Boston Terrier. Why is the Boston Terrier the ideal dog? Diseases and breed defects

Brought out in the USA, it is consonant with the name of the city where its history began. Boston is the heart of Massachusetts, where during the migration of Europeans to the continent, about two or three centuries ago, a huge number of dog species were brought, the most interesting of which were English breeds.

An interesting feature of this type, which adds to their charm, is their extremely expressive facial expressions, which more than convey all the feelings of four-legged animals.

First amateur club boston terrier breed was created in the city that became her homeland. This event happened more than a hundred years ago. It was at this time that the standards defining purebred representatives of the described variety were approved and approved, which have not undergone any significant changes to date.

But the names of the breed, of which more than one was mentioned in the chronicles of its existence, changed, and not all of them stuck. It is worth clarifying that this type was originally called: round-headed boules.

The first registered representative of the breed was the cable Hector. And although there were some problems with recognition, soon boston terriers on exhibition, where a cute dog named Topsy became the champion, had a worthy debut.

This happened in 1896. And the coming 20th century brought real popularity to the breed. At the beginning of the mentioned century, the spread of this type was greatly facilitated by ladies from society, who preferred to appear in public in the company of such four-legged “gentlemen.”

Description of the Boston Terrier breed (standard requirements)

Representatives of this breed are medium in size and resemble miniature bulldogs, characterized by a wide chest, tucked belly, elegant neck and straight limbs.

As seen photo of boston terriers, are well-built animals of medium build, reaching a height traditionally, according to breed standards, equal to the length of the back, measured from withers to croup.

The average height is about 40 cm. The usual weight of adult specimens ranges from 6 to 12 kg, girls are slightly more compact, males are larger and more courageous. The activity of the dogs is in complete harmony with the powerful and muscular structure of the body.

An important detail of the exterior of this breed is the square format of the body, head and jaws. The forehead of these creatures is steep and wide; the length of the muzzle is less than its depth and width; The cheekbones are pronounced, as are the eye sockets.

A nose with large nostrils must be black; the skin of purebred representatives is without folds; ears are set wide apart, erect, small in size, often cropped; eyes are dark in color, round, large, eyelids tightly fitting; the lips covering the lower jaw are full.

The diet should definitely include the main dish - meat, which should be given half raw or simply scalded with boiling water. Adult dogs benefit from seaweed.

And for puppies - tender cottage cheese for the best formation of bones and well-cooked meat. It’s a good idea to give one quail egg every week. An important element of nutrition are vegetables and herbs, given in grated form or stewed in cream, as well as apples, which are good for teeth. You should not feed tubular bones and chocolate, abuse sugar, salt, fatty foods and spicy seasonings.

Boston Terrier is a breed of dog originally from the USA. Named after the city of Boston (Massachusetts), it was the first breed of companion dog in the United States created for pleasure rather than work. This is an energetic and friendly dog, one of the best clowns in the dog world.

• Non-dominant, friendly, sociable and easy-going, Boston Terriers are recommended for inexperienced owners.

• The brachycephalic structure of the head creates breathing problems. Hot air does not have time to cool and suffers from the heat more than other breeds. They are prone to sunstroke, and their short coat provides little protection in cold weather. Must live indoors even in temperate climates.

• The eyes are large, protruding and may suffer from injury. Be careful while playing.

• They suffer from flatulence, and if you cannot put up with this, then choose another breed.

• This is a quiet, polite and friendly dog. But some males can be aggressive towards rivals, especially in their own territory.

• They love to eat and overeat. You need to monitor your diet and the amount of food you eat.

• They want to please the owner and are quite easy to train and train.

History of the breed

The breed dates back to 1870 when Robert C. Hooper bought a dog named Judge from Edward Burnett. He was a bulldog/terrier mix and would later become known as Judge Hooper. The American Kennel Club considers him the progenitor of all modern Boston Terriers.

Judge weighed about 13.5 kg, and he was crossed with, creating the basis for a new breed. It was first shown at an exhibition in Boston in 1870. By 1889, the breed became quite popular in its hometown, and the owners created a community - the American Bull Terrier Club.

