Breed of the Day : Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier


HISTORY :

• "American Gentleman" / "Boston Bulls"
• AKC recognition in 1893 - First U.S. breed to be recognized
• 23rd most popular breed in the U.S. in 2012 and 2013
• Bulldog/Terrier lineage
• "Rhett the Boston Terrier" is Boston University's mascot

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Terrier)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Gentle, Loving
• Playful, Energetic
• Alert, Highly intelligent
• Like to learn - Easy to train
• Slight difficulty in housebreaking
• Compact and short body - "no exception to the rule" with regard to training...Small Dog Syndrome is possible if there is a lack of strong, confident, and consistent authority by the owner
• Small Dog Syndrome can lead to dominance and fighting with other dogs
• Excellent with children and the elderly...friendly with strangers
• Good with non-canine pets

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average weight : 10 - 25 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to eye problems - i.e.: juvenile cataracts, adult cataracts, glaucoma
• Possible deafness
• Possible heart and skin tumors
• Possible breathing difficulties if overly exercised in hot or cold weather
• Possible to overheat if overly exercised

UNIQUE HEALTH TRAIT:

• Due to the dog's naturally large head, this breed is generally delivered by cesarean section

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay with apartment and rural settings
• Sensitive to extreme weather conditions

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 15+ years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Unique Health Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm)