Buyer Information: Boston Terrier Breeders

Any Boston Terrier breeder worth his salt will tell you that this all-American breed isn't really a Terrier at all. Terriers were dogs originally bred to chase small game or to harry and kill prey. The Boston Terrier is descended from two extinct breeds, one of them a Terrier and the other a Bulldog. It was inbred with various English and French Bulldogs down to the size and temperament seen in the breed today.

The name Roundhead was undesirable for obvious reasons. The name Bull Terrier was already taken by a similar but separate breed. The breed is still referred to as the Boston Bull and American Gentleman though it is registered by the American Kennel Club in the non-sporting group under its traditional name, the Boston Terrier. The breed no longer retains any of the aggressive traits of the Bulldog line and is mainly used as a companion dog.

The American Gentleman, as the Boston Terrier is also known, has a dapper appearance. It is an overall sleek, sturdy dog with a short, fine coat that has markings similar to that of a man's tuxedo. Boston Terriers come in several dark colors with uniform white markings. Coats can be brindle and white, brown and white or black and white. The coat is white on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, in a band (or collar) around the neck, and up the forelegs.

The Boston Terrier has large, dark, wide-set eyes with and an intelligent expression. These compact dogs appear to be well-dressed little gentleman. The temperament of the Boston Terrier is also refined. Every Boston Terrier breeder has attempted to breed out the aggression of Bulldog ancestors. Breeders choose dogs with the finest breed standard personality traits such as alertness, trainability, energy, affection, humor and overall sociability.

Coat colors can be brindle and white, seal and white, brown and white, or black and white. The white portion of the coat appears on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, in a band (or collar) around the neck, and up the forelegs. This breed truly does have the appearance and smart carriage of a gentleman and this has made it a favorite in American Kennel Club and other competitions.

A Boston Terrier breeder will breed dogs with the most desirable traits. Breeders look for dogs that are between ten and twenty-five pounds, fifteen to seventeen inches tall, with the most clear and uniform coat colors. Personality is also important and Boston Terriers are bred for alertness, intelligence, affection and the breed's inherent humor and dapperness.

Boston Terrier Breeders attempt to breed healthy dogs but, like all pure dog breeds, Boston Terriers suffer common genetic problems such as cataracts, deafness, allergies, curvature of the spine and difficulties in birthing. Boston Terriers may also have significant respiratory and digestive problems throughout their lives. A good breeder will have dogs screened for genetic disorders.

Questions to ask a Boston Terrier breeder include the following: -Do you maintain your own kennel? Good breeders maintain their own kennels and socialize puppies with house privileges. -May I visit the kennel? Good breeders will encourage buyers to meet parents- if on site- and puppies to build a relationship. -Have puppies and parents been screened for common genetic defects? Good breeders will not breed any dog with known genetic or behavioral disorders. -Do you provide medical and immunization records? This should always be a yes. -Do you provide a warranty or guarantee of health? It may be time-limited. -Do you run a breed-specific rescue center? Good breeders will encourage buyers to visit rescued Boston Terriers who have been abandoned and need homes. If breeders do not run rescues, they should be affiliated with rescue centers. -Do you sell or broker Boston Terriers to pet stores? Good breeders never sell to pet stores! -Can you tell me about Boston Terriers? Breeders are experts on the breed. Nothing can guarantee that you will get a perfect puppy with no problems, but asking just a few questions can ensure a good start.