The Boston Terrier- an American Gentleman
 Around
the year 1865 in the City of Boston, Massachusetts
"Great Experiment" was taking place. Some Bostonians who
were true dog lovers crossed the English Bulldog and the
White English Terrier, and later on, to tone down the
Bulldog traits, the French Bulldog. Photos of these
first crosses depict dogs that only slightly resembled
the present day Boston Terrier.
Years of refinement by the founding fathers eliminated
the all white bodies and white splashes, creating a
smaller dog with a terrier type body and a bully head.
Early Bostons were often called "round heads" and later
"bull terriers".
Today three sizes are recognized: Up to 15 pounds; 15
pounds and under 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds.
The American Kennel Club admitted the Boston Terrier to
its registry in 1893 and in less than 50 years from its
creation the Boston had risen to the Number One dog in
the country. Quite an accomplishment!
This smart little dog, a true "American Gentleman", is
still winning the hearts of everyone lucky enough to own
a Boston Terrier. |
Personality
Traits of Boston
The
Boston Terrier is an ideal family pet and is a wonderful
companion for the children. You may soon realize that two
are even more fun than one. Always comedians, a pair of
Bostons will entertain you for hours.
A Boston is a loving, playful, very inquisitive and as we
said, "Always good for a laugh!" Highly intelligent and
loyal, the Boston will give his family ample warning when
strangers are at the door, but he is not a constant
yapper.Bostons need one essential element in order to
survive, TLC. This spunky American Gentleman thrives on love
and attention. Unless you have a heart full of love and time
to give him all he needs, then this is not the breed for
you.
Be prepared for a Boston curled up on the couch with you,
and one who even expects to be taken into your bed at night!
After all, they are people too, aren't they?
Bostons require daily exercise but because they are such
busy little characters, even an apartment dog will use up
lots of energy running from room to room.
This short coated breed is naturally clean with little or no
shedding. An occasional bath and frequent nail clipping will
keep him spruced up and ready for company.
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Choosing a Boston for your family
Once your family has decided upon a Boston terrier
for a family pet, consider the following:
Should it be a male or a female?
This is strictly a matter of choice. They are both
loving and clean, providing you do your job of
training him young, with patience and love.
How will a Boston be with children?
Perhaps you should ask, "How will my children treat
the Boston pup?" Constant supervision during the
early socialization period will help to educate
children in the family. Bostons are natural
companions and all puppies love children. But
neither the kids nor the puppy should be allowed to
"rough house". Children who are kind and loving with
their new puppy will learn a valuable life lesson.
Puppy or an older Boston?
Most families, especially children, prefer a
puppy. But remember that housebreaking can be a long
process, as is the chewing and teething period. Are
you prepared to stick it out Older Bostons are hard
to come by but can be the ideal companion for any
family. There are lots to be said for a housebroken,
well behaved adult.
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