Boston Terrier - breed description and dog character

This adorable dog, which outwardly resembles a nimble imp or cartoon character, was bred in America, according to one of the legends of origin, and began to enjoy wide demand in Britain, where this terrier was recognized as a gentleman's dog. The representatives of this breed have a characteristic black and white coat color, which makes it possible to distinguish them from ordinary terriers or from a bulldog.

Breed history

Apparently, these dogs, which were bred in the United States in the nineteenth century, were indeed artificially crossed in Boston, the most aristocratic city in New Britain. Breeders of America, as is commonly believed, used white British Terriers and English Bulldogs for crossbreeding. The first individuals saw the light in 1865, and then experts began to work on the Boston Terrier, moving from the bulldogs to boxers or bull terriers for the entire process of crossing.

This version has a lot of confirmation. The ancestor of the whole breed is a dog nicknamed JJ - a bull terrier that arrived in Massachusetts on a ship. Its owner decided to continue breeding, noticing how his pet “drew attention” to a neighbor's dog, whose breed was not known. The result was the birth of Boston terriers. Then the owner of the dog mated puppies Ja-ja among themselves. Then grandchildren appeared. The male continued mating until the breed standard appeared. In 1878, an exhibition was held where these dogs were presented to the public, and a few decades later these "round-headed boules" began to enjoy unprecedented demand, having fallen on the European continent.

In England, in the post-war period, the dog managed to take root, as Europeans could not notice the difference between the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog. Moreover, if we talk about character traits, these dogs cannot even be compared with each other.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the first representatives of the breed appeared on the territory of Russia, having received extraordinary popularity. And in the USA, the Boston bulldog still occupies a place in the list of the 25 most common breeds. They succeeded in achieving this at the expense of polite disposition, patience, and companionable character.

Initially, these animals were considered decorative, which are perfect for keeping in an apartment, and can become faithful companions to the owner and children. And all the intended functions of these dogs performed perfectly.

Description of the breed standard

The Boston Terrier received by nature an unusual appearance and average size. Usually the growth of individuals at the withers is in the region of 40 cm, given their light weight, these values ​​can be considered impressive. Terriers live, if their contents are correct, about 14-16 years. An adult dog reaches a weight of 10 kg, if these figures are exceeded, then the terrier is considered a spoiled dog with excess weight.

Based on FCI standards, Boston Terriers come in three classes, depending on size:

• Small - weight does not exceed 6.7 kg.
• Medium - weight in the range from 6.7 to 9 kg.
• Large - weight in the range from 9 to 11.36 kg.

Usually the Boston Terrier has a tiger color, that is, there are symmetrical white spots on the skin:

• In the limbs and chest.
• In the forehead.
• Extremities on the back.
• Sometimes on the tail.
• On the lower jaw.

The head of the breed is square in shape, reminiscent of the face of a French bulldog. The nose is pigmented in black, the eyes in brown, a little bulging. The ears are small, spiky and stick up. The tail of the representatives of the breed is often docked, in itself thin and not very long.

Currently, the original decorativeness of these dogs is firmly entrenched, and many people opt for the Boston Terrier so that their children have a great friend. Terriers have a very peculiar appearance, because dog breeders often do not feel delight from it. But one should not reject such a choice only because of the appearance of the animal, because their character is simply amazing.

These dogs are amazing, suitable for living in an apartment, as they are miniature and very clean animals, in this regard resembling a cat. At the same time, it is advisable not to start a terrier if you plan to live in a house outside the city, as these dogs can hardly adapt to space and free conditions.

Boston Terriers are small, friendly, loyal and very active dogs that unconditionally trust their master. Regularly, their excessive energy and strong complexion can annoy the owner, but you should show a bit of patience and give your own attention to the pet. It is not recommended to ignore the baby’s thirst for play, it will often be more correct to play with the puppy, otherwise the dog will grow up a lazy and sleepy animal.

Character Features

It is unlikely that anyone who is familiar with Boston terriers will be able to call them arrogant, boring and lazy animals. These dogs are always cheerful, active, and like to play in their free time with the owner or children, go for a walk. Like a real terrier, this dog will run on the grass.

In the society of breeders, the Boston Terrier is often considered a little stubborn and willful, while he can become an excellent companion to the owner, and with the necessary training, he will always be a loyal assistant and friend.

It is noteworthy that the small dimensions do not interfere with the use of these dogs as watchmen. At the same time, this kind of service needs a huge reserve of patience in the process of training, otherwise the dog, which does not know how to distinguish strangers, will calmly run after any person. Usually there are no problems with the training process, as terriers calmly respond to training, are ready to obey people of all ages, and even without problems find a common language with other pets. However, sometimes the Boston Terrier can demonstrate aggression against representatives of other breeds: being in their own territory, these dogs are sometimes owners.

