Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the Boston Terrier is one of the most rugged. But it is so not because of its breeding and training to hunt and chase rats and other rodents.
The Boston Terrier was first bred in England and sent to North America where they, unfortunately, were developed for blood sport in Boston, Massachusetts . This breed, a crossed Bulldog and Bull Terrier, was improved upon solely for the purpose of putting it in a pit to fight to the death.
But the outlawing of pit fighting, combined with the efforts of later breeders and the American Kennel Club, have made the Boston Terrier a select breed of dog that has evolved in a number of positive ways.
For example, despite the intentions to create a breed vicious in manner and size, the Boston Terrier»once quite heavy and brute in appearance»is now lighter: if it is a lightweight, it is under 15 pounds; if it is in the middleweight range, it is 15-20 pounds; and if heavyweight (all show classifications, not pit fighting categories, by the way), it is at 20 but no more than 25 pounds. In addition, this brindle or black coated animal»with white head, breast, collar, and fore- and hind leg markings simulating a tuxedo»is fondly nicknamed «The American Gentleman.» It is smart, friendly, gentle creature that will only fight to defend its territory and its humans if confronted (and like other terrier breeds has no fear of the animal that is larger or that outweighs it).
Similarly, the Boston Terrier is quite active»without being anxious or hyper»and therefore needs attention, a safe (fenced) place to play with toys and/or children, and needs regular exercise in general. At the same time, this particular breed cannot tolerate extreme hot or extreme cold temperatures (which are typical in Boston), so it»s best it is kept indoors and mentally and physically stimulated when possible.
The Boston Terrier, the American Gentleman, is overall, though, a low-maintenance breed, that needs only minor once-a-week brushing (as it sheds very little), needs ear cleaning and nail clipping, and needs»as it has a little, teeny stubborn streak»attentive training and attention»which you will likely agree, with its history, it deserves.
