Everything You Need To Know About a Mini Boston Terrier

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Mini Terriers are tiny dogs with a flat face and a short, smooth coat. The temperament, characteristics, and appearance of the full-sized Terriers are shrunk to achieve its scaled-down version. If you’re considering getting one, here’s everything you need to know about a Mini Boston Terrier.

Everything You Need To Know About a Mini Boston Terrier

While full-size Boston Terriers stand 12 to 17 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds, a mini Boston Terrier weighs below 10 pounds and is slightly shorter at 12-15 inches tall. Mini Bostons are significantly smaller than regular Bostons.

Graphic image with two black and white Boston Terriers that explains what mini Boston Terriers are

Over the past few years, the demand for ini Boston Terrier puppies has gone up due to their miniature and appealing nature. However, the methods used to make this dog smaller has made them controversial because they can cause major health problems. 

Why Are Mini Boston Terriers Appealing?

Most people love keepingmMini Boston Terrier dogs because they remain the size of a puppy even in adulthood. It’s also natural for people to find a dog with baby-like traits cute, creating a desire to raise and care for it. Miniature puppies are also appealing because they’re easy to care for. 

Additionally, they require minimal exercise, the best dog food, and very little living space, making them ideal for small apartment dwellers. Apart from their tiny size, there is also a desire to owning a puppy that doesn’t mature fully. 

Miniaturization (the process of making something very tiny using modern technology) also allows you to have a miniature version of your favorite puppy if you are unable to buy a full-sized Boston Terrier.

What are the 10 Most Common Boston Terrier Health Problems

How Is Mini Terrier Miniaturization Achieved?

There are three different methods to achieve miniaturization:

  • Breeding from litter runts (multiple births resulting in weaker or smaller puppies)
  • Introducing a dwarfism gene
  • Crossbreeding

Note that each method has questionable breeding practices and disadvantages.

Breeding From Litter Runts

Litter runts are achieved by selecting mini terrier dogs with certain characteristics to create the smallest dogs. In turn, each line keeps becoming smaller and smaller.

However, the good thing about this method is that the unique characteristics of the Mini Terrier breed are retained. Bear in mind that it can take many generations before achieving the miniature version of the full-size breed.

Mini Boston Terrier puppy

Since runts are weak and small, they suffer from different health conditions, making it difficult to breed healthy dogs. Moreover, breeding two runts increases the chances of health conditions being passed on to their litters.

Introducing a Dwarfism Gene

The dwarfism gene can also be used to achieve miniature. The gene introduces stumpy and short legs, which makes the dog appear smaller. This is a genetic disorder referred to as achondrodysplasia. It keeps the dog’s bones from growing to the standard size of their breed.

This method isn’t desirable because it can cause several joint and back problems including Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). You should avoid over-exercising the joints of puppies with dwarfism to prevent injuries.

Crossbreeding

Mixing a standard breed with a smaller one can also result in a miniature. However, the major issue with this method is that the outcome regarding temperament, size, and appearance can be unpredictable. Again, puppies can inherit more characteristics from one parent breed than the other.

The puppies may also be too small to be identified as miniatures or fail to possess traits unique to Mini Boston Terriers. Additionally, there is the possibility of creating new health problems or making the existing ones worse due to poor breeding practices.

Below are some common breed choices you can mix with Mini Boston Terriers:

Puppy in a bag

Bochi: Mini Boston Terrier and Chihuahua Mix

The Bochi is a common mix of Mini Boston Terrier and Chihuahua, the world’s smallest dog. Although both dogs have loveable traits, the apple head Chihuahua is susceptible to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (upper airway abnormalities affecting dogs).

So, you should crossbreed with a deer head Chihuahua to get a healthy puppy.

Bosapso: Mini Boston Terrier and Lhasa Apso Mix

The Bosapso is a mix between a Lhasa Apso and a Mini Boston Terrier. This teddy bear is full of heart and character, and it enjoys being hugged and spoken to by anyone – even strangers. They only want to be loved.

The Bosapso will be little, weighing in at roughly 12 to 15 pounds, and they will not be tall. Although they will inherit the compressed face of the Mini Boston Terrier, they will have minor health issues than most of the other mixes since they are not as squished.

