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Boston Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Boston Terrier is a non-sporting dog breed originally from the United States of America. It is referred to as the American Gentleman due to its markings resembling formal wear and its pleasant personality. Bostons were the first non-sporting breed in the USA. This breed’s genetic makeup produces a short tail that should not exceed two inches in length( approx. 5.08cm).
History
Bostons are descendants of a dog named Judge( also Hooper’s Judge). Judge was a tough and muscular dog that resulted after crossing the now-extinct white English Terrier and a Bulldog. The initial owner of Judge from England sold him to an American by the name of William O’Brien, who brought Judge to his home in Boston, MA.
In 1870, William sold Judge to Robert C. Hooper who was also a Boston resident. Judge was a dark brindle-colored dog with a white stripe on the face weighing 15 pounds ( approx. 15 kg). This dog was bred to Gyp, a white bulldog female type owned by Edward Burnett, of Southboro, MA. Gyp weighed 20 pounds (approx. 9.1 kg) and had the typical blockhead present in the Modern Bostons.
Judge and Gyp begot Eph, who begot Kate, and on through similar generations of the Boston’s history. Several years of selective breeding transformed the Bostons from the bulky fighter of Judge’s time into a more attractive dog, sweeter, and smaller companion dog.
Bostons were originally named Round Head by their Partisans. However, the breed’s name was changed to Boston Terrier in honor of the city where the breed was developed. The breed’s Club of America was formed in 1891 and was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1893. For nearly a century, the Bostons have been the official mascot of Boston University. In 1979, the state legislature named the American Gentleman the official dog of Massachusetts.
Boston Terrier Lifespan
The average lifespan of Bostons is 11 to 13 years. However, some dog owners of this breed have reported that their pets have lived up to 15 years plus. The life expectancy of this breed may vary depending on a number of factors including health, environment, breeding, and size.
Grooming
This breed requires minimal grooming needs. This is because Bostons have a shiny, short, and smooth coat that sheds lightly. Weekly brushing is recommended to remove loose hair while also promoting new hair growth. Brush the coat using a rubber grooming mitt, soft-bristle brush, or a hound glove.
Regular brushing helps in the distribution of skin oils keeping the coat glossy. Occasional bathing is suitable for Bostons unless they roll into something stinky. Nail clipping should be done on a regular basis because overgrown nails have the potential of inflicting pain on the dog. Long overdue nails make walking and running difficult. Brush the teeth using a dog-formulated toothpaste and finger brush or toothbrush at least thrice a week to promote good oral health.
Bostons have large erect ears that collect a lot of dirt. Regular cleaning at least once a week using an ear cleanser and cotton balls is recommended. While cleaning the ears, check out for odor, redness, and dark discharge since they are symptoms of an ear infection. Remember to wipe the eyes using a damp washcloth.
Grooming Brush
They have a single, smooth, thin, and short fur coat that should be brushed with a soft brush like a hound glove, a rubber grooming mitt, or a soft-bristle brush. This is because the thin coat makes the pet susceptible to scrapes and skin cuts if a hard brush is used for grooming.
Boston Terrier Shedding
Bostons shed at low levels all-year round. However, they experience regular shedding during seasonal change once or twice a year during spring and/or fall to regulate body temperature. Shedding in dogs is also a natural process that promotes new hair growth.
Coat
They possess a single coat that is smooth, short, thin, bright, and fine. Due to the short and thin coat, a Boston is not able to stand extreme cold weather and should be kept indoors. Pet owners are recommended to buy a jacket or coat during the cold weather season.
Hypoallergenic
These dogs are light shedders and shed mostly during Spring and Fall. However, Bostons are not hypoallergenic. This is because they shed, and shedding allows dander to spread around the home. Dander is the allergen that triggers allergic reactions in people suffering from dog allergies. This breed also has a tendency for excessive mucus which make it less-than-ideal for people with allergies. Apart from dander and mucus, saliva, urine, and fur also have a protein that causes allergic inflammation.
