Boston Terrier
(Boston Bull) (Boston Bull Terrier)
Origin
Bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier
types, the Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 20 kg. It is
difficult to believe that these stylish, little dogs were once tough
pit-fighters. In fact, their weight classifications were once divided
as lightweight, middle and heavyweight. Originating in the city
of Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds
that was developed in the USA. The original Boston Terriers were
a cross between the English Bulldog and now extinct English White
Terrier.
Around 1865, the coachmen employed by the wealthy people of Boston
began to interbreed some of the dogs owned by their employers. One
of these crosses, between an English White Terrier and an English
Bulldog resulted in a dog named Hooper's Judge. Judge weighed over
30 pounds (13.5 kg.). He was bred down in size with a smaller female
and one of those male pups was bred to yet a smaller female. Their
offspring interbred with one or more French Bulldogs, providing
the foundation for the Boston Terrier.
By 1889 the breed had become sufficiently popular in Boston that
fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, but this proposed
name was not well liked by Bull Terrier lovers. Nor did they like
the breeds nickname, "roundheads". Shortly after, the
breed was named the Boston Terrier after its birthplace.
The breed was recognized by the American KC in 1893. It was first
shown in Boston in 1870. In the early years the colour and markings
were not very important but by the 1900's the breeds distinctive
markings and colour were written into the standard. Terrier only
in name, the Boston Terrier has mellowed from the pit fighting dogs
of the past.
Description
Boston Terriers, also called the Boston bull, are compact and well-muscled
dogs. The body is short with a square appearance. The square looking
head is flat on the top and in proportion to the rest of the body.
The deep, wide, short muzzle is in proportion with the head. The
nose is black. The stop is well defined. The bite is either even
or slightly undershot giving the muzzle the square look.
The large, round dark eyes are wide-set. The erect ears are small
and either cropped or left natural. The limbs are straight and muscular.
The legs are set somewhat wide apart, and the chest is broad. The
neck is slightly arched. The low-set, tapering tail is short and
either straight or screw shaped and is never docked. The short,
fine textured coat comes in seal, brindle and white, black and white
and some are born brown & white.
Temperament
The Boston Terrier is gentle, alert, very intelligent, well-mannered
and enthusiastic. Without the proper amount of stimulation and walks
they can become rambunctious and a bit high strung. They are very
sensitive to the tone of one's voice. Boston's like to learn and
therefore are easy to train. Their intelligence ensures they pick
things up quickly. If their pack, the people around them, do not
display the leadership that all dogs need, they will become wilful
as they begin to believe they are running the show and need to tell
you what to do.
Do not allow the Boston Terrier to develop human induced behaviours
where the dog believes he is the alpha dog over the humans. This
can cause a varying degree of behaviour issues. Boston's need a
gentle, but firm, confident, assertive leader who knows how to display
the right authority over the dog. It is a canine instinct to have
a strong leader and this little guy is no exception to the rule.
Either the human will be that leader, or the dog will. Some owners
have reported that their dogs are good watchdogs barking only when
necessary, while other owners have reported their female Boston
Terriers do not bark at the door at all.
Boston Terriers are most reliable with children, especially good
with elderly people and warm with strangers. The Boston Terrier
is playful, very affectionate and likes to be part of the family.
They are very popular in the United States, due above all to their
excellent character. They generally get along well with non-canine
pets. Without proper leadership from humans communicating to the
dog what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, they can become
dominant and may fight with other dogs. These little dogs may be
difficult to house train.
Height, Weight
Height: 38.1-43cm
Weight: 4.5-11.3kg
Health Problems
Prone to eye problems such as juvenile cataracts, late-onset cataracts,
entropion, distichiasis, glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, corneal ulcers,
cherry eye, dry eyes (Keratitis Sicca) The prominent eyes are prone
to injury. Also, deafness, patellar luxation, heart and skin tumors.
These short-faced dogs may have breathing difficulties when stressed
by exertion in hot or cold weather and can overheat if they are
pushed too hard. They may also snore or drool. Whelping is often
difficult as the pelvis is narrow and the large headed pups are
often delivered by caesarean section.
Living Conditions
Boston Terriers are good for small dwellings as well as country
living. They are relatively inactive indoors and do okay without
a garden.This breed is sensitive to weather extremes.
Exercise
At least one good walk and sessions of free play in a garden are
all the Boston Terrier needs to stay in shape. They are fairly light
weight and can easily be carried.
Life Expectancy
About 15 or more years
Litter Size
Average 3 - 4 puppies - Because of this breeds large head, Caesarean
births are very common
Grooming
smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with
a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face
with a damp cloth every day and clean the prominent eyes carefully.
Check both the ears and eyes for grass seeds. Ticks may also lurk
in the ears. The nails should be clipped from time to time. This
breed is an averagely moults and does not have a strong doggie odour
Group
Terrier
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