From a Boston Terrier’s wide and expressive eyes up to their high energy, you surely would want to find out more about this small but adorable breed!
This article will answer the top 20 questions about Boston Terriers and help you figure out if this is the perfect breed for you.
1. Are Boston Terriers good dogs for seniors?
Yes, Boston Terriers are good dogs for seniors.
This dog is a low-maintenance breed, friendly, small but sturdy, cuddly, and of course, a great companion!
A Boston is perfect for seniors because they can accompany them as they sit on the couch and watch their favorite shows or as they go out for an afternoon stroll.
Bostons are enthusiastic, cheerful, and incredibly cute — what more can you ask for?
2. Are Boston Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, Boston Terriers are good apartment dogs.
They have a pretty compact size (usually not weighing more than 25 pounds), and they have lots of energy, so they surely can accompany you on a walk or play with you in the park.
Boston Terriers are friendly, curious, and people-oriented.
It means that even if you have lots of other tenants with you, you don’t have to worry about a Boston scaring anyone off (as long as your dog is familiar with them).
3. Are Boston Terriers rare?
No, Boston Terriers are not considered “rare.”
Some colored Boston Terriers (usually red) are labeled as “rare” because non-reputable breeders want to make money off of them.
Having a red-colored Boston Terrier is unusual, but it is not considered “rare.”
4. Are Boston Terriers aggressive chewers?
It depends. Usually, adult Boston Terriers chew off toys, furniture, and some of your personal belongings because of “sepanx” or separation anxiety.
Sometimes, Bostons may also chew on things because they feel bored or want to play outside but can’t.
Of course, just like any other dog, Boston Terriers might also chew on things if the smell and taste of the object appeal to their senses.
The best remedy to avoid this is to take your dog out for a walk and give them time to play outside as often as you can.
5. Are Boston Terriers good watchdogs?
Yes, Boston Terriers are good watchdogs. Other small breeds of dogs bark at almost anything, but Bostons rarely do this.
So, when they do, you can be sure that it’s because of something unusual or someone unfamiliar that caught their attention.
Boston Terriers are quite protective and loyal to their owners. Because of this, you can be sure that they would make exceptional watchdogs.
6. Are Boston Terriers good first dogs?
Yes, a Boston Terrier would make a good first dog!
As we previously mentioned, this breed makes a great companion, is fun, loving, loyal, and protective of their “hooman.”
They can also adapt pretty well, whether to the city or suburban life.
Due to their small size, Bostons are pretty “compact,” which means that even if you are an avid traveler, you can easily take your Boston Terrier anywhere with you!
Do you have kids in your apartment? Worry not — Bostons get along pretty well with children, especially when trained to socialize with them appropriately.
7. Are Boston Terriers good with cats?
Usually, Boston Terriers get along well with other dogs and cats, but just like any other dog, they may feel a bit unsure and unfamiliar at first.
A good or proper introduction is all that is needed, and to make sure, keep an eye on them every time you let them in on the same room.
When you see your Boston chasing your cat, do not panic and assess the situation first.
This act may be done out of “fun” and not because of “hunting mode.”
If you train your Boston Terrier well, they can be pretty nice to cats and to other animals too.
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8. Why do Boston Terriers have short tails?
A Boston Terrier is a bobbed breed which means that their short tail is brought about by nothing else but their genes.
Most Boston terriers carry a gene mutation.
This gene mutation causes their tail to grow pretty short, and docking (or cutting off a portion of their tails) has nothing to do with it.
9. Do Boston Terriers bark when left alone?
It depends. Boston Terriers are known as the “American Gentleman” of the dog world, mainly because they are quiet, charming, and playful.
However, there may be times when your Boston would bark at almost anything that moves (this is a rare case for this breed).
If your Boston Terrier suffers from separation anxiety, then you can be sure that they will cry, whine, and even bark non-stop while you are away.
However, as long as your Boston is with family or someone he is familiar with, then they might wait for you contentedly and not rummage around.
If you will be working long hours, then it would be best for you to schedule playtime for your Boston Terrier with other dogs he’s already familiar with. Doggy daycare or a dog walker may also help keep your Boston occupied and happy for hours.
10. What fruits can Boston Terriers eat?
Aside from oranges, there are other fruits that your Boston Terrier can freely eat.
Most of these fruits can help your Boston get the necessary vitamins and minerals he needs, so make sure to wash them carefully and ensure that there are no seeds or bad spots before feeding them to your dog.
Some of the safe fruits for your Boston Terrier include apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelons.
- Apples — A good source of vitamins A and C and fiber. Make sure to remove the core and seeds first. You can also try to serve them in slices.
- Bananas — A good source of potassium, biotin, fiber, and vitamins C and B6. Although bananas are high in sugar, make sure to give them to your dog in moderation.
- Blueberries — A good source of antioxidants and fiber.
