Boston Terriers: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find about Boston Terrier temperament, personality, and behavior.

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Boston Terrier Temperament
What's Good About 'Em,
What's Bad About 'Em

By Michele Welton. Copyright © 2000-2010

Usually high-spirited and clownish, sometimes calm and dignified, the Boston Terrier is an altogether dapper and charming little dog. Playing games and chasing balls are (usually) two of his passions.

Seeking companionship is another, for he always wants to be with people. His large expressive eyes, attentively cocked head, and snorting and snuffling sounds bring out parental feelings in many people.

Extremely sensitive to his owner's moods, some Boston Terriers are one-person dogs (with a special affinity for the elderly), but many are outgoing with everyone. Yet he is a dependable watchdog who will let you know when someone is at the door.

Usually fine with other pets, Boston Terriers may put on a blustery show upon spying a larger dog across the street.

Boston Terriers are very individualistic: Some have high energy, while others are more placid. Some are stubborn characters, while others are sweet and gentle.

If you want a dog who...

• Is small yet sturdy -- not a delicate lapdog
• Has large expressive eyes
• Has a sleek easy-care coat
• Is usually polite with everyone, including other pets
• Typically loves to play games and chase balls

A Boston Terrier may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

• Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, snoring, some slobbering
• Gassiness (flatulence)
• Slowness to housebreak
• Quite a few potential health problems due to his deformed face

A Boston Terrier may not be right for you.

If I were considering buying or adopting a Boston Terrier

My major concerns would be:

1. Minimizing the problems that can be caused by their short face. Read about these special health problems and make sure you're willing to take extra steps to care for your Boston Terrier:
   
   
   • His respiratory system is compromised, so don't smoke near him, don't use chemical cleaning products, and keep him away from allergenic pollen and freshly-cut grass.
   • Make sure your vet uses only the most modern anesthetics (such as isoflurane) and insist on a heart and blood pressure monitor. Many vets are NOT careful enough when anesthetizing short-faced breeds.
   • In hot or humid weather, minimize his outdoor activity and keep him in an air-conditioned home. Short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke because they can't pant vigorously enough to lower their body heat.
   • Walk him in a Y-shaped harness that wraps around his chest, not his throat. A collar puts pressure on his windpipe and makes it harder for him to breathe.
   • Wash and dry the folds of skin on his face after every meal.
2. Stubbornness. Boston Terriers are not Golden Retrievers. Most Boston Terriers are at least mildly stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. (Food is a great motivator with Boston Terriers, but if you give too much and don't provide commensurate exercise, you'll end up with a fat, unhealthy Boston Terrier.)
3. Housebreaking. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training.
   
   
   
To learn more about training Boston Terriers to be housebroken and well-behaved, consider my dog training book,
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words.

It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will make your Boston Terrier the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had.

Teaches your dog to listen to you, to pay attention to you, and to do whatever you ask him to do.





4. Boston Terrier sounds. Because of their short face, most Boston Terriers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.
5. Slobbering. Some Boston Terriers, especially those with loose jowls, slobber water when they drink. Some drool, too, especially after eating and drinking.
6. Gassiness (flatulence). All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere.
7. Health problems. Because of overbreeding, poor breeding practices, and their short face, Boston Terriers suffer more than their share of health problems, especially eye diseases, epilepsy, inherited cancer, joint diseases, heart disease, and more.
   
   
   My dog buying guide, How To Buy a Good Dog, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a healthy Boston Terrier puppy. Health problems have become so widespread in dogs today that this book is required reading for ANYONE who is thinking of getting a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog.
   
   

   If you'd like to consult with me personally about whether a Boston Terrier might be a good dog breed for your family, I offer a Dog Breed Consulting Service.

   
   Once you have your Boston Terrier home, you need to KEEP him healthy -- or if he's having any current health problems, you need to get him back on the road to good health.
   
   My dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy is the book you need. Raise your dog the right way and you will be helping him live a longer, healthier life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses.

Please consider adopting an ADULT Boston Terrier...

When you're acquiring a Boston Terrier PUPPY, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important.

But when you acquire an adult dog, you're acquiring what he already IS and you can decide whether he is the right dog for you based on that reality. There are plenty of adult Boston Terriers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics that are "typical" for their breed. If you find such an adult dog, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. Just be happy that you found an atypical individual -- and enjoy!

Save a life. Adopt a dog.

Adopting a Dog From a Dog Breed Rescue Group

Adopting a Dog From the Animal Shelter