they get along well with most other animals too.
The protruding eyes of the Boston do mean that they require extra care. The breed is prone to a number of eye conditions including juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, dry eyes, late-onset cataracts just to name a few. They are also prone to deafness, luxating patellar (dislocation of the knee caps) and tumours. Breeding parents should be well researched and health reports conducted when looking for a pup.
Being a brachycephalic breed (short, squished faces) they are a breed that struggles in extreme weather changes, both hot and cold so need to be watched closely when exposed to high and low temperatures.