What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying a Boston Terrier?

by Katie

We are planning to get a Boston Terrier for our family soon. We have two kids, ages 8 and 10, and I think they are old enough for having a dog in the house now. I'm wondering what should I be aware of when buying a Boston Terrier, though?

Any advice from current Boston owners?
Thanks!

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What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying a Boston Terrier?

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Dec 14, 2011
 Be Careful and avoid my mistake....
by: Anonymous

Make sure of the pedigree of the dog, and DO NOT CHOOSE ON LOOKS ALONE. It's not enough that the dog LOOKS healthy, he has to BE healthy. Ask who the parents were, ask how the dog was treated during the first few weeks. Any worms, fleas? They're common at this time.
We bought Bailey soley on looks and the sellers word that they were healthy - she was inbred and now has congenitive heart failure. The next time she has an "attack", I have to watch her pass because it's become too expensive to keep her alive. Avoid my mistake. Make SURE your dog is healthy. Look at the papers BEFORE buying the dog and LOOK at the parrents before buying the dog. If the mom and dad aren't healthy, guess what's gonna happen to your puppy?

And also know what kind of physical "things" might happen to your boston. Did you know they're prone to growths on their skin? A less-than-honorable vet charged me a MASSIVE amount of money and a physically altering surgery for my dog to remove a growth on her ear that, I later found out, would have gone away on its own. I'm not saying to ignore growths or avoid a vet, don't get me wrong, but what I am saying is this: know your dog.
Don't just take people's words on things, research and know the history and intended purpose of the dog. Not only will it allow you to help your dog stay happy, but hopefully you'll avoid the healthy scams that suckered me in and nearly bleed me dry.

Dec 12, 2011
 "Sugar" my Boston
by: Janet

I am a dog and cat lover (but not obsessed) and I have owned several breeds over the years. One of my favorite dogs was a boxer named "King" he lived til old age.Later I owned two other boxer dogs named "Bully" and "Rocky" until they finally passed at age 14 and the other at 16. I later owned a loving red little weiner dog, after he died I swore off anymore dogs, because it hurts too much to lose a family pet(part of the family).
One day my 15 yr.old daughter begged for this 4 mo.old purebred little Boston Terrier, that her schoolmate had for sale. And against my better judgement I caved.
I cannot tell you how much we all love her. She is a clown. Makes us laugh all the time, because of her silliness. I have never saw such a sweet and funny breed.She has been easy to train and is a chow hound! Eats almost anything, but I wouldn't advise that! She gets a long well with kids and other dogs.She is just precious and I want more of them. As someone else said on here, "They are addictive." Amen to that! when i think of my "Sugar" I think of the song "Sad Eyes" by Bruce Springsteen. Here it is:

http://youtu.be/O3dxKlG3Alw

You must have one! I said so! LOL!
Jun 18, 2011
 Boston Terrier
by: Nadine

Boston terrier's are a small-meduim sized compact dog. We have a 2 year old female and we love her like one of our children. Boston's are good for energetic families, as they will go and go until they drop LOL. They love to be with their family all the time, cuddle. They are like babies, and in my experience. They dont have a puppy "stage" they are always willing to act like a puppy at any age. If you want a laid back, mellow lap dog, this is NOT the right breed for you. Make sure you are willing to train him/her right from day one, because they have no problem trying to be the boss LOL

Over all, they are an excellent, loyal, loving, family companion.
Jul 21, 2010
 Bostons
by: Mary

You should be very aware that they are addictive! You will end up with four on the floor and maybe even more!

But seriously, it is good that you are asking now. All breeds have their particular problems. Bostons have a short nose which makes them snort and snore and get hot really really fast. They will need to live INSIDE all the time and go outside for play time. If you go for dog park outings or jogging then bring water and a towel.

They also can have luxating patellas, skin allergies, cataracts, heart murmurs, and many other problems. My friend says she gets pet insurance because every dog has "its day" and you don't want to have to pay for that all at once. Over all, they have about the same problems as any other dog could have that has a short nose and is in the small group.

Keep doing your research and you will also find that they are one of the friendliest pets.
Jul 21, 2010
 pups
by: jackie

Make sure that you get a puppy from a good breeder first of all beware of websites and people that don't allow you to see the parents or living conditions. Second make sure you know what you are getting into puppys are alot of work. A boston is a great breed and fairly easy to train but you have to be willing to spend time working on it. Just like kids they need practice and encouragement. A busy boston is a happy boston. They love to be around people and will often get as close as possible. VERY good dogs for kids though. Where do you live? I have puppys you could come see.
Jul 21, 2010
 Things you should know
by: Anonymous

Bostons are very compassionate and loving dogs they do not like being alone without their families. My male is more clingy than my female but she wines for me too. I would never kennel one of my Bostons for fear of upsetting them too much so they go on family vacations with us. I would be prepared to allow yours to travel with you unless you have family willing to take him/her in. Bostons also have sensitive stomachs we had a couple of issues when our male was a puppy. Search until you find the dog food that is right for your Boston. He has kind of grown out this my female has not been bad at all with this. Bostons are prone to gas so the right food can make this worse or help minimize the situation. They are great pets and wonderful companions would not take anything for my two.
Jul 20, 2010
 eyes
by: charlotte

Make SURE their eyes are certified. My 6 year had cataracts at 2.( $5,000) Now she has glaucoma at 5,000 for one eye.

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