The Boston Terrier is a small dog breed of North American origin. In Dogalyo we reveal all the particularities related to this dog breed so that you have all the basic information about its origin, appearance and physical characteristics, behavior and character, as well as health issues and the specific care required by this dog if you have or want to have a Boston Terrier dog as a pet.
Origin of the Boston Terrier breed
Contrary
to what happens with the origin of many other dog breeds, the origin of
the Boston Terrier is much clearer and documented. Its origin dates
back to the end of the 19th century in the United States, specifically
in the city that gives it its name, Boston, where a breeder began to
crossbreed specimens of the English Terrier and Bulldog breeds.
And while the Boston Terrier bears some physical resemblance to the
French variant of the latter, nothing remains of the tough hunting dog
from which it descends and which gives it its surname.
Appearance and physical characteristics of the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small dog breed thanks to its short, proportionate body, compact constitution and square structure, which means that the length of the dog is the same as the height of its withers, about 1é inches. According to its weight, there are three variants of this breed, being the most common the light one, of about 13 or 14 lbs. The medium weighs between 14 and 16 lbs, while the heaviest can reach a little over 24 lbs. Like the rest of the body, the head is short, square and proportionate.As mentioned above, this breed has many physical similarities with the French Bulldog, such as its flat muzzle, in which it does not have so many folds and which is square thanks to its prognathism, that is to say, it has a lower jaw larger than the upper jaw. Its nose is broad with a defined furrow between its wide and separated nostrils. The Boston Terrier's eyes are round, dark, wide apart and large.
Their ears are small, bat-shaped, although they are usually cropped into a pointed shape for aesthetics and to maintain a certain balance with their head, which is why they are held erect. The same happens with its tail, thin and low set, which in turn is strong like the rest of the muscular and elegant limbs that make it such a robust dog for its small size. Regarding its coat, the Boston Terrier dogs have a short, smooth, fine and shiny coat that usually has a brindle coat, black with white spots or seal color (black with red shades).
Behavior and character of Boston Terrier dogs
If there is something that characterizes the Boston Terrier, it is for being a dog with a cheerful, affectionate and playful temperament. This breed responds very well to training and if properly socialized from puppyhood will be a very friendly and affectionate dog, although its character also has a rather dignified and proud side. It is a very intelligent dog that will easily learn everything he is taught through positive reinforcement. The small size of the Boston Terrier makes it the ideal dog to have in a small apartment because it is also a very homely dog that loves to be at home.However, this does not mean that it is a dog to be alone at home. In fact, with the Boston Terrier the opposite is true, both because of the attention it demands and its constant need for companionship. On the other hand, it is a quite calm and peaceful dog that can coexist with other pets and likes to be with other dogs. All this makes it an excellent family pet, but be careful if you have small children. In your case, it is not because the breed is aggressive, but because it is a very fragile dog and it is easy for the Boston Terrier to get physically hurt if it is not treated properly.
Specific care and health of the Boston Terrier dog breed
Regarding the specific care of the breed, the Boston Terrier is a fairly easy dog to maintain since its short coat makes it a clean dog, odorless and doesn't shed much hair. Even so, it is advisable to brush him weekly and bathe him once a month so that his skin does not dry out too much. Although dogs of this breed do not need much exercise, they should be walked daily, paying close attention, especially in summer, to high temperatures, since Boston Terriers do not tolerate them well and their health could suffer if they are exposed to too much heat.
Regarding its health, the Boston Terrier is a very robust, strong and resistant dog with an average life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. However, due to its particular morphology, the breed suffers from some congenital and hereditary pathologies among which are conditions such as juvenile cataracts, deafness problems, patellar luxation, epilepsy, heart problems, allergies, as well as sensitivity to anesthesia and other chemicals. As mentioned above, the Boston Terrier is also a dog prone to heat stroke.