Evanger's Breed Buzz: Boston Terrier

Nicknamed "The American Gentleman" because of its dapper appearance, the Boston Terrier is known for a gentle disposition that makes the breed especially suitable as a companion and house pet. They’re intelligent, alert and loving. Requiring moderate exercise and minimal grooming since they don’t shed much, they’re easy to train and eager to learn. While devoted to their owners, these canines tend to be a bit reserved with strangers, and can show aggression toward strange dogs.

Retaining many of the attributes of its bulldog ancestors, the Boston Terrier features a short, fine coat with distinctive markings. Clean-cut physical characteristics include a compact build, square head, broad chest, wrinkle-free muzzle, short tail, soft dark eyes and short back. Their smooth, fine coats come in brindle and white, seal and white, or black and white. Both males and females typically weigh 10 to 25 pounds and are 15 to 17 inches tall.

Bred in the 1870s from a mixture of English Terriers and English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers were originally known as Round Heads or Bull Terriers. Two years after the breed’s name was changed in 1891, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Boston Terrier as the first genuinely American bred dog.

These playful pups enjoy interacting with family members of all ages, although they can become a bit testy with the very young. Protective at just the right times, they’ll bark excessively if someone approaches their home in a suspicious manner. They’re also fine apartment dwellers that can maintain positive mental and physical shape with a nice daily walk and regular activity in a park or yard.

A healthy Boston Terrier can live as long as 16 years. However, they are prone to heat stroke and should be monitored when playing outdoors on hot days. Their short snouts may cause them to snore, drool and snort in a pug-like manner. Other common health issues include cataracts, allergies and heart problems.

Because of their sensitive skin, avoid foods with wheat and corn. Consider Evanger’s Hi Bio™ Beef SuperFood that’s both grain- and gluten-free. Made with 85% meat, the gentle drying process of this food offers dogs higher moisture level than traditional kibble – making it easier to digest while enabling optimal nutritional absorption. The addition of LactoSacc™ also supports a healthy digestive system, SelPlex™ provides immune support, and BioPlex™ helps maintain healthy skin, coat, superior mineral bioavailability and absorption.

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