Long Haired Boston Terrier Breed Information and Advice

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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Close-up of a Boston Terrier
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The long-haired Boston Terrier - a breed that's as charming as it is low-maintenance. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires regular brushing.

Boston Terriers are known for their gentle and even-tempered nature, making them a great addition to families with children.

About the Breed

The Boston Terrier breed has a rich history, developed in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the first American breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893.

The breed was created by mixing bull and terrier breeds, including the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, and Boxer. This unique combination resulted in the friendly and outgoing personality that Boston Terriers are known for.

They were first recognized as a breed by the UK Kennel Club in 1914 and belong to the utility group, which includes miscellaneous non-sporting breeds. Today, Boston Terriers are primarily companion breeds, but they also excel in dog sports like agility, flyball, obedience, and rally.

Boston Terriers make excellent therapy dogs due to their friendly nature with everyone, including strangers.

For another approach, see: Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs

Character and Temperament

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The long haired Boston Terrier is a friendly breed, even with strangers. They have a lively, intelligent nature.

They are generally good with children, although can be boisterous at times, so are suited to slightly older children. This makes them a great addition to families with kids.

Their friendly nature and indifference towards strangers means they don't usually make good guard dogs. They're more likely to make friends with anyone who comes to the door.

These dogs are exceptionally sociable and make very good companion dogs. They thrive on human interaction and attention.

Their friendly nature also means they're prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This can be managed with proper training and attention.

Expand your knowledge: Dogs Similar to Boston Terrier

Health and Care

Health and care for your long-haired Boston Terrier is crucial to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. With their flat face and short snout, they can be prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties.

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Boston Terriers are also susceptible to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, and specific eye problems like cataracts and corneal ulcers. Regular health check-ups are essential to catch any health issues early.

To keep your Boston Terrier's coat clean and healthy, brush it at least weekly, and clean their facial and tail-base folds regularly to prevent infections. A balanced diet and regular exercise are also crucial to maintain their physical and mental health.

Here are some recommended tests for your Boston Terrier:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking regular care of your Boston Terrier, you can help them live a happy and healthy life as a beloved family pet.

Health

As a Boston Terrier owner, you want to ensure your furry friend lives a happy and healthy life. The average life expectancy of a Boston Terrier is around 12 years, which is a great starting point.

See what others are reading: Life Span Boston Terrier

Boston terrier puppy
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Regular health check-ups are essential to catch any potential issues early. The UK Kennel Club classifies Boston Terriers as a Category 1 breed, indicating they have fewer characteristics that cause problems compared to other brachycephalic and bull breeds.

Boston Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties. This condition can lead to life-threatening breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

Some common health issues in Boston Terriers include patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, and eye problems such as cataracts and corneal ulcers. These conditions can be diagnosed and treated with veterinary care.

Here are some recommended tests for Boston Terriers:

By being aware of these potential health issues and undergoing recommended tests, you can help maintain your Boston Terrier's health and catch any problems early on. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can also go a long way in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.

See what others are reading: Boston Terrier Health Issues

At Home Care

A Boston Terrier on a Concrete Floor
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Taking care of your Boston Terrier at home requires attention to her diet, exercise, and grooming needs. Regularly brushing her coat and cleaning her facial and tail-base folds will prevent infections.

You should supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and blocking off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble. Her dental health is also crucial, so brush her teeth at least twice a week to keep them perfect.

A weekly ear cleaning routine is essential, even as a puppy, to prevent infections. You should also be mindful of her sensitive nature and avoid harsh training methods or punishment. Always end training on a positive note.

To ensure your dog's overall health, feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age and maintain a consistent diet. Avoid giving her people food and exercise her regularly, but don't overdo it at first.

Here are some key at-home care tasks to keep in mind:

  • Brush her coat at least weekly and clean her facial and tail-base folds daily.
  • Brush her teeth at least twice a week.
  • Clean her ears weekly.
  • Exercise her regularly, but don't overdo it at first.
  • Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age and maintain a consistent diet.
  • Supervise her at all times and keep her out of trouble.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Boston Terrier happy and healthy at home.

Breeders and Ownership

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Long-haired Boston Terriers are a rare breed, but they can be found through reputable breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs.

Reputable breeders will typically have their dogs' health clearances on record, including their parents' clearance for patellar luxation, a common issue in the breed.

These breeders will also be able to provide you with a detailed understanding of the breed's needs and characteristics, helping you to make an informed decision about whether a long-haired Boston Terrier is the right fit for you.

By choosing a reputable breeder, you can ensure that you're getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy that will thrive in your care.

Assured Breeders Tests

As a responsible breeder, it's essential to prioritize the health of your Boston Terriers. One crucial step is to participate in the Kennel Club's Assured Breeders program, which includes regular tests to identify potential health issues.

Eye Scheme is a recommended test that involves re-examining your dogs every year to detect inherited conditions. This is particularly important for Boston Terriers, which are prone to two types of cataracts: early and late onset.

