Boston Terrier: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care
Having a nicely decorated home doesn't always mean you have to spend a lot of money. Often, simple changes can make a big difference. If you're looking for a way to add some flair to your home without breaking the bank, why not consider a Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers are small, compact dogs known for their big personalities. They're intelligent, affectionate, and full of energy, making great companion animals.
Moreover, Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and care. They don't need a lot of exercises, but plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If you're thinking about adding a Boston Terrier to your family, here's what you need to know about their character, health, feeding, price, and care.
What Is a Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier has been a popular choice among dog owners for almost a century. They were originally bred as fighting animals but evolved into mild, kind companions with tuxedo-like markings, earning them the name "American Gentleman."
Even though they're now one of America's favourite pets, Boston Terriers retain some of their original feisty nature. They're lively, playful, and energetic, so they are always up for a good time.
The best tip for living with a Boston Terrier is to keep them mentally stimulated. They're extremely intelligent and need plenty of puzzles, toys, and games to keep their minds active. Otherwise, they may become bored and destructive.
What Is Boston Terrier Size?
Boston Terriers are small dogs, weighing between 10 and 25 pounds. They stand between 12 and 17 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are typically smaller than males, but both sexes are compact and solid. Their short coats come in black, brindle, or seal (a dark brown), with white markings on the chest, face, and paws.
Boston Terrier: Average Lifespan
Whatever their size, most dogs have a lifespan of about 9 to 15 years. However, the Boston Terrier's lifespan is a bit shorter, averaging between 10 and 11 years.
While this may seem like a short time, it's actually not unusual for small breeds to have shorter lifespans than large breeds. In general, the smaller the dog, the longer they live.
How to Take Care of Your Boston Terrier's Health?
Boston Terriers are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they're susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health problems seen in Boston Terriers include:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Heart murmurs
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Patellar luxation
- Reverse sneezing
- Cherry eye
- Brain tumors
The best way to keep your Boston Terrier healthy is to take them to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. You should also have them spayed or neutered to help prevent certain health conditions.
Here are some more tips for taking care of your Boston Terrier's health:
- Boston Terriers are notorious barkers, so you may want to consider training them not to bark excessively.
- The Boston Terrier's coat is very smooth with little undercoat, making it easy to groom. You only need to brush them softly every once in a while.
- Boston Terriers are relatively active dogs, but they don't need a lot of exercises. A short walk or play session in the yard should be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
- Boston Terriers are prone to weight gain, so it's essential to feed them a balanced diet and avoid giving them too many treats.
What to Feed Your Boston Terrier?
Boston Terriers should eat meals instead of having food available at all times. This is because they are more likely to become overweight if they overeat and don't have a regular eating schedule.
When it comes to what to feed your Boston Terrier, the best food is high-quality dry dog food. This should be made with real meat, vegetables, and fruits. You should also avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial flavours, or preservatives.
If you make your own dog food, only use recipes from veterinary nutritionists that fit your dog's age and health condition.
The amount of food you give your Boston Terrier will depend on their age, activity level, and weight. Puppies need to eat more often than adults, and active dogs need more calories than sedentary ones.
How Much Does a Boston Terrier Cost?
A purebred Boston Terrier puppy on e-commerce sites typically costs $1,299.68. However, the median cost from over 137 different breeders around America was only $1,050. Costs can range anywhere from as little as $350 to $3,299, depending on where you purchase your puppy.
Final Thoughts on Boston Terrier
If you're looking for a small, friendly companion that will bring lots of love and laughter into your life, the Boston Terrier is the perfect dog for you.
Boston Terriers are wonderful family dogs that get along well with children and other pets and don't require much space or exercise. They are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming and care.
The biggest downside to owning a Boston Terrier is their health problems. Because they are a brachycephalic breed, they are prone to a host of respiratory issues that can be both costly and life-threatening.