<b>History:</> The Boston Terrier is a native American breed that originated from crosses involving English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and some terrier breeds. The breed was shown first in Boston, hence the name. The Boston Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1893. Today's Boston Terrier is primarily a house pet and companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A small, dark brindle-and-white or black-and-white dog with a smooth, unwrinkled broad head that looks somewhat like a Boxer's. The muzzle is short, topped with a full black nose. The body is slender with well-defined lines, with a build more like a terrier than like a bulldog. The expressive, wide-set eyes are very large, dark and rounded. The small, cropped ears are held erect. The short coat does not shed.
<b>Notes:</> Can be difficult to housebreak. May wheeze, snore and drool. Needs some regular exercise, but can overheat if pushed too far. Sensitive to temperature extremes. Basically odorless. An easy-care breed and outstanding pet companion. Beware--some badly bred Boston Terriers may have a bone defect in the skull that stunts brain growth, resulting in a retarded dog. Puppies often have difficult births because of the size and breadth of the head, and must be delivered by Cesarean section. Males who live together may fight. Because the eyes protrude, they may be easily damaged.
<b>Personality:</> Though bred at first for use in dog fights, today's Boston Terrier is a gentle, well-mannered, very affectionate indoor dog. He is receptive to patient, kindly training, though somewhat willful. Fine with children. Especially good with elderly people. Gentlemanly. A good watchdog.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The ears are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A fair jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Long (15 or more years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> BOSTON TERRIER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