- Cantaloupe — A good source of beta-carotene. However, remember to feed this to your Boston Terrier in moderation.
- Mangoes contain alpha and beta-carotene and vitamins like A, B6, C, and E. When feeding it to your Boston Terrier, make sure to remove the pit first. Also, as this is high in sugar, do not feed your dog often.
- Peaches — Peaches are a good source of vitamin A and fiber. It can also aid in fighting infections. As much as possible, try not to feed your dog canned peaches since this is high in preservatives. Always go for fresh and natural ones.
- Pears — This is a good source of vitamins A and C and copper and fiber. Remove the pit and seeds permanently, then cut them into bite-sized chunks. Just like canned peaches, avoid feeding your dog canned pears.
- Pineapple — Pineapple contains bromelain, which aids dogs in digesting proteins, as well as other vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Raspberries contain lots of antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. However, make sure to limit your Boston’s raspberry consumption to less than a cup at a time since this contains small amounts of xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested in high doses.
- Strawberries — Strawberries contain fiber and vitamin C. Since this is also relatively high in sugar, make sure to feed it to your Terrier in moderation.
- Watermelons — This contains plenty of vitamins and potassium. Watermelons can help your Boston stay hydrated, especially when the weather is quite hot. Just make sure not to feed them seeds.
11. Can I fly with my Boston Terrier?
Yes, you can. However, You must follow some rules.
First off, you can fly with your Boston Terrier if they are in a crate or carrier. You just need to make sure that it can fit under the seat in front of you.
However, some airlines have varying weight and age limitations, so make sure to check it out with the airline first before bringing your dog with you.
Aside from that, there are necessary travel documents needed and specific regulations that you must follow.
To be sure, you may contact someone from the airline company and ask for the requirements you must bring to fly with your Boston Terrier.
12. When do Boston Terriers shed the most?
Boston Terriers shed very little throughout the year, but this rate increases once or twice when the seasons change.
It is what’s commonly known as seasonal shedding.
The good thing is, a Boston Terrier’s shedding is not as extreme when compared to a large dog with a thick double coat.
Your Boston Terrier may shed their fur lightly all year long, although it is during late spring and late fall where they may lose more hair.
However, this shouldn’t concern you, as it is normal for Boston Terriers to develop new coats during this time of the year.
13. How much does a Boston Terrier cost (Australia, UK, South Africa, Canada, USA)?
- Australia —Boston Terriers cost from $800 – $3000.
- UK —Boston Terriers cost anywhere from £1,200 to £3,000.
- South Africa —Boston Terriers, cost around R1,500.
- Canada —The cheapest offer starts at $850.
- USA — Boston Terriers cost around $1000 to $2000, although superior lineage ones can go as high as $4500.
14. What do Boston Terriers usually die from?
Boston Terriers usually die from heart disease, cancer, and other infectious diseases.
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15. What are Boston Terriers prone to?
Boston Terriers may have many health issues, including cataracts, deafness, and cherry eye.
16. How do I know if my Boston Terrier is dying?
Some of the signs that your Boston Terrier is dying includes:
- Prolonged lethargy or disinterest
- Disinterest in eating or drinking
- Loss of coordination
- Labored breathing
- Seeking comfort
17. Do Boston Terrier ears naturally stand up?
Yes, a Boston Terrier’s ears stand up naturally when four years old.
However, this is not always the case since some Boston Terriers whose ears stand up by the time they reach six weeks old. For some, it remains floppy for a more extended period.
18. What is the best Royal Canin for Boston Terriers?
For a healthy Boston Terrier with little to no medical issues, it is best to start them off with the Royal Canin Mini Mature 8+ Formula.
It is specifically designed for small breeds weighing 9 – 22 pounds.
19. How to clean a Boston Terrier’s wrinkles?
You can clean a Boston Terrier’s wrinkles using a soft, damp cloth with anti-bacterial properties.
Just make sure that the wipes are safe to use, even for susceptible skin (we recommend unscented baby wipes), so as not to trigger any allergies in your Boston.
20. Is it normal for Boston Terriers to have red eyes?
No, it is not. Red eyes in Boston Terriers occur when the third eyelid’s glands protrude visibly, resulting in “cherry eye.” Other eye conditions in dogs include conjunctivitis and dry eye.
It may be triggered by allergies, grass, pollen, or even foods that your dog is not used to. If this condition persists, make sure to visit a Vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
These are only some of the frequently asked questions about Boston Terriers that you need to know.
If you need to learn more about your pet, especially deeper knowledge about the questions above, do not hesitate to consult an expert.
You can also go to a Vet and have your dog checked out to determine which foods they can eat, which they cannot eat, and if they are at optimum health.
From traveling with your Boston Terrier, finding out what fruits they can eat, up to cleaning your dog’s wrinkles, we hope that this article has helped you answer some of the questions you may have about your adorable pet.
