The Boston Terrier was born and bred in the United States, which is how it got the nickname “American Gentleman.” The breed’s hometown is Boston, MA.
The Boston Terrier came about by cross-breeding a Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier. The outcome gave us the best of both worlds, blending the Terrier’s enthusiasm and health and the Bulldog’s gentle sweetness and good sense. The breed’s temperament ranges from displaying mellow or stubborn Bulldog traits to feisty, assertive Terrier attributes, with most Bostons falling somewhere in between.
Facts to Know About Boston Terriers
Are lively and active; generally NOT couch potatoes or over-the-top hyper
Are house pets and must be inside with air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months
Are energetic but NOT jogging partners, as they overheat easily, especially in hot, humid conditions
Are amusing and can play on a moments notice, but can also settle down into your lap when playtime is over
Love to cuddle and give wet kisses
Are enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious
Have a great sense of humor and can sometimes be mischievous
Are a great family pet. patient, tolerant, and reliable with children
Are eager to explore new things in their environment
Love to be the center of attention
Have a high degree of intelligence but can be headstrong
Often aim to please their owners
Do well with other pets, though they can play rough
Love for their owners to take part in their activities (playtime and one-on-one time is important)
Prefer sleeping in bed with their owners, usually under the covers
Are low-maintenance dogs with little grooming required
Have short hair and shed lightly
Are short muzzled known to snore, sneeze, wheeze, and snort
Do not bark much unless making you aware of the presence of another dog or person
Would prefer not to be away from the family for long periods of time
Are alert and quick to react to sounds
Are big dogs in little dogs’ bodies (average size is from 17 lbs. to 25 lbs., but they think they are Great Danes!)
Take pride in defending their master
Watch Animal Planet Video about Bostons
Common Boston Terrier Health Problems
Every breed has common health problems. Boston Terriers can have the following:
Allergies (environmental or food-related): Ask your doctor about Benadryl and limited ingredient food, such as Natural Balance.
Luxating patella: Bad knee caps, which may require surgery due to discomfort and pain. This is common in small-breed dogs. This could be the issue if your Boston is only using three legs.
Tumors: This includes both fatty/benign and mast cell/cancer tumors. Plus brain tumors
Thyroid disease: Low thyroid is common. A dog may test in the low-normal range. Medication is recommended if 1.6 and lower. Tests should include the T4.
Heart disease: This could include a heart murmur, which requires medication, or congestive heart failure.
Kidney disease
Seizures: If you dog has more than one seizure in a 30-day period, consult your veterinarian immediately. Medication will be required, usually Potassium Bromide.
Juvenile cataracts
Eye injuries (ulcers/scratch of the cornea): due to the setting of the eye
Cherry eye: a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid that is genetic in origin. This is corrected with surgery – inserting the gland back to the original position. DO NOT REMOVE THE GLAND as it will result in dry eye.
Breathing difficulties: elongated soft palate – the soft palate develops further back and can extend into the larynx; effectively it is too long for the length of the mouth. This can partially block the entrance to the trachea, or windpipe, and increases airway resistance which can lead to breathing difficulties. Surgery is needed to correct the main problems of narrowed nostrils and elongated soft palate; the nostrils may be widen by removal of a wedge of skin from each nostril and the soft palate may be shortened.
Megaesophagus: This is a defect in the structure of the esophagus that causes a dog to regurgitate its undigested food. There are techniques to feeding your dog to decrease vomiting.
Reverse Sneezing: gulping air and wheezing.
Overheating: Bostons are indoor dogs and should NOT be left outside or in your vehicle for any length of time.
Anal gland infection
Gas: Bostons have sensitive stomachs, so feeding them the right food is important, Many foods will cause gas. Recommended dog food to eliminate gas problems in Bostons is Purina One Sensitive Systems, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach, or Natural Balance.
FAQs
Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Boston Terriers in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by the weakening or slow deformity of heart valves such that they no longer close tightly; blood then leaks back around these weakened valves, straining the heart.
What is the average life expectancy of a Boston Terrier? ›
What two dogs make a Boston Terrier? ›
Boston Terrier, breed of dog developed in the latter half of the 19th century in Boston. Bred from the English Bulldog and a white English terrier, the Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds to have originated in the United States.
What do Boston Terriers love the most? ›
Boston Terriers love human affection and get on well with children, making them an ideal addition to any growing family. They have a high prey drive, but as long as they're introduced early, they can get alog well with cats and even rabbits.
Why do Boston Terriers bury their face? ›
Head burying is a dog's way of getting up close and personal. It's a mix of affection, comfort-seeking, and sometimes a bit of clever strategy to get your undivided attention. Most dogs that indulge in this behavior do it because they feel safe and loved around their humans.
What are the final moments of dogs death? ›
The final transition to death comes when a dog's organs shut down, they stop breathing, and their heart stops beating. Once breathing and heartbeat have stopped for 30 minutes after a natural death, pet parents can be assured that their dog has passed away.
What age is a Boston Terrier a senior? ›
Dogs become “adults” when they are between 1 and 3 years of age (it takes longer for larger breeds). Dogs become “seniors” when they are between 6 and 10 years of age (it takes longer for smaller breeds).
Is wet or dry food better for Boston Terriers? ›
Boston Terriers are at heightened risk of developing Brachycephalic Syndrome and in certain cases, dry dog food can become a choking hazard for dogs with restricted airways. In these instances, a transition to wet dog food might be a sensible move.
How old is a 10 year old Boston Terrier in human years? ›
Medium size dogs: Up to 50 lbs.
A Fun-Loving, Lively Breed
Initially, this means that Bostons are happy to give swimming a go, but in some cases, it can prove a hindrance. If your dog leaps into a pool and then struggles to swim and has a negative experience, it may deter the dog from wanting to have another go.
Most Boston Terriers live for games of fetch and will chase a frisbee or ball for hours. Games should cease prior to signs of breathing difficulties or distress, even if the dog seems to want to keep going.
What are Boston Terriers scared of? ›
Typical causes of anxiety in Boston terrier's might be: Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Boston terrier pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you're away. Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner.
Do Boston Terriers prefer one person? ›
Individually, some Boston Terriers can be extremely sensitive to their owner's moods. This archetype can make them a one-person dog, but that's why—like most dogs—early socialization is important.
Why does my Boston Terrier stare at me? ›
Dogs Stare to Communicate. Many times, dogs use eye contact to tell you something or to ask you for something. To understand. Dogs watch you to understand what you're doing.
How do I know if my Boston Terrier is dying? ›
The last few days before your dog passes you may notice: extreme weight loss, a distant look in their eyes, a lack of interest in anything, restlessness or unusual stillness, a change in the way that your dog smells, and a changed temperament.
What is Cushing's disease in a Boston Terrier? ›
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in which the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (cortisone) in the body. Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can be life-threatening.
What illness do Boston Terriers have? ›
The potential health problems that Boston Terriers are prone to include: Luxating patellas - the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Brachycephalic syndrome – upper airway abnormalities which are commonly seen in flat-faced dogs. Can include narrowed nostrils and elongated soft palate.
What is the No 1 cause of death in dogs? ›
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, and unfortunately, the symptoms are frequently not recognized until it is too late. The best way to detect that something is wrong with your pet is to observe changes in behavior, such as eating, drinking, sleeping, or activity – all of which the Actijoy solution does.
