The Boston Terrier is an American dog breed that has been experiencing strong growth for several years. The slender dogs are very people-friendly, playful and easy to train. However, their pronounced joy of movement, the stormy nature and a tendency to overbreed with health consequences make the Americans a demanding breed that is only recommended to a limited extent.

A terrier – or not?

The origins of the Boston Terrier can be found in the breeds English Terrier, English White Terrier and English Bulldog. Their crossing resulted in an intelligent, affectionate and hunting companion dog that was easier and easier to train than previous generations. At the beginning of the 19th century, the upper class in Boston discovered the sympathetic dogs as companion dogs and thus laid the foundation for today’s Boston Terrier. Over time, breeders concentrated on the lighter breeding animals and changed the head to larger and larger eyes and a shorter nose. The Boston Terriers are still extremely popular, especially in the USA, and are the mascots of numerous schools and universities.

Character of the Boston Terrier

Although the Boston Terrier bears its relatives in its name, it hardly has the toughness, joy of hunting and stubbornness typical of terriers today. On the contrary, it is a friendly, good-humoured, open dog that immediately sees a friend in every stranger. At the same time, it is attentive and shows with excited barking when a visitor comes. Males can develop a certain protective instinct,, on the other hand, cope better with a lot of visitors. The great attachment of the dogs makes it difficult to stay alone. If it is not practiced early and extensively, it can happen that a Boston Terrier barks continuously or even destroys objects as soon as he is left alone.

ProfileBoston Terrier

Training and keeping of the Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is an adaptable dog that can be just as happy in a small city apartment as in a house with a garden. Sufficient exercise and mental activity are important. He is enthusiastic about almost all sports – be it agility, dog dancing, dog frisbee or dog tricks. Running for longer periods of time as a companion on horse, bike or hiking also suits the slim four-legged friend. However, breathing problems can occur during heavy exertion due to the short nose. Refrain from long and strenuous tours in warm weather.

The Boston Terrier is said to be very cooperative. Nevertheless, his terrier heritage occasionally comes through. Especially during puberty, it can happen that your dog ignores or openly questions your commands. He needs a clear line from the first day after moving in so that he can find his role in the family. For living together with very young children, the stormy dog is not the best choice.

Care and health

The short, robust coat is extremely easy to care for. Simply brush it once a week and also check the ears, eyes, claws and teeth directly.

The breeding goals of the Boston Terrier have come under increasing criticism in recent years. The severely shortened nose and the resulting restrictions on breathing are considered an impairment relevant to animal welfare. Many breed friends demand that breeding be based on the original Boston Terrier again and that uncontrolled offspring must come to an end. This is because these breeds do not take place under the umbrella of the breeding associations and pay less attention to health and certain breed standards. If you decide on this breed, consider choosing a reputable breeder who breeds the friendly dogs with longer noses.

Important note on the breeding form

The “Torture Breeding Report”, prepared in 1999 on behalf of the Federal Government and with the participation of the German Animal Welfare Association, recommends a breeding ban for hairless, extremely short-headed breeding forms (so-called brachycephalic breeds) and others in which extremes in the physique (very long back, severely bent legs, spinal changes, excessive fur growth, etc.) make a healthy life impossible.

As a responsible pet owner, who of course attaches great importance to a healthy, unimpaired life for his four-legged friend, these tips should definitely be taken into account when deciding on a suitable breed, as well as the question of excellent character traits.

You might also like these dog breeds:

• American Pitbull Terrier: Consistent training allows the American Pitbull Terrier to show its family qualities. Obedience, intelligence and a dash of silliness are among its true talents.
• French Bulldog: For some time now, the French Bulldog has been one of the most popular dog breeds. No wonder, as hardly anyone can escape their charm and playfulness. With their balanced character, the “Frenchies” are also suitable for a life in the city, as long as you take their urge to move into account.
• American Staffordshire Terrier: The predecessors of the American Staffordshire Terrier were formerly used as fighting dogs. Reputable breeders of this breed have always attached particular importance to healthy animals with an impeccable character.
• Miniature Bull Terrier: The clown among dogs – that’s how breed lovers describe the Miniature Bull Terrier. His funny, bright and playful nature puts a smile on the face of every observer. At home, the dwarfs with the long nose are watchful and cuddly roommates.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier – or Staffie, as it is often called by lovers of the breed – is an English dog breed with a long tradition as a family dog. The muscular four-legged friends, if they have been well socialized, are considered extremely patient with large and small family members.
• Bull terrier: The naturally extremely relaxed bull terrier is still exposed to many prejudices due to its history as a fighting dog. Like other dogs of the terrier breeds, however, the four-legged friends are usually easy to lead with appropriate socialization and education.