Mary Allen
The Boston Terrier is an American dog breed that has grown a lot in recent years. Slender dogs are very friendly to people, playful, and easy to train. However, a pronounced joy of movement, a noisy nature, and a tendency to breed with health consequences make the American a demanding breed that can only be recommended to a limited extent.
Terrier – or Not?
The origins of the Boston Terrier can be found in the English Terrier, English White Terrier, and English Bulldog breeds. The result of their crossbreeding was an intelligent, affectionate, and hunter-loving companion dog that was lighter and easier to train than previous generations. In the early 19th century, Boston’s upper class discovered cute dogs as companion dogs and thus laid the foundation for today’s Boston Terrier. Over time, breeders focused on lighter breeds of animals, changing the head to ever-larger eyes and a shorter nose. Boston Terriers are still extremely popular, especially in the US, and are the mascots of numerous schools and universities.
Personality
Although the Boston Terrier bears its kinship in its name, today it is unlikely to carry with it the hardness, joy of the hunt, and stubbornness that are typical of terriers. On the contrary, it is a friendly, good-natured, open dog who immediately sees a friend in every stranger. At the same time, he is attentive and barks excitedly when a visitor comes. Males may develop a certain guarding instinct, but females are better at handling large numbers of visitors. The great attachment of dogs prevents them from being alone. If not practiced early and intensely, the Boston Terrier may bark incessantly or even destroy objects as soon as it is left alone.
Training & Maintenance of the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is an adaptable dog that can be equally happy in a small city apartment or a house with a yard. Sufficient exercise and mental exercise are essential. He enjoys almost all sports – be it agility, dog dancing, dog frisbee, or dog tricks. The slender four-legged friend also enjoys long runs as a companion on a horse, bike, or on hikes. However, with a lot of tension due to a short nose, breathing problems can occur. Avoid long and strenuous tours in warm weather.
Boston Terriers are said to be cooperative. However, his terrier heritage occasionally comes through. Especially during puberty, it can happen that your dog ignores your commands or openly questions them. He needs a clear line from the first day after moving in so that he can find his role in the family. For coexistence with very young children, a noisy dog is not the best choice.
Care & Health
The short and strong coat is very easy to care for. Just comb it once a week, checking the ears, eyes, claws, and teeth.
The breeding goals of Boston Terriers have come under increasing criticism in recent years. A severely shortened nose and associated respiratory restriction are considered to be animal welfare disorders. Many friends of the breed are demanding that breeding be based on the original Boston Terrier again and that out-of-control offspring come to an end. Because these breedings are not carried out under the auspices of breeding associations and pay less attention to health and certain breed standards. If you choose this breed, consider choosing a reputable breeder who breeds friendly dogs with longer noses.