Boston Terrier Training
Bostons are eager to please their owners and can be easily trained. Early socialization for this breed is key in order to expose your pet to other dogs, people, situations, experiences, sights, smells, and sounds like vacuum cleaners, whistles, sirens, and washing machine. Enrolling a Boston in puppy classes is also a form of socialization. Puppy classes also helps the owner to identify and correct bad habits.
A Boston that is properly socialized enjoys being around people, the elderly, children, non-canine-pets, and other canines. Training helps your pet to develop into a well-mannered and well-adjusted adult. While training your Boston, it is important to use gentle corrections methods followed by warmth and praise since this breed is quite sensitive. Use positive reinforcement methods such as the use of treats, praise, and toys.
Training Tips
Teach your Boston one command at a time to avoid confusion. Some of the basic commands include sit, lay down, stay, and heel. Remember to keep training sessions short between 5 to 10 minutes to avoid boredom. During extreme humid weather, train your Boston outside because they are susceptible to breathing problems.
Housebreaking is effective after creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training. A Boston should be trained that a crate is a safe place when it can retreat to. Make the device comfortable and inviting by lining it with a comfortable blanket and positioning toys and treats.
A crate helps to keep a Boston safe while in the house and teaches it to stay alone. While at home, always leave the crate door open so that your dog will understand that a crate is not a forced experience. Bostons are brachycephalic and likely to snore loudly. Teaching them to sleep in a crate will help you sleep better at night.
Boston Terrier Potty Training
Once you get a Boston Pup from a responsible breeder between the age of 11 to 12 weeks, immediately start potty training. Remember that a 12 week old pup can hold for three hours before eliminating while a 8 weeks old pup holds it for two hours. The muscles of the bladder and the bowel strengthen as the puppy matures. During potty training, take your Boston outside immediately it wakes up, after meals, every 1 to 3 hours, after naps, following a car ride, and before bedtime.
Prior to starting potty training, it is highly advised to decide whether you want your pet to eliminate inside or outside. This is especially important for apartment dwellers who have a difficult time accessing a yard or street. Dog litter boxes are available from the pet stores for dogs that eliminate inside.
During training, there are chances that a Boston may have an accident before it fully understand the potty routine. When you get you pet in the act, don’t yell at your dog, firmly say No and take it to the designated potty area immediately. Clean the mess using an enzymatic cleaner that will get rid of the odor. If a Boston smell the urine it will keep eliminating in that spot.
Potty Training Tips
When choosing a relieving spot outside, it should not be near a BBQ or a patio deck. Take your dog to the area and remain there for at least fifteen minutes. Monitor and supervise to ensure that a Boston eliminates to avoid accidents in the house. If it doesn’t, return it to the potty area after 15 minutes. The 15 minute potty rule allows a Boston to relax the bowel and bladder movements in order to eliminate. Once your pet eliminates, utter words of affection and rub it down. Avoid use of food as a treat since Bostons are intelligent and will associate food with elimination.
Before your Boston attains the age of 4 months, set an alarm to take it outside at night to eliminate. Remember to watch for signs that your dog wants to potty such as sniffing, circling, lifting one leg against the furniture, squatting, and whining.
Exercise Needs
Exercise needs for a Boston vary from individual to individual. For some dogs, brisk walk once or twice a day meets their exercise needs, while others need more time to run and play every day to let off steam.
Regardless 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily is key. Letting your Boston backyard doesn’t count as exercise since your pet will probably sit at the door waiting to be let back in. You may also throw your dog a toy or ball and she will be happy to play with you.
Boston Terrier Temperament
- Merry sense of humor.
- Gentle.
- Friendly personality.
- Intelligent.
- Easily trained.
- Protective.
- Quiet.
- Lively.
Behavior Issues
Bostons may exhibit behavior problems due to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. This behavior may include frequent barking, chewing, and excessive licking.
Barking
Both male and female Bostons are generally quiet and bark only when necessary, although early training and socialization in this regard is significant. These dogs also have a sensible attitude toward barking making them excellent choices for apartment dwellers. However, if they are left alone for long hours they get frustrated and may develop undesirable behavior such as being yappy.