A little later, it was renamed the Boston Terrier Club and in 1893 he was accepted as a member of the American Kennel Club. He became the first dog in the United States bred for pleasure rather than work and one of the few purely American breeds.

At first, color and body shape were not of great importance, but by the beginning of the 20th century a breed standard was created. A terrier in name only, the Boston lost its aggression and began to prefer the company of people.

The Great Depression reduced interest in the breed, and World War II brought interest in new, overseas dog breeds. As a result, they lost popularity. However, a sufficient number of breeders and hobbyists remained and, as a result, from 1900 to 1950, the AKC registered more dogs of this breed than any other.

Since 1920, it has ranked 5th to 25th in popularity in the United States, and in 2010 it was in 20th place. During this time, they appeared all over the world, but nowhere did they achieve the same popularity as in their homeland.

In 1979, Massachusetts authorities named the dog the official symbol of the state, one of 11 breeds so honored. Despite the fact that they can do quite a lot (they are even used in the therapy of patients), most of them are companion dogs.

Their cute appearance, friendly nature and easy maintenance make them affordable and popular family dogs.

Description

The Boston Terrier can be described as the head of a bulldog on the body of a terrier, they are small but not dwarf dogs. For exhibitions they were divided into three classes: up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg), from 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 - 9.07 kg) and from 20 to 25 pounds (9.07 - 11.34 kg). Most representatives of the breed weigh from 5 to 11 kg, but there are also heavyweights.

The breed standard does not describe the ideal height, but most reach 35-45 cm at the withers. These are stocky, but not squat dogs. The ideal terrier is muscular, not fat. Young dogs are quite thin, but over time they gain muscle mass.

A square appearance is an important characteristic of the breed and most dogs are the same in height and length. Their tail is naturally short and less than 5 cm in length.

The skull is brachycephalic, proportional to the body, small and rather large. The muzzle is very short and should not be more than one third of the total length of the skull. But it is very wide, and overall the head resembles a fist.

There is an overbite or underbite, but this should not be noticeable when the dog's mouth is closed. The lips are long, but not long enough to form drooping cheeks.

The muzzle is smooth, but may have slight wrinkles. The eyes are large, round, widely spaced. The ideal eye color is as dark as possible. The ears are long and quite large for a dog of this size. They are triangular in shape and have rounded tips.

Some owners have cropped them to make them more proportional to the head, but this practice is falling out of fashion. General impression of the dog: friendliness, intelligence and liveliness.

The coat is short, smooth, bright. It is almost the same length throughout the body. Colors: black and white, seal and brindle. They are famous for their tuxedo-like coloration, where the chest, neck and muzzle are white.

Character

Although this dog is noticeable and even beautiful in appearance, it is the character that has made the Boston Terrier America's favorite. Despite the name and ancestors, very few representatives of the breed resemble terriers.

Known as one of the most good-natured dogs, they are all cheerful and positive, and love people very much.

These dogs want to be with their family all the time and suffer if they are forgotten about. This can even be annoying, as they are affectionate. Some love one family member, but most are equally attached to everyone.

They are usually friendly towards strangers. They are quite friendly and consider strangers as potential friends. They greet you cordially, and often you even need to teach them not to jump during such greetings. Even those terriers that are not so welcoming are generally polite and aggression towards humans is extremely rare among them.

There are not many breeds that are worse guard dogs than the Boston Terrier. Small, good-natured, they are in no way suitable for the role of watchdogs.

They are great with children, love them and give them all the attention they have. This is one of the most playful dog breeds, most not only tolerate, but also enjoy rough play. Forbid children from poking the dog in the eyes, he will tolerate the rest. On the other hand, he himself is small and cannot accidentally harm the child.

Plus, they are well suited for older people and are recommended for lonely and bored pensioners. Because of its friendly nature and low dominance, the Boston Terrier is recommended for novice dog owners.

They are also friendly with other animals and, with proper socialization, are comfortable around other dogs, especially those of the opposite sex. Some males can be dominant and seek conflict with other males.

But they are tolerant of other animals, they calmly tolerate cats and other small animals. Some people try to play with cats, but they have rough games and are usually not welcomed by cats.

