Boston Terrier
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Boston Terrier Books
Group: Utility - Breed Standard
History
The Boston Terrier breed originated around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog known as Hooper's Judge, a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier.
Judge weighed over 30 pounds (13.5 kg.). He was bred down in size with a smaller female and one of those male pups was bred to yet a smaller female. Their offspring interbred with one or more French Bulldogs, providing the foundation for the Boston Terrier. Bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types, the Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds (20 kg.) (Olde Boston Bulldogge). Their weight classifications were once divided into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight.
The breed was first shown in Boston in 1870. By 1889 the breed had become sufficiently popular in Boston that fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, but this proposed name for the breed was not well received by the Bull Terrier Fanciers. The breed's nickname, roundheads, was similarly inappropriate. Shortly after, the breed was named the Boston Terrier after its birthplace.
Description
Weight not exceeding 11.5 kgs (25 lbs) divided by classes as follows: Lightweight: under 6.8 kgs (15 lbs); Middleweight: 6.8 kgs (15 lbs) and under 9.1 kgs (20 lbs); Heavyweight: 9.1 kgs (20 lbs) and under 11.4 kgs (25 lbs).
Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned, dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. The breed is known for its gentle, alert, and intelligent expression. The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light. Ideally white should cover its chest, muzzle, band around the neck, half way up the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs, and a white blaze between but not touching the eyes. In show dogs, symmetrical markings are preferred. Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as the "American Gentleman."
Character/Temperament
The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, and well-mannered. Some Bostons enjoy having another one for companionship. Both females and males generally bark only when necessary. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people, and if properly socialized get along well with children, other canines, and non-canine pets. Boston Terriers can be very cuddly, while others are more independent.
Breed Health
Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat and humidity due to the shortened muzzle, so hot weather combined with demanding exercise brings the danger of heat exhaustion.
They can live 15 years or more, but the average is around 13 years.
The Boston, like other short-snouted breeds have an elongated palate. When excited, they are prone to a "reverse sneeze" where the dog will quickly, and seemingly laboriously, gasp and snort. This is caused by air or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. "Reverse sneezing" episodes won't hurt a Boston in the least, but it will scare the dog, and maybe its owners, a good deal. The quickest way to stop these episodes is to talk to them calmly, and cover their nose with the palm of your hand, which will force the dog to breath more slowly and deeply through its mouth.
Because of their short snouts, they do tend to snort and snore. These can be signs of serious health issues.Surgery is available to correct the defects that can cause trouble with breathing,(i.e.elongated palate,narrow trachea and pinched nares). There are risks attached to the surgery so it is suggested that you put your dog through such surgery only if its health is compromised. You can adjust their heads so the dog's airway is straight and the snoring should cease but does not cure more serious problems as mentioned before. Due to the Boston's prominent eyes, some are prone to ulcers or minor injuries to their cornea.
Training
For further information, please contact one of the breed clubs of breeders listed below.
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Boston Terrier Club
Contact: Mrs Tanner Telephone: 01892 652095 |
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Boston Terrier Club Of Scotland
Contact: Mrs S Borthwick Telephone: 01506 884460 |
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Northern Boston Terrier Club Of England
Contact: Mrs J Metcalfe Telephone: 01942 511104 |
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Last link added: 12 Mar, 2008