December 4, 2008

The Boston Terrier Breed Standard

by Wendy Caples

Before you get any dog, you should look at their breed standard to let you know what they require in terms of exercise, grooming and training. You are probably looking for Boston Terrier information before you bring a dog or puppy home, and good for you. Getting the information now will save you a lot of heartbreak later. The Boston Terrier breed standard can help you determine if a Boston Terrier is right for you.

The charming personality of the Boston Terrier is not only one reason why it is so popular, but also why they do so well outside of a show ring or a breeding kennel. The purpose of developing the breed was to make a good pet for people, unlike other breeds bred to hunt, fight or herd livestock. They are lively, kind, easy-going and good with kids and senior citizens as well as other animals.

Overall, a Boston Terrier is a toy-sized black and white dog with large ears, a level back and huge eyes. They look somewhat like a French Bulldog and a black and white cat. They usually have short hair and short noses, but not as short as a Pekingese’s. They are easily portable and weigh only about fifteen to twenty-five pounds. Oddly enough, the Boston Terrier is one of the very few breeds that often have naturally really short tails (although occasionally a long tail pops up).

Common faults in pet-quality Boston Terriers include the afore-mentioned long tail, being too heavy, being taller than fifteen inches at the shoulder and bat-ears (having ears that are far bigger than the rest of the head). Ideally, the ears should be in proportion to the rest of the body. Other common faults include a sway back (similar to a sway-backed horse), being able to see the teeth or tongue when the mouth is closed, or having a head or most of the body be completely black.

Knowing as much Boston Terrier information as you can absorb will help you not only get along with your Boston Terriers, but decide if the breed is right for you in the first place. The breed standard emphasizes a short, smooth coat, so that tells you that Boston Terriers are easy to groom and don’t need to be clipped.

The nickname for the breed is The American Gentleman.

The Boston Terrier breed standard not only tells you what to look for in a champion show dog, and how hard it is to find one, but also lists common physical faults of the breed. This can help you identity a dog in a shelter that you might want to adopt.

Boston Terriers are big dogs in little packages. They should exude strength and spirit but also give of an aura of friendliness.

About the Author:

Wendy Caples is an avid lover of the Boston Terrier and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Boston Terrier. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Boston Terrier Information plus a whole lot more.