Bugg: Mini Boston Terrier and Pug Mix

Crossbreeding the affectionate pug with the intelligent and friendly Mini Boston Terrier results in an adorable mix. However, these two cute puppies are brachycephalic. The Bugg is vulnerable to respiratory problems and eye diseases because of its large eyes.

The Bugg, just like the Frenchton, will inherit a screwed tail from both parents, making them highly prone to spinal problems.

And, here again, the extraordinary conformation breeders have pursued with Boston Terriers and Pugs means that they will very certainly require lifelong veterinarian care and a cesarean section in case they have puppies.

Mini Boston Terrier receiving health treatment

Frenchton: Mini Boston Terrier and French Bulldog Mix

These two small dogs are loving and smart with flat faces. However, they are also brachycephalic. While a flat face is attractive, it compresses the nasal cavity affecting the puppy’s ability to breathe.

Moreover, both breeds have screw tails, which have been related to painful spine disorders. Overall, due to their excessive shapes, both species have difficulty giving birth normally.

Bolgen Terrier: Mini Boston Terrier and Beagle

The Bolgen terrier is a hybrid between the Mini Boston Terrier as well as the Beagle. This mix is a unique breed that is both well-behaved and moderately energetic. They’re also engaging and have a distinct appearance.

Because neither the Beagle nor the Mini Boston Terrier is highly energetic, you’ll likely end up with a fairly laid-back companion. Because both breeds are modest in stature, you’re unlikely to have a larger type of dog if you adopt this combination. 

This breed is suitable for owners of all levels of expertise, so no matter how many dogs you’ve trained in your life, you can be sure that you’re bringing home the proper one.

Is a Boston Mini Terrier Dog Right for You?

The appearance and traits of a mini Boston Terrier are similar to that of full-sized Boston Terriers. This small puppy loves human company and gets along with other pets, the elderly, and kids, making it the ideal dog for companionship.

However, it doesn’t like being left alone as it suffers from separation anxiety. This means it’s not a good choice if you rarely spend much time at home. Its small size also makes it perfect for apartment living. The mini Terrier dogs are also quick learners making them easy to train.

Moreover, these tiny dogs are easy to look after as they shed very little and their short coats require minimal grooming. That being said, you should trim their nails and clean their teeth regularly.

3 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues

Getting a Mini Boston Terrier

Many Mini Boston Terrier breeders charge outrageous charges, so expect to pay anything from $500 to $1,000. This price explains why so many improper breeding procedures exist. If you still want to purchase a Mini Boston Terrier, make sure you visit a trustworthy breeder on their premises.

Both parents should be available. A good breeder will answer your questions and resolve any concerns you may have about these tiny puppies. They should offer the genetic health checks that are required. They should also provide a contract with a health guarantee.

Because many small dogs wind up in shelters due to the concerns outlined, you may want to consider this alternative, which comes with the extra benefit of receiving full backing from the rescue shelter.

Mini Boston Terrier Puppies

Puppies of the Mini Boston Terrier breed are intriguing. It’s a sweet little puppy in an even more adorable and compact form. However, whether it’s appropriate to make this puppy even smaller poses ethical concerns.

I cannot suggest them to buyers due to the health issues that arise from miniaturizing an already unhealthy species. Stick with a puppy that has not been bred to extremes if you want a happy pet. A dog’s health is greatly influenced by proportionate legs and a moderately sized muzzle.

Mini Boston Terrier Dog Health Issues

While the lifespan of a full-sized Boston Terrier is 11-13 years, that of a mini Boston Terrier is likely to be less. Apart from the Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, these dogs are prone to other health problems.

They are prone to skin problems, patellar luxation, and eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. Walks should also be shortened during the hot weather due to their narrow nasal cavity that can lead to breathing problems.

It’s also crucial to pay attention to their dietary needs because of their low sugar levels. So you should feed them properly since they can develop a seizure and die if they miss meals.

Boston Terrier dog breed. All breed characteristics and facts about Boston Terrier dogs

Conclusion

There you have it, everything you need to know about Mini Boston Terriers. Special care is required for these puppies due to their miniature version and delicate nature. Feed the dog well and ensure your home has air conditioning because this dog needs to stay cool most of the time as it’s vulnerable to overheating.

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