Boston Terrier

Back home in the USA, the Boston Terrier is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s gradually becoming more familiar to European pet lovers. Those devoted to this exceptional pooch know exactly why: The Boston Terrier is an easy-going companion dog that brings cheer wherever it goes with its lively nature and unique, expressive demeanor.

Compact and Elegant

The Boston Terrier belongs to the bulldog breeds and is distinguished by its compact appearance, square head, muscular build, distinctive upright “bat ears”, short nose, and stubby tail. The breed standard emphasises a balance of proportions, and you will find Boston Terriers in three weight classes: under 6.8kg (light), 6.9 to 9kg (medium), and 9 to 11.3kg (heavy). They stand at a maximum height of about 43cm. Their wrinkle-free face is complemented by a short, glossy coat that lacks an undercoat and can be brindle, black, or “seal” (black with a reddish sheen), though balanced white markings are always specified.

An American Breed with British Ancestry

Despite its name, the Boston Terrier is not a terrier— nor a hunting dog— but is classified among bulldog breeds. Its origins trace back to the USA of the 1870s, where now extinct white English Terriers were crossed with English Bulldogs. French Bulldogs also joined the Boston Terrier bloodline later. In 1878, the breed caught public attention when these unique dogs were showcased in Boston. Devotees of the breed established the first club in this eponymous city. In 1893, the American Kennel Club officially named the breed the “Boston Terrier”. Until the 1960s, the Boston Terrier was incredibly popular in the USA, often ranked among the top ten most common breeds and remains frequently seen today. The breed first arrived in Europe in 1927, where it remains relatively rare but has enjoyed a slight increase in popularity in recent years. For instance, around 300 Boston Terrier puppies are born annually in Germany. Since 1979, the Boston Terrier has been the official State Dog of Massachusetts.

Jolly and Confident

A Boston Terrier is a buddy for life: This breed is vibrant and always ready for fun, while being people-friendly and social with other dogs and pets. Some individuals, however, may exhibit a hunting instinct outside their home. Although Boston Terriers are vigilant, they’re not aggressive. Some, primarily males, may display their terrier heritage when defending their territory against other dogs. They are likely to bark to alert their owners to unfamiliar activity but are not prone to excessive barking. They’re always up for an adventure but aren’t nervous dogs and exude a sense of calm. Boston Terriers are sensitive to their owners’ moods and are very empathic. Generally, the heavier the dog, the more tranquil and collected it is. Particularly, the lighter Boston Terriers often remain playful well into their senior years.

Adaptable Companions

Whether it’s a long walk or a lazy afternoon on the sofa, your Boston Terrier will be happy to join in! They don’t require strenuous daily exercise but thoroughly enjoy the company of their “pack” – they don’t take kindly to too much time alone. Boston Terriers love learning new tricks, which not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but keeps their clever minds sharp. Some Boston Terriers might also enjoy Obedience, Dog Dancing, and Agility for smaller breeds – it’s worth trying to see if they take to it. Their amiable nature also makes them great visitors in care homes, bringing smiles to animal lovers’ faces. Some Boston Terriers have even passed therapy dog training successfully.

© Foto Passione/stock.adobe.com

Robust Health Through Good Breeding

The best prevention against hereditary diseases is to buy a Boston Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder, who excludes affected dogs from their breeding programme. Inherited predispositions in Boston Terriers include patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), which causes a dog to favour one leg. They are also prone to eye diseases such as cataracts or PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which can lead to blindness. The breed belongs to the short-headed, or brachycephalic, group of dogs, which can present health challenges. For instance, the breed often suffers from laboured breathing due to narrow nostrils and passageways combined with an enlarged soft palate and changes in the larynx. Noisy breathing and snoring are common, as are reoccurring respiratory issues. So, before purchasing your puppy, research these potential health concerns carefully and choose a responsible breeder who values health and welfare over extreme physical traits. Be especially careful in hot weather, as many Boston Terriers don’t tolerate the heat well. Additionally, avoid exposing their eyes to drafts, as they can easily become inflamed. Boston Terriers can live up to 15 years.