Aggressive
Bostons are quite protective of their owners and may be aggressive and exhibit territorial behavior toward strangers and other dogs especially if they were not properly socialized.
Bite Force
A mature adult Boston has a bite force of averaging 269 PSI.
Biting
Boston puppies are prone to biting and nipping as they explore their surroundings. During teething, biting is rapid because of the discomfort that puppies experience. Biting and nipping for a pup may seem adorable but not anymore after it matures to an adult that has serious biting issues. Therefore, Boston parents are advised to curb biting before it develops into a habit.
Use of redirection and bite inhibition training is recommended. Redirection works especially for a pup that bites due to teething. When the pup bites the shoes, feet, or your hands, redirect it to a teething toy. This also teaches a Boston pup what is acceptable for chewing and what is not. However, if an adult dog continues biting consult a professional trainer.
Height
These dogs may have a height of 9 to 15 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ). However, most Bostons have a height of 15 to 17 inches ( approx. 38 to 43 cm ). Male Bostons are slightly taller than their female counterpart standing at a height of 17 inches while the females have a height of 16 inches.
Boston Terrier Weight
Bostons should weigh not more than 25 pounds (approx. 11 kg) according to the international breed standards. AKC divides the breed into three classes according to weight;
- Under 15 pounds (approx. 6.8 kg).
- 15-20 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 9.1 kg).
- 20-25 pounds ( approx. 9.1 to 11.3 kg).
Tail
Boston has a short tail that appears to have been docked due to its genetic makeup. The short tails may take the shape of a curl, corkscrew, or straight. This breed’s tails should also not exceed two inches in length.
Tail Types
Boston tail types are based on shape. These types include:
- Gay Tail – this is a tail that sits much higher than the breeds standards. A gay tail is carried above the horizontal level of the back according to AKC.
- A straight tail – is a tail that is pointed downward when your Boston is idle and calm.
- Curled or Corkscrew tail – this is a type of tail that looks like a button as it is pressed tightly against its bottom. A curled tail requires regular cleaning to avoid tail infection.
- Bobbed tails – this type of tail is very short and looks like it has been docked or cut. Bobbed tails are also referred to as nubs.
- Crooked Tail – it has a length of two inches and appears to be bent in the opposite direction about halfway of the tail total length.
Boston Terrier Names
The most important exercise that a Boston owner engages in before or after getting a pet from a responsible breeder or rescue center is naming the pooch. Some dog owners are familiar with the unique, cute, funny, cool, and famous names that are given to Bostons.
However, others may name their dogs based on their coat color, origin, characteristics, books, pop culture, movies, songs, and food. Some of the popular names for Bostons include Hawk, Maggie, Bella, Jug, Tux, Snoopy, Panda, Gizmo, Dumbo, Honey, Pixie, Sox, Puffin, Dodo, Vector, Zebra, etc.
Regardless of the name that you will choose, ensure that it doesn’t rhyme with the command words to avoid confusion. Give your pet a name that freely rolls off your tongue and will not make you embarrassed when you utter it out loud in public malls or parks. Bostons and other dog breeds understand better names that have vowels. Avoid naming your pet after a household member or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Names Girl
- Kiki.
- Roxy.
- Armani.
- Alice.
- Isabella.
- Lucy.
- Sweetie.
- Matilda.
- Maya.
- Sakura.
- Maddie.
- Piper.
- Lola.
- Bella.
- Luna, etc.
Names Boy
- Judge.
- Bingo.
- Jax.
- Ike.
- Sherlock.
- Richie.
- Ace.
- Doc.
- Rudy.
- Clark.
- Boss.
- Louis.
- Jones.
- Rookie.
- Bishop.
- Tux, etc.
Boston Terrier Allergies
This Terrier is more susceptible to allergies caused by skin, contact, and environmental allergens due to the thin coat that lacks an undercoat. Bostons may experience multiple allergic inflammations simultaneously. Some of the sources that cause allergies in Bostons include perfumes, shampoos, fleas, dust mites, pollen, household molds, grass, cleaning products, flavor additives, etc. The allergies that affect Bostons are discussed below:
Skin allergies – Bostons are vulnerable to skin allergies due to contact, inhalant, food, and environmental allergens that affect the skin.
