Boston terrier
The Boston Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Its a recognized and well-accepted breed that happens to make great pets.
History:
The Boston Terrier breed is said to have been originated around 1870. It supposedly happened when a man from Boston, named Robert C. Hooper, purchased a dog that was a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier.
By 1889, the breed (known then as Bull Terriers) had become immensely popular in Boston. Fans of the breed even went to the extent as to forming the American Bull Terrier Club. But they did not happily accept this name for the breed. Hence soon after, the breeds name was changed and named after its birthplace the Boston Terrier.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) admitted the Boston Terrier breed in 1893, making it the first American breed to be recognized.
In 1979, the Massachusetts state legislature recognized the Boston Terrier as the state dog of Massachusetts.
Apperance:
Boston Terriers are normally sturdy but small built, well-proportioned dogs with erect ears, a short tail, a short snout and a broad and flat head without wrinkles. They also have a slightly arched neck and broad chest.
The Boston Terriers weight is more or less divided into three categories: under 15 pounds, 15 pounds to 20 pounds and 20 pounds to 25 pounds. And their height is normally anywhere between 15 to 17 inches.
The Boston Terrier is found in various colors and color combinations such as black with white markings, brindle (light base color having darker streaks such as tiger stripes, only more subtle), seal (black color with red highlights that can be seen in bright light), or even a combination of black, brindle, and seal.
But sometimes differences can be seen depending on the ancestry of the dog. At several occasions, the English Bulldog, English Mastiff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and French Bulldog - among other breeds - have been crossbred with Boston Terrier to reduce inbreeding in what is necessarily a small gene pool.
Behavior:
Although many Terriers still hold on to the their typical spunky attitude, the modern Boston Terrier is more gentle, alert, and well-mannered. They are also very sensitive to the tone of one's voice.
Initially they were bred for fighting, but later on the breeding purpose shifted more towards companionship. As a result, they love being around people and prove to be a great companion dog. They can also tend to be very cuddly. Boston Terriers are also known to lick the faces of their owners a lot. They like learning and thus are not really difficult to train
They are not really big barkers though. They will alert when necessary, but barking is rare. Both females and males normally bark only when really needed.
Living Conditions:
Boston Terriers can adjust in an apartment as well as in a country life. They are somewhat inactive indoors and do just fine without a backyard. This breed can be sensitive to weather extremes.
Health:
The average lifespan of a Boston Terrier is around 13 years, but they can grow to live upto 15 or 16 years
When they are excited, they tend to do a reverse sneeze. This means that the dog will quickly gasp and snort. These look like there are really painful, which might scare the owner, but it doesnt hurt the Boston Terrier at all. The easiest and quickest way to stop these occurrences is to calmly talk to them and cover their nose with the palm of your hand. That will make the dog breathe more slowly and deeply from its mouth.
Boston Terriers cannot stand excessive heat and humidity. So if hot weather is combined with exertion, there is a serious risk of heat exhaustion.
Due to their short snouts, they tend to snort and snore. But at times these can also be signs of some health issues. There is surgery available to correct the defects that cause trouble with breathing, but it does come with its own risks.
They have prominent eyes that are prone to injury. Skin and heart tumors are common problems within this breed. Some poorly bred Boston Terriers may have a bone defect in their skull that stunts brain growth and results in them being retarded
As for staying in shape, regular walks and some sessions of free play is all that the Boston Terrier needs. And even though they have no desire for long walks, they do like to go everywhere you go.
INTERESTING FACTS:
• Rhett the Boston Terrier is the mascot of Boston University.
• The Boston Terrier is the mascot of Wofford College in South Carolina.
• In several Wizard of Oz books, Toto is drawn as a Boston Terrier.
• The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog bred in America.
• Because of the Boston Terrier's markings similar to formal wear, they are fondly referred to as the American Gentleman.
• Helen Keller was given a Boston Terrier named Phiz by some of her classmates from Radcliffe College.
This breed of dogs happen to be great companions and also have a good sense of intelligence. And when you combine these things, these dogs truly prove to be a mans best friend.
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