Boston Terriers have the distinction of being the first breed native to the USA.
Are you ready to welcome the "American Gentleman" to your home? That's one of the nicknames for the Boston Terriers, also called the Boston bull, are compact and well-muscled dogs. The breed was developed, as its name indicates, in Boston, Massachusetts. Bostons were the first breed native to the United States.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1893. Their popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, and has the little black and white dog has enjoyed renewed popularity in the last few years.
The original Boston Terriers were a cross between the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier (extinct). They were much larger than today's Bostons, up to 45 pounds, and were bred to be fighting dogs. Today's Bostons are lovers, not fighters, and are friendly and sociable animals.
Bostons range in size from around 10-25 pounds, with small, sturdy and well-muscled bodies. Bostons are friendly, clever and quick learners, and do particularly well with children.
The Boston Terrier Club of America maintains a web site with lots of bred information and information about locating reputable breeders. As with other breeds, the goals of ethical breeders are to improve and preserve their breed, not simply to make money. The AKC's web site is also a good source of information about Boston Terriers, and referrals to breeders.
Ethical breeders rarely advertise, and frequently have waiting lists for their pups. Buying a purebred dog is not something you do in a day. It requires patience and research.
Once you've located breeders in your area, schedule a time to visit and inspect their operations. They'll be happy to show you their dogs and kennels. If there are puppies available, make certain you observe them interacting with their dam (mother) and littermates.
Ethical breeders will want to interview you as well, since they won't allow their precious and valuable to be sold to anyone who's willing to pay. They may even ask you to sign a contract specifying your responsibility in taking good care of your new dog.
They'll provide references from satisfied customers and vets.
Ethical breeders will also:
Keep the puppies until they're at least for 8-12 weeks before selling them. Pups younger than that are too young to be separated from their mother.
Make sure their puppies receive all necessary veterinary care and distemper, hepatitis, lepto, Parvo, Corona, influenza, and bordetella vaccinations before they go to their new homes.
Be concerned about the animals for a lifetime, and be willing to answer your questions after you purchase the puppy and take him home.
Provide a registration slip, a pedigree, and current vet records for each puppy.
Offer a return or refund policies if the pup get sick soon after you take him home. Most will extend this to cover genetic diseases or if for any reason you're unable to keep your dog.
Be available for free assistance, advice and guidance forever.
Avoid "puppy mills," backyard breeder and mall pet stores at all costs! These are people out for nothing but a quick buck, and breed indiscriminately and irresponsibly.
Their dogs are frequently unhealthy and prone to genetic disease. They may seem to offer a bargain, but you'll end up paying much more both in vet bills and personal anguish.
