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   Boston Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
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</a></ul><li onclick="javascript: toggleDesktopMenu('about-navmenu');">About <ul class=about id=about-navmenu><li><a class=about href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/about.html> About Michele </a><li><a class=about href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/faq.html> Site FAQ </a></ul></ul><p onclick="javascript: closeAllDropDownMenus();"id=breadcrumbs><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/> Home </a> > <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/> Dog Breed Reviews </a> > Boston Terrier<div onclick="javascript: closeAllDropDownMenus();"id=article><h1>Boston Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</h1><p class=underline-border id=byline>Boston Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/about.html> Michele Welton </a> , Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/> Dog Books </a><div class=article2><p><img alt="Boston Terrier dog breed"class=centered-floatright height=auto src=../dogbreeds/photos-AB/bostonterriersf5.jpg width=320></p><br><p>Boston Terriers are very individualistic: Some are high-spirited and clownish, while some are calm and dignified, even placid. Some are stubborn characters, while others are sweet and gentle.<p>But in general, the Boston Terrier is an altogether dapper and charming little dog. Playing games and chasing balls are (typically) two of his passions.<p>Seeking companionship is another, for the Boston always wants to be with his family. His large expressive eyes, attentively cocked head, and snorting and snuffling sounds bring out parental feelings in many people.<p>Extremely sensitive to his owner's moods, some Boston Terriers are one-person dogs, with a special affinity for the elderly. But many are outgoing with everyone, and even the ones who are a bit standoffish are polite. Yet he is a dependable watchdog who will let you know when someone is at the door.<p>Fine with other family pets, Boston Terriers may put on a blustery show upon spying a larger dog across the street, but they are seldom truly aggressive.<p>This breed is often a good choice for first-time owners – as long as you can deal with the health issues resulting from their unnaturally short face.</p><br><p class=blueboxheader>If you want a dog who...<div class=lists><ul><li>Is small yet sturdy – not a delicate lapdog<li>Has large expressive eyes<li>Has a sleek easy-care coat<li>Is usually polite with everyone, including other pets<li>Typically loves to play games and chase balls</ul><p class=rightforyou>A Boston Terrier may be right for you.</p><br><p class=blueboxheader>If you don't want to deal with...<ul><li>Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, snoring, some slobbering<li>Gassiness (flatulence)<li>Slowness to housebreak<li>Many potential health problems due to his deformities</ul><p class=rightforyou>A Boston Terrier may not be right for you.</div><ul><li style="margin-bottom: 20px">You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/animal-shelters.html> animal shelter </a> or <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/dog-breed-rescue.html> rescue group </a> . With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Boston Terriers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.<li style="margin-bottom: 20px">If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/dog-breeders.html> right breeder </a> and the <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/how-to-choose-a-puppy.html> right puppy </a> .</ul><div style="background-color: #ccffe6; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0"class=yellowbox><p>Keep in mind that the inheritance of <span class="bold italic"> temperament </span>   is less predictable than the inheritance of <span class="bold italic"> physical </span>   traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.<h2 style="text-align: center">Books by Michele Welton</h2><p><img alt="dog icon"style="padding-right: 20px"class=sm-floatleft height=64px src=../Graphics/icon-training.png width=64px> <span class=bold> <a style="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none"href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/RTP.html> "Respect Training for Puppies" </a> </span>   (or <span class=bold> <a style="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none"href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/RTA.html> "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" </a> </span>  ) is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today.<p><img alt="dog icon"style="padding-right: 20px"class=sm-floatleft height=64px src=../Graphics/icon-health.png width=64px> <span class=bold> <a style="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none"href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/11T.html> "11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy" </a> </span>   is a comprehensive guide to keeping your dog mentally, physically, and emotionally happy and healthy so you can enjoy a longer lifetime of companionship. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today.</div><p style="padding-top: 15px"><img alt="dog paw"class=centered height=90px src=../Graphics/pawprint.png width=90px><p class=blueboxheader>More traits and characteristics of Boston Terriers<p id=ifiwas>If I was considering a Boston Terrier, I would be most concerned about...<ol><li><b> Health problems. </b> Many Boston Terriers live a good long life. Unfortunately, breeders deliberately breed these dogs to be deformed, with a short face and domed head. As such, they suffer more than their share of health problems – not only with their breathing, but also eye diseases, epilepsy, cancer, joint diseases, heart disease, and more. See <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/bostonterriers.html> Boston Terrier Health </a> .