| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | forelegs, along with the hocks and rear legs should be |
| Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its | | | | white. Then, for American Kennel Club standards, the |
| breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its | | | | Boston terrier should also present a white blaze that |
| appearance, personality, and health requirements. | | | | goes between the eyes but without touching. |
| Here's what you need to know about the Boston | | | | Temperament and Personality |
| terrier: | | | | The most noticeable characteristics of the Boston |
| Nicknamed the American Gentleman, the | | | | terrier are alertness, gentleness, and excellent manners. |
| Boston terrier is a cross between an English White | | | | Because of the sweet disposition of this breed, it |
| Terrier and an English bulldog, first originating sometime | | | | makes an excellent companion dog. Typically, the |
| during the late 19th century. During that era, the breed | | | | breed loves being around people, specifically adults. |
| was called Hooper’s Judge, weighing around 30 | | | | However, if socialized young, they also do quite well |
| pounds. Over the years, the Boston terrier’s | | | | around children and other animals. Interestingly, the |
| name changed and it was bred down in size. Although | | | | Boston terrier is not a big barker. While they will alert |
| the early breed was classified as lightweight, | | | | when necessary, barking is seldom, making them a |
| middleweight, and heavyweight, today they are usually | | | | great choice for apartment-dwellers. |
| between 10 and 25 pounds. | | | | Health |
| The interesting thing about the Boston terrier is that it | | | | For the most part, the Boston terrier is a strong, |
| was the first American breed to be recognized by the | | | | healthy breed. However, the breed does not handle |
| American Kennel Club in 1893. During the late 1870s, | | | | heat and humidity well, which is because of the short |
| these dogs were used for pit fighting but today, they | | | | muzzle. In fact, too much heat could lead to heat |
| are known as being the first non-sporting dog bred in | | | | exhaustion. Although the average age of the Boston |
| the United States, a docile breed. Hitting a peak in | | | | terrier is around 13, some will live to 15 or 16. |
| popularity during the 1920s, the Boston terrier remains a | | | | Due to the short muzzles, the Boston terrier does |
| nice choice for families although males tend to | | | | have a few considerations. For one thing, they can |
| challenge other dogs for turf. | | | | reverse sneeze, which is simply a gasp and |
| Physical Appearance | | | | snort. While it sounds horrible to the owner, this does |
| Again, the Boston terrier is not a large breed, being | | | | not hurt the dog. If you find your Boston terrier |
| very compact but well proportioned. The dog has a | | | | becoming overly excited with an episode of reverse |
| short tail, short muzzle, and alert, erect ears. Height can | | | | sneezing followed, just calm the dog down and the |
| vary but most dogs in this breed are between 15 and | | | | episode will stop. |
| 17 inches at the withers. As with other terrier breeds, | | | | Another non-dangerous tendency is to snort and |
| you will find the Boston terrier marked with various | | | | snore, again because of the short muzzle. Depending |
| colors and color combinations, as indicated below. | | | | on the dog, he or she may actually need minor surgery |
| * Black with White Markings | | | | to help, making breathing easier. Therefore, if you feel |
| * Brindle | | | | your Boston terrier is not getting adequate air, we |
| * Seal | | | | recommend you talk to your veterinarian. Finally, some |
| * Combination of black, brindle, and seal | | | | Boston terriers will have eye problems such as ulcers. |
| Regardless of the color of the terrier, the chest, band | | | | With a prominent eye structure, you would want to |
| around the neck, muzzle, and partially up on the | | | | watch for any signs of injury or redness. |