They try to please the owner, plus they are smart. As a result, they are quite easy to train. They remember basic commands quickly and are rarely self-willed. In addition, they are able to learn many tricks and successfully perform in agility and obedience.

Although these are not geniuses and their potential is less than that of a German shepherd, for example. Rough methods are undesirable and unnecessary, since they respond much better to positive reinforcement. Most Boston Terriers will literally do anything for a treat.

There is only one task that is difficult for them to complete. Like other small breeds, they cannot tolerate it for long and sometimes make puddles in hard-to-reach places, under sofas, in corners.

These are impatient and energetic dogs. But a small amount of exercise is enough for them; a long walk is enough for most terriers living in an apartment. This does not mean that they will refuse more, especially since playing is the best thing for them.

When tired and having had enough exercise, Boston Terriers are calm and relaxed, but when bored they become hyperactive and surprisingly destructive.

Although they are adapted for living in an apartment and are companion dogs, there are several aspects that can cause negative emotions in the owner. They make strange sounds, including snorting, squealing, and wheezing. Most owners find them adorable, but some may find them annoying.

In addition, they snore almost all the time when they sleep. Moreover, their snoring is quite loud.

And yes, they also have flatulence.

Moreover, they spoil the air loudly and strongly; the room needs to be ventilated often and a lot. In general, for squeamish people this may be a bit of a problem. And another question of price. Buying a Boston Terrier puppy is not so easy, especially with a pedigree.

Care

Small and simple, they do not need grooming, and only occasional brushing. Small size and short hair will not create problems with care.

Health

They suffer from various diseases and are considered a fairly unhealthy breed. Essentially, health is the biggest problem. The main reason is the brachycephalic skull, the structure of which causes a number of diseases.

However, most of these diseases are not fatal and dogs live long lives. The lifespan of a Boston Terrier is from 12 to 14 years, but they often live up to 16 years.

The head is significantly changed not only in comparison with the wolf, but even with the terrier. Unfortunately, the internal structure did not have time to adapt to these changes and the dog had breathing problems.

That's why they wheeze, snort, and snore. Since dogs have difficulty breathing, they easily become out of breath during exercise and need breaks.

In addition, they have a very hard time in the heat and can die from sunstroke much more easily than most other breeds. They suffer from deafness, cataracts and allergies.

Additionally, most are only born by Caesarean section because the puppies' heads are too large.

The Boston Terrier is an American dog breed with English roots. Originating in the USA in the 19th century, the small, robust dogs quickly gained popularity and love around the world. Loyal companions, cheerful fidgets, loyal friends - these remarkable dogs were doomed to success. Read more about the characteristics of this breed in our article.

Boston Terrier: breed features

The Boston Terrier, whose history goes back just over a hundred years, owes its appearance to the activities of American breeders. The birthplace of the breed is the American city of Boston, Massachusetts. It was here in 1870 that an ordinary Boston resident, Robert Hooper, purchased from the sailor Edward Barnett a handsome brindle-colored dog with white opalines, later named Judge. Judge Hooper, who arrived by ship from the shores of distant Great Britain, had English terriers and bulldogs among his ancestors. It is this dog that is recognized as the founder of the new breed.

The repeated crossings that followed the acquisition of the Judge with females of other breeds ultimately led to the formation of a certain exterior, which was fixed and has remained virtually unchanged since then. Thus, through crossbreeding (interbreeding), a completely new dog was obtained. Initially, the descendants of the Judge were called Boston mixed breeds, round-headed bulldogs, and also American bull terriers. But already in 1878, representatives of the new breed appeared at a dog show in the United States under the laconic sign of the Boston Terrier.

After their first appearance in front of the public, the unusual dogs began to be of great interest to dog lovers, first in their home state, and then throughout North America. The year 1890 was marked by the emergence of a club for lovers of the new breed. The initiator of the creation of the club was Charles Leland. In 1893, Bostonians received official recognition from the AKC (American Kennel Club). In 1901, representatives of the attractive breed came to Europe, where, although they did not become as popular as the French bulldog, they still acquired their own army of admirers.

