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BOSTON TERRIER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Non-Sporting Dogs
- American Kennel Club (AKC) - Non-Sporting Group
- United Kennel Club (UKC) - Companion Breeds
- The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Utility Group
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 140
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Height: |
15-17 inches (38.1-43 cm) |
| Weight: |
Light—under 15 lb/7 kg,
Middleweight—15 to under 20 lb/9 kg, and
Heavyweight—20 to under 25 lb/11.5 kg |
| Origin: |
United States |
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The Boston Terrier is one of the few dog breeds that is native to the United States and is a crossbreed between the Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier. From there, much inbreeding and crossbreeding was done with the Miniature Bulldog and French Bulldog. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 and by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1888-1889. Between 1929 and 1935, the Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in the United States.
He is a friendly and lively dog, noted for his excellent disposition and high intelligence. He is kind, gentle and affectionate, a natural watchdog and a very devoted companion for people of all ages, including children. He enjoys competing in obedience, agility, flyball and tracking events.
The Boston Terrrier is a true companion, all dressed up in his tuxedo, he has earned the nickname: "The American Gentleman".
It should be noted that Bostons are indoor dogs. Their short, sleek coats do not protect them from the cold in winter and, in hot weather, their short muzzles make them susceptible to heat distress. Boston Terriers MUST be kept indoors.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Boston Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Some of the health concerns found in the Boston Terrier breed include:
- Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) — Brachycephalics refers to breeds which have a comparatively short head. Because of this, virtually all of these breeds require some work associated with breathing. Problems range in severity, with most of these breeds snuffling and snorting to some degree. While some dogs will have no other difficulties, others will have problems such as increasingly noisy breathing, coughing and gagging, fainting or collapsing episodes, and a decreased tolerance for exercise. In addition, over time, increased strain is placed on the heart. Precautions must be taken in conditions where overheating, excitement and exercise causes increased panting. This increased panting can cause further swelling and narrowing of the airways. Gastrointestinal problems causing vomiting, gagging, or aspiration pneumonia may also be due to this syndrome. A recent BTCA Health Survey indicates that over 6% of Boston Terriers are born with either stenotic nares or elongated palates (or both).
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye Diseases — Corneal Ulcers and Prevention Corneal Ulcers are the biggest eye roblem in Boston Terriers.
- Patellar Luxation
- Deafness — Deafness has been known in the Boston Terrier since the origins of the breed.
- Demodectic Mange
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Standard No. 140
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Official Book of the Boston Terrier
by Muriel Lee
A detailed photographic history of the breed's first 100 years in the US; discussion of the breed Standard; characteristics and care; important health data; illustrated guide to breeding and whelping; information about selecting and purchasing a puppy, showing the Boston Terrier and training and working with the breed in obedience and other rewarding activities.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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AKC Boston Terrier Video
18 Min. Video Edition, published by the American Kennel Club
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
| See the Books & Merchandise section for additional books about the Boston Terrier breed. |
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Boston Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
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