The Boston Terrier
Are you looking for a big dog in a small dog’s body? The boston terrier may be your pick. Originating in the United States, the breed is nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo patterned coloring and its refined and pleasant personality. He is a compact little guy, with erect ears and a slick coat and short tail weighing between 15 and 25 pounds. They are generally happy-go-lucky and eager to please, given a patient owner. They can be protective which can lead to aggression towards people and other animals, if not properly socialized. They require very minimal grooming. Many bostons cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold temperatures due to their very short snout, known as Brachycephalic dogs. This characteristic makes them more prone to snoring and reverse sneezing. Boston terriers are usually rather quiet dogs and only bark when necessary. This makes them perfect for apartment dwellers. They typically enjoy being around people and are usually good with children, elderly, and other pets. Some common health problems are cataracts and other eye problems, luxating patella in their legs, deafness, heart murmurs, and tumors. I can personally vouch for the breed because I have owned one myself for six years now. My beloved Higgins is a wonderful family dog and the whole family adores him. I highly recommend the breed to anyone that wants a tough little dog that can run with the big boys!