Selecting Boston Terrier Puppies

Maybe you're thinking about whether to get a Boston Terrier puppy, or an adult Boston instead. Here's some info to help you get started on your search.

Breeders usually release their puppies at 10-12 weeks old, and after they have received one set of inoculations. Puppies are weaned at 8 weeks and at that point, they are no longer nursing.

During the time a puppy is nursing, it receives some immunity to disease from its mother. Once it stops nursing, it becomes susceptible to a number of diseases, so it's important to keep your puppy current on all shots.

Recognizing a Healthy Puppy:

Personalities can vary greatly in Bostons. Some Boston Terrier puppies are very active while others are much less so. Some will want to romp and play, while others will want to sit quietly in your lap. No matter the type of personality you prefer, here are some things to look for:

• The puppy should be clean
• Skin should be supple, and the coat should be soft and smooth
• Ears should be pink and clean - odor or a dark discharge could be a sign of ear mites
• Puppy's breath should smell sweet
• Teeth should be clean and bright
• The nose should be cold and wet - there should be no nasal discharge
• The jaw, lips and nostrils should be free of deformities
• Eyes should be dark and clear - runny, red or irritated eyes could signal a problem
• Check to make sure there is no rupture of the navel
• Beware of coughing or diarrhea
• The puppy should move about easily and without difficulty
• Observe the puppy's attitude. A puppy that isn't feeling well will tend to snuggle up with a littermate rather than play, even when the other puppies are out and about.

Male or Female?

There are sex-related differences in Boston Terriers to consider. We have a male and a female. We got our male first, and I wasn't really sure I wanted a male because of the typical territory marking they do.

The marking and housetraining are unrelated and need to be dealt with separately. Males that are used in breeding tend to be more prone to marking and can be harder to train.

We opted to neuter Shadow since we didn't plan on breeding him. Our personal experience is that a male is just as sweet and as good a companion as a female (perhaps even better since he's almost outgrown the puppy stage and is calming down.)

Once they reach sexual maturity, a female will have a semi-annual "heat" cycle, which first occurs at around 9 to 10 months old. The cycle lasts about 21 days and for part of that time, she will have a bloody vaginal discharge. Pet shops sell "pants" or "bloomers" that your female can wear during this time to avoid spotting the living area.

It is very important to keep your female confined during this time to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Like Shadow, we had Sophie altered because we didn't plan to breed her. Unless you plan on getting your Boston Terrier puppies for breeding or showing (your breeder can help you determine whether your puppy is suitable for show), they should be spayed or neutered.

See adorable Puppy Photos of Boston Terriers

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

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