A Pet's View / May 2007
Boston Beings
Boston Terriers are one of the few dog breeds made in the USA. Like many of America’s finest old families, they started out in Boston. Also called Boston bulldogs, they are sturdy, compact, well-muscled dogs. Their faces are as unmistakable as their coloring. The short, square muzzle of a Boston is punctuated with an ample flat, black nose and big, dark eyes. Their chest is broad, their body muscular and their intelligence, high.
Bred down in size from pit-fighting bull and terrier dogs, the first Olde Boston Bulldogges weighed over forty pounds. Now dapper dandies known for their good manners, the little dogs were once tough pit-fighters, divided into classifications of lightweight, middle and heavyweight. The original Boston Terriers were a cross between the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier, which is extinct. Around 1865, the coachmen of Boston’s finest citizens began interbreeding some of the dogs owned by their employers. Bred down to progressively smaller females and then to French Bulldogs, the cross breedings resulted in the creation of today’s Boston Terrier.
By 1889 the breed had become so popular in Boston that enthusiasts formed the American Bull Terrier Club. Unfortunately, the club of Bull Terrier Fanciers took a dim view of the new organization’s name so the breed was soon named the Boston Terrier after its home city. They were first shown in 1870, in Boston, of course, and recognized by the AKC in 1893. By the 1900’s, the breeds distinctive, tuxedo like markings were written into the standard as an essential feature.
Gentle, alert and very bright, few of the infamous terrier qualities remain in Boston Terriers. They are most commonly very well behaved and much prefer the company of humans to the riff raff of the ring.
Enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious, Bostons are known for their sense of humor and their sensitivity to a tone of voice. They like to learn and are not difficult to train since their intelligence lets them figure out what is wanted quickly. Playful and affectionate, they tend to have a reputation for barking only when necessary. Most are friendly to strangers and reliable with children.
Bostons have a smooth, short coat that is easy to groom and striking markings of black and white or brindle and white. According to the AKC standards, Bostons convey an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order and a carriage that is easy and graceful. They are judged on a proportionate combination of color and white markings, their clean-cut, short backed body and their uniquely characteristic square head and jaw.
They range from 10-30 pounds and most are 15-17 inches tall.
Because of their short face, Bostons sometimes have breathing difficulties when stressed, and they often have an endearing snore. Since the breed has a large head and a small pelvis, pups are often delivered by cesarean section.
Short walks and sessions of play are really all the exercise they need, and since they’re sensitive to temperature extremes, Bostons are excellent apartment dwellers. Long walks are not their goal, but they’re always ready to go for a ride in the car.
Distinctive and charming, the Boston Terrier is an American original, a lively pet and an engaging companion.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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