Boston Terrier pros and cons
Owning a Boston Terrier has many pros and cons. Boston Terriers are delightful companion dogs that are conveniently sized to fit into most lifestyles. As long as Boston Terrier gets to spend most of the time with the owners, this lively dog can be happy living as an apartment dog or as a family pet in a large country home. The versatility of Boston Terrier is an advantage for owners of this breed. Other pros associated with Boston Terrier breed include the dog's intelligence and ability to learn quickly. Boston Terriers are responsive to positive training techniques and proper motivation, such as food or praise. Boston Terriers make great family companion pets that love to spend time playing witht he kids or being an entertaining companion for older family members. The original purpose of the Boston Terrier was to be a stable dog which explains the friendly character of this breed. One of the positives about Boston Terrier's temperament is that this is a friendly and sociable dog that quickly makes new friends with other pets or people. Like all other dog breeds, Boston Terriers require early socialization that helps the dog to be confident and comfortable in different circumstances. Boston Terriers are suitable for apartment living. This quiet dog breed doesn't bark much and requires moderate exercise level during the day. Other positives about Boston Terriers include the low coat maintenance - the short coat doesn't require much more than daily brushing to keep the coat in best condition.
Although there are so many pros associated with Boston Terriers, there are some cons as well. Boston Terriers have a whole range of sounds (and at times smells) that come with owning this breed. Boston Terriers often have flatulence problems and can clear the room in a moment. Boston Terriers also snore, wheeze and snort at night and during the day because of the structure of their short snouts. Despite being a smart dog, Bosties can be difficult to train. Boston Terriers are known for their stubborn temperament and although these dogs can be trained, they need some convincing to do so. The best way to convince a Boston Terrier to learn obedience commands is by using positive motivation techniques that involve food rewards, praise and playtime.
Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog breed, meaning this dog has a short snout. Dogs with short muzzles frequently have trouble breathing or regulating body temperature. That is one of the reasons why Bosties are not allowed to fly by most airlines. Potential Boston Terrier owners need to know that this breed is sensitive to hot and humid weather and also to very cold weather. During hot weather keep Boston Terrier in an air conditioned area to prevent overheating. During cold weather Boston Terriers need to be dressed in a warm outfit to keep the dog warm.
How to potty train a Boston Terrier
Whether your Boston Terrier uses an indoor dog potty or the dog gets to go outside, toilet training needs to start the moment the dog is brought home. Pay attention to potty readiness signs such as dog sniffing the floor or pacing around in circles and appears to be anxious. These are all signs that the Boston Terrier may be ready for a bathroom break. Immediately bring the dog to the designated dog toilet area so that he or she can complete his business there. Once the dog is done, have a small treat ready to reward Boston Terrier's good behavior. Praise the dog and give him the treat. Using a special word for potty may be helpful for many situations. As the dog is doing his business, keep repeating the word that you chose. Always use the same word for potty. For example, you can say "Go potty". Eventually, Boston Terrier will associate this word with going to bathroom and will know what is expected.
Are indoor potty solutions such as Klean Paws a good idea for apartment dogs? Absolutely! Indoor dog potties allow your pet to eliminate whenever Boston Terrier is ready to use the potty, instead of having to wait for the owner to take the dog outside. Indoor dog toilet solutions are also great during trips or when the weather is bad. Start training a Boston Terrier to use the indoor dog potty as soon as you bring the puppy home.
During Boston Terrier potty training accidents are bound to happen. Do not punish the dog. Instead, clean up the mess and be more attentive for potty training signs. Punishing the dog will only slow down the process as Boston Terrier will get confused by punishment. Boston Terrier may not be sure what he or she is getting punished for and most likely won't associate making a small puddle on the floor with getting punished. If you want to prevent your pet from using the same area as a potty in the future, use enzyme cleaners to completely remove any trace of urine smell from the floor. Enzyme cleaners are effective ways to keep the floor and carpet clean and fresh even after an accident.
Boston Terrier size
Boston Terriers are small but not fragile. Boston Terriers can reach up to 25 pounds in weight and approximately 17 inches in height. Boston Terrier females tend to be slightly shorter and weigh less than more massive Boston Terrier males.
