Boston Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Boston Terrier?

There are many stories about how a Boston Terrier came into being. Some say that Bostons were first developed in the late 1800s by crossing white English terriers and bulldogs, and some say that there was a dog named Judge who was imported from England, and they used him for breeding purposes.

In 1889 various owners of the dog formed the American Bull Terrier Club. They were then known as American bull terriers and got their official name in 1891, the Boston Terrier. By 1893 they were accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Then the Boston Terrier Club was formed.

They were first bred to be pit fighters but have since become loving companions. In the 1900s, the distinctive colours and markings of the dog became the standard, and that's how the dog we know today developed.

Who are Boston Terrier dogs best for?

A Boston Terrier is an excellent choice for families. They love children and are incredibly affectionate. As much as they love running around, they are also a good pick for those living in apartments due to their size. However, they will still need to get some exercise.

They get along great with other dogs, while some may prefer to be alone with a one-person owner. A Boston Terrier also takes a strong liking to the elderly and is an excellent choice for first-time owners.

They are very people-oriented dogs, so they are happy being a loyal companion to children and the elderly alike. They are great for seniors as they are not super energetic. They love being with their humans, so make sure that you can give them a lot of time and attention!

How much grooming does a Boston Terrier need?

The Boston terrier has a fine coat, and it does not shed too much. However, you should use a soft-bristle brush and brush them weekly. A grooming mitt or tool will do the job, too. This removes excess hair and promotes new growth.

They should also be bathed regularly, at least every 4-8 weeks. Get their nails trimmed every two weeks or at least once per month. Use an ear cleaner to clean their ears each month, and wipe their nose wrinkles, eyes, and face every day.

Keeping them well-groomed will ensure that they are healthy and avoid any infections. It also helps you build a beautiful bond with your dog and instils trust.

Do Boston Terrier bark much?

Boston Terriers are not very big barkers, but of course, every dog is unique, and some Bostons will bark more than others. Due to their territorial nature, they will bark to protect themselves and their family.

They also bark when playing but generally express their excitement through their body language over a loud bark.

Some of these dogs may bark excessively. The best thing to do then is to remove the stimulus that makes them yap, ignore them, or teach them a quiet command.

Do Boston Terrier bite?

Many Boston Terriers love to nip and chew when they are puppies. It is vital that you teach them certain behaviours when they are small to avoid problems when they grow older.

The puppy will become very mouthy between 3 and 6 months, so this is the time where you teach them that biting is a no-no. Train them and be consistent; they learn quickly through repetition.

Another great way to teach your Boston Terrier not to bite is through socialisation, playtime, exercise, and training.

What is the temperament & personality of a Boston Terrier?

The Boston Terrier is known to be a playful and good-natured dog. They get along with all people and all animals and are very tolerant. They are also intelligent and learn very quickly, and they also love to entertain and are lively.

Many of these dogs are clownish and quite high-spirited, while others are more dignified and calm. They are also sensitive little dogs and highly affectionate.

They were initially fighting dogs, so this aggressive spark can come to the surface from time to time, but they are more companion dogs and are lovers, not fighters. Bostons are also highly social and outgoing, making them popular amongst all living beings!

What is the weight & size of a Boston Terrier?

The Boston Terrier is well-proportioned and compact. Females are generally around 40cm tall, and males are about 43cm tall.

The adult dog falls into three categories when it comes to weight: the first is under 7 kilograms. Second, 7-9 kilograms. And the last category is 9-11 kilograms.

They have small square heads, short tails, and small ears.

How much training does a Boston Terrier need?

Your Boston Terrier should go to puppy training class and get socialised to get along with other dogs early on like all other pets. This way, they can get exposed to various people, situations, and places.

The Boston Terrier dog breed is relatively easy to train. It is one of the reasons they are an excellent choice for first-time pet owners. Use treats as an incentive, and give kind corrections and praise when necessary. They are relatively sensitive, so keep this in mind when training!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Boston Terrier?

Boston Terriers are prone to more health issues than most small dogs. They can suffer from problems such as cherry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, deafness, patellar luxation, and heart murmurs.

It is vital that you protect their eyes, and they should regularly be checked for any irritation or redness. It's a good idea to carry around some saline eye drops.

They can also have difficulty breathing due to their flat little faces, so keep them out of excessive humidity or heat.

What is the lifespan of a Boston Terrier?

According to the American Kennel Club, Boston terriers live 11-13 years on average. Some of them have lived for as long as 15 years. All in all, their lifespan will heavily depend on their diet, genetics, and lifestyle.

Smaller dogs also generally tend to have a longer lifespan than larger dogs do.

How much should you feed a Boston Terrier?

Their diet should be appropriate to their age, and they should eat high-quality dog food. Don't feed them too much or give them too many treats; this will lead to obesity. The smaller your dog, though, the lighter the serving.

The amount you feed your Boston Terrier should depend on their body weight, size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. Their diet should also be rich in essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, water, minerals, and vitamins.

The American Kennel Club recommends avoiding soy, grains, corn, potatoes, and rice. These may give them allergies.

What is the price of a Boston Terrier in Australia?

A Boston terrier puppy can cost you anywhere between $800 and $3000. The price is usually higher if the puppy is delivered via cesarean.

Breeders are more expensive, while adopting or rescuing one will cost you far less. You can also find mini Boston Terriers, these cost around $500 and above. If they have a superior breed line, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $4,500.