Pet Care Information Blog
Aug 29 2010
The good-natured and playful Boston terrier is a happy companion to both adults and children. Smart and stubborn, yet sensitive and playful, this could be the ideal family dog.
If you are looking for a dog that seems to care about you, and responds to your moods, a Boston Terrier could be the breed for you. The companionship that these dogs offer is only matched (and more often than not surpassed) by its look-alike breed, the French Bulldog. This dog will want to be with you 24/7.
Be prepared for jealousy (as in his mind and world he really IS your best friend), and an unwillingness to be alone. Bostons can generally cope with your 2-3 hour trip to the store and that’s it. Your bedroom is their bedroom, and many a romantic get together has been ‘interrupted’ by a loving Boston Terrier, passing gas and mumbling and moaning for his toys, a cuddle, or a sudden wish to sit on your lap.
As with any dog, the moment of picking the best pup for you is the hardest thing to do. With their gorgeous big eyes and adorable faces, a Boston pup can win anyone over. Well, nearly anyone. A pup that hasn’t been socialised properly will need more training than a well-socialised animal that had grown up in a family-type environment. Bostons are typically quite stubborn and can be slow to housebreak, so a good report between you and your new best friend is of the utmost importance. You and your dog will benefit from a basic training with a qualified trainer for the rest of your time together. A dog wishes to please if it respects its owner and if you manage to establish a great bond with your Boston, you will forgive him for any tricks that he might try to pull, and he will ‘tolerate’ you and allow you to come along on his walks!
Do you have trouble coping with the snoring of your spouse or next door neighbour? Don’t get a Boston Terrier. They grunt, snore and grumble a lot, due to their short and scrunched up noses, but this can be very endearing too. These dogs are extremely sensitive to hot and very cold or humid weather. Please don’t even consider getting a Boston if you live in a very warm area. Due to their short noses and their inability to get rid of excess body heat quickly, these dogs are prone to heat strokes, possibly resulting in heart attacks. This in fact is one of the most common factors of Boston deaths in the summer. Walking the dog in hot weather should be strictly limited to a visit to a nearby tree or back garden. Make sure that you carry a bottle of iced water with you, and get your dog a cooling (cool-pack) garment to wear if you have to take him out.
This blend between an English bulldog and an English White Terrier, needs dedication and training, and a house with regular company. As with any breed these dogs come with a long list of possible health problems. A very serious problem is the possibility of hernias (especially in males). Because of their build (a long body and relatively short legs) and a heavy body with well-developed muscles, their backs suffer. Certain breeds, being the Boston Terrier, boxer and Collie, to name but a few, often suffer from a type of hernia called the Perineal hernia, meaning that their opposite pelvic diaphragm is weak.
These hernias can be discovered from noting certain signs of health problems, a swelling around the anal area, an inability to urinate or pass stools, the dog will yelp or walk slowly during his usually excited walks around the block. One can never be too careful with this type of problem so do not hesitate to contact your vet if you note any of the above signs.
A hernia, as with human beings, can be extremely painful, and a urinary tract obstruction, caused by a hernia, can be potentially life-threatening. This condition can, in most cases, be healed with a high fibre diet, possibly surgery and rest.
Your Boston does not need a lot of grooming, but clever as they are, they might trick you into thinking that they really need that daily brush! The occasional wash, especially on hot days, will be most appreciated by your dog, after which it will unmistakeably dive into the nearest pool of mud, so that you can repeat the washing ritual. Show them something once and they’ll never forget. They will drop their food bowl at your feet when hungry, and might try and con you into thinking that a whole tin of dog food really isn’t enough. Be prepared to invest lots of time in these ‘people dogs’ and you will never even think of caring for another breed.
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