Boston Terrier

There are different claims on how the Boston Terrier came to be. One report suggests that Boston Terriers existed in the late 1800s, with their origin traced back to Boston, Massachusetts. It was when certain wealthy families crossed Bulldogs with the now extinct English White Terrier to develop a new bull-fighting breed.

Other stories credit a Bostonian Robert C. Hooper who brought the breed (Bulldog/English Terrier cross) named Judge from England in 1865. Another account suggests that Judge was purchased by Hooper from another Bostonian, William O'Brian, in 1870.  Judge weighed over 27.5 pounds and was interbred with French Bulldogs paving the way for the Boston Terrier known today.

In 1888, the first Boston Terrier was shown and exhibited in a class under the "Round Headed Bull Terriers of any colour." Thus at one point, the Boston Terrier was known as the Boston Round Head. It was in 1893 when a Mr J Watson or a Mr H Lacey came up with the name Boston Terrier for the breed that led to the founding of The Boston Terrier Club in America.

The Boston Terrier is a small but solidly built, muscular and well-balanced dog. It sports a square-looking head, distinctive wide and erect ears and slightly curved neck. The muzzle is short and without wrinkles. Boston Terriers belong to the Brachycephalic (short head) class of dogs. Like other Brachycephalic dogs, the Boston Terrier has a slightly undershot bite that gives it a pushed in face. It has a broad chest with a boxy appearance. The tail is also short and set low on the hindquarters. According to breed standards, Boston Terriers should weigh 10 to 25 pounds and should stand 38 to 43 centimetres tall at the withers.

When it comes to the coat, the Boston Terrier wears a short, smooth and fine coat that comes in three colours: black, seal or brindle. It also should have a white colour covering its chest and muzzle, a band around the neck, half on its forelegs up to the hocks of the rear legs, and a white blaze between the eyes.

A few characteristics to describe a Boston Terrier is enthusiastic, sweet and intelligent. Boston Terriers has a merry sense of humour and are clownish. This adorable breed loves to be the centre of attention and likes to be with people. Boston Terriers are certified lapdogs and will be content to stay indoors and cuddle or snuggle.

They can also be stubborn, persistent and hyperactive which often lands them (and the owner) in trouble. Early socialisation and exposure to people, sights, sounds and experiences when young is essential to control these natural impulses.

On the other hand, Boston Terriers have an eager-to-please personality that makes them easily trainable. Despite being small, they are not excessive barkers and only bark when necessary. Their sensible attitude towards barking make them excellent apartment dwellers.

They mainly love being around people of all ages and animal pets both canine and non-canine if properly socialised. Still, it is vital that playtime is supervised to prevent any untoward incidence. The Boston Terrier is an excellent choice for a family pet in a home where one person can keep them company or they develop separation anxiety if left alone.

• Senior and less active: up to 590 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 660 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 730 calories daily

The cost of owning a dog is more than the expense of the food. Unfortunately, a lot of people make this mistaken assumption when buying a dog, which often leads to financial troubles along the road. he question we are about to answer is "Can you afford a Boston Terrier?"

First, consider the cost of a Boston Terrier puppy, which will be around £800 to £1,000 depending if it's a well-bred pedigree puppy. Then you have to consider the type of pet insurance to get. For a basic cover, it's around £24 a month while a lifetime cover will cost you £55 a month.

You may think that paying for a pet insurance will steer you clear from vet bills. Wrong. Veterinary consultations such as regular health checks, initial vaccinations, boosters and neutering can quickly add up to £1,000 a year, outside the insurance coverage.

On top of this, you have to pay for dog supplies and equipment to make sure your Boston puppy is well settled in. These include a leash, collar, bed, bowl, toys and more. You will spend roughly £70 to £100 a month, excluding insurance and other medical treatments the insurance does not cover.