Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers have become a very popular breed of dog over the years. They are known for their intelligence and kind attitude. Although they may look harsh and mean, these animals are very gentle. The Boston terrier is an American bred dog that may be familiar to you through other popular names such as the Boston bull or the Boxwood. There are some things to know about Boston Terriers before you decide to go out and get one. Here is some useful information about Boston Terriers to help you make a better decision about your purchase.

Description

•Boston Terriers are built compactly and have a muscular build
•Their faces are unmistakable
•Their heads are short and wide muzzled
•Their eyes are round and set far apart
•The ears are small and erect
•Teeth are short and regular with an even bite
•They are usually brindle and white, black and white, or brown and white
•Their coat is shiny with a thin texture
•They are generally between fifteen to seventeen inches tall
•Their weight can be anywhere between ten to twenty five pounds

Temperament

Originally the Boston terrier was bred to be a fighting dog; later down the road however they were bred to be great companions. Today, Boston Terriers are very gentle, expressive and well mannered dogs. Originally crossbred between the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier, the Boston terrier is not considered a terrier according to the American Kennel Club. Both of the breeds that the Boston terrier was bred from are now extinct. They rarely bark unless provoked or when necessary and are now bred as companion dogs. They make great pets because they love being around people and can be trained to get along well with children. It is however important that you consider carefully where you get your Terrier from. Some places that carry Terriers are not careful in how they breed and many of the Terriers are abused and can have behavior problems and be very aggressive (which is very unlike their temperament). So make sure you do your homework before you go out and just buy one.

History

•The Boston Terrier breed originated in the 1870s
•The first Terrier weighed over thirty pounds and was bred with a small female. One of those pups was bred with an even smaller female.
•The offspring of the second breeding was then bred with French Bulldogs and provided what is now today known as the Boston terrier.
•In 1893 the American Kennel Club admitted the Boston terrier bred dog into the club membership status. It became the first American breed of dog to be recognized.
•The Boston terrier also became the first American non-sporting dog bred in the United States of America.
•Their markings and color were originally not important, but after the 1900s they both became an essential feature to the Boston terrier.

Fun Facts

•The Boston terrier is known as the state dog of Massachusetts.
•The Boston terrier is also the mascot of Boston University and Wofford College.
•In the Wizard of Oz books Toto is often drawn as a Boston terrier.
•In College, Helen Keller was given a Boston terrier named Phiz.
•Warren G. Harding, President of the United States owned a Boston terrier.
•The NOFX record "13 Stitches" features a Boston Terrier on the cover.

Boston Terriers make great pets for adults, children, and the elderly. They are fun-loving and very gentle natured.

P.S. Here is a Boston Terrier coloring page.

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