What to Know Before Adopting a Boston Terrier

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Adopting a pet is a fantastic feeling that one can go through, but you should not forget that you invite a ton of responsibilities upon yourself. You might feel confused about what to know before adopting a Boston Terrier; thus, here I am with the complete information.

What to Know Before Adopting a Boston Terrier?

Before adopting a Boston Terrier, it is essential to understand what you feel about the breed, thus gather your information before moving forward with the adoption. They have an average life of 12-14 years and usually weigh less than 25 pounds. They are also known as American Gentlemen due to their friendly behavior.

Medical Issues

Boston Terriers, in general, are more prone to medical issues than other dog breeds. Aside from heart problems, here are some of the eye problems you need to look out for:

A Boston Terrier with mouth open and curved tongue
  • Corneal ulcers are usually caused if something (usually grass blade or debris) gets into the eyes. Corneal Ulcers are pretty common in Boston Terriers because of the protruding structure, as the eyes are not protected by the rim of the eyelids, unlike other breeds.
  • Juvenile Cataracts: Even dogs have hereditary eye problems, and juvenile cataracts are one of them. Make sure the eyesight of the dog you are about to adopt is examined using CERF.

Ensure you get your dog examined by a vet, especially if you are adopting from a shelter and provide the correct treatment, if needed.

Smart and Competitive

Boston terriers are pretty smart and competitive, and these qualities make them quite good at canine sports. 

  • With these two traits combined, they serve as service dogs in hospitals, providing emotional support to the patients. 
  • They are highly recommended dogs for people undergoing therapy.

Here is a video guide describing how you can transform your Boston Terrier into a service dog.

Low Risk to Allergies

If you are going to adopt a Boston terrier, you do not need to worry about allergies.

A Boston Terrier doesn’t shed too much because of its short and smooth coats. There are instances that they shed a lot. However, there is still a low risk of allergies.

They are excellent apartment companions if hygiene is taken into consideration.

Not a Guard Dog

A Boston Terrier is an enjoyable and friendly dog, even to strangers. Thus it is not a guard dog. 

  • This breed usually jumps around, barks, and is excited to see newcomers in the home; it will not examine the newcomers before entering the house. 
  • Its friendly nature makes them perfect companions if you have children visiting you.
A Boston Terrier with messy tissue paper on the sofa

Breathing and Knee Issues

Breathing and Knee issues are two other medical conditions a Boston Terrier is prone to other than their eye health.

Here are some medical conditions you need to get yourself familiar with before adopting a Boston terrier.

  • Their breathing gets highly affected if they do excessive exercise, such as tracheal collapse. It can be fixed surgically, but make sure that you look out for ‘goose cough’ during their moments of excitement, as it may indicate a weak trachea.
  • Another condition you need to look out for is ‘Luxating Patella’. The knee cap does not stay in place in this condition, and it needs to be cured surgically. Otherwise, it might cause the dog a lot of pain in the long run.

These conditions are continuing to be looked out for, as they will affect your pet’s mobility.

Needs Attention

Since a Boston Terrier is a friendly and fun dog that needs attention, thus it might not be a good match if you have long working hours.

  • It is a kind of pet that snuggles around and loves attention. Thus it is excellent if you have kids at your home to keep it company. 
  • If you are single with a hectic job, you should probably avoid adopting it.

All American Dog

If you are looking for an all-American Dog, then you are in luck, as a Boston Terrier came into being by breeding a BullDog with an English Terrier in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s.

The unique shape of the head is initially named Bullet Heads or Round Heads.

Are You Ready?

The question you need to ask yourself before adopting is, are you ready? These are some points that will help you plan the adoption:

  • Managing the training routine or resources to hire someone to train your dog.
  • Spare time to spend with your dog since Boston terriers might feel lonely if not provided attention.
  • Resources to manage the expensive veterinary care.
  • Will you be fine with a dog that might have a certain limitation, considering the mobility.
  • If you are looking for a lapdog and a playmate, a Boston Terrier is a perfect Breed to adopt.
A Boston Terrier sleeping on a blue cushion

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Spend My First Night With My New Boston Terrier?

Nights can be challenging for the new dog as they are in their crate without their owner. Comfort them with a warm bottle to snuggle on and try to ignore the squeaks, as they need to adjust to the new environment

Is It Possible to Walk a Boston Terrier Unleashed?

Definitely yes, if it is allowed in your neighborhood. Boston Terriers have minimal hunting instincts. Thus they are entirely safe to be walked unleashed, given that they are able to walk comfortably.

Owning a Boston Terrier?? | What you need to know!

Conclusion

Adopting a pet might seem like a huge responsibility, but you slowly get used to it, as a Boston terrier is not that high-maintenance dog. It is family-friendly but demands huge medical care, as it is prone to several medical conditions due to its body structure. Make sure you choose your vet before adopting the dog, as it demands continuous checkups.