The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, well balanced dog. It is a great house pet and companion. Its first official title was the American Bull Terrier. This New England breed was originally developed as a fighting dog for pit contests. It had been created by crossing an english Bulldog with an English White Terrier.
This lovable, cute, compact little fellow has become famous as "Badger" in MasterCard Commercials.

A true American breed, Boston Terriers are the result of breeding the Bulldog and English Terrier. The Boston Terrier is easily recognized by his short head and tail, round eyes, muscular body and his dark coat with crisp white markings.
The Boston Terrier has a lively, friendly character making him an excellent companion dog, especially for elderly owners and apartment dwellers. However, since he loves games and children, he is a fine family pet as well. If you are looking to purchase a Boston Terrier, you will find they are in short supply because of the breed's birthing problems (most puppies are delivered by Caesarean section) and small litters. Bostons are strictly house dogs, they are not able to cope with extreme cold, nor can they deal with extreme heat.
Boston Terrier Breed Outline
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs; Section 11 - Small Molossian Dogs. |
| Utilization: | Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Non-Sporting Group |
| Personality: | Boston Terriers are self-confident, attentive, smart and quiet. They are outgoing with a desire to please. Bostons make excellent watch dogs, but not so as a guard dog. A joy to have around, the Boston can sometimes be determined and self willed. |
| Size: | Small
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| Height: | 15-17 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Brindle, seal or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred only if all other qualities are equal. (Note : Seal defined: Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light). |
| Other Names: | Bostons |
| Average Litter Size: | 4 |
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Life Span: | 9-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Boston Terriers should be brushed weekly with a grooming glove or rough towel. |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Social skills: |
Usually gets along with other animals. |
| Suitability for Children: | Boston Terriers love to play with children. Early socialization with young children is recommended. |
| Exercise Needs: | 20-40 minutes a day is quite enough. They love toys, playing fetch, and chase. |
| Train Ability: | Bostons are easily trained. |
| Health Issues: | Juvenile cataracts, heatstroke, sinus problems, patellar luxation, deafness. |
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Boston Terrier Puppies
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