Credit: youtube.com, Canine Genetic Testing for Serious Dog Breeders! (Puppy & Dog Owners too!)

If your Boston Terrier is diagnosed with Hereditary Cataracts (HC-HSF4), it's essential to understand that cataracts will eventually cause blindness if they affect both eyes. This test specifically identifies the early onset type of cataracts.

Here are the details of the tests involved in the Kennel Club's Assured Breeders program:

By participating in these tests, you can ensure the health and well-being of your Boston Terriers and help maintain the breed's overall health.

Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering your Boston is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their health and well-being.

Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

This surgery also gives us a chance to identify and address some diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems or the need for a puppy tooth extraction.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Performing the surgery while your pet is under anesthesia is more convenient for you and easier on your dog too.

Spaying or neutering eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Common Issues and Tests

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Boston Terriers, including the long-haired variety, can be prone to certain health issues. These issues can be genetic, meaning they're related to the breed, and can affect the dog's quality of life. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any health issues early.

Some common health issues in Boston Terriers include brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, patellar luxation, and eye problems like cataracts and corneal ulcers. These conditions can be painful and affect the dog's mobility and vision.

Here's a summary of some recommended tests for Boston Terriers:

These tests can help identify health issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and management. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain the health and well-being of your Boston Terrier.

Terrier Health Issues

Boston Terriers are known to be a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common issues is brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties due to their short snouts.

Credit: youtube.com, Common Health Issues in Boston Terriers

Their flat face also puts their eyes at risk of injuries and diseases, with 20 eye disorders known to occur in the breed. Regular eye exams by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist can help screen for hereditary eye disorders.

Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is also common in Boston Terriers. This requires surgery to repair and can be a costly veterinary bill.

Boston Terriers are also prone to skin allergies, which can cause skin irritation and infections. Allergy testing can be conducted to determine specific allergens.

The cost of diagnosing and treating these conditions can be significant, ranging from $500 to over $10,000. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt attention to changes in your dog's behavior or appearance are essential to catch any health issues early.

Here are some common health issues and recommended tests for Boston Terriers:

Regular veterinary check-ups and a commitment to their health, grooming, and exercise needs are essential to keeping your Boston Terrier happy and healthy.

Demodectic Mange

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Demodectic Mange is a common issue in dogs, particularly Boston Terriers. This breed seems to be predisposed to infestations of Demodex, a type of mite that's usually found in the skin.

A compromised immune system or skin imbalance can allow the mite to start causing problems, which is more likely to occur in young dogs.

Additional reading: Boston Terrier Skin Bumps

Terrier Care and Costs

Caring for a Long Haired Boston Terrier requires attention to their unique needs. They thrive in environments where they can interact closely with their families.

Regular grooming is essential for their coat, requiring regular brushing and occasional bathing. Pay special attention to cleaning their facial wrinkles to prevent skin infections.

A balanced diet suits small- to medium-sized, moderately active breeds. Monitor their food intake and maintain a regular feeding schedule to prevent obesity.

Here's a breakdown of the annual costs for a Boston Terrier:

Terrier Care Costs

Caring for a Boston Terrier can be pricey, especially the purchase price, which can vary depending on the breeder and location. Always consider adopting from a local rescue.

Portrait of Boston Terrier Dog
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A Boston Terrier puppy can cost upwards of a pretty penny, with prices ranging from breeder to breeder.

You'll also need to factor in initial supplies, such as food and water bowls, a crate, and toys.

Food is another significant expense, with the average Boston Terrier eating around 1-2 cups of food per day.

Grooming is relatively low maintenance, but you'll still need to budget for regular nail trimming and occasional baths.

Veterinary care is essential, and you should expect to pay around $500-$1,000 per year for routine check-ups and vaccinations.

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected medical expenses, but it's not a necessity.

Miscellaneous supplies, such as leashes and collars, can add up over time.

Training is also important, and you may need to budget for obedience classes or private lessons.

Boarding or pet sitting can be expensive, especially if you travel frequently.

You'll also need to budget for a license and microchip, which can cost around $20-$50 per year.

Caring for a Terrier

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Caring for a Terrier is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, it can be a incredibly rewarding experience. You'll need to watch your dog's diet closely, making sure they get plenty of exercise and regular veterinary check-ups to stay healthy.

Brushing your terrier's coat is a must, at least weekly, to prevent matting and tangling. Their facial and tail-base folds need special attention to prevent infections.

Terriers are sensitive dogs and don't do well with harsh training methods or punishment. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement training to help them learn and grow.

A consistent diet is key, and it's best to stick to a high-quality dog food that's suitable for your terrier's age. Avoid giving them people food, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Here's a breakdown of the essential care tasks for your terrier:

  • Brush their coat at least weekly
  • Clean their ears weekly
  • Brush their teeth at least twice a week
  • Keep their facial and tail-base folds clean and dry
  • Provide daily walks and regular playtime

With proper care and attention, your terrier will thrive and become a loving and loyal companion.

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.