You probably have the heart most of us animal lovers do, and so feel compelled to be a part of the Boston Terrier rescue effort. You may have a love of Bostons and want to adopt one. Or you may not be able to take in a pet for one or more reasons but want to help by contributing in any small way to Boston Terrier rescue groups. You»re reading this, so I trust it is at least one of the above.
The Boston Terrier rescue stories are moving: Zinnia had been abandoned; Zoe was infested with malignant tumors; Trudy was neglected so badly that she had insurmountable medical issues. But open-hearted folks opened their homes to these adorable dogs and they were made to have new, happy, healthy lives.
As if their modern day troubles aren»t terrible enough, Boston terrier rescue candidates have a history of abuse: first bred in England , these rugged, fairly muscular and quite compact animals were sent to North America where they, unfortunately, were developed for blood sport in Boston, Massachusetts . This breed, a crossed Bulldog and Bull Terrier, was, in other words, improved upon solely for the purpose of putting it in a pit to fight to the death.
But with the outlawing of pit fighting, combined with the efforts of later breeders and the American Kennel Club and current Boston Terrier rescue agencies, this wonderfully devoted and loving pet has evolved to now be a protector of the home, an entertaining and active pooch, and a fine companion for elders, children, and people of all ages.
The tasks of keeping Boston Terriers from the vicious and cruel environments they have had to endure are easy.
First, we need only read up on their descriptions and needs to know how to care for them and to give them the environment they are best fit for. For example, we need to know that the Boston Terrier»once quite heavy and brute in appearance and now lighter, is between 15 and 25 pounds, is brindle or black coated with white head, breast, collar, and fore- and hind leg markings simulating a tuxedo and is fondly nicknamed «The American Gentleman.» But just as importantly, we need to recognize that the Boston, smart, friendly, and gentle, can be aggressive and will fight to defend its territory and its humans if confronted (as like other terrier breeds it has no fear of the animal that is larger or that outweighs it). So training and discipline are in order to some degree.
We also should consider that the Boston Terrier rescue we do will require our attention to the active and energetic breeds needs for physical exercise and mental stimulation. So though it is not hyper or anxious, like many of its terrier kin, the little dynamo needs attention, a safe (fenced) place to play with toys and/or children, and needs regular exercise in general. Alos important to note is this particular breed cannot tolerate extreme hot or extreme cold temperatures (which are, ironically, typical in Boston), so it»s best it is kept indoors if you live in an extremely variable weather environment.
But the Boston Terrier, the original American Gentleman, is overall a low-maintenance breed, that needs only minor grooming, a healthy diet, and just a preliminary bit of attentive training. And plenty of attention and affection»which you will likely agree, with its history, it deserves. But if you can»t keep the Boston at home but want to help, look into donating money or time or buying a membership, tee-shirts, books, or other items that will benefit the Boston Terrier rescue effort.
