Selecting a Boston Terrier Puppy - Part 2

Following are additional things to consider when purchasing a Boston Terrier puppy.

Color and Markings:

The color and markings recognized by the AKC are: brindle, seal or black with white markings. You may find, like we did, a puppy that doesn't conform completely to the AKC breed standard for colors and markings. The coat may be mismarked or have blemishes.

This is usually just a simple misalignment of the dark hair with the white hair. Since the official standard is very specific about some markings, a mismarked Boston cannot be shown, however, they still have all of the other wonderful attributes of a Boston and make great pets. A Boston Terrier puppy with markings and colors that conform to the AKC standard is typically sold as "show quality" and the mismarked, as "pet quality". You should expect to pay less for a pet quality Boston than for show quality.

Whether you decide on a "show quality" or "pet quality" puppy, choose one that is as close to the breed standard as possible. This is a good indicator that your breeder has been selective in breeding, and has taken care to maintain the breed's best qualities while minimizing genetic defects.

You may also find non-traditionally colored Boston Terriers, such as red, chocolate and fawn Bostons. Colored Bostons are considered mismarks according to the AKC breed standard, but are recognized by the United Canine Association as an entirely separate breed.

When purchasing a Boston Terrier puppy, you should receive three documents: a health record, a copy of the pedigree, and a registration certificate.

Health Record:

Most breeders have started the inoculation series for their puppies by eight weeks of age, which protect the puppies against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis and canine parvovirus. Some breeders and veterinarians have different programs for inoculations.

Be sure to get a copy of the health record from the breeder. This should have an accurate list of which shots the puppy has received and when. This information will help your veterinarian determine which shots will be needed next. Usually, the rabies shot is given at 4 months or older.

Pedigree:

The pedigree indicates that the puppy's ancestors are purebred. The document authenticates the puppy's ancestry back to at least the 3rd generation. Pedigree in itself does not mean that the puppy is show quality, just that the ancestors were registered Boston Terriers.

Registration Certificate:

A registration certificate is basically the puppy's birth certificate, and is issued by a country's governing kennel club. Once you transfer ownership from the breed to you, the information is put on the certificate, mailed to the appropriate kennel club, where it is kept on file. Keep all these documents, as well as the contact information for your breeder in a safe place.

Guarantee of Health:

Ideally, you will want to take your puppy to your veterinarian within 24 hours of leaving the breeder's home. Most reputable breeders are more than happy to give a written agreement (health guarantee) stating that the purchase is contingent upon passing the veterinarian's examination.

What's Next?

Once you've picked out a puppy, the real fun begins: housetraining, feeding, socializing and training. Having a new puppy is a lot of work, but it's worth it. Enjoy you new puppy!

 

Boston Terrier puppy photo "Roxy297" courtesy of Steve & Jeeta

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