A new breed of dogs has become a real asset and pride of American Boston. In 1979, the cute babies even became a symbol of Massachusetts. Until now, in their native country they are included in the list of the most popular representatives of four-legged animals.

The Boston Terrier belongs to the group of toy and companion dogs. The external characteristics of the Boston Terrier were formed almost at the moment the babies appeared in America and have hardly changed since then:

The assessment of breed characteristics includes the following standards:

Boston Terrier males are larger and appear more robust than female Boston Terriers.

Important! Sometimes unscrupulous breeders, in order to hide tail defects (too long, curled, high positioned), dock it. But such manipulations lead to automatic rejection of the individual from all competitions. Tail docking of Bostonians is prohibited!

Features of the disposition and character of Boston Terriers

It’s hard to even imagine a more cheerful and sociable dog than the Boston Terrier. Representatives of the breed are very active, cheerful, loving and playful. The main goal and purpose of the “Boston” is to be a faithful companion and devoted friend to all family members. Gets along equally well with small children, older people, men and women. Perfectly adapts to both the habits of a large family and life with one person.

The Boston Terrier has an easy-going and balanced character. It is thanks to this character and the presence of a white “tuxedo” on the chest that the cute dogs received the name “American gentlemen”. They are not subject to mood swings and attacks of aggression. The dogs are ready to run and frolic almost around the clock.

Boston Terrier is a cheerful and sociable dog

They get along well with other pets. Unexpected aggression can only be shown towards four-legged “strangers” on the street. Having met another dog on a walk, the baby may try to measure his strength with it.

Sometimes the Boston Terrier can be a bit stubborn. You can’t ignore even your pet’s small antics. Feeling permissiveness and impunity, a four-legged friend can cause a lot of trouble (although he will love his owner with all his heart). But you shouldn’t scold the dog too much: “Bostonians” are sensitive and can become very sad from lectures addressed to them.

Video - Boston Terrier: all about the dog breed

Education and training

Boston Terriers are very intelligent and easy to train dogs. They are often used in circus shows and filmed in films. One look into the light, bright, inquisitive eyes of a baby is enough to understand: before us is an intellectually developed and quick-witted creature.

Raising puppies should begin at an early age. The sooner they are trained, the more docile and obedient they will be as adults. The character and training of dogs are directly related. If you do not train your Boston Terrier, you can end up with a disobedient, uncontrollable dog that does not recognize the authority of the owner in the house.

Puppies need to be trained in special areas, constantly repeating the learned commands to reinforce them. With due diligence, a puppy can turn out to be a good watchdog.

Important! Training is mandatory for representatives of the breed. Too trusting dogs can easily follow even a stranger.

Care and maintenance

The Boston Terrier is strictly an indoor dog, completely unsuited to life on the street. This is a short-haired (without undercoat) breed, so there are no problems with caring for it. The Bostonian needs to be bathed approximately once every two to three weeks (the need for water treatments can be determined by the contamination of the white areas on the coat).

The dog's face requires special care. It must be wiped daily with a damp cloth or cotton sponge to remove dirt. Growing claws are trimmed with a nail clipper every three weeks. You should not forget about your teeth: tartar may accumulate on them, which must be removed by a veterinarian.

You need to walk twice a day for 30 minutes. During the cold season, you can buy warm clothes for walking and reduce trips outside.

Boston Terrier is strictly a lap dog

The apartment must be equipped with a special sleeping place for the pet. It is desirable that from his “rookery” the “Bostonian” can see all family members.

Constant communication with your pet is necessary. If he is left alone for a long time, the dog can become seriously bored and depressed. This breed is not suitable for people who rarely go home.

Feeding

The Boston Terrier is not picky about food. The diet may consist of industrial specialized food or completely natural ingredients. Puppies up to 10 months need to be fed 6 times a day. After 10 months of age, pets need to be switched to food in the morning and evening (the morning portion should be larger). Constant access to clean drinking water is required.

When preparing a diet from natural products, the following are used:

• river and sea fish with previously removed bones;
• lean meat (chicken and beef are preferred) makes up 40% of the total diet, served raw or boiled;
• dairy products – cottage cheese, kefir, cheese;
• chicken eggs: no more than 4 pieces per week in the form of an omelet, boiled or raw;
• various vegetables and herbs are added to the meat, chopped or boiled;
• fruits are periodically added to the diet, apples are especially good for preventing the development of tartar;
• vitamin supplements for dogs.

