Boston Terrier

A member of the terrier group, the boston terrier is known as an all-American dog because it is considered a US thoroughbred.  They are typically of small stature but generally compact, well-muscled and well-proportioned.  Distinguishing facial features include square face, small erect ears, round alert eyes which are set far apart and a cute short muzzle which are wrinkle-free and lead to a proportionately shaped black nose.  It has a slightly arched neck, a broad chest and straight, well-muscled limbs.  The Boston’s coat is often short, shiny, smooth and fine-textured.  Colors of the typical Bostons are usually brindle and white, black and white or brown and white.  Color and markings of a Boston Terrier is an essential part of its standard traits.  But it was not until the 1900s that the breed’s markings were deemed very important to be considered a distinctive and crucial feature.  Most of these are considerably well-built and weighs an average of 10 to 25 pounds.

The Boston Terrier roots can be directly from where it got its name – Boston in USA.   The original one has been cross breed of an English Bulldog and a English White Terrier, which is now an extinct breed.  This dog named Judge was owned by a Boston wealthy native named Robert Hooper. Judge who was big at 13.5 kg was said to be been stud with a smaller dog breed.  Their offspring were bred with even smaller breeds. Then these pups were also cross bred with a French Bulldog which finally gave birth to the Boston Terrier breed.  The breed’s originally suggested name American Bull Terrier as well as its nickname “roundheads” were found to be inaptly chosen by the Bull Terrier Fanciers.  It was then shortly replaced by a more homely name Boston Terrier after its origin.  It was in 1893 that the dog breed was recognized and admitted by the American Kennel Club as the first US breed.  It remains to be the first of the few small dogs and non-sporting dogs to have been purely bred in the US.

Although the Boston Terrier is a small dog, it doesn’t make an ideal lap dog as they often have the tendency to drool, snort, snuff and wheeze.  They are also usually described as sloppy eaters and drinkers and would tend to snore, grunt loudly and worst let out foul-smelling gas.  On the other hand, they are known to be playful active animals with a passion for chasing balls.

Despite being known as dogs with unstable temperaments that often show manifestation of neurotic behaviour such as mindless yapping, howling, hyperactivity and even aggression,  the Boston Terriers are said to be very smart and loyal.  With the right training, they may also make very good family pets.  Understanding the Boston Terrier’s behaviour may prove to be a worthwhile endeavour as some turn out to be very endearing and sweet-natured companions.  Training of Bostons at a young age coupled with much love, affection and understanding from the owners can surely impact a Boston Terrier’s behaviour in a most positive way.