![\"Boston](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/boston-terrier-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHe\u2019s a happy little guy who\u2019s up for any new adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you\u2019re a social butterfly, a Boston terrier can be a great addition to your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading. I\u2019ll tell you the positive\u2013and negative\u2013traits of the breed to help you decide whether a Boston terrier fits into your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
27 Facts About Boston Terriers: What\u2019s Good About Them and What\u2019s Bad About Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Bostons are in the AKC Nonsporting Dog, not Terrier, Group and Are Known as the \u201cAmerican Gentleman\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As a happy, outgoing dog who loves everyone, his impeccable manners have earned him the nickname of the \u201cAmerican Gentleman.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bostons are gentle, charming dogs who have never met a stranger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They get along with people, well-behaved children, other friendly dogs, and dog-friendly cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can have a protective nature, so make sure that you socialize them as a puppy and throughout their lives so that they are true to their welcoming nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, if you want a friendly dog who will welcome everyone he meets, a Boston may be for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. They Don\u2019t Require a Lot of Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Two brisk walks a day and some indoor play will satisfy a Boston\u2019s exercise needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And don\u2019t forget to play with them, as they require a lot of attention from their humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puzzle toys<\/a> added into their daily routine will also help meet the exercise needs of these intelligent, playful little dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n All dogs need enrichment activities<\/a>. But if Bostons don\u2019t have it, they can become bored and destructive.<\/p>\n\n\n In the 19th Century, the popularity of blood sports led to the breeding of bull-type dogs with terriers to produce dogs who excelled at pit fighting and ratting contests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the late 1860s, a cross between a bulldog and the now-extinct white English terrier resulted in a dog named Judge, a muscular, tough dog weighing about 32 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eventually Judge was brought to Boston in 1870 and sold to Robert C. Hooper (becoming known as \u201cHooper\u2019s Judge\u201d). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, selective breeding led to a sweeter, smaller companion dog now known as the Boston terrier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Boston Terrier Club of America was formed in 1891. Two years later, they became an AKC-registered breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Boston\u2019s short coat requires only weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush<\/a>, rubber grooming mit<\/a>, or hound glove to remove loose hair and stimulate his skin for optimal health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bathe only as needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are light shedders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many recognized colors to choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are muscular, compact dogs with erect ears, a square head, and a slightly arched neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Broad-chested with a short tail, Bostons can have a \u201ctough-guy\u201d appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But their temperament has been described as friendly, outgoing, silly, mischievous, and playful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Properly bred and raised, a Boston terrier never met a stranger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bostons are compact, portable, sturdy dogs who can adapt to many situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and stand from 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are comical, friendly dogs who are always up for a new adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So you can easily have your Boston walk with you to new places or even take him along in a carrier<\/a> or carriage<\/a> made for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With smaller dogs\u2013especially short-muzzled ones\u2013I recommend walking them in a harness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston terriers come in the following sizes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n He is credited with saving his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, and finding and comforting wounded soldiers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stubby died in 1926, being revered as the United States\u2019 greatest war dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking to have a canine buddy who has a long life expectancy, a Boston can fit the bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bostons are a brachycephalic breed, which means that their head is both broad and short, resulting in small nostrils, long palates, and a narrow trachea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can lead to brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, which can result in severe respiratory distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are also at risk in extremes of temperature and humidity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if it\u2019s too hot out, make sure that your Boston relaxes inside comfortably in the air conditioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also are prone to snoring, so get ear plugs if your Boston sleeps with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a short-muzzled breed, they are also prone to a reverse sneeze in which the dog snorts and gags for no more than a minute or two to clear mucus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though not harmful, a reverse sneeze is frightening to hear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of his flat muzzle and large eyes, he is also prone to eye injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All breeds can have certain health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that you get your Boston from a reputable breeder or rescue group<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But a Boston, because of his flat face, is prone to eye injuries such as corneal ulceration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are also prone to cataracts and glaucoma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Congenital deafness occurs more in Bostons than in some other breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are also prone to patellar luxation in which the kneecap slips out of place, often necessitating expensive surgery so that the dog doesn\u2019t suffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can be beggars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So don\u2019t give in to their large puppy-dog eyes begging for food<\/a> or they can easily become obese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As is true with many brachycephalic breeds, they are more likely than some breeds to experience dental problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So regular teeth brushing and veterinary care can help prevent dental disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check your Boston terrier\u2019s eyes for signs of redness or irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their prominence, their eyes are prone to problems from dust, pollen, or low humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re the 24th most popular AKC breed out of 284 breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their friendly, stable, love-everyone temperament, a Boston can make a great therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They love to be with