Boston Terriers are known for their short coats, but they still require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy.
Their short coats require occasional brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
A good quality brush is a must-have for any Boston Terrier owner, and it's best to brush them gently but thoroughly at least once a week.
One of the most common health issues Boston Terriers face is brachycephalic syndrome, a breathing problem caused by their flat faces.
Their short noses can make breathing difficult, especially in hot or humid weather.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early on.
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Breed Overview
Boston Terriers are a popular breed, weighing between 12-25 pounds, and come in a variety of colors including black & white, black brindle & white, brindle & white, seal & white, and seal brindle & white.
They're a great fit for any loving and committed family or companion due to their gentle and affectionate nature.
Boston Terriers are known for their compact size and distinctive appearance, with stout, sturdy bodies, small, square heads, large, inquisitive eyes, bat-like ears, and tuxedo-like coat color patterns.
Their short snouts can make them prone to breathing difficulties, which is a major concern among welfare organizations like the PDSA.
Boston Terrier puppies are relatively easy to find, but some organizations recommend considering mixed breeds and mongrels instead of pure breeds due to health issues.
Health and Care
Boston terriers are prone to breathing issues due to their brachycephalic nature, which can lead to noisy breathing, snoring, and overheating quickly.
Keeping your Boston terrier in good shape is crucial, as extra weight can exacerbate breathing problems. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in maintaining their physical health.
Some common health issues in Boston terriers include grade 1 luxating patella, mild skin conditions, and eye conditions. These can often be treated with proper care and attention from a veterinarian.
Here's a list of potential health issues to be aware of:
- Grade 1 luxating patella
- Mild skin conditions
- Eye conditions
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Atopy (allergen hypersensitivity)
- Luxating patella (upper grades)
- Birthing problems
- Spine deformities
Health and Conditions
Boston Terriers are prone to breathing issues due to being brachycephalic, which is caused by their short, smushed snouts and wide skulls. This can lead to noisy breathing, snoring, and excessive panting.
To manage this condition, it's essential to keep your Boston Terrier in good shape, as extra weight can exacerbate the problem. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent or reduce the severity of breathing issues.
Some Boston Terriers may need surgery to improve their quality of life, so it's crucial to speak with your vet for advice.
Other conditions Boston Terriers are at risk of include:
- Grade 1 luxating patella (this should still be checked out by a vet)
- Mild skin conditions that clear up with treatment
Additionally, Boston Terriers are also prone to eye conditions, Cushing's syndrome, atopy (allergen hypersensitivity), upper grade luxating patella, birthing problems, and spine deformities.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of caring for your Boston Terrier.
Their smooth coat only requires brushing every week or so to keep it nice and shiny and get rid of dead hairs.
You'll need to keep an eye on their nails to make sure they're not getting overgrown and trim them if necessary.
Daily tooth cleaning is also essential to prevent dental problems.
Regular ear checks can help detect any potential issues early on.
This will help keep your Boston Terrier happy and healthy.
Kulakumu
Kulakumu Boston Terriers is located in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Terry Maddox, the breeder, is a member of the Boston Terrier Club of America and the Boston Terrier Club of Western Washington, indicating a commitment to the breed's standard and community involvement.
Kulakumu Boston Terriers breed to improve and preserve the standard of the Boston Terrier, focusing on superior quality, good health, and wonderful dispositions.
Each puppy comes with a health guarantee, sales contract, and AKC papers, providing assurance for new owners.
Terry Maddox raises the puppies in her family home, where they receive lots of socialization.
All breeding stock are health tested yearly, ensuring the best possible health outcomes for the puppies.
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Temperament and Training
Boston Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, thriving on being the center of attention.
They can be a bit demanding at times, but setting boundaries early on can help with this.
These dogs are sociable with strangers as well as family and friends, making them a great addition to many households.
Temperament & Intelligence
Boston Terriers are known for being energetic and fun-loving, making them a joy to be around. They thrive on being the center of attention.
Their sociable nature makes them friendly with strangers, family, and friends alike. Setting boundaries early on can help with their occasional demanding behavior.
Boston Terriers are intelligent, but they can be a bit stubborn at times, requiring consistent training and positive reinforcement.
Beaux
Beaux Bostons breeds AKC Boston Terriers in a caring home with the intention of breeding healthy dogs to quality AKC standard.
They have a basic training environment from the very start, which is great for socializing puppies and developing good habits.
Beaux Bostons tests their dogs for JHC/ BAER/ Patella, which ensures the health and well-being of their puppies.
This responsible breeding approach is something to look for when searching for a reputable breeder.
Beaux Bostons offers a contracted health guarantee, giving owners peace of mind and financial protection for their new pet.
Their puppies and adults are available periodically, so it's worth checking their website for updates.
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Pet Compatibility
Boston Terriers are generally great with other pets, but early socialization is key to a peaceful household.
It's essential to introduce them to other dogs or cats gradually and under close supervision. Leashing them during the first meeting is a good idea to maintain control.
Letting new pets meet resident pets through a baby gate or screen door at first is also a common method of introduction.
Boston Terriers are very popular family dogs because they're generally sweet-natured and love being around people.
You'll need to socialize them properly to ensure they get along with everybody in the family, which involves introducing them to children under supervision and teaching basic commands.
It's crucial to train your Boston Terrier to be gentle during play and make sure everyone treats and handles the dog with respect and care.
Remember, any dog that's treated roughly could retaliate without warning to defend themselves.
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Exercise and Activity
Boston Terriers need a moderate amount of exercise, with up to an hour of activity per day.
The exact amount of time can vary depending on your Boston's energy levels.
You may need to give them extra exercise in the form of play sessions, such as ball throwing or tug-of-war, or allow them to run and explore in a secure area in addition to their one or two walks per day.
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Exercise
When it comes to exercise, every dog is different. Boston Terriers need a moderate amount of exercise.
A Boston needs up to an hour of exercise per day, but the exact amount of time can vary.
You may need to give your Boston extra exercise in the form of play sessions or allow them to run and explore in a secure area.
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Eq
I've spent time with dogs that were bred for quality and health, like those from EQ Bostons. They're raised indoors with their families and health tested for issues like hearing and patellas.
The breeder, EQ Bostons, is a member in good standing with the Boston Terrier Club of America. They prioritize breeding to the breed standard for the improvement of the breed.
Their dogs are shown at local and national levels, which means they're getting exercise and attention from experienced handlers.
Finding a Breeder
Look for breeders who prioritize holistic dog breeding and care, like Blossoms and Beaus Boston Terriers, who focus on a proper breeding program with strong emphasis on care and early socialization.
They strictly adhere to the breed standard, known as the Blueprint, to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs.
It's essential to find a breeder who uses a system like Puppy Culture to raise confident and eager-to-learn puppies.
A reputable breeder will also provide lifetime support, advice, and care, as Blossoms and Beaus does.
Preservation breeders, like Blossoms and Beaus, work to ensure the future of the breed, which is a great sign of their commitment to the breed's health and well-being.
Their location doesn't necessarily matter, as Blossoms and Beaus is based in Lakewood, WA, and still offers stud service to approved bitches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What 2 breeds make a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier, making them a unique breed with a rich history. This distinctive heritage is one reason why Boston Terriers are so beloved by dog enthusiasts.
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