Is a Boston Terrier right for You?
Despite their small size, Boston Terriers have a big personality and are full of energy. They love to play and are always up for a game of fetch or a walk in the park. Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained, but they can also be a bit stubborn at times.
The Boston terrier was originally
bred in the mid-1800s in Boston, Massachusetts by crossing an English bulldog with a white English terrier. They were originally called Round Head Bull Terriers. Today, the Boston terrier is often referred to as “the American gentleman.”
The Boston Terrier of the 1870’s
was much bigger and more aggressive than the dogs of today, weighing up to 45 pounds. They were used as ratters and some say pit fighters but there is little evidence of widespread dog fighting involving the breed. They were sometimes known as Old Boston Bulldogs.
Boston Terriers were first recognized
by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893. They were extremely popular, in fact, the AKC registered more Boston terriers from 1900-1950 than any other dog breed!
What about “RED” Boston Terriers?
Some people say they are “liver” and some say “seal” but a true red Boston terrier will have a reddish brown nose as well. They are pure bred dogs and are NOT rare. The color red is NOT a breed accepted coat color.
Merle is sometimes passed off as a Boston terrier color. It is not. Boston terriers do not carry the merle gene.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Boston Terrier can reach up to 17 inches in height and up to 25 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred only if all other qualities are equal. (Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light.)”
What’s in a Name?
Despite their names, Boston Terriers are NOT considered a terrier breed by the AKC. They are in the non-sporting group.
Growing Up Boston Terrier
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In this Same Research
the Boston terrier ranks very low 100 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards their owners. They do, however, rank much higher in aggression towards other dogs, both familiar and unfamiliar. Essentially, this means when another dog is approaching their territory, toy, food etc. they may react by growling, bearing of teeth and in severe cases lunging or biting.
Boston Terrier Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Boston Terrier ranks 54th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey first commands more than 50% of the time. This puts them in the “average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less and the least intelligent, 80-100 repetitions!
Being a brachycephalic
breed, (flat faces and short muzzle) Boston terriers tend to “swallow” a lot of air. And, as you know what goes in, must come out. A gassy Boston can clear a room in no time! They also may snort, snore and make some unique sounds.
Check Your Boston Terrier Facts and Take a Fun Boston Terrier Quiz!
Quick Facts About Boston Terriers Infographic
Boston Terrier Facts-Final Thoughts
Boston Terriers are a popular breed of dog known for their distinctive features and friendly nature. With their short coat, erect ears, and prominent eyes, they have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. These dogs are not only good family dogs but also excel in dog sports and agility training. They love playing games of fetch and are always up for some outdoor fun, although they may need extra protection in cold weather due to their short coat and extreme heat because they are brachycephalic dogs (short muzzle). The Boston Terrier breed does not need extensive grooming and, as with any breed, they require obedience training at an early age to grow into well-adjusted friendly dogs as adults.