people and love to learn. So a Boston can be a great trick dog to show off to your friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their innate friendliness and desire to greet everyone, it\u2019s important to teach a Boston terrier a reliable recall<\/a> should he become free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can excel in agility, obedience, flyball, rally, weight pulling, barn hunt, tracking, and lure coursing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These activities can also help expel any excess energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to performing eye (CERF), hearing (BAER), and other genetic testing such as for normal patellas (knees) on the breeding stock, Bostons are expensive to breed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They often require C-sections for the puppies to be born, which requires a vet and is expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although any breed can develop separation anxiety<\/a>, Boston terriers are more prone to it than some breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are very people-oriented and require a lot of time with their families in order to be happy and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their need to be with people, Bostons can become destructive if left alone too often or too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because they bond so much to their pet parents, if not properly socialized, a Boston can become protective of his owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can lead to aggressive and territorial behavior towards other people and animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So make sure that you socialize the dog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I trained a Boston named Lucy who had become too protective of one of her pet parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She would go after people who tried to get near the owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, she hadn\u2019t been socialized and didn\u2019t have limits set for her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, Lucy was very young and her owner realized that she needed guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We worked with basic commands, impulse control exercises, and conditioning exercises to show that people were positive and not a threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Success! Lucy happily lived with her pet parents for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston terriers are active, friendly, playful dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And they tend to jump and belcome nippy in greeting and playing with people if not trained not to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So make sure that you teach your Boston basic commands<\/a>, impulse control exercises, and how to properly greet people<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may decide to get a Boston terrier from a breeder or rescue<\/a> one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. As long as you give your Boston a couple of walks and some indoor play every day, you should meet his basic exercise needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And don\u2019t forget training and enrichment with puzzle toys too because they are intelligent dogs who can become bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are not a \u201cbarky\u201d breed. Bostons shouldn\u2019t be left alone for too long or they can develop separation anxiety and destructive behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Although their history is that they were bred from various terriers, modern-day Bostons are in the nonsporting group and are bred to be companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-bred, socialized, and trained Boston should be very friendly to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. A well-bred, socialized, and trained Boston can be a great family dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bostons are friendly to people and very playful. So they make great companions to respectful children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston terriers are small, friendly, lively dogs who don\u2019t require a lot of exercise or grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They aren\u2019t noisy dogs and are adaptable, and can live in apartments or the suburbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you want a portable travel buddy, a Boston can be a good choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you still thinking about getting a Boston?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or have you decided a Boston terrier isn\u2019t the right dog for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell us about it in the comments section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a fun, lively, playful four-legged companion, a Boston terrier may be the right breed for you. Wherever you go, his stylish…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":35052,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breeds"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lucy-3-700x933.jpg\")
3. Originally Bred from Fighting Dogs, Current Boston Terriers Are Lovers, Not Fighters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Boston Terriers Were Named in Honor of the Town Where They Were Carefully Bred<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Boston Terriers Require Little Coat Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. The Many Shades of Bostons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
7. Boston Terriers\u2019 Tough Look Belies Their Sweet Temperament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Bostons Are Great Travel Companions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. They Come in Three Sizes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
10. Bostons Hit the Big-Time: Famous Boston Terriers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
11. Bostons Have Long Lives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Their Flat Faces Cause Them to Be Prone To Certain Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Boston](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lucy-1-700x933.jpg\")
13. They Have Other Potential Health Problems To Be Aware of<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. Bostons Tend To Put on Excess Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. They Tend To Have Dental Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Check Their Eyes Regularly To Avoid Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. They\u2019re Popular<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. They Make Great Therapy Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. They Make Great Trick Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. They Need a Reliable Recall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. Not Just Another Cute Face, Bostons Are Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
22. Bostons Are More Expensive than Many Breeds to Breed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
23. They Can Develop Separation Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
24. Bostons Can Be Destructive If Left Alone Too Long<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
25. Socialize Them or They Can Develop Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
26. Bostons Require Training To Not Become Nippy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
27. There Are Valuable Resources To Find a Great Boston Terrier<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Lucy](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lucy-4-700x933.jpg\")
\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m thinking about getting a Boston terrier but I live in an apartment. Would it be a good choice? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As terriers, are Bostons aggressive? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We have three young children. Is a Boston a good family dog? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"So](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/so-you-want-a-boston-terrier-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"