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Everything You Need to Know about The Boston Terrier

boston terrier

In hearing the term “American Gentleman” you might assume one is speaking of someone along the lines of Cary Grant. Wouldn’t it just shock you to learn that they’re actually referring to a Boston terrier? Of course, coming from Boston does give this little dog a bit of an edge in terms of being a gentleman, since the city is one from which many gentlemen hail. This little dog derives its name from the fact that it’s strangely debonair, handsome and has a lovely demeanor. If you didn’t know much about the breed before, don’t let the term terrier fool you.

It seems far too many people are unfamiliar with the attributes of the Boston terrier. Many mistake the term “terrier” for something it’s not. Ask the general public to describe a terrier and often the answer lies along the lines of hyper, loud, energetic, bouncy and some even go so far as to term terriers annoying. Those familiar with the Boston terrier know this not to be the case. Where the misconception that dogs in the terrier family are hyper and annoying comes from might have a little something to do with their small size and the assumption that all small dogs are “ankle biters” but we can’t say for certain.

Why the Boston Terrier Makes a Great Pet

Choosing a Boston terrier as a pet is often a decision people live happily with for many years. These dogs are very calm, relaxed and require minimal exercise to keep them healthy and active. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are very gentle in disposition and they make wonderful companions based on their desire to remain close to their loved ones. Additionally, this is a dog that doesn’t shed as often as others, which means the Boston terrier needs less grooming than other breeds. In fact, while most dogs require brushing several times each week, this breed does not. Not that it’s not a good idea to brush this animal every week or so for grooming purposes, however.

It’s a Popular Breed

The Boston terrier was more popular a decade ago than it is now, thanks to the growing popularity of designer hybrid dogs, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t looking to keep this dog in their home. In fact, the AKC ranks this breed number 23 on its list of 177 recognized dog breeds in terms of popularity. That’s a number that makes a big statement about this little dog.

Where the Name Comes From

One of the most interesting facts about this breed is its name. It’s very specific, Boston, and that’s because it was a dog that sort of took over the city many years ago, earning the name in the process. This breed is not an original breed that’s come from generations of dogs. It’s a breed that’s actually fairly new in terms of dogs. It was bred in the late 1800s in Boston, a mix between a white English Terrier and an English bulldog. Its primary purpose was to become a fighting dog, and so many of them became common in Boston that the name was born, making it an American dog.

Size

Here is another misconception many have about this breed. Because it’s a terrier, many people realize it will be small. However, because it’s partially a bulldog, some people assume it could be a large dog. This is, simply, not the case. The English bulldog is not a large dog, and the terrier is not a large dog. The Boston terrier, as a result, is also not a large dog. It is classified according to the AKC in three size ranges. There are those that are below 15 pounds, those 15 to 20 pounds and those up to 25 pounds. Any Boston terrier that exceeds 25 pounds is not recognized or classified by the AKC due to weight limits and standards. And it’s also not considered healthy.

How to Find a Boston Terrier

This is a breed that can be found in many places, thought it’s almost always in your best interest to find one that’s been bred correctly. The AKC can provide dog lovers with a long list of breeders all over the country, but that doesn’t mean those breeders are necessarily up to the standards of the best breeders in the nation. Anyone can register their breeding practice with the AKC, and it takes careful questioning and observation to ensure that a puppy you are interested in purchasing is healthy and being bred correctly.

The first thing you need to do is visit the breeder. Check to see that the location is clean and that the animals look healthy and happy. A skittish dog is a sign of poor breeding and ownership, possibly the result of being neglected or abused, or perhaps even both. You’ll want to see any puppies you’re interested in adopting, and you’ll want to ask to see their medical records. Breeders with nothing to hide will happily provide veterinary information to those who are interested in purchasing a puppy. Those who are not doing what’s required to breed puppies correctly might not be so forthcoming in presenting veterinary paperwork. It is in your best interest never to purchase a dog from a breeder who will not share vet information and medical information about puppies or parent dogs with their potential customers.

Once you find a breeder you feel looks good, ask for references. Again, this is will not come as a strange request for breeders that have nothing to hide. They expect this, and even want this because it assures them that you are looking for a healthy dog and that you are more likely to be a caring, vigilant and good dog owner.

Once you find a dog and the breeder and health information of the dog checks out, you’ll want to do a bit of research and find out what it is your dog needs at home before he gets there. You’ll want his basic necessities already at home before you bring the dog home.

Photo by Getty 

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