This will be our first dog and we heard that they are great for novice dog owners. We love the size and look of the animal but we were just looking for some real life stories about these dogs. We are hoping to get one of the smaller pups in the litter because we would like if it was around 15lbs. but we know they can get up to 25.Any one have any advice on owning a boston terrier? We know about the breathing probs but other than that...?
We've had French Bulldogs which suffer from he same problem-- elongate soft pallet. This can be fatal eventually. If the dog displays problems such as constant snoring or difficulty breathing, surgery can and should be used to shorten the pallet.Any one have any advice on owning a boston terrier? We know about the breathing probs but other than that...?
I love this breed. They are sugar-boogers. My aunt's lived 16 years with no problems of any kind, but I know that their protuberant eyes can pop out with even a small head trauma. One that I groom has seizures, and his sister vomits when she gets over excited, so I have to keep her quiet--no play groups for her! They get along great with cats and other dogs most of the time. Be careful feeding as they can easily get obese which will make the breathing problems worse.
My bf has one, I don't think they're that great for first time dog owners... they are very stubborn and willful and can be difficult to train. They are prone to not only breathing problems, but luxating patellas and skin conditions. They also burp, fart, and snore profusely. They cannot tolerate very hot or cold temperatures, and cannot be exercised heavily as they will overheat and be unable to pant properly to cool themselves. They are VERY prey driven and should never be allowed out of a fenced yard without a leash- even the best trained Boston cannot be taught to ignore a passing squirrel or cat, and since they are terriers, they very well might kill any small animal they chase down. They do not do well with small children; they are very hyper and can easily knock over a child, they also tend to 'box' with their front feet just like a boxer or cat, and can be mouthy.
Also, small puppy size does not guarantee small adult size- choose a pup from parents who are both your ideal size for the best chance of getting a small one.
First and foremost, look for a very good and reputable breeder to get your dog from. These folks should be doing health testing on the parents before they are bred. Those tests should include OFA patella clearance, CERF (for eye problems), and BAER (for deafness) at the very least. If they don't have even 2 of the 3 tests on each parent then run, don't walk, in the other direction.
Bostons are wonderful dogs. Like all animals, each one has its own personality. Some are friendlier than others; some are hyper and some aren't, etc. By going to a reputable breeder, that person is breeding for health and temperament of the dog. You have a much better chance of knowing what that puppy will be like when it grows up.
You should expect that this dog will live inside at all times. They do need to have outside play time (and they do live to play) and they do need daily walks, but they should never be kept outside all the time.
Bostons are usually sweet-natured dogs. They love to play and can be very active at times, but if you settle in on the sofa they will be right there with you. Expect that the dog will want to be with you most of the time. They are very social and very people-oriented. This is truly a breed that lives for its people.
Bostons can be a little stubborn. In my experience, the people who have problems with them tend to be those who are not as smart as the dog is. Bostons very quickly learn your habits and how to push your buttons to get attention. The best way to avoid problems is to be very patient but not lenient, take them to training classes as soon as they've had all of their shots (about 12 weeks of age is good), and then work with them daily on the training. DO NOT take them to a trainer, drop them off, and then come back to pick them up. Go to a class offered by the local kennel club (you can find the local club by visiting www.akc.org and looking for kennel clubs in your area) where there is an instructor who works with you to help you learn to train the dog. You and the dog go to the classes. A huge part of training the dog is, in fact, training the owner.
Research everything you can about Bostons before you choose a dog or a breeder. There is a ton of information on the Boston Terrier Club of America website, including information on how to find a reputable breeder and a breeder referral service. Be sure to really study the information on the breed standard. It has photos of correct and incorrect structure and appearance. If you are paying for a Boston you want your dog to be the best Boston you can get --- the one that best fits the standard. Also, don't go for the ';rare'; colors that are on so many websites. Those colors are rare only because no reputable breeder intentionally breeds to get a non-standard dog.
Bostons are absolutely wonderful dogs. You will have a friend for life with this breed. But you have to be willing to invest the time and affection that they require. If you want a dog that you can put out in the yard and see only an hour or so a day then a Boston is not for you. If you want a dog that will live its life for you, miss you when you are not there, and be by your side at every opportunity then the Boston is your breed.
Do be prepared for the grooming that is required. With Bostons this includes a monthly bath with a mild dog shampoo (never human shampoo), weekly nail trims, checking their eyes at least twice daily (they get stuff stuck in their eyes when playing and can have serious eye damage from minor things), flea and heartworm preventative (it only takes one mosquito bite to get heartworm, so this is needed even for inside breeds), at least yearly vet visits, spay or neuter at the appropriate age, etc..
Please visit the Boston Terrier Club of America website for more information.
http://bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/in鈥?/a>
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