<li><b> Boston Terrier "sounds". </b> Most Boston Terriers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. <p style="margin: 0; padding: 0"><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/articles/feeding-homemade-dog-food-delivered.html> <img alt="Homemade dog food delivered"style="border: dotted gray 1px"class=centered-floatright height=auto src=../health/graphics/homemade-delivered-banner.jpg width=161> </a></p><li><b> Potential gassiness (flatulence). </b> All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including hard-to-digest ingredients such as corn, soy, and other grains. Boston Terriers who are fed a <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/articles/feeding-homemade-dog-food-delivered.html> homemade diet of real meat and vegetables </a> have much less trouble with gassiness.<li><b> Potential slobbering. </b> Boston Terriers with especially loose lips may slobber when they drink, or when they get overheated and need to pant heavily.<li><b> Housebreaking. </b> Bostons can be slow to pick up the concept of housebreaking. Expect several months of consistent crate training. Read more about <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-housebreaking.html> housebreaking your Boston Terrier </a> .<li><b> Stubbornness. </b> Most Boston Terriers are mildly stubborn. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Food is a great motivator with this breed, but too many cookies equals a fat Boston Terrier. Also you don't want a dog who only obeys when you're waving a biscuit at him! <p class=yellowbox>Instead you should establish the right relationship between the two of you, where you are the leader and he is the follower. In other words, you must teach your Boston Terrier to respect you. Read more about <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/bostonterriers.html> Boston Terrier training </a> .</p></ol></div><p class=clear id=authorbio><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/about.html> <img alt="Michele Welton with Buffy"border=0 class=sm-floatright height=117 src=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/Graphics/author-bio90-orange.jpg width=100> </a> <b> About the author </b> : Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.<p class="clear blueboxheader">To help you train and care for your dog<div style="max-width: 800px"><p class=underline-border><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-training-videos.html> <img alt="dog training videos"border=0 class=centered-floatleft height=auto src=../training/graphics/videos-buddy-200.jpg width=200> </a> <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-training-videos.html> Dog training videos. </a> Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. <br> <br> The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-training-videos.html> dog training videos </a> that are based on respect and leadership.</div><p class=clear-left><div class=centered><div class=mybooks><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/RTP.html> <img alt="book cover"height=147 src=../books/covers/RTP-110.jpg width=110> Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. </a> For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.</div><div class="clear mybooks">If your dog is <b> over </b> 18 months, you'll want <a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/RTA.html> <img alt="book cover"height=147 src=../books/covers/RTA-110.jpg width=110> Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. </a> Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.</div><div class="clear mybooks"><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/TYD.html> <img alt="book cover"height=147 src=../books/covers/TYD-110.jpg width=110> Teach Your Dog 100 English Words </a> is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say.</div><div class="clear mybooks"><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/11T.html> <img alt="book cover"height=147 src=../books/covers/11T-110.jpg width=110> 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy </a> helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.</div><div class="clear mybooks"><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/DQ.html> <img alt="book cover"height=147 src=../books/covers/DQ-110.jpg width=110> Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams </a> will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.</div></div><p class=clear-left><p class="blueboxheader clear"style="margin-bottom: 20px">Related posts you might enjoy<div class=centered><div class=relatedarticles><img alt="dog looking at owner"height=141 src=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/graphics/methods-choices150.jpg width=150><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-training-methods.html> Dog Training: <br> What Works, and What Doesn't </a></div><div class=relatedarticles><img alt="puppy sitting beside owner"height=155 src=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/graphics/schedule-older150.jpg width=150><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-training-help.html> You Need Dog Training Help... But From Where? Classes? Books? Videos? </a></div><div class=relatedarticles><img alt="common dog training commands"height=120 src=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/graphics/teachyourdog02-150.jpg width=150><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/all-a-dog-needs-is-love.html> All a Dog Needs Is Love: True or False? </a></div><div class=relatedarticles><img alt="respectful dog"height=275 src=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/graphics/respectful-dog.jpg width=150><a href=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/articles/dog-respect-training.html> Solve Behavior Problems By Teaching Your Dog To Respect You </a></div></div><p class=clear-left></div><div id=copyright><p>Copyright © 2000-2021 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. 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