Meet America's Gentleman...
The Boston Terrier
Nicknamed American's Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is the most affectionate dog you could ever meet. Its
black and white markings resemble a tuxedo, thus the nickname.
It is said that a Boston knows no strangers, just friends they haven't met yet. Boston Terriers are smart,
gentle, sensitive, obedient, and snuggly. They prefer people to other dogs and are happiest when they can be near
you.
History
Boston Terriers are a mix of terrier and Bulldog. The first Boston was bred
1870, a cross between a Bulldog and a white English Terrier, which is now extinct. All Bostons can be traced back
to a male Bulldog named Hooper's Judge, and a female English Terrier named Burnett's Gyp. Their first pup was named
Wells' Eph. He had the strong build of his parents along with black and white markings. This new breed would be named
after the city in which it first appeared, and this was the beginning of the Boston Terrier breed.
Some 20 years later, in 1889, the owners of this increasingly popular breed formed a club so their dogs would be recognized
by area kennel clubs. In 1893 the American Kennel Club
finally recognized the Boston Terrier breed.
Physical Characteristics
Boston Terriers have distinct markings as well as physical attributes. Today's purebred Bostons have a square
head shape with a pushed-in nose. They are short with stub tails and have pointed, perky ears. Their bright brown
eyes and what seems to be a smile win the hearts of their families. Bostons may be black or brindle along with the
standard white markings. Typical female Bostons weigh around 12-14 pounds and males from 15-18 pounds.
Care
Who could resist this adorable little face? But is a Boston Terrier the right dog for you? Bostons need to be
with their people and will seek your attention 100 percent of the time. Getting another Boston to keep the first one
company doesn't mean they will no longer demand your attention. They simply want and need your company. Boston puppies
are chewers. Anything within reach is a chew toy. You'll want to keep a good supply of real chew toys for your little
Boston. Most Boston Terriers pick up housetraining in a snap, but it does require patience
and consistency. Bostons like to be clean, so a weekly bath is a must. You should also keep their nails trimmed.
Health Information
The Boston Terrier's adorable pushed-in nose can cause breathing problems for your little friend. The short muzzle reduces
the dog's ability to take in air. Since panting is how dogs cool themselves, you can help your Boston by restricting
exercise on hot days (over 80 degrees). If your dog does get overheated, you can place cool wet towels around
her. Make sure there is plenty of fresh cool drinking water.
Snoring is very common with Bostons. If your dog sleeps with you, try to keep her head level. Sleeping with the head
elevated increases the snoring.
A soft nylon collar is best, but even better is the use of a harness. This reduces the stress on the trachea and does not
restrict breathing during a walk.
Reverse sneezing is another condition typical in Bostons. Instead of blowing air out, air is actually sucked in causing a reverse sneeze.
It's like a type of snorting. The condition usually ends after a minute or so. Unless your dog has more serious problems
with the larnyx, reverse sneezing poses no real threat.
Rescue Organizations
It is unthinkable, but there are people who actually abandon or harm these loving companions. Rescue organizations
are always in need of donations and volunteers. Thanks to these organizations and the caring people affiliated with them,
many abused Bostons find good adoptive homes with loving families.
Contact Fellow Boston Lover
Last updated: March 24, 2007 by Donna Lehmann
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~dlehmann/index.html
Comments: dlehmann@indiana.edu
Information for this site obtained from Hanks, L. (Ed.). (2003). Boston Terriers (26).