Some say they are hard to train while others say they just need to be taught with love and consistent coaching. They can be extremely sensitive to even gentle physical correction, such as pushing their bum into a sitting position. Socialization is important to prevent possible aggression problems from developing. Assessment of Canine Temperament in Relation to Breed Groups, Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome in Dogs: 90 Cases, Importance of Puppy Training for Future Behavior of the Dog, Breed Differences in the Dog’s Emotional Behaviour, Behavioral Differences Among Breeds of Domestic Dogs (Canis Lupus Familiaris): Current Status of the Science, Best Harness For Yorkie – Best Yorkshire Terrier Harnesses With Reviews. Some are described as hyperactive and high-spirited while others are calmer and more dignified. With proper socialization, these dogs can be around all types of people and even most pets. They love attention and will bark to get it, especially when someone new comes to the door. It is important to always demand obedience from these dogs. This complication is serious enough that Boston terrier breeders will perform special X-ray tests to demonstrate to purebred buyers that the mother and father of a pup are free of the undesirable trait. Doing so lacks scientific credibility. If a Boston Terrier is left alone during the day, it should be in a confined area that he’s unable to jump, tunnel, or chew his way out of. Invite others over. We recommend enrolling in obedience classes so someone can show you what methods work best for the Boston Terrier. family of dog breeds: those with “smooshed” faces that are prone to panting, loud breathing, and snoring. Some dogs are more people-friendly than others, and some are just loners from the start. The more often your dog meets a friendly person inside your home, the less likely he will perceive outsiders as threats. The Boston Terrier is a lively little companion recognized by his tight tuxedo jacket, sporty but compact body, and the friendly glow in his big, round eyes. Below, several distinctive physical characteristic traits to keep in mind when caring for a Boston Terrier: Boston Terriers, like pugs and bulldogs, are part of the. A groomer can also recommend an at-home care regimen, and point out any concerning irritation or wounds that might need veterinary intervention. This dog was bred with French Bulldogs, creating the Boston Terrier we know today. Because of their small size, it is possible for children to injure them accidentally. If the problem is a consistent one, crating him or confining him in an area that’s easy to clean may help mitigate the symptoms while a diagnosis – behavioral or health – is made. That said, any dog that feels defensive or unsure of its territory has the potential to exhibit aggressive behavior, so it’s best to keep a close eye on him as he grows. Part of training and owning a Boston Terrier is teaching him where to go, and that means putting him on a leash and leading him to a specific “potty” area – rain or shine. Using “the phrase” instead of his name when scolding is important; it will ensure he doesn’t get mixed messages when he’s called by his name in a friendlier setting. So, training them to only bark on command is often an easy way to fix this problem. Topsy, won a championship. Dignified and charming, it doesn’t take much for the Boston Terrier to win over everyone he meets. The Boston Terrier is a visually distinct dog with large, sweet eyes, a “smooshed” face, a small to virtually-nonexistent tail, and energy that rivals that of a toddler with unfettered access to candy. : If he growls or crouches closer to his food when a human or other animal approaches, he’s showing signs of food aggression. In general, pet parents should avoid leaving a Boston alone for more than 4 hours at a time, as they’ll not only need to go outside and do their business, they’ll also potentially experience destructive separation anxiety. Some dogs like to bark more than others. In 1896, the first Boston Terrier, Ch. These two tendencies combined cast the Boston Terrier in a very unfair (and unflattering) light. Bostons are notorious for wheedling their way to sit or lay beside their pet parents, or sneaking into a lap for cuddle time. Boston Terrier is one of the most loved breeds of the dog. So, before deciding to adopt one, you should be okay with getting a dog that has either energy level. The anal glands are located around the anus to each side, and the scent they emit is a dog’s signature – they’re the reason that dogs greet each other by making a beeline for one another’s behinds. He will associate the act of eliminating with that praise and treat, and from there he will respond to commands to “go potty” by returning to that specific area. Get a coupon for 30% off a future order when you join our newsletter! It was at around this time that enthusiasts started trying to set a breed standard. Calm-inducing. Size. They are loyal to their