Do not include sausages, sausages, sweet desserts, chemically processed foods, or tubular bones in your diet.

What are the “Bostonians” sick with?

If not properly maintained, the Boston Terrier can easily get sick.

This breed is also susceptible to various hereditary ailments:

• sinusitis occurs due to a flattened muzzle;
• congenital dislocation of the knee and elbow;
• deformation of the pylorus of the stomach (pyloric stenosis);
• deafness;
• skin allergies;
• sunstroke often occurs;
• Puppy bitches are usually subjected to caesarean section, as the large heads of the puppies can tear the female's birth canal.

Some owners attribute snorting, wheezing and snoring of their pets to pathology. But this is a breed trait, not a disease.

Puppy price

Differences between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog

Although Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are related breeds, they are not twins.

Table. Differences between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier

Thanks to its easy-going, kind, cheerful character, the Boston Terrier is an ideal dog for almost any family. One has only to surround the pet with love and attention, in gratitude he will respond with boundless devotion and fidelity. The Bostonian is more than just a pet. This is a full member of the family.

Video - Description of the Boston Terrier

A little four-legged friend with a heart filled with love - the Boston Terrier. This short, sturdy dog ​​is suitable for apartment living and is easy to care for.

Height at withers: 38-43 cm
Weight:

• less than 6.8 kg;
• from 6.8 kg to 9 kg;
• from 9 kg to 11 kg.

Color: brindle; black (with white spots); seal (looks indistinguishable from black, but when exposed to bright light it begins to shimmer red). Mandatory white markings: eye marks, lining around the muzzle, chest.

• The coat is smooth and short.
• Square body, graceful tail, short back and deep chest.
• The muzzle is short and square.
• The eyes are large, round, dark in color.
• The ears are cropped (but this may interfere with a show career) or remain natural - erect.
• The paws are small, the nails are short; straight limbs are located parallel, muscles are developed.

Differences between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog

French bulldogs have slight curvature of the limbs, a roundish (barrel-shaped) chest, and almond-shaped eyes.

The Boston Terrier breed standards limit the possible colors; the French have more varied colors.

Bostons do not show aggression, they are less irritable than French bulldogs, but they can stand up for themselves and their owner.

History of the breed

Boston Terriers appeared in the 19th century in Massachusetts (Boston). In 1865, Robert Hupper purchased a male bull and terrier, which after some time covered the neighbor's dog. The puppies turned out surprisingly similar to their father. This offspring became the starting point in breeding a new breed.

In 1878 they already participated in exhibitions. The peak of popularity occurred in the 20s of the twentieth century, when these sturdy ones became fashionable among rich ladies. In 1981, the first breed club was created, and already in 1983 the breed was recognized as independent.

Dog handlers began to actively work to improve the breed - Bostons were crossed with a boxer, with an Old English white terrier, a French terrier, and even with. As a result, the dogs became more elegant and acquired a unique set of psychological characteristics.

The breed standard was first adopted in 1891, and the final one in 1998.

Temperament and character

They can be characterized as follows:

• mentally balanced;
• active;
• playful;
• devotees;
• non-aggressive;
• sociable.

Boston Terrier and man

It is amazing sociable dogs, therefore suitable for single people and large families. He gets along well with pets and children.

When purchasing a Boston, you can be sure that true happiness will live in your home. These are great companions, absolutely. devoid of unmotivated aggression, easy to care for and unpretentious.

The small size, intelligence and character inherent in the breed, easy training - all this together makes keeping a dog problem-free both in a private house and in an apartment.

Choosing a nickname for a dog

Nicknames for bitches: Astra, Becky, Vira, Vicky, Bonita, Daisy, Eva.
Nicknames for males: Argon, Bean, Alvin, Adil, Edward, Darius (Dar), Stinger.

Suitable for keeping even in a small apartment. But, categorically can't stand living on the street, because it is not adapted to frost and bad weather.