Healthy Nutrition

As with all dogs, a balanced diet with a high proportion of meat is preferred to keep your dog in top shape. Whether dry or wet food, meat should be listed first in the ingredients. Opt for foods with no, or a low, grain content and watch their portions carefully to prevent obesity. Remember to factor treats into your dog’s daily calorie intake. If introducing a new diet, do so gradually to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach, as a sudden change can cause diarrhoea. The best time to feed is after walks, with puppies eating up to four times a day while adults generally cope well with two meals a day. Make sure your dog eats undisturbed and has time to rest afterwards, perhaps for a little digestive nap. Of course, fresh water should always be on hand.

Groomed from Head to Paw

Coat care is straightforward: Brush your Boston Terrier every few days to remove loose fur, with a rubber-nubbed grooming glove being a good tool. The breed lacks an undercoat and is not prone to tangles. However, without an undercoat, your dog might get cold in winter – consider investing in a dog coat if you’re in a chilly climate. Regularly check your dog’s ears and use a special ear cleaner from a pet store to prevent infections. Some owners start their puppies with tooth brushing using a specialised toothbrush attachment and canine toothpaste, although dental hygiene snacks or bi-weekly chewables like dried beef ears or raw beef – never raw pork – can also be offered as treats.

Is a Boston Terrier Right for You?

Across Europe, the Boston Terrier is an insider’s tip, though it adapts well to virtually all lifestyles. While not suited for intensive exercise like a marathon-running companion, it does enjoy longer outings. The family-friendly Boston Terrier fits well with children, singles, and the elderly. Its size and moderate exercise needs mean it can comfortably live in an apartment, ideally ground floor since frequent stair climbing isn’t ideal for small dogs. They usually get along with other dogs and even cats, particularly if socialised with felines as puppies. Always check for any dog allergies in your family beforehand. And even if Boston Terriers are fine in apartments: if you’re not the property owner, ensure you have your landlord’s permission. Before bringing a Boston Terrier home, plan for its care during holidays or if you’re unwell. Many hotels welcome pets, so a holiday with your dog could be an option. Research your options for travel or reliable, loving care at home in advance, and remember, Boston Terriers are not big fans of the heat.

Taking on a dog is a responsibility for many shared years ahead. Carefully consider if you can dedicate time daily for engagement and what expenses you’ll encounter. Regular costs include necessities such as bowls, beds and blankets, car safety, leads, collars, and harnesses, toys, not to mention dog tax, insurance, vet visits, and quality food. Veterinary costs can escalate when your charge is ill.

Finding Your Ideal Boston Terrier

Has a Boston Terrier struck a chord with you? Excellent! Have you ironed out all considerations before bringing a dog into your home? Wonderful! Now, you’re ready to find a skilled Boston Terrier breeder. A reputable breeder often belongs to a dog club and only sells puppies with pedigree papers, documenting the lineage fully. They exclude hereditary diseases from their breeding as much as possible and ensure enough recovery time between litters for the parent dogs. They produce well-socialised puppies that are vaccinated and dewormed before sale—proof included. Some breeders on their websites claim that their litters are whelped without the need for caesareans. While a caesarean is not a negative in itself, be wary if multiple litters require this intervention as it often means the puppies’ heads are too large for the mother’s pelvis— a tendency that responsible breeders avoid supporting. Personality match is also important; visit the breeder, ask plenty of questions, and meet the puppies’ ancestors. Expect the breeder to ask about your dog experience and living situation—it shows they care about their puppies’ welfare.

Steer clear of apparent bargains or accidental litters from “dog breeders” out to profit rather than ensuring the animals’ well-being, which often results in poor socialisation and health.

If you’re considering giving an older Boston Terrier a home, explore organisations like “Doggies in Distress”, which sometimes offer various bulldog breeds, including Boston Terriers, online. The chance of finding a pedigreed adult is slim, as they’re not prevalent in Europe. Prepare for a wait or consider adopting a mixed-breed from a shelter. A new home can truly revitalise an older dog, making breed a minor detail. These organisations often have such mixed-breeds available. Discussing with a foster home or shelter can help you assess how well you’ll match with the dog. The Boston Terrier puppy could cost from £700 to over £1000.

We wish you and your lively Boston Terrier the happiest of times together!

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