Boston terriers
Oirgin: The story of the Boston Terrier, native to America, dates back to 1870 when it all began in Boston. Those were the days when coachmen, employed by the rich and famous Bostonians, found a lucrative livelihood in interbreeding dogs mainly for the ruthless sport of pit-fighting. Thus was born the Boston Terrier, a product of an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier (now extinct).
The original Boston Terriers were ferocious pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types, weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kgs) and were actually classified weight wise as lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight. The best known Boston Terrier and ancestor of the present day American Gentleman is Hoopers Judge, weighing 30 pounds(13.5 kgs), agile, tough, well built, dark brindle with a white stripe down his face.
Judge, who may truly be considered as the father of all Boston Terriers, was bred down in size with a smaller female. A male pup from the litter was bred to yet a smaller female and their offspring interbred with one or more French Bulldogs, providing the foundation for the Boston Terrier. As the breed evolved several names were suggested such as bull terrier and roundheads which were viewed as completely inappropriate and so discarded. Finally in 1893 the name Boston Terrier was approved and The American Kennel Club admitted the new breed into its fold, making it the first American breed of dog to be recognized. But that was in the 19th century. Today's Boston Terrier is the result of the great make-over. Breeding down in size and breeding out the bloodthirsty mentality has evolved the compact and gentler version of the Boston Terrier. From trying to be the pit champs they have moved on to being mans best friend.
Appearance:
So what do the Boston Terriers have to make them so universally popular? Most definitely a wonderful individuality of their own coupled with an attractive shape, style size, color, markings and winning disposition.
The Boston terrier is a well proportioned dog with a compact build, the body being short and well knit. The height at the withers, i.e. the highest point on the animals back, on the ridge between its shoulder blades, should be 15 to 17 inches. There are three weight classifications under 15 pounds, 15 to 20 pounds, 15 to not exceeding 25 pounds. The length of leg should be in proportion with the length of the body, giving the Boston terrier that characteristic square appearance. Typical colors are seal, brindle and black with white markings on the chest, muzzle, band around the neck, halfway up the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs, and a prominent stripe or blaze on the forehead between the eyes but not touching them. These significant white markings give the appearance of formal wear hence the nickname, the American Gentleman. Seal is a black but when viewed in the sun or in bright light it has a red cast. Brindle is a brown or a grey with stripes of a darker color. The head of the Boston is short, broad and flat sans wrinkles and the muzzle is short and square ending in a large, black nose. The dark, large, round eyes and the small, erect ears lend an alert expression and an endearing quality to the face. The slightly arched neck, the broad chest and the muscular limbs complete the picture of sturdiness, strength and determination.
Temperament:
By way of temperament, the Boston Terrier has long shaken off its aggressive and quarrelsome tendencies, though a few may show some spunk very occasionally but only if under a reasonable amount of duress. In all respects, the modern Boston Terrier is gentle and well-mannered, in keeping with its formal wear white markings. The epitome of polite demeanor, both the male and female Boston will bark, but only if necessary, though sometimes never at all! He is alert and expressive and enjoys the company of not only his ilk, but also that of people, children and other non-canine pets. Born with an inherent intelligence, this breed is easy to train as they are sensitive to the tone of voice and learn quickly. Very reliable with children as well as with the elderly the Boston with its cute, cuddly playful ways becomes a part of the family before you know it!
Health:
With an average lifespan of around 13 years the Boston Terriers can live up to 15 years or more. Due to the shortened snout, this breed has an elongated palate, narrow trachea and pinched nares. The elongated palate that these short-snouted breeds have, traps air or other debris leading to throat irritations and restricted breathing. As a result exertion or even excitement in excessive heat or cold causes considerable discomfort. Their discomfort will increase if it is combined with demanding exercise leading to exhaustion. making them prone to reverse sneezing, a series of alarming gasps and snorts Reverse sneezing is worrying no doubt to the owner and may scare the dog, but be rest assured that such episodes are far from posing any danger and won't hurt a Boston in the least. The immediate reaction should be to talk to them soothingly, gently covering their nose with the palm of your hand, making the dog to breathe more slowly and deeply through its mouth. Because of their short snouts, they also tend to snort, snore and drool.
All these can be signs of serious health issues for the little Boston. Surgery is available to correct the defects of a short snout that can cause trouble with breathing, (i.e. elongated palate, narrow trachea and pinched nares). However, there are risks attached to such surgery, and is therefore suggested only if the health of the dog is in great danger. Surgery can also help to adjust the head so the dog's trachea is straight. This may cause the snoring to cease but the more serious problems as mentioned before may persist. Due to the Boston's prominent eyes, some are prone to ulcers or minor injuries to their cornea. Heart and skin tumors are other common problems. Sometimes badly bred Boston Terriers may have a bone defect in the skull that stunts brain growth, resulting in a retarded dog. A health risk that the female Boston often faces is that of whelping. Because of a narrow pelvis and large headed pups, caesarian section is often performed. The average size of a litter is 3 to 4 puppies.
Grooming:
Good and careful grooming is of utmost importance and will help to preserve and nurture the qualities and the pedigree of the Boston Terrier. Regularly comb and brush the smooth short-haired coat. Use a damp cloth to keep the eyes clean. Also check the eyes and ears for ticks and keep the nails clipped short.
Our lovable little Boston Terrier has come a long way since 1870. Today he is without a doubt the pride of Boston and an incomparable companion to his owner
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