Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a breed that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is known for its flat head, muscular body and short, glossy black and white coat. They are active and playful dogs that enjoy walks and games.

General details

The Boston Terrier is a small breed of dog. They usually weigh between 5 and 11 kilos and measure between 38 and 43 centimeters at shoulder height. They have an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), it belongs to Group 9, which includes companion dogs.

Breed history in brief

It is considered that the first Boston Terrier was in 1875, when a dog related to the Terrier and Bull lineages named Judge was purchased. This dog is considered the direct ancestor of the Boston Terrier, although he was larger than today's dogs. He was paired with a smaller Bulldog type bitch, and subsequent breeders kept that line to refine them. In 1889 fanciers formed the first club for this breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted it in 1893, becoming the first American breed of dog to be recognized.

Breed characteristics

Boston Terriers have a unique appearance that makes them easily recognizable. They have a large, flat head, with a short, broad nose, similar to the Bulldog, but without wrinkles. Large dark eyes give them a friendly and alert expression. Their body is muscular and compact, small, with short legs and a short, pointed tail to match, which stands straight. Its coat is short and glossy. The characteristic coloration is black and white. The color pattern is known as "white tie" because the white coat forms a spot on the chest that looks like a tie. Other common colors in this breed that are combined with white are brindle, very dark brown or a combination of all three with white. They are a breed with a cheerful and friendly personality. Their desire to please their owners makes them easy to train. They tend to be protective of their owner and territorial, so it is recommended to teach them to socialize from an early age. Despite their small size, they are very energetic dogs and it is recommended to take them out at least one hour a day.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Boston terrier is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include patellar luxation, corneal ulceration and congenital deafness.