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.

Unlike a lot of other breed standards, there has always been an equal emphasis on the temperament of a Boston Terrier just as much as their looks. An ill-mannered or mean Boston Terrier has never been rewarded in the show ring, unlike some other breeds. The temperament of a Boston Terrier should be friendly, lively, easy to get along with others and inquisitive. A goal of breeders is top make good pets, and not just good show dogs.

The breed standard also reveals another reason why the Boston Terrier is so popular. They are small, but not so small as to jeopardize their health. They are robust, but portable. Although you may find some Boston Terriers outside the lines, they are usually fifteen to twenty-five pounds and only about fifteen inches high at their shoulders. They are most famous in black and white, but also come in seal and white and brindle and white. The breed standard is quite strict on the distribution of white around the body, which disqualifies a lot of Boston Terriers from the ring.

Boston Terriers look like they have docked tails, as they are very short. However, when you look at the breed standard, it says that docked tails are not allowed. This is one of the few breeds that naturally have tiny tails.

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.

But that also tells you that these dogs need to be kept indoors, as they lack any protection from the elements.

In looking at the Boston Terrier breed standard, you can see not only if your shelter dog is a Boston Terrier (or mostly Boston Terrier), but also get to see how hard it is for a show dog to win a class. But their winning personalities often get them out of trouble in new homes that they got into in their previous homes.

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

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