Guide to Owning A Boston

This page is here to give you some idea of what it's like to live with a Boston Terrier - it is designed to help you to decided if owning a Boston is right for you and your family. The Boston Terrier is a highly intelligent dog but can sometimes be determined and self willed. They need training which needs to be approached in a firm but gentle manor to ensure that they do not develop unwanted habbits. They do very well in Obedience, Agility, Flyball, and Therapy work.

Bostons are a nice small to medium size breed which is comfortable to have around house. Even though they are small, they will bark to let their family know if someone is at the door. but tend only to bark when necassary.

Bostons are known for a their affectionate nature and sunny disposition and because of this have earned the nick name 'The Amercian Gentleman. The Boston Terrier is intelligent, enthusiastic, affectionate and playful. They get along well with other pets, dogs, and children. Bostons have an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion.

Boston Terrier Personality

Bostons enjoy family walks and outings and can be very boisterous and playful, they crave human contact and affection along with creature comforts, because of this they require a lot of time and attention. They are and have been bred to be companions. They will languish without human contact. They are not "outside" dogs. Boston Terriers are very active little dogs that love to play. Without some basic training they may jump on you and maybe even give little nips while playing. Because Boston's are quite a demanding and full on breed who like to be involved with everything that is going on and get very easily excited at times these issues can often lead to them being re-homed as people simply can not 'cope' with them, you really need to be prepared for an active dog who hates being left on it's own for long periods of time and if you go out to work or plan to leave your new Boston alone for hours at a time I would really urge you not to have a Boston, as most Boston's are not good at being independent and will inevitably become destructive and naughty if left alone for long periods of time with no human companion to play or cuddle up with.

All of the above said they are a very rewarding breed to own and live with and will certainly give you plenty of laughs - it is impossible to ignore a Boston when they wants your attention and it definately helps to have a good sense of humour when owning a Boston, especially when he is running out into the garden after it's been raining with your best bra (that he has nicked from the clean washing basket) trailing from his mouth in the mud and looking extremely pleased with himself!

Bostons like and need plenty of toys to play with and chew - they seem to remain 'puppies' well into adulthood and never tire of playing with a favourite toy. It is important that they know what they can and can't play with and have to be taught from an early age, especially if you have young children who have toys laying about the house.

Boston Terrier Diet

Some Bostons can be very greedy and by feeding the wrong diet and to little exercise can quickly become overweight - It is important to feed the correct healthy diet for your Boston and never feed Grapes, Raisins or Chocolate as all are poisonous to dogs and can lead to death. They also suffer from flatulance and can be at risk of Bloat this is because of the shape of their heads as they take in alot of air when they eat - these can both be reduced by using a special anti-gulping bowls.

BostonTerrier Grooming Needs

As far as grooming needs are concerned because of the Bostons short coat their grooming requirements are minimal with them needing a quick brush over weekly and a bath every couple of months or so - you can also use a chamois leather or grooming mit on them to give their coat an extra shine and help to remove any dandruff. Although the Boston has a short coat it will still shed although nowhere near the amount of a long haired breed, therefore you still need to be prepared for additional hoovering and dust and also that any member of your family could still be allergic to the hair that the Boston Terrier has.

Other Care Needs of The Boston Terrier

The main area of concern for Bostons is eye problems and their eyes need special care due to the fact that they protrude out of their head and have a flat face, but as long as you take precautions you can reduce the risk of eye injury greatly. Bostons also do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well and although putting clothes on dogs is not something I routinely do, I do recommend that Boston's wear a a warm coat when going outside in the cold or when it is raining. As a general rule if you need a coat or a sweater there is a good chance your Boston will need one aswell. The heat is another matter all together and it adviseable to only exercise your dog very early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler on hot days, ensure your dog has access to fresh cool water and if necessary take it with you on your walk, and can easily come inside into the shade when it needs to - it goes without saying to never leave you dog in a hot car. If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion, ensure it is inside in the shade and wrap it in cool not ice cold (as you could send your dog into shock) wet towels and seak vetinary help immediately.

Things to consider before getting a Boston Terrier Puppy

In addition to the above if you are considering getting a Boston Terrier or any other breed of dog you should always ask yourself the following questions before getting a puppy - they will help you decide the best thing to do for you and your family.
What will owning a dog meen to you and your family?
Do you and your family have time to commit to a demanding boistours puppy?
Is everyone in your family 100% commited to getting a puppy?
Do you have the resources to care for a puppy throughout it's life? (which could be as long as the next 15 years)
Are you at work for any time during the day or will the puppy have to be left on it's own for long periods of time?
Are you prepared and do you have the time and paitence needed to train and play with your dog?
Have you thought about the financial commitment involved in owning a dog such as feeding, vet bills, insurance etc?
What will happen to your dog if you go away on holiday or are ill and need to be in hospital?
Do you have a suitable home and safe secure dog proof garden for your dog?
Are you prepared to ask for help if things get difficult?
How will your long term life plans affect owning a dog - for example do you plan to have children in the future?

The main piece of advice I can give is if the above questions or information have raised any issues or doubts as to whether you should have Bosoton Terrier puppy, is not to rush into it and do some more research or even put off owning a dog for a few months until you can make a more informed decision. If I can be of any futher help to you making your decision please don't hesitate to contact me - We can even arrange for you to visit us for an informal chat and to meet our Bostons.