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Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is an intelligent and playful breed. One of the few breeds to originate in the U.S., the Boston is easy to train and requires minimal grooming.
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Physical Characteristics
- Small, sturdy build
- Wide muzzle with black nose and dark eyes set far apart
- Small, erect, bat-like ears
- Coat: Sleek, short hair; comes in brindle, seal (reddish tint) or black; all with white markings
- Height: 15-17 inches
- Weight: 10-25 pounds
- Average lifespan: 15 years
Temperament
- Enthusiastic, gentle, affectionate, playful, humorous, feisty, well-mannered, alert, willful
- Interaction with people: Prefers the company of humans; very social with strangers, good with the elderly
- Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs and noncanine pets
- Training: Easily trained
- Bark: Vocal only when provoked
Medical Conditions
- Allergies
- Brachycephalic syndrome (causes breathing difficulties)
- Deafness
- Epilepsy
- Hemivertebra (malformed vertebrae)
- Patellar luxation
- Ophthalmic disorders (including cataracts and glaucoma)
- Skin disorder (including demodectic mange)
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments
- Needs long, daily walks
Grooming
- Easily groomed
- Average shedder
- Clean and check eyes and ears for debris
Other Facts
- One of the first breeds to originate in the U.S.
- Also known as the Boston bull
- The dogs used to create the Boston terrier breed were named Judge and Gyp
Breed History
- Originated in the U.S., specifically in Boston
- Developed in the 1850s, during the hunting boom, to fulfill rapidly growing need for additional hunting dogs
- Bred to be an all-purpose dog that could hunt in varied terrain
- The Boston Terrier Club of America originated in 1891
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Boston Terrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue
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