Boston Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a small, square, short-coated dog with a square muzzle, large wide-set eyes and erect ears. The usual coloring is a dark coat with a white blaze, white chest and white feet, which has earned it the nickname "the American Gentleman" for its tuxedo look. Adults are compact and well-balanced, built like a small athlete.

Despite the name, it is not a working terrier. The breed was shaped as a companion, and people keep it for its relaxed, amusing character, its small size and its easy coat.

Temperament and family life

Bostons are people dogs. They tend to be cheerful, outgoing and eager to join in whatever the household is doing, and they are generally friendly with visitors. They are clownish and can be stubborn, but they are not usually aggressive, and many are quiet compared with most terrier breeds.

They do well with considerate children, as they are sturdy enough for gentle play but small enough that young kids should be supervised. Most live comfortably with other dogs and cats. Some Bostons become sensitive to scolding and noisy conflict and may sulk or become anxious. Separation distress is a risk if the dog is left alone for long stretches.

Exercise and training

Bostons need a moderate amount of exercise: a daily walk or two, plus play indoors or in a yard. They have bursts of energy and enjoy fetch and chase games, and some do well at agility and obedience for fun. Their short nose limits stamina, so avoid vigorous exercise in hot or humid weather and watch for noisy, labored breathing.

The breed is smart and wants to please, so training with food, toys and encouragement usually goes smoothly. House training can take some time. A harsh tone is counterproductive. Because Bostons are prone to snorting, snoring, wheezing and gas, many owners choose a harness to avoid pressure on the throat.

Grooming and shedding

The fine, short coat is among the easiest to maintain. A weekly rub with a soft brush or rubber mitt removes loose hair, and the breed sheds lightly year-round. Baths are needed only when the dog is dirty.

The flat face requires special attention. Wipe any facial folds and tear staining, and keep the large, prominent eyes free of debris. Check the ears, trim nails and clean teeth regularly. A thin coat means the breed feels the cold, so many owners provide a jacket in winter.

Health

The short, flat face puts many Bostons at risk of brachycephalic airway syndrome, with narrow nostrils and a long soft palate that limit breathing and tolerance of heat. The large, exposed eyes are prone to scratches, corneal ulcers and cataracts. Patellar luxation, deafness, skin allergies and some tumors are also seen. Many puppies are born by cesarean section because of the large head and narrow hips.

Responsible breeders test hearing, eyes and knees and avoid extreme facial shortening. This is general information about the Boston Terrier, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Boston Terrier originated in the city of Boston in the later nineteenth century. It is generally traced to around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston bought a dog named Judge, of bull-and-terrier lineage, which the American Kennel Club cites as the ancestor of nearly all modern Boston Terriers. Judge was bred to a white bulldog-type female named Gyp. The American Kennel Club admitted the breed in 1893.

Is the Boston Terrier right for you?

A Boston suits apartment and city life, a household that is home most of the day and an owner who wants a social, undemanding dog with minimal grooming. It is a reasonable first dog for people who understand its breathing limits and who will keep it cool.

It is a poor choice for anyone who wants a long-distance running companion or who expects a robust outdoor dog. Those seeking a similar look in a slightly stockier body might compare the French Bulldog and the Bulldog, while the Pug offers a quieter, more placid personality. All share breathing concerns.