Boston Terrier Puppy Information

History

• The Boston terrier became the first truly American-bred dog following the Civil War, when Bostonian Robert C. Hooper imported Hooper's Judge, a cross between an English bulldog and a white English terrier, to this country. Hooper bred Judge to a smaller, white bitch named Gyp and their progeny began the start of the breed. Called "Round Heads" because of the shape of their distinctive skulls, the name changed to Boston terriers in 1891 when the Boston Terrier Club of American formed in Boston, Mass. The American Kennel Club admitted the Boston for breed recognition and registration in 1893.

Breed Standards

• A small dog of square-build, Bostons must appear balanced in height, muscle thickness and length of leg to be considered of good breed standard, says the American Kennel Club. Their large, round, dark eyes sit wide apart on either side of their square, flat skulls and show a kind, alert expression. The Boston's short, square muzzle runs parallel to the skull and measures approximately one-third its length. Pendulous chops (cheeks) cover their broad mouths and short teeth. Known for their distinctive black-and-white or brindle-and-white coloring, short, smooth, bright hairs make up the perfect Boston's coat.

Temperament

• Boston terrier puppies need mental and physical exercise to maintain their gentle, intelligent temperament, says the Dog Breed Info website. Very friendly with strangers, these dogs tend to bark only when necessary. They are known to be good with children and the elderly and, when trained properly, grow into affectionate, playful family members. The Boston's sensitive nature allows him to interact well with other animals in the household.

Puppy Training

• As a puppy, the Boston terrier needs patient training and socialization to make him a productive family member. Highly intelligent, they learn quickly and need a firm, kind hand to help them realize they are not the pack leaders in the house--a dominance issue that creates many other behavior problems. The human in the house should display a consistent hand to keep the puppy focused on leash training and potty training as soon as he enters his new home. The untrained Boston may be difficult to housebreak and become extremely dominant and aggressive with other dogs, says the Dog Breed Info website.

Considerations

• Most veterinarians and breeders consider Bostons to be healthy puppies with few medical issues. Prospective owners need to be aware that the occasional Boston will develop atopy, an allergic skin reaction to environmental substances. According to the vets at the Pet Place website, Bostons may also contract Cushing's disease or hyperadrenocorticism, mast cell tumors on the dark skin of their bodies and cataracts on their eyes as they age. Male puppies may be predisposed to cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both testicles remain in the body and do not descend into the scrotum.

Warning

• Because of their short faces and pushed-in noses, Boston terriers wheeze and snore at night and are known for a high incidence of flatulence. They cannot live outdoors as they don't tolerate heat well, says the Pet Finder website.