Boston terrier puppies are gorgeous, friendly little chappies. Utterly irresistable with their melting eyes and huge, pointy ears standing up on top of their heads.
They grow up to be handsome dogs, still cute and friendly. The ideal family pet, say some; the American gentleman of dogs, say others. Life expectancy should be 10 – 14 years.
But be careful when going to select a Boston Terrier puppy.
Do make sure he has come from a reputable breeder, or a bona-fide rescue centre and not one of those awful puppy farms, who produce animals with all sorts of breeding and nutritional problems. If you see a “Boston Terrier Puppies for sale” sign, make sure it doesn’t lead you to such a farm.
Tend to be over-friendly
Dogs of this breed, though developed in Boston, are descended from the British bulldog and the white English terrier.
They are cute, clever and very family orientated. They do awfully well in obedience training and agility. And they make perfect companions.
Indeed, they tend to be over-friendly and unfortunately are happy to follow anyone who makes a fuss of them. So do take extra precautions with security.
Boston terrier dogs are the type who, when faced with an intruder, are more likely to cover him with kisses than alert the family of his presence.
Very endearing
Terrier breeders tell us that sometimes these dogs are black and white, sometimes brindle and white.
Either way, they’re lovely looking animals. And very endearing as puppies.
They are not the sort of canine one is likely to encounter every day, so anyone finding one at a rescue centre is fortunate indeed.
Nevertheless, to those of us who love dogs, all rescue puppies are delightful and the adopted Boston terrier is no exception.
Give a home to a rescue dog or puppy and he’ll love you for life.
A dog called Phiz
Helen Keller (1889-1968) was given a Boston terrier by a group of her classmates at Radcliffe College. She named her friend Phiz.
Miss Keller was the deaf and blind girl who, with the help of her remarkable teacher Annie Sullivan (1866-1936) not only learned to read and write, but gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree and went on to become a famous author, lecturer and political activist.
The Miracle Worker
Annie’s success is all the more remarkable because she was partially blind.
The unique story of these two women is depicted in the film The Miracle Worker (1962), starring Anne Bancroft in the title role, with Patty Duke playing Helen.
Helen’s little companion also played a major role in helping Helen’s rehabilitation.
In recent years Boston terriers have become increasingly popular as therapy dogs.
Two presidents, a bride and a comedienne
Two former American presidents favoured the breed.
Warren G. Harding (1865 – 1923) had one called ‘Hub’ and Gerald R. Ford (1913 – 2006) had two, whom he called Fleck and Spot.
Another famous Boston terrier was Pixel who became an attendant at the Californian wedding ceremony of his graphic designer owner. Four-year-old Pixel was a ring-bearer when Lisa Wong married Nick Jackson on New Year’s Day, 2006.
Among the houseful of pampered pooches owned by Joan Rivers, the American comedienne was a sweet little Boston terrier, called Lulu who developed cancer and lost one of her legs, then lost her life.
Since 1979, the Boston terrier has been the official state dog of Massachusetts.
Happy, tail-wagging bundle of fun
As with all potential members of the family, these puppies should be thoroughly checked over before purchasing or re-homing in order to make sure that all is well.
Ears should be pink and free of black, smelly discharge (which would suggest the presence of earmites). Eyes should not be runny. Neither should the nose. It should just be cold and wet to the touch. The tummy should not be round as a ball because over-podginess in a puppy suggests malnutrition. Ideally, Boston Terrier puppies should be happy, tail-wagging bundles of fun.
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