The Boston terrier has been nicknamed, and justly so, the American gentleman. And has earned its nickname due to its wonderful, gentle disposition. Not to mention its tuxedo-like coat.
It is hard to believe that the gentle Boston terrier that we see today was once bred as a pit-fighting dog. Today's Boston terriers in no way resemble the fighter it once was known to be.
This little gentleman of a dog has evolved a long way from the pits of Boston. In fact today's Boston terrier is well known for its friendly disposition, intelligence and lively personality. The breed has a wonderful disposition and possesses a good amount of intelligence, which makes him a very desirable all around family pet.
The Boston terrier’s origin was England. Bull terriers and bulldogs were crossed to produce a very powerful compact muscular breed. In the late 1800s, some of this hybrid stock was sent to America. In 1889, some dog fanciers in Boston organised the first American bull terrier club.
Terrier breeder club members had great objections. So, too, did bulldog fanciers who objected these crosses were not terriers. In 1891, the name American Bull Terrier club was changed to Boston Terrier Club of America. And standards for the Boston terrier breed were written. They sought entrance to the American Kennel Club (AKC) stud book but were denied. By 1893, however, the breed was accepted and the first Boston terrier was admitted to the AKC. The first Boston terrier to be accepted as the standard of the breed was a dog by the title of Hector #28814, by Bixby's Tony ex Dimple.
It took some time for the breed to catch on in America. But it did. In 1915 the breed had become the most popular in the country; it was number one in registrations of the top 20 breeds. They again led in registrations in 1920, and in 1930. The Boston terrier remained in the top 10 position until 1960. Since then they have slipped in popularity.
Boston terriers are extremely easy dogs to live with, wanting only to please. Bostons are easy to train and are best as house dogs, because they are not able to cope with extreme cold, nor can they deal with extreme heat. Bostons can overheat very quickly due to their short muzzle and slightly elongated palate.
Boston terriers are high energy dogs, and need daily exercise. They are playful and love all sorts of toys. Fetching and playing with children are favorites with this dog. Care of the Boston terrier is easy. Their short hair sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a rubber palm brush is recommended for their particular coat.
Due to the breed's elongated palate they may snore. It is normal that a Boston terrier may show some degree of airway obstruction. Proper diet should always be considered a must, from a puppy. An improper diet, as a rule, will lead to gas and intestinal problems.
While a puppy, the diet must be healthy in order for the dog to form good bone structure and good muscle mass; not to mention this is the time a dog will build a good immune system to later ward off disease and infections.
Regarding health problems, the Boston terrier has a predominance toward juvenile cataracts and hypothyroidism. As a rule, juvenile cataracts can occur between eight weeks and 12 months. If hypothyroid disease occurs, it can be controlled by medication.
The Boston terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes him an incomparable companion. Not to mention they are very easy to train and make an awesome family member.
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