Food allergies – This breed is predisposed to food allergies and food intolerance. At times it may be difficult to distinguish the latter from the former. However, a true food allergy causes an immune response.
Contact allergies – This is the inflammation that occurs once the skin of the Boston comes in contact with various allergens such as plastics, vacuum chemicals, bed lines, latex, medication, grooming products such as shampoo and conditioner, and carpet cleaning detergents. Contact allergies affects the paws, belly sides, and around the mouth. This allergy causes excessive biting, itchiness, scratching, and licking. If left untreated, contact allergies may result in secondary skin infections in Bostons.
Inhalant allergies – This allergy affects a Boston once it inhales something that triggers an allergic reaction such as perfumes, pollen, cigarette smoke, ragweed, etc.
Environmental allergies
Some of the environmental allergies that affect Bostons include fleas, ragweed, dust and dust mites, house molds, pollen, grass, mites, and mosquitoes. Fleas cause flea allergy dermatitis which result in excessive biting, scratching, and licking until the skin around the bite is raw. Flea allergy affects behind the hind legs of the Boston. Symptoms exhibited by a Boston that is suffering from environmental allergies include a runny nose, swollen eyes, scratching, and itchiness on various body parts including ears, paws, face, belly sides, groin, muzzle, armpits, around the eyes, and between the toes.
Allergies Symptoms
The common symptoms of allergies in Bostons that may be due to skin, food, inhalant, contact, or environmental allergens are listed below.
- Vomiting.
- Frequent ear infections.
- Diarrhea.
- Licking, chewing, biting, and scratching at hot spots such as paws, ears, legs, belly, etc.
- Dry flaky skin.
- Itchiness.
- Itchy skin.
- Sores on the paws, skin, feet, and mouth.
- Skin rashes and irritations.
- Runny nose.
- Swollen eyes.
Boston Terrier Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are often a manifestation of environmental allergies and food intolerance in Bostons. This breed is susceptible to skin allergies because allergies’ first affect the skin causing itchiness, redness, and flakiness.
Skin allergens in Bostons dogs manifest around the legs, ears, belly, paws, muzzle, armpits, and groin. Atopic dermatitis also causes skin allergies in this breed. If left untreated atopic dermatitis may lead to hair loss, thickening of the skin, and secondary skin infections.
Boston Terrier Skin Allergies Remedies
Since Bostons are prone to skin allergies using a hypoallergenic shampoo to cool the skin surface and provide relief from itchy skin and hot spots is recommended. When purchasing a hypoallergenic shampoo, look for ingredients in shampoos that help reduce skin inflammation such as aloe Vera, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and hydrocortisone. Medical remedies over the counter include topical antibiotic sprays and ointments, antihistamines, and prescribed corticosteroids.
Skin allergies that result from environmental allergies can be managed by use of modern flea medicines for flea allergy dermatitis at least once a month. Making a habit of wiping the coat of a Boston with a damp washcloth when it returns to the house after an outdoor activity will help in managing the symptoms.
Skin inflammation that is caused by food intolerance and food allergies may be difficult to treat. However, the vet may recommend use of elimination method or switching to a new diet for instance dog raw food. On the other hand, the elimination diet involves a food trial of feeding your Boston a novel that is usually one source of protein and carbohydrate for 8 or 12 weeks.
In this method, the Vet will also monitor for reactions, change the foods, and then introduce challenge tests to check for allergies again and again. When your Boston is on the elimination method diet, avoid giving your pooch table food, supplements, treats, or flavored medications as they could influence the elimination diet results.
Boston Terrier Food Allergies
Bostons have a sensible digestive system making them susceptible to food intolerance (sensitivities) and food allergies. Although, true food allergies are rare, they also affect this breed. A true food allergy causes an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including gastrointestinal stress and skin conditions signs.