This is an active dog, ready to walk for a long time. Minimum walking time for an adult dog 60-90 minutes, while activity in the form of games and training is desirable. You need to walk at least 2 times a day, the puppy is taken outside more often.

For a walk in bad or frosty weather, put on your pet warm clothes. In the cold season, it is advisable to reduce the walking time.

Dogs can be fed:

• natural food - the diet should include meat, offal, vegetables, cereals;
• premium dry food.

An adult dog is fed morning and evening, a puppy 4-6 times. The largest meal is in the evening.

You need to regularly examine your teeth, coat, eyes, and ears. You should not wash it often (only when necessary - for example, after walking through mud), and brush the coat with a stiff-bristled brush. It is necessary to trim the nails if they do not grind down naturally.

Education and training

The dog lends itself well to training - at home and professionally. First, you need to teach the puppy the rules of behavior in the house, and after six months you can attend classes conducted by an instructor and undergo a “basic training course” (BTC) under his guidance. A trained dog will not cause inconvenience to the owner and others.

Training needs to be done in a playful way. To keep your dog from getting bored, you can practice agility, take your pet to swim in ponds, or go to the forest.

Health and life expectancy

Boston Terriers live up to 11-15 years.

Representatives of the breed are endowed with good health, but the following diseases occasionally occur:

• respiratory;
• a brain tumor;
• endocrine (Cushing's syndrome);
• mastocytoma;
• cataract;
• congenital deafness;
• intestinal disorders.

For Bostonians, giving birth by cesarean section is a common practice. The reasons for this difference are the puppies' overly large heads.

Externally similar to a bulldog, the Boston Terrier is a fairly well-known American breed of small dogs, resulting from crossing the old-type bulldogs and bull terriers. With their elegant appearance and good character, Bostons have charmed many dog ​​breeders around the world.

They were “born” in the United States of America on the basis of a mixture of the blood of the British Bulldog and the British White Bull Terrier. The phenotypic characteristics of the first dogs used as stud dogs are partly responsible for the breed's modern appearance.

J. Varnum Mott, from the Club of America archives:

“...Mr. Robert C. Hooper of Boston bought from Mr. William O'Brien (also of Boston) a dog named Judge, undoubtedly brought from England. Judge was destined to be the progenitor of most existing Boston Terriers. He was a mix of a British bulldog and a white British terrier of the "bull" type, had a strong build, long legs and weighed approximately 14 kg.

It was dark brindle in color with a white stripe on its muzzle. His skull was square, his jaw rough, and he resembled a real Boston Terrier in that he had an almost level mouth. The judge was tied to Mr. Burnett's Jeep. Jip was a white female owned by Mr. Edward Burnett.

She weighed about 9 kg, had a short tail about three-quarters of the length and was quite short. Jip had a stocky build, which emphasized her strong nature. She had a good head, a short and angular muzzle.

• Eph was born from the Judge and this bitch. This dog grew up to weigh about 12 kg, has a strong build, and, like his mother, is stocky. He was dark brindle in color with the same white markings as the Judge, and had an almost smooth mouth.
• Eph was bred to Mr. Tobin's bitch, Kate, who was small in size, weighing only 9 kg. She had a very short muzzle, golden brindle color and a short tail three-quarters long."

The very beginning of the breed can be traced from these individuals. Bostons were originally bred and shown by hobbyists under the fancy name "Round Heads."

For a long time, amateur dog breeders faced numerous obstacles in their breeding, but still did not give up after many years of hard breeding work.

In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America was organized by fans, and, now being purebred animals, the “round heads” received a new and final name - the Boston Terrier.

In 1893, a significant event occurred for American dog breeders. After two years of attempts by the Boston club to “legitimize” their brainchild, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and gave permission to register the offspring in a single stud book, and made the Boston club itself a member.

Until this time, the Boston Terrier was just in its infancy; dog handlers had a lot of hard work ahead to improve, standardize and popularize the breed.

Since 1900, the population has made significant progress in breeding, including some inbreeding, which has produced a large number of beautiful dogs with round heads, short muzzles, snow-white markings, dark round eyes and a medium build. They looked more like a terrier than a bulldog. This is how the breed acquired its final appearance.