Boston Terrier size in weight and height
Boston Terrier weight
Boston Terrier male weight: 10 to 25 lb (4.5 to 11.5 kg)
Boston Terrier female weight: 10 to 25 lb (4.5 to 11.5 kg)
Boston Terrier sizes
Boston Terrier male height: 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm)
Boston Terrier female height: 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm)
Boston Terrier coat: short coat
Boston Terrier colors: Black or brindle with even white markings
How many puppies can a Boston Terrier have?
Boston Terrier litter size: 1 to 8 puppies
Boston Terriers have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Many factors affect a Boston Terrier's life expectancy. Genetics and overall health combined with lifestyle and diet determine how long an individual Boston Terrier will live.
Boston Terrier life expectancy
Boston Terrier life span: 10 to 14 years
Other names for Boston Terrier breed: Bostie, Boston Bull
How much does a Boston Terrier cost?
Boston Terrier price starts at around $500 and more, depending on many factors
Boston Terrier origin: this is an all american dog breed that originated in the United States
Boston Terrier temperament
Boston Terriers have a big advantage, which is their outgoing and friendly temperament. Boston Terriers have a very people oriented temperament. These sociable and affectionate dogs enjoy spending most of the time with their owners. Potential Boston Terrier owners need to be aware of the fact that this breed is demanding in terms of attention from the owners and should not be left alone frequently. Boston Terriers get along with other family pets with proper socialization from an early age. Young Boston Terriers are playful and enjoy active games. Boston Terrier is not the kind of breed that can run after a bicycle for a long time. On the contrary, Bosties don't require much exercise and prefer short walks around the block rather than strenious long walks. This brachycephalic breed may have breathing difficulties which explains the low exercise requirements.
Boston Terriers are quiet dogs that naturally do not bark much. Boston Terrier's pros include low barking level that makes this breed suitable for apartment living where dog barking is not typically encouraged.
Boston Terrier owners need to exercise caution during hot or humid days because Boston Terriers have difficulties cooling themselves off. During hot weather keep the dot in an air conditioned area and limit his exercises to help prevent a heat stroke. Another con associated with Boston Terriers is that this dog can be sensitive to cold weather. The short coat does not provide much insulation and Bostie needs to have a weather appropriate outfit that protects the dog from cold weather.
Boston Terriers enjoy mental stimulation and Boston Terrier owners can train their pet to do various tricks.
How to groom a Boston Terrier
Do Boston Terriers shed? Boston Terriers have an advantage of the short coat that has minimal shedding. Periodically brushing a Boston Terrier helps to remove the dead hair and minimize the amount of dog's hair that can be found on the floor and on furniture used by Boston Terrier.
Boston Terriers need to have their teeth brushed every day with a canine toothpaste, starting during puppyhood. Many dogs end up with dental problems by the age of two years old. Regular brushing helps to keep Bostie's teeth healthy, and the dog's overall health benefits from good dental hygiene.
Boston Terrier grooming includes trimming the dog's nails once every couple of months or so.
If your Boston Terrier has reddish stains around eye area, wipe these stains to keep the area clean.
Boston Terriers have facial folds or wrinkles that need to be wiped daily to keep the area dry and healthy. Bacteria loves moist and dark places and skin folds often harbor dangerous bacteria that can cause various skin issues. That is why it is important to keep Boston Terrier's skin wrinkles clean and dry.
Boston Terrier health issues
Boston Terrier health issues include breathing problems. Although a short muzzle may look adorable on a Boston Terrier, there are some cons associated with brachycephalic breeds such as Bostie. Like many other brachycephalic dog breeds, Boston Terriers have short snouts which is associated with troubles breathing, snoring and snorting. Other medical problems include Boston Terrier's difficulties regulating body temperature. This breed should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. During hot days or during cold weather Boston Terriers should be in a safe environment where temperatures do not fluctuate to extremes. During summer time, for example, Boston Terriers should not be exercised outdoors when it's hot and humid as Bostie may quickly get overheated. Walk Boston Terrier during the cooler mornings or late part of the day when the weather is cooler.
Other Boston Terrier health problems include eye issues such as cataracts as well as potentially serious skin tumors that occur in this breed.
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