Anyone have or know someone with a Boston Terrier?

**mommy2many** · 01-10-2005, 01:11 PM

Are these good family pets? Are they well behaved? We are thinking of getting one in the spring. I thought I would see what others thought of them. Thanks

**halo475** · 01-10-2005, 02:40 PM

They are cute as a button...and I love them, with that said They are terriers their natural instinct is to dig and they are very high energy dogs. You need to keep them occupied, or they get into trouble.

They chew and chew and chew and when they aren't chewing, they are digging or running.

Depending on your lifestyle, they may fit right in with your family.

**mommy2many** · 01-10-2005, 02:59 PM

Thank you. I will show this my husband....while we are an active family I would worry about chewing.....digging doesn't bother me that much we have 2 acres of land and in the spring and summer we are outside alot but chewing in the winter months could be a problem...

Are they "loving" dogs though? I am quite the spoiling type, would this kind of dog respond well to being spoiled?

**slowtypinwoman** · 01-10-2005, 03:30 PM

Terriers are diggers and high strung. That being said I love my westie with a mother's love.
My G/F has a bostie/poo it is kind of aggressive. She had one before this one that was lovely though.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm
Hope this helps.

**forestdale** · 01-10-2005, 03:48 PM

I have two airedale terriers and they are fabulous dogs. They are loviing and very protective of our family. Once we allow someone into the home though, they're like pussy cats with them.

All terriers are different though but they are all territorial and energetic. Most terriers love kids. Like any dog you'll need to do obedience training with them and if they have a tendancy to chew, which I've not heard about before, that will curb it.

My advice though is to meet the parents. LOL. Seriously though, if you want a family dog you should ask about, or preferably, see the parents for yourself. You want the puppy to be nicely socialised, not cringling in a corner or biting the other puppies. Generally a well behaved and socialised puppy grows into a well adjusted dog.

Terriers are wonderful dogs and the Bostons are really cute. Good luck with your choice.

**mommy2many** · 01-10-2005, 03:58 PM

Thanks everyone!

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 01-11-2005, 12:49 AM

Boston Terriers are not cheap dogs to purchase. They are all born by C-section (big heads, little hips=OUCH) and litters are typically two or three pups. A show quality pup easily fetches $2500.00 in my neck of the woods. A pet quality? Probably about 1500.00.

That being said, they are delightful little dogs. They can be diggers (see posts above) and barkers. They do NOT tolerate heat well. None of the short nosed dogs do. Being a terrier means that, true to their fighting heritage, some are dog aggressive.

Are they well mannered? As with any dog, this depends on YOU. Dogs don't come out with perfect manners any more than kids do. They need to be taken to obedience classes early (unless you are a person with obedience experience). Terriers tend to be dominant dogs who will take over the household unless you let them know that YOU are in charge and not them! ANY dog can be a hellion with the wrong owner just as any can be an angel with the right one!

Bostons, as a rule, love kids. They can be a bit fragile (if you get one of the tiny ones--the weight varies depending upon the line they are from) if they are small, but the larger ones are usually sturdy, happy little dogs who love to romp with their kids.

My advice is twofold:

1. Go to the library and check out books on Bostons. Also check out websites on them. Go to AKC.org and you can find a general description of the breed.

2. Go to a local dog show and talk with the owners and handlers. Most are only too happy to brag about their babies! You will find we owner/handlers will go on forever if allowed to!

DO NOT BUY YOUR BOSTON FROM A PET STORE OR AN AD FROM THE PAPER. I can't emphasize this enough. Since Bostons are a very popular breed, many back yard breeder (BYBers) as well as puppy mills churn out puppies with NO genetic testing, checks for hip dysplasia, cataracts (often inherited), luxating patellas, etc. A reputable breeder will actually cost LESS than a pet store and will take a dog back at ANY time during its life, no questions asked. A reputable breeder will also let you meet the parents of the pups as well as any relatives on site. Lastly, DO NOT buy a dog on line without meeting the pups, family, etc. Many reputable breeders are on line, but so are many, many puppy mills.

**forestdale** · 01-11-2005, 01:16 AM

mommy2many, lori has given excellent advice above. It's compreshensive and spot on with what I know about terriers. I didn't know they were so expensive. I paid $600 each for my girls, and I thought that was a bit over the top, but if you get a well bred quality dog it's worth it.

If that's out of your price bracket, maybe you could research other terriers and see if any of the others catch your eye. The terrier group are very charming and likeable dogs if you like an enegetic dog that loves kids.

**mommy2many** · 01-11-2005, 09:41 AM

Thank you for all your advice.

We had a Boxer who passed away this past summer and I have since not been the same as he was my "baby" and my Husband seems tot hink that maybe I am just the type who needs a non-human "baby" in my life. I am an animal lover at heart.

We had found a breeder here where we live who was willing to put us on her waiting list for a pet quality puppy for springtime, she only has one or two litters a year. She said pet quality pups go for $400-$500, I hadn't seen any listed any higher than that anywhere around here.

I'll be sure to do my homework and thank you so much for all your advice.