Gastrointestinal stress includes acute vomiting and/or diarrhea while some of the skin conditions symptoms will include facial swelling, crusting lesions, hives, pruritus, and dermatitis.
On the other hand, food intolerance don’t cause an immune response. However, it is a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of a Boston. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivities in this breed includes soy, corn, beef, dairy products, milk, eggs, fish, turkey, lamb, pork, etc. are ingredients commonly found in commercial dry dog foods.
Food allergies in Bostons cause itching, flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. Wheat gluten and food additives also result in food reactions. Common symptoms of food intolerance include poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, chronic ear infections, foot infections, and itchiness. A Boston parent should work along with the vet to mange the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the pooch.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Hair Loss
Normal and acceptable hair loss in Bostons occurs at low-levels all-year-round in a process known as shedding. However, Bostons may experience hair loss due to the following reasons:
Pattern baldness – is the complete loss of hair or thinning around the ears, temples, on the back of the thighs, and underneath their abdomen and neck. Pattern baldness is not itchy and the coat and skin of your dog may appear normal. To remedy hair loss caused by pattern baldness in this breed, add supplements such as fatty acids that are good for the coat and skin.
Allergies – Bostons are prone to skin, contact, food, and environmental allergies that result in excessive licking, biting, scratching, and itchiness. This may result to sores, thinning of the coat, and hair loss. Flea allergy dermatitis caused y the Flea’s saliva causing excessive biting and scratching in the ears around the bite area until the skin is raw. Therefore, a Boston has hot spots in the areas where the fleas have bitten.
Hormones – A female Boston that is on heat cycle experience hormonal changes especially an increase in estrogen levels that result in thinning coat and hair loss. A dam is also likely to experience hair loss due to nesting behaviors.
Other Causes
Stress – Bostons may suffer from stress due to poor environment and separation anxiety. This will result to anxiety, restlessness, and behavior issues such as barking, chewing, and excessive licking. Excessively licked parts may lead to lick granuloma which is the hair loss in the excessively licked body parts especially the paws.
Mange – Bostons are affected by mange that results in scrabs, hair loss, and sores due to mites. These insects cause scratching, itching, licking, and rubbing of the affected body parts.
Hypothyroidism – This is the inadequate production of the thyroxine hormone in the body of a Boston by the thyroid gland hence affecting metabolism control. Hypothyroidism causes thinning of the coat and hair easily falls out on the neck, tail, sides of the body, and back of legs.
Cushing’s disease – Senior Bostons are affected by Cushing’s disease. This is a health issue as a result of a tumor in the pituitary gland causing frequent urination, drinking a lot, panting, and hair loss on the perineum, and neck, lesions on the skin, thinning of the coat, lack of energy, and obesity.
Boston Terrier Health Issues
Some of the health issues that Bostons may suffer from include:
- Ear infection.
- Eye Ulcer.
- Glaucoma.
- Cataracts.
- Reverse sneezing.
- Breathing difficulty due to brachycephalic syndrome.
- Patellar luxation.
- Flatulence.
- Brain cancer.
- Seizures.
Breathing Problems
It is a Brachycephalic breed that may experience breathing difficulties due to Brachycephalic syndrome. This condition causes partial obstruction to breathing that causes secondary to anatomical abnormalities of the head. Furthermore, this anatomy results in tiny nostrils, narrow trachea, and long palates that lead to difficulty in breathing if involved in demanding forms of exercise.
Boston Terrier Seizures
Seizures also referred to as convulsions in dogs is a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function that is accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. Bostons are prone to seizures due to brain cancer, hypoglycemia, toxins, and brain tumor. There are three causes of seizures; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures respectively.
Primary seizures are also common although the underlying cause is unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures which are hereditary. A Boston may experience idiopathic seizures between the age of 1 to 5 years. Some dogs may experience primary seizures once or twice a month while others may experience several seizures in a month. Secondary seizures are caused by stroke, brain tumor, and trauma. A Boston that experiences a brain tumor at the age of at least 5 years will undergo advanced testing to check for brain tumors.