Keep in mind that Boston terriers have a vulnerable character, so you should not yell at a pet when training it, because a doggie can be offended and remember an insult for a long time.

These animals have an amazing feature that is comfortable for the owners - they, following instincts, are always ready to rely on the owner and trust him, despite what he does. The terrier believes that any action of the owner is necessarily done for the good. Also, there are no difficulties when caring and raising a pet, as these dogs always listen to the owner. Even the reception at the veterinarian and the accompanying procedures, the terrier is ready to endure unquestioningly, being confident in the decision of the owner.

Fact! Along with high energy, terriers have an enviable endurance. These dogs are very calm, almost do not show aggression and never become furious.

Also a nice trait is that Boston terriers have a conscience, and if a dog fools, then the pet will repent for a perfect misconduct - you will certainly notice it.

Features of caring for the Boston Terrier

1. Walking. This is a breed that needs regular and long walks. It is necessary to take a pet out into the open sky twice a day or more, actively play with him and engage in training.
2. Feeding. It is a very unpretentious animal, which sometimes turns into problems with the intestines. If you use dry food, which will be balanced, or natural food, with the exception of sweets and harmful products, then the coat of the pet will not lose its gloss and smoothness.
3. Coat. Many dog ​​lovers decide to start the Boston Terrier, relying on the fact that these animals are short-haired. And in fact, these dogs do not need special care, since molting happens only once in a year, and then only for a short time. If possible, it is better to use a metal brush for regular combing.
4. Water treatments. Bathing a pet often should not be. It is enough to wipe the paws after walking, and in other situations you can pay attention to the white spots of the coat, and if the dog is dirty - it's time to bathe it. When your pet has eaten, you can use a soft napkin to wipe your face.
5. Eyes. It is advisable to use a cotton swab moistened with chlorhexidine or saline to wipe the eye area. If the dog suffers from lacrimation, purulent discharge, you can brew a very weak tea and, having dipped a cotton swab into it, carefully blot the eyes.
6. Seasons. In the winter season, it is important to properly care for the Boston Terrier. Having a short coat, the pet is very cold. Therefore, experts recommend the use of down jackets designed for this season. And in the summer heat it is better not to go out too often under the scorching sun, as the terrier can easily overheat.

The structure of the skull and canine larynx is determined by the fact that terriers often snore. And this is probably one of the few drawbacks of Boston, to which owners, adoring a doggie, can quickly get used to it.

These animals can endure hours of solitude perfectly, so do not worry if you left the pet alone with you. However, for a too long period you should not leave the terrier, as otherwise his psyche may be undermined. If you can’t take your pet with you for a long time, then it’s important to have another doggie for your company or cat in the house.

Boston Terrier Health

Given the physical abilities that are inherent in the Boston Terrier by nature, we can say that this breed is unpretentious to external conditions and has high endurance. However, these animals also have their weak points:

1. Their eyes are always bulging. Therefore, they can be injured by debris, dust.
2. The terrier is often ill with otitis media, sinusitis and a number of other inflammatory processes - sinuses of the nose and ears suffer.
3. Sometimes, when the Boston Terrier is only growing up, it develops juvenile cataracts. If it is noted that the puppy began to see worse, his eyes seem to be foggy and absent, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
4. About 6 percent of dogs are born deaf or hard of hearing.
5. Many dogs die prematurely due to feeding errors, cancer or gastrointestinal problems.

Boston Terrier Nutrition

In these animals, the muzzle is quite shortened, therefore, it is important to decide in advance what to use as food.Your pet will not have a very spacious stomach, which requires feeding twice a day. It is important that the terrier always has cool clean water nearby. Do not take ordinary tap water if there is no filter, as it is filled with chlorine and other harmful elements.

It is necessary to choose a diet, determining whether it will be a natural diet or dry food. It is important to understand that the food should be selected in accordance with the size of the pet.

Tips:

1. Many people choose natural food. In this case, the food needs to be finely chopped, otherwise the puppies will not be able to eat the offered food normally.
2. Initially, in the morning it is recommended to offer low-fat cottage cheese, it is possible with honey. You can also add kefir.
3. Be sure to offer lean meat - you can beef or veal.
4. You can alternate between vegetables and cereals: buckwheat and rice.
5. If the puppy is offered natural nutrition, then it is important to dilute the diet with vitamins and minerals.

Parenting and training

An incredible feature of Boston terriers is their unconditional trust in the owner, all-consuming love and respect. This always means that the terrier puppy is easily trained. They have no doubt that the classes are taking place correctly, that they are extremely important, and therefore they can master the entire training program in a short period. And thanks to the serious, calm and balanced nature, the dogs behave with restraint and polite when training. At the same time, it is important to understand that you need to train your pet in a quiet and confidential environment, which should be accompanied by obedient execution of those commands that are put before the pet.

Video: Boston Terrier dog breed