family, but not to the point that they are aloof to strangers. But they suffer from a host of health problems due to their flat faces. The breed requires only a minimal amount of grooming. The Boston Terrier is a visually distinct dog with large, sweet eyes, a “smooshed” face, a small to virtually-nonexistent tail, and energy that rivals that of a toddler with unfettered access to candy. This cutie is vet checked, up to date on shots and wormer, plus comes with a health guarantee provided by the breeder. The Boston terrier is a compactly built, square-proportioned, short-backed, clean-cut dog. These instincts can become aggressive if not corrected and seem to be more common in males than females. He is friendly, manageable and enthusiastic. A: Because Boston Terriers are a favorite breed amongst people living in apartments, they often get a bad reputation as destructive chewers. The Boston Terrier can become very attached to his family. It retains many of the attributes of its bulldog ancestors, but in a clean-cut package that makes a handy house companion. Avoid the temptation to simply turn him loose in the yard to pick a place to do his business. Instead, harnesses that are broad and keep the chest exposed allow pet parents to hold and guide their pup without obstructing his airway. However, we’ll explore some of the most common characteristics of the Boston Terrier. , for example. That said, any dog that feels defensive or unsure of its territory has the potential to exhibit aggressive behavior, so it’s best to keep a close eye on him as he grows. But, before you rush out and adopt one of these adorable canines, it is important to develop a complete understanding of his complex personality. They are often food driven, which makes training straightforward. She is the cutest and sweetest little AKC registered Boston Terrier puppy ever! Required fields are marked *. Below, a few more helpful tips for housebreaking a Boston Terrier: If he seems to “forget” housebreaking: Any sudden change in behavior is a red flag for a concerned dog parent, but a sudden shift in housebroken behavior is a big one. With several types of Boston Terriers and different living conditions, you may be wondering what is an average Boston Terrier weight? Boston Terriers come in several varieties of black and white patterning, with the most memorable being the “tuxedo” configuration of primarily black with a white chest blaze, face markings, and “socks” on each leg and foot. It is important to introduce them to a variety of people at a young age to ensure that they learn how to behave. The Boston Terrier is a lover, not a fighter. With a nickname like “American Gentleman,” you can expect your Boston Terrier to be good-natured, intelligent, and polite with a sense of humor. Only positive training methods should be used. You should not let the behavior slide simply because he is a small dog. These nub-like tails are not the result of cutting or “docking” procedures as they are in breeds like Rottweilers, Bostons are born with them. Canna-Pet® produces the only legal, veterinarian-recommended, non-prescription CBD products for animals. Even if your dog is socialized though, don’t leave him alone with these smaller animals. Their lively, affecti… However, this dog’s outgoing nature does make him prone to distractions. They enjoy playing simple games and participating in activities that put their brain to work. Boston Terrier is a gentle breed that typically has a strong, happy-go-lucky, and friendly personality with a merry sense of humour. — Quentin Tarantino . They are also playful and … Boston terriers are small-to-medium dogs, and come with a stomach, digestive system, and bladder to match. Here are a few ways to reduce the chances of aggressive behavior: This will reduce a dog’s natural urge to dominate other dogs or even his parents, as hormones can be a powerful behavioral motivation to misbehave. They have broad chests. The Boston Terrier was bred for companionship. Kutsumi, A., et al., 2013, “Importance of Puppy Training for Future Behavior of the Dog,” Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. As all breeds do, Boston Terriers have a predisposition to certain health conditions. Of course, early socialization is still important. Just like with all dogs, socialization is paramount. Owner Experience - Both the Boston Terrier and Dachshund are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners. Some exhibit guarding instincts and can be territorial. Using unproven/untested gates or barriers rather than an enclosed crate can lead to a mess once parents arrive back home. However, they all share a common characteristic: the love for people, activities, and plenty of attention. The Boston Terrier belongs to the terrier, mastiff, and bulldog family so its personality should be no surprise. Be fastidious and quick about cleaning up and replacing soiled pads: if he doesn’t feel comfortable going in a “dirty” area, he’ll go elsewhere – like the carpet. It should