There are also reactive seizures that occur when the brain detects a metabolic problem including low blood sugar common in Boston puppies, ingestion of toxins, and organ failure. Low blood sugar may be a result of hypoglycemia. This is where a pup is not able to convert glycogen into glucose for use as a fuel by the brain and body tissues. Bostons may experience grand mal seizure or on-set seizures which lasts for a period of 1 to 3 minutes and suddenly goes unconscious and fall over their side. Grand mal seizure is also accompanied with aggressive paddling or chewing, dilation of pupils, drooling, and urination or defecation.
Focal Seizure
Bostons may also experience partial or focal seizure that is usually isolated to two or one body part. When experiencing this seizure the dog may remain conscious while jerking muscles. Avoid touching your pooch when it is experiencing seizure as it may accidentally bite you. Remove other dogs from the scene as they are likely to attack the dog that is experiencing seizure. Don’t administer medicine, water or, food to a dog that is experiencing seizure as it may potentially choke on these substances.
Boston Terrier Colors
According to AKC Bostons should either be brindle, black, or seal with white markings. The seal color is dark brown and looks black except in the bright sun. Therefore, Boston’s colors include:
- Black & White.
- Brindle & White.
- Seal & White.
The markings of this breed have also been broken down into two categories by AKC:
- Required – which is made up of a white muzzle band, white chest, and a white band between the eyes.
- Desired – this consists of the required markings plus white on the forelegs, hocks on the rear legs, and a white collar.
Heat Cycle
The heat cycle of a female Boston lasts between a period of 2 to 3 weeks. The heat cycle may reoccur every 6 months. However, it is not uncommon for a Boston to experience a heat cycle 3 to 4 times in a year. This breed experiences its first heat cycle at the age of 6 to 9 months. Unless spayed, a senior female Boston may also get pregnant since dogs don’t go experience menopause.
Some of the symptoms that a dog experiences during a heat cycle include a swollen vulva, increased urination, bloody discharge, tail flagging or lifting one leg up while urinating, loss of appetite, mood swings, and nesting behaviors.
A female Boston may become receptive to the male later in the cycle. Before mating your dog, ensure both the male and the female undergo genetic testing to ensure they have no underlying health issues. The female and the stud should not be related.
It is highly recommended to wait until a female Boston is 2 years old before mating to ensure it is physically matures to limit pregnancy complications. The two-year mark also gives an opportunity for the genetically linked faults to express themselves.
Pregnancy Length
The average pregnancy length of a female Boston is 64 days approximately two months after conception.
Litter Size
During birth, a female Boston may give birth to a litter size of 3 or 4 puppies. 80% of the delivery is through C-section since the puppies are likely to get stuck in the birth canal due to their size.
Boston Terrier Ear Infection
A Boston possesses large and erect ears that gather a lot dirt which makes it susceptible to ear infections. Other causes of ear infections in Bostons include ear mites, yeast imbalances, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, allergies, moisture accumulation, and excess debris or wax.
There are three types of ear infections that affect dogs, interna, media, and externa otitis respectively. However, Bostons are mostly affected by externa otitis, inflammation of the cells located in the external ear canal. Failure to treat this infection results to inflammation in the middle ear ( media) and inner ear canal (interna). Infection in the middle and inner ear canal results in facial paralysis, deafness, and vestibular signs.
Ear Infection Symptoms
- Shaking of the head.
- Foul odor from the ears.
- Digging at the ears.
- Swelling of the ear canal.
- Rubbing the ears on the ground.
- Dark discharge.
- Pain.
- Redness.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to book an appointment with your Vet.
Eye Problems
Common eye problems that Bostons suffer from include:
- Glaucoma is the insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye hence putting pressure on the optic nerve which causes a lot of pain to a Boston. Symptoms include bluing of the cornea, squinting, redness in the whites of the eyes, and watery eyes.
- Dry eye syndrome – also referred to as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is an eye problem that reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands to the extend that the eyes are no longer moist.