Appearance and standards

The appearance of the Boston Terrier is slightly similar to that of the Boston Terrier, but they are two completely different breeds.

• Boston is a lively, smart, compact, beautiful, smooth-haired dog with a short tail; the color can be brindle, black-brown (“seal”), solid black with uniform white markings. The size of the head corresponds to the overall size of the dog, the expression of the muzzle indicates a high degree of intelligence.

The body is relatively short and lean, the limbs are muscular, and the tail is short from birth. The dog looks inquisitive and strong, its movements are light and graceful.

The ratio of the main color with white spots is an important feature of a typical individual; the minimum should be: a white stripe on the muzzle and between the eyes, a white front part of the chest. Large spots on the paws and a voluminous white collar are also desirable.

There are 2 official breed standards - American (AKC) and European (FCI), which correspond to each other.

Character

Boston Terriers are a typical companion dog with a cheerful, friendly character and terrier charm, very lively, active and moderately emotional.

Some individuals are very closely attached to their family and tend to become anxious or even panic when left alone at home. An anxious dog can be very destructive, barking, howling, and chewing furniture.

• This breed is best suited to a home where someone in the family is home during the day, or where you have the opportunity to take the dog with you to work.

Because of their origins, Bostons are often pugnacious, especially males, and can sometimes be intolerant of small pets (rodents, etc.).

Education and training

The Boston Terrier dog breed is suitable for a beginner as a first pet. Nuances in upbringing are associated with character traits.

It is necessary to carry out early socialization among other relatives and promptly stop attempts at fighting. Particular attention should be paid to the issue of calm behavior in the apartment in your absence.

• These dogs are highly trainable and can often be seen performing in agility competitions.

Care and hygiene

The Boston Terrier dog breed requires moderate exercise and minimal grooming. For adults, 3 short walks a day will be enough. They do well in the relatively small spaces of apartments and are usually quiet and well-mannered.

Bostons require a lot of attention, they really need to communicate both with people and with their own kind.

It is important to protect your pet from extreme heat or cold, and not to overexert yourself physically or mentally.

• Due to the anatomy of the head, the eyes of Bostons are a vulnerable place - they often “leak”, and dogs also sometimes injure them, this should be taken into account carefully.

Short jaws contribute to the formation of bacterial plaque or tartar on the teeth; the owner should brush the dog’s teeth once a week with a stiff brush and special toothpastes as a preventive measure.

What to feed

The handsome Boston Terrier breed is prone to allergies and digestive disorders, so it is important to approach the choice of food responsibly, consulting with the breeder who sold you the puppy or a veterinarian.

Diseases and breed defects

Provided good balanced feeding, regular exercise and timely veterinary care, your Boston will have good health until old age.

The Boston Terrier breed is prone to genetically determined diseases: luxated kneecaps, juvenile cataracts and retinal problems, various types of allergies and dermatological problems.

This does not mean that every dog ​​of this breed will definitely get sick, it just means that they are at increased risk.

If you're buying a puppy, it's a good idea to find out what genetic diseases have been ruled out by veterinary testing in the parents, and whether they have any allergies or skin problems.

Lifespan

Typically, the life expectancy of a Boston Terrier dog is from 11 to 13 years and depends on heredity, living conditions, feeding and veterinary support.

Puppy price

The price must correspond to the quality. Raising a litter of high-quality, healthy Boston Terrier puppies requires time and a lot of effort on the part of the breeder. Refrain from buying cheaply, as this may not be a very good deal; often such dogs turn out to be either mixed breeds or have some kind of disease.

• The initial investment you make into a purchase is nothing compared to the investment, both financially and emotionally, you will make over the next 10-15 years.

In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should ask the breeder for the pedigree of the puppies. But remember that a pedigree full of titled ancestors is not always a guarantee of the quality of the dog and vice versa. Ask for contact information of several people who bought puppies from this kennel, talk to these owners.

A conscientious breeder will show you how their dogs live and will patiently answer any questions you may have. If he is unable to do these things, he needs to look elsewhere.

The average cost of a Boston puppy in Russia is 35-55 thousand rubles.