Boston Terrier Information And History

Any Boston Terrier breeder worth his salt will tell you that this all-American breed isn't really a Terrier at all. Terriers were dogs originally bred to chase small game or to harry and kill prey. The Boston Terrier is descended from two extinct breeds, one of them a Terrier and the other a Bulldog. It was inbred with various English and French Bulldogs down to the size and temperament seen in the breed today. The Boston Terrier is more similar in appearance and bloodline to its Bulldog ancestry and is often referred to as the Boston Bull. The Boston Terrier gained membership in the American Kennel Club in 1893 and is the first American-made breed to win that honor.

Though the Bulldog ancestors of the Boston Terrier were bred for aggression, this trait has largely been bred out of the Boston Terrier. The breed is a non-sporting, companion dog with an overall affectionate, intelligent and energetic temperament.
A Boston Terrier breeder will also breed for personality. Due to their close ancestry with Bulldogs, some Boston Terriers can have behavioral issues such as aggression and dominance. Breeders will not breed dogs known for these negative behavior traits. The breed standard temperament of the Boston Terrier is affectionate, intelligent, sociable, playful and alert but never aggressive. Though breeders have been attempting to breed out aggression since the late 1800's, Boston Terrier puppies still need to be trained in proper behavior from birth. This breed is very sensitive to tone of voice so positive reinforcement in the form of praise in a gentle vocal tone encourages good behavior. This is especially important when housebreaking since Boston Terriers can be stubborn and willful in this area.

Boston Terrier Breeders attempt to breed healthy dogs but, like all pure dog breeds, Boston Terriers suffer common genetic problems such as cataracts, deafness, allergies, curvature of the spine and difficulties in birthing. Boston Terriers may also have significant respiratory and digestive problems throughout their lives. A good breeder will have dogs screened for genetic disorders.
Questions to ask a Boston Terrier breeder include the following:
-Do you maintain your own kennel? Good breeders maintain their own kennels and socialize puppies with house privileges.
-May I visit the kennel? Good breeders will encourage buyers to meet parents- if on site- and puppies to build a relationship.
-Have puppies and parents been screened for common genetic defects? Good breeders will not breed any dog with known genetic or behavioral disorders.
-Do you provide medical and immunization records? This should always be a yes.
-Do you provide a warranty or guarantee of health? It may be time-limited.
-Do you run a breed-specific rescue center? Good breeders will encourage buyers to visit rescued Boston Terriers who have been abandoned and need homes. If breeders do not run rescues, they should be affiliated with rescue centers.
-Do you sell or broker Boston Terriers to pet stores? Good breeders never sell to pet stores!
-Can you tell me about Boston Terriers? Breeders are experts on the breed.
Nothing can guarantee that you will get a perfect puppy with no problems, but asking just a few questions can ensure a good start.

There are many important questions to ask Boston Terrier breeders. This article provides Boston Terrier information and questions to ask the Boston Terrier breeder.