If you're considering bringing a grey Boston Terrier into your family, you're in for a real treat. They're known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Grey Boston Terriers are a relatively rare color variation of the breed, but they're just as lovable and charming as their Brindle or Black counterparts. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming.
One of the most distinctive features of the grey Boston Terrier is their unique coat color, which can range from a light silvery grey to a dark charcoal grey. This color variation is the result of a specific genetic combination that's unique to the breed.
Grey Boston Terriers are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-25 pounds and standing between 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder.
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Temperament and Behavior
Grey Boston terriers are devoted and sensitive to their family's wishes and moods. They're well-mannered indoors, but saucy and playful whenever the chance arises.
These dogs are clever and learn readily, but they can be somewhat stubborn. They're reserved with strangers and may be assertive toward strange dogs, so introductions should be made carefully.
Some grey Boston terriers bark a lot, so it's essential to be aware of this trait if you're considering bringing one home. If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog, a grey Boston might not be the best fit due to their high energy level.
They thrive on attention, especially playtime with their pet parents, and require rigorous daily exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Otherwise, they might get into trouble chewing and breaking things for attention.
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Care and Upkeep
Grey Boston Terriers are lively dogs that need daily exercise and interaction with their family. They love games, and most of their exercise requirements can be met with a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash.
Some Grey Boston Terriers wheeze and snore, and many don't tolerate heat well. They also need a healthy diet to keep their coat at its best.
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A high-quality dog food is essential for a Grey Boston Terrier's overall health, including the health of their coat. Look for a complete-and-balanced diet that contains a whole, recognizable protein as the first ingredient.
Washing your Grey Boston Terrier monthly is a good rule of thumb, unless they get into something messy. Washing them too often can strip the coat of its natural oils.
Brushing your Grey Boston Terrier weekly with a soft-bristle brush will help remove loose hair and distribute their natural oils throughout their coat. This is a simple yet effective way to keep their coat looking its best.
Grey Boston Terriers can benefit from an all-natural fish oil supplement, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to improve the health and appearance of dog's coats.
Health and Grooming
Boston terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a life span of 10-14 years.
One of the minor concerns with Boston terriers is patellar luxation, which is an elbow displacement. This can be a painful condition for your dog.
Boston terriers also need to be checked for stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and allergies, as these can be minor concerns. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch these issues early on.
As for grooming, Boston terriers aren't heavy shedders, but they do need regular baths to avoid atopic dermatitis. A weekly brushing of their coats can help keep them looking their best.
Here are some common health issues to look out for in Boston terriers:
- Congenital Deafness: This is a deafness that is present at birth.
- Patellar Luxation: This is an elbow displacement.
- Expansion of the Esophagus (Megaesophagus): This is an abnormal, hereditary stretching of the esophagus that causes dogs to regurgitate food.
- Corneal (Eye) Ulcers
- Cherry Eye
Health
Boston terriers are prone to certain health issues that can be managed with proper care and attention. Obesity is a common problem in this breed, and it can lead to heart disease and digestive issues.
A good diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity. It's essential to monitor your Boston terrier's food intake and ensure they get enough physical activity.
Boston terriers are sensitive to heat and anesthesia, and they're prone to corneal abrasions. This means they need special care during hot weather and when undergoing surgery.
Some common health issues to watch out for include congenital deafness, brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, patellar luxation, and expansion of the esophagus (megaesophagus). These conditions can be costly and may require special care or treatment.
Here are some specific health issues to look out for in Boston terriers:
- Deafness: Boston terriers can be born with deafness, which may require a hearing dog to act as a guide.
- Patellar luxation: This is an elbow displacement that can cause discomfort and mobility issues.
- Corneal ulcers: Boston terriers are prone to corneal ulcers, which can be painful and may require veterinary attention.
- Cherry eye: This is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid becomes inflamed and protrudes from the eye.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these health issues.
Shedding and Grooming
Boston terriers aren't heavy shedders if their short fur is properly cared for. They will need a bath once or twice a month to avoid atopic dermatitis from developing.
Regular grooming is essential to keep their coats clean and healthy. Brush their coats once a week or as needed and they'll remain beautiful bundles of fun.
Vacuuming at least once a week will help reduce the amount of hair around your house. This includes vacuuming upholstery if your pet spends time on the furniture.
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You can also train your Boston to stay off the furniture, which will keep fur confined to the floor. Give your pup its own pet bed so it has an alternative place to lay down.
Here are some tips to manage Boston terrier shedding and reduce the hair in your environment:
- Vacuum regularly
- Invest in a robot vacuum
- Train your Boston to stay off the furniture
- Set room boundaries
Keep lint rollers handy to quickly clean dog fur off your clothes before you head out. This is especially useful to have by your door and in your car.
Ears
Boston terriers' ears need to be inspected during bath time to make sure they stay clean. If left unchecked, debris can lead to ear infections.
Some Boston terriers are born deaf due to a genetic abnormality in the breed.
Blue
Blue Boston Terriers have a coat that gives off a silvery appearance.
This unique color is a result of specific genetic combinations that aren't recognized as a standard in the breed.
Blue or grey Bostons can be found in some lines due to these genetic combinations.
Their coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a challenge due to their short, fine hair.
It's essential to brush them gently but thoroughly to keep their coat looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color are AKC approved Boston Terriers?
AKC approved Boston Terriers can be brindle, seal, or black with white markings, with brindle being the preferred color when all other qualities are equal. Seal appears black but has a reddish tint when viewed in sunlight or bright light.
Sources
- Boston Terrier Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Boston terriers (akc.org)
- Purebred Boston terriers (akc.org)
- Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (vcahospitals.com)
- Boston Terrier - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)
- An Overview of the Different Boston Terrier Colors (bostonterrier.world)
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