| The Boston Terrier has an expression that is both alert and kind, indicating a high degree of intelligence. Boston Terriers are small, compactly-built, well-proportioned dogs, with a short, wrinkle-free muzzle, squareish face, erect ears, and a short tail. |
| Height: |
15-17 inches |
| Weight: |
10-25 pounds |
| Color(s): |
Brindle, seal (black with a red cast), and/or black, with white markings |
| Coat: |
Short, smooth, fine |
| Description: |
ruly an American breed, Boston Terriers are thought to have ancestry in the American Pit Bull Terrier, Boxer, English Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, and English Bulldog. Boston "Terrier" is somewhat of a misnomer due to the Boxer and Bulldog in their ancestry. While originally bred for fighting, the Boston Terrier was later down-bred for companionship. |
| Temperament: |
The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog, with an excellent disposition and high degree of intelligence, making him an excellent companion dog. He has a strong, lovable, unforgettable personality, and can range from being eager to please to stubborn. He enjoys being around people and, if properly socialized, he will get along well with children, the elderly, other dogs and pets. Some Boston Terriers are very cuddly, while others are more independent. |
| Training: |
Boston terriers can be easily trained, given a patient and assertive owner. |
| Care & Grooming: |
Due to his shortened muzzle, the Boston Terrier cannot tolerate excessively hot or cold weather, and demanding exercise can bring harm to him during these times. The Boston Terrier has a sensitive digestive system, and in the absence of a proper diet, flatulence may be experienced. Bostons are also prone to sensitive stomachs. Because of his anatomy, a Boston Terrier may be prone to snoring and reverse sneezing, which is a rapid and repeated forced inhalation through his nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds used to clear his palate of mucus. This does not harm the dog in any way. |
| Shedding: |
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| Health: |
Health issues of concern in the Boston Terrier include cataracts (both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur, and allergies. Curvature of the back, called roaching, might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs. This might also just be a structural fault with little consequence to the dog. |
| Lifespan: |
13-15+ years |
| Litter Size: |
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