convey the impression of determination, strength, sturdiness, liveliness, and style, with a graceful carriage. It is essential to teach him how to behave. Of course, a dog’s temperament is greatly affected by the extent it was socialized. Boston Terrier vs French Bulldog: Personality Traits. Other colors, such as a brindle coat, the red-brown “liver” color, and even white Boston Terriers exist, though potential Boston pet parents should be aware that the latter is prone to genetic issues of deafness in one or both ears. Aggressive behavior was bred out, and they prefer human company. These dogs can be stubborn, so waiting until they are older is likely to make it harder. It is often impossible to stereotype a breed’s temperament. He has a sense of humor and can be quite playful, yet he will settle down nicely at home with his family. Personalities in dog breeds vary almost as much as human personalities do. “Boston Terriers: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em.”, https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bostonterriers.html, Hitchcock, Kristin. Boston Terriers usually get along well with other dogs and pets. We recommend practicing their training with slowly increasing distractions. After all, if this breed is never introduced to other people, he will quickly begin to see them as threats. Although small, Boston Terriers are certainly no weaklings, with their sturdy and muscular build creating a well-proportioned body. If not properly socialized, this behavior can evolve into guarding. Boston terriers have three weight categories: under 15 pounds (7 kilograms), 15 to under 20 pounds (seven to nine kilograms) and 20 to 25 pounds (nine to 11 kilograms). They are not stubborn like other dogs and generally want to do what you want them to. In reality, many Bostons chew up furniture, objects, clothing, and shoes because they are anxious or bored: apartment or condo-dwellers often leave their dogs at home uncrated most of the day while they’re at work. Boston Terriers are quite sensitive. Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Terriers. Boston Terrier Society also participates in affiliate programs with Flexoffers, ShareASale, and other sites. Their natural inclination toward being well-mannered often makes them a joy to meet. Information contained or made available through the Canna-Pet® website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice. Fasanella, F.J., et al., 2010, “Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome in Dogs: 90 Cases,” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. This poses a unique problem for pet parents that may struggle with time or mobility issues versus flights of stairs. Older pups may be content to find a comfy corner of the couch to snooze the day away, but their younger counterparts need a good deal of attention and interaction from their pet parents to feel fulfilled. Boston terriers have three weight categories: under 15 pounds (7 kilograms), 15 to under 20 pounds (seven to nine kilograms) and 20 to 25 pounds (nine to 11 kilograms). We’ll follow up with a 25% off coupon code! In addition to the hygienic needs of their aforementioned tail issues, they also need their anal glands expressed periodically to avoid infection or irritation. A: Boston terriers are small-to-medium dogs, and come with a stomach, digestive system, and bladder to match. The Typical Boston Terrier Temperament. In a nutshell, it’s a pet parent’s responsibility to stow and store anything valuable before heading out for the day, or confine their beloved pooch to a comfortable, safe, doggy-proof area where these items can’t be reached. This canine is known for his impeccable manners, earning him the nickname “The American Gentleman.”. Now they are companion dogs. “Is Your Boston Terrier Potty Trained Enough?”, http://www.bostonterriersecrets.com/boston-terrier-house-training/is-your-boston-terrier-potty-trained-enough. Because Boston Terriers are a favorite breed amongst people living in apartments, they often get a bad reputation as destructive chewers. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We’ll answer all these questions and more in this complete guide to the Boston Terrier temperament. Boston Terriers are very individualistic: Some are high-spirited and clownish, while some are calm and dignified, even placid. Boston Terriers typically have a gentle, even temperament. Terry is a charming Boston Terrier puppy with a playful personality. But an exact Boston Terrier’s personality can vary, just like every breed. The personality of a Boston Terrier depends on the individual. While Boston Terriers do have a comparatively short coat length in the dog world, they still benefit from professional grooming on a regular basis. All physical differences aside, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs actually have very different personalities. Bostons are compact, well-proportioned, handsome little dogs. 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