Boston terrier is a charming dog that can prove to be a great companion for humans. They are quite social and prefer living with humans. Their characteristics may vary, but they are friendly in general. Unlike many other breeds, they enjoy playing with elderly people and mostly tend to stay indoors, along with their owner. They are also great watchdogs. Here’s everything you need to know about Boston terriers.

Early History:

Also referred to as Boston Bull Terrier, Boxwood and Boston Bull; Boston terrier was initially bred in the city of Boston in United States. The breed originated around 1870 when a Boston resident, Robert C. Hooper imported a dog of terrier and bull family lineage from England. He named it as Judge, which is now fondly known as Hooper’s Judge.

Boston terrier was originally interbred with French Bulldogs as a fighting dog. Therefore, it weighed around 20 kg. However, it was later adopted as a non-sporting breed. Its gentle nature earned it the title ‘The American Gentleman’. The standard weight of the breed is around 5-11 kg, depending upon its feed and health conditions.

In 1889, a club was formed in Boston with the name Bull Terrier Club, later renamed as Boston Terrier Club. At that time, the nickname of the breed was ‘Round headed bull and terrier’, owing to its appearance. The American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1893, which makes it the first local breed to get recognition from the registry of purebred dogs.

Appearance:

Boston Terriers are small-sized dogs with erect ears and a short tail. They have a fine smooth coat which may vary in color. It is usually a combination of black, brown, seal or brindle with white patches. Clean it regularly to keep them safe from potential health issues. Male terriers gain a maximum height of 17 inches, whereas female Boston terriers can get up to 16 inches tall. They are energetic and easily become friends with humans.

The average life expectancy of Boston terrier is 13 to 15 years. However, they can live even longer if you look after them with care. You can get a Boston terrier puppy for $200 to $1,200. The price varies according their health, appearance, age and the area you’ve purchased it from.

Why You Should Get a Boston Terrier?

Let’s have a look at some of the major reasons that make the breed one of the top choices for people in the US.

· They Are Low Maintenance:

Boston Terriers are low maintenance dogs that can prove to be excellent companions. Their coat is short and does not require frequent grooming. It is easy to keep clean since the coat doesn’t shed on a regular basis. It is recommended to use a fine brush with a soft cloth for cleaning purpose.

However, they require regular exercise. Make sure you take them out on a walk every day to keep them healthy. They need approximately 20 to 40 minutes of exercise per day. Since they have to take them out on a regular basis, the health of the owners can also significantly improve. It keeps them safe from various cardiovascular diseases and keeps their blood pressure under control.

· They Are Cheerful Companions:

They are playful dogs with an attractive appearance. They have a sleek coat and big round eyes. So unless you can’t take proper care of them, they are a great choice. They like playing outdoors and chasing ball with their owners.

· You Can Easily Train Them:

They are easier to train than a majority of other breeds. Moreover, they have a gentle nature and possess the urge to please their owners. Therefore, they willingly indulge in activities that allow you to train them conveniently. After getting a terrier for your home, make sure you train them at your earliest. They become difficult to handle in case of insufficient training.

· They Don’t Bark Often:

They are great companions that don’t disturb you by frequently barking. They usually stay silent and bark only when they feel something is wrong. Therefore, you can keep them as watchdogs to keep your property safe. They are energetic and can run at a fast speed.

Cons of Having a Boston Terrier:

Along with many benefits, you may have to deal with a few issues too if you intend to get a Boston terrier. However, you can overcome these problems with proper care.

· They Can’t Bear Extreme Temperatures:

If you intend to get a Boston terrier, make sure you keep them indoors at an optimal temperature. They can’t bear extremely cold temperature or hot weather. Their head structure and thin haired coat makes it tough for them to regulate their body temperature. They may also suffer from different diseases with the passage of time.

· Loud Snoring:

Despite their silent nature, they snore and fart rather loudly. Therefore, be prepared to deal with it. Don’t keep them outdoors in an attempt to get rid of their loud snoring, since it will only affect their health.

· They Can Be Difficult to Handle:

They run around at fast speed and jump over items. You need to properly train them in order to keep them under control. However, they often get out of hands due to their energetic nature. They are friendly dogs, but don’t take them as lapdogs that sit still at a place for hours. Therefore, train them well to ensure they don’t harm children or knock down valuable items.

· Health Concerns:

Boston terriers are a great choice when it comes to getting a puppy for your home. However, they are also prone to suffering from a number of diseases.

• They usually suffer from brachycephalic syndrome due to their small-sized head structure. It is a breathing problem that arises when excess soft tissues form in the breathing airways.
• They often suffer from sensorineural deafness. The problem can be controlled if the infection is diagnosed in its infancy.
• They may also suffer from multiple eye issues such as cataracts, glaucomadistichiasis, entropion and cherry eye.