Boston Terrier Information For Breeders
Boston Terrier breeders will tell you that the Boston Terrier, which is the state dog of Massachusetts, is really not a Terrier at all. Called the Boston Bull and the Boston Bull Terrier, the Boston Terrier descended from two now extinct breeds, the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. A man by the name of Robert C. Hopper bred the first Boston Terrier (then referred to as a Bull Terrier which Bull Terrier breeders were quite unhappy with). He bred subsequent litters with various Bulldog mixes such as the French Bulldog to make this breed a small-sized, non-aggressive companion dog. Though the Bulldog was bred to fight bulls and other dogs, this trait has been bred out of the Boston Terrier. Boston Terrier breeders describe Boston Terriers as gentle, alert intelligent, and affectionate. The breed is the first American-bred dog to be included in the American Kennel Club. The breed was recognized in 1893.
The Boston Terrier is also referred to as the American Gentleman due to the tuxedo-like markings on its coat. Boston Terriers may be black with white, brindle with white, brown with white or a red-black color called seal with white. Their coats are uniformly white on the muzzle, between the eyes, on a band around the neck, on the chest and halfway up the forelegs. This color pattern make the Boston Terrier appear to be wearing a white collar, shirt, and cuffs with a black suit jacket and coat tails. Besides being sturdy and dapper in appearance, the Boston Terrier is very intelligent and amusing. Boston Terrier breeders provide a solid foundation of discipline and training for dog buyers to build upon. Some owners say that their Boston Terriers can do thirty or more tricks, some as intricate as riding a skateboard!
Boston Terriers suffer from common genetic problems such as cataracts, a condition called cherry eye, deafness, allergies, curvature of the spine, respiratory issues and digestive problems. Because of the breed’s short muzzle, dogs may reverse sneeze and snore loudly. Like their bulldog ancestors, Boston Terriers can also be very gassy, a surprising quality in an American Gentleman.
Good Boston Terrier breeders can be found in Boston (of course!), as well as many other cities and countries. Good places to start when researching where to buy a Boston Terrier include the Boston Terrier Club of America, the American Kennel Club, and local Boston Terrier rescue centers. There are many websites that promise next-day pets and overnight shipping of puppies, but these should be avoided. A purebred Boston Terrier should not be shipped. If possible, it should be bred and bought locally. Pet store puppies should also be avoided because these puppies have also been shipped and buyers receive no guarantee on their health or pedigree.
Boston Terrier buyers have a responsibility to thoroughly research Boston Terrier breeders. There are many illicit breeders working to make money with little regard to animal health, quality or care. Buyers should ask for references from respected breeders in their town or state. Local shelters may also be able to direct buyers to good Boston Terrier breeders.
Buyers should thoroughly interview Boston Terrier breeders. Boston Terrier information about breeders is provided in this article.