The Boston Terrier continues to be one of the most popular of companion dogs, and this great breed is a welcome addition to almost any dog loving home. Known for its loyalty, its distinctive good looks and its loyalty to its family, this unique creature has earned a place in the hearts of many an animal lover.
Appearance
The Boston Terrier is a small breed of dog, with a short and compact build. The ideal Boston Terrier is a well proportioned animal, sporting a pair of erect ears, a short tail and a short muzzle with no wrinkles. The Boston Terrier typically weighs in at between 10 to 25 pounds, with most dogs in the 15 pound range. The breed typically stands between 15 and 17 inches tall at the withers, with a compact and well muscled appearance.
Boston Terriers are renowned as much for their disposition as their good looks, with a gentle and intelligent nature. Despite their small size, however, Boston Terriers can be excellent watch dogs, with an alert nature and a courageous attitude.
The markings of the Boston Terrier are quite distinctive, distinguished by a combination of white in proportion with black, seal, brindle or a combination of all three colors. In the breed ideal, the white will cover the chest and muzzle, as well as the band around the neck. The white should also extend halfway up the front legs, as well as up to the hock portion of the back legs of the dog. The distinctive white blaze should ideally extend between the eyes without touching the eyes. Those Boston Terrier owners with designs on the dog show world should look for symmetrical markings in addition to other desirable conformation traits in the puppies they choose.
Breed Temperament
While the beauty of the Boston Terrier is important, the temperament of the breed is absolutely critical, not only for dog show aficionados but for pet owners as well. The Boston Terrier has long been known for its good temperament and its loyalty, and the breed is typified by a gentle, alert and courageous nature.
Many Boston Terriers enjoy the company of other dogs, and many puppy buyers prefer to purchase a pair of puppies instead of just one. In addition, the breed tends to get along quite well with other animals, although care should always be exercised when introducing a new puppy or adult dog into a home containing other animals. When properly socialized as puppies, Boston Terriers make wonderful additions to homes with children, and they can be loyal companions to older adults as well.
Health Concerns
As is true with many breeds of dog, the Boston Terrier is prone to a number of health concerns. While responsible breeders are trying hard to address these concerns, it is still important for puppy buyers to be aware of and prepared for these potential health challenges.
Among the conditions and diseases to which Boston Terriers are prone are cataracts, deafness, cherry eye, allergies and heart murmurs. Boston Terriers can also be prone to problems with their backs and their legs, so owners should be on the lookout for these potential problems.
Due to the nature of their respiratory system and the shape of their muzzle, Boston Terriers are unable to tolerate excessively hot or cold weather. Owners should therefore be careful when walking their pets outdoors during periods of extreme weather.
As with all breeds of dog, the best defense against potential health problems is to purchase puppies only from responsible and reputable breeders. Visiting the kennel in person and carefully evaluating the health of all animals on the premises is a good way to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. Dog Articles » Dog Breed Information
Dog Article Author: Dee Barizo | 
