Boston Terrier Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: Since Boston Terriers have a short coat, they don’t require a lot of grooming and attention. Use a soft bristle brush to maintain a healthy shine in the coat. This process also helps to remove damaged and broken hairs before they fall out on your couch or carpet. Aside from the coat, you should take care to look after your dog’s teeth, ears, and nails. Stick to a regular schedule to keep on top of these things. Trim the nails regularly and be sure to check their ears for wax buildup and infectious debris. Don’t forget the teeth! A good brushing goes a long way to promoting good oral health in your pet.

Coat length: Short

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Boston Terriers don’t shed very much compared to most other breeds, and their short coat requires little maintenance. A decent soft brush will keep their coat looking shiny and clean. Stick to your regular dog bathing and house cleaning schedules, and you shouldn’t have a problem with too much hair in your home.

Training: You don’t earn the title “American Gentleman” without being very well-mannered and sociable. The Boston Terrier is a delight to train, since they are highly intelligent and eager to please. While some members of the breed might be a tad stubborn, you can overcome this issue with a commitment to regular training on a consistent schedule. Try to limit your training sessions to 15 minutes to make sure you hold their attention during the lessons. Early socialization with other dogs, other pets, strangers, children, and elderly people makes a big difference. Make sure you expose your Boston Terrier to lots of new experiences early in their life to build confidence and help them understand the world around them.

Barking: Unlike many small breeds, the Boston Terrier doesn’t have an annoying high-pitched yap. They don’t bark very often unless it’s absolutely necessary. With proper training and early socialization, most Boston Terriers will only bark if they are really excited or concerned about something in their environment.

Temperament & Behavior: Boston Terriers are cheerful and loving companions for single people, families, or couples who want a dog that is easy to look after. They are strong and friendly – very sure of themselves. While some dogs in this breed can be overprotective, the vast majority are sociable and accepting of all creatures. The breed is a great choice for families with small children, but always supervise your little ones around any dog.

Behavior with kids: Boston Terriers are very family-friendly since they have a gentle and calm disposition most of the time. You won’t need to worry about children and elderly people being around your dog, but remember to always supervise new and small children around your pet for safety’s sake.

Protection: Boston Terriers are very friendly and sociable dogs. They can be protective of their family, but most Boston Terriers are ready to be friends with everyone they meet on the street. If you’re looking for an alert guard dog, you might consider a different breed. Boston Terriers are built for loving, not home security!

Life Span: On average, Boston Terriers live to be about 11-13 years old.

Inherited health issues: All purebred dogs are prone to certain hereditary conditions. This can mean that the problem is commonly passed from parents to offspring, or that the breed seems to contract the condition more frequently. With some conditions, we understand how the disease is inherited, and genetic testing can be performed on the parents to determine the likelihood of the disease being passed to the offspring. It’s important to always discuss inherited diseases with breeders, and determine if they perform testing to try to remove genetic disease from their breeding lines. Following is a list of the most common conditions affects Bostons. It is by no means all inclusive: allergies, demodectic mange, cancer, cleft palate, vascular ring anomaly, patellar luxation, Cushing’s disease, hydrocephalus, cataracts, glaucoma, Cherry eye, uveal cysts, dystocia and Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome.

Preventive care: Routine preventive care is critical to ensure the health and longevity of any dog. Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you bring your new Boston Terrier puppy home in order to discuss and plan for vaccinations, deworming treatments, and spaying or neutering surgery. Boston Terrier owners should pay careful attention to a couple of important aspects of their health. Because Bostons are a brachycephalic breed, meaning“short head,” they are prone to specific respiratory issues. The most concerning of this is the propensity towards heat exhaustion. Pay close attention to your Boston when he’s outdoors on hot days, and always provide sufficient shade and water. Make a point not to over exert him in the heat, and keep him indoors during warm days.

Nutrition: Because Bostons are prone to allergic disease, fish oil supplements may prove useful to promoting healthy skin. Select a brand that is specifically developed for dogs, and use according to label directions. The problems associated with brachycephalic breeds become more pronounced with obesity. Make sure to keep your Boston Terrier at a healthy weight for his entire life. These dogs love food and treats, so this may prove difficult, but be vigilant! Your veterinarian can help you determine your Boston’s ideal weight, and guide you in selecting an appropriate food and in feeding the right amount.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Boston is ½ to ¾ cup.

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: They don’t require a lot of exercise, so your daily walks to take care of business should be plenty to keep them in good shape.

Climate: Boston Terriers do well in most climates, but their short snout leaves them prone to overheating. They don’t tolerate extreme cold weather well, due to their short coats. Be sure to bundle up in the winter if you live in a chilly climate. In general, you should limit any prolonged exposure to cold and heat.

Living space: Boston Terriers are perfect for small homes. They don’t require a lot of space to run around, plus their compact frames fit just about anywhere. If you have a small apartment, you might consider this breed if you’re looking for a small and reliable pet.