- Cataracts – is an eye condition that results in cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of a Boston. If left untreated it causes blindness.
- Corneal ulcers – Bostons have large and round eyes which makes their cornea susceptible to injury caused by a scratch from a plant material or foreign bodies.
- Distichiasis is an eye condition that causes rubbing on the surface of the eye due to extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid. If left untreated, the abnormal hair may lead to chronic eye pain and corneal ulcers.
- Entropion causes eyelids to roll inwards hence rubbing the eye surface of a Boston causing infections and deep ulcerated cornea.
Eye Infection
Eye infection or inflammation in Bostons may be a result of viral or bacterial infection. However, Bacterial eye infections are far more common. This is because viruses, trauma to the eye, and dry eye syndrome provides a perfect opportunity for the bacteria to invade the eye since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Most of the bacteria eye infections result after a scratch or injury to the eye. Boston are susceptible to eye infection due to corneal ulcers. Foreign bodies such as plant material, hair, dust, debris, and fur cause bacteria eye infections.
Some of the common symptoms of ear infection include watery eyes, frequent blinking of the eye, clear discharge from the eyes (viral infection), thick yellowish green discharge (bacterial eye infection), and redness. Home remedy for a Boston that is suffering from an eye infection is the use of saline rinses to flush the eye. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca also causes eye infections.
Eye Ulcer
This breed has distinctive round eyes that are widely set apart and are large in size. A Boston is susceptible to eye cancer caused if a foreign object scratches the eye. These dogs are also susceptible to getting eye injuries when making contact with debris, sand, dust, and plants with thorns.
Eye Discharge
Eye discharge is medically referred to as eye gunk or eye boogers. It is normal for Bostons to have a clear discharge with a water consistency or a whitish grey eye discharge. However, a thick yellowish green eye discharge may indicate that your pooch is suffering from an eye infection.
Feeding Chart
There are many factors that determine the amount of food that your Boston should feed on including size, age, and how active your pet is. However, on average, a Boston weighing 10 pounds( approx. 4.5kg) should feed 3/4 cup to 1 cup a day. A Boston weighing 20 pounds( approx. 9.1kg) should feed 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ cups a day.
Neck Size
The neck size of a Boston is equivalent to the collar size since the collar rests around the neck. However, when using a collar, ensure that you can insert two fingers between the collar and the neck. The neck size | collar size of a Boston is 12 to 18 inches ( approx. 30 to 45 inches).
Boston Terrier Muzzle
Bostons are also muzzled even if they have been socialized properly to let go of territorial behavior towards strangers and other pets. Muzzles are used by dog owners in a situation where they are not sure of how a Boston will react to a new stimulus. A dog that is in pain should also be muzzled since it is likely to bite or nip.
The American Kennel Club also recommends pet parents to create positive associations with the accessory through the use of treats and praise. However, a muzzle should never be used to correct behavior problems such as biting, chewing, and barking.
Collar
This breed is brachycephalic and it is likely to experience breathing difficulties if it pulls while walking on a leash with a collar. On the other hand, a harness distributes pressure evenly around the small frame of a Boston. Although, a Boston owner may use both the collar and the harness. The collar will attach the ID and rabies tag while the harness will attach the leash. A GPS tracker may also be attached on the collar.
Speed
Boston Terrier may ran to a speed of between 18 to 25 miles per hour ( approx. 29 to 40 km/h).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic
No. Bostons shed lightly all year round which allows the spread of dander in the house. This dog also has a tendency of excessive mucus. Saliva, dander, mucus, hair, and urine have a protein that causes allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Why Is My Boston Terrier Aggressive
Bostons may be aggressive toward other dogs and strangers if they are not socialized properly due to their protective temperament with their owners.
Can Boston Terriers be left alone
Yes, but not for long hours since they also suffer from separation anxiety.
Boston Terriers Quick Facts
- They have distinctive large sized ears and short tails that should not have a length of more than two inches.
- In 2019, these dogs were ranked the 21st most popular breed by the American Kennel Club.
- Bostons are one of the small breeds that have originated in the US.
