Bettencourt - Boston Terrier

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS BOSTON TERRIER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-246-7

Copyright 2000 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Photographs by:

Norvia Behling, Alma Bettencourty, T. J. Calhoun, Doskocil, Isabelle Franais, James R. Hayden, Bill Jonas, Mikki Pet Products, Antonio Philippe, and Alice van Kempen.

The publisher would like to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Karen Brancheau, Samantha Gershman, Dori Hallaway, Margi Hill, Paula Hradkowsky, Mary Ranieri, Alexandra Van Horne and Diane Van Horne.

Illustrations by Rene Low

The product of a Bulldog melting pot, the Boston Terrier has come a long way to become the handsome and dignified breed it is today. Trace the Bostons rocky path to official recognition and learn how it became a popular breed for both pet and show worldwide.

A wide-eyed charmer in his own tuxedo, the Boston Terrier is one of the best choices for a family pet. Discover the Bostons sweet and playful personality while learning about his physical characteristics and breed-specific health concerns.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Boston Terrier by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Boston Terrier care for all stages of development.

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Boston Terrier from the basics of housebreaking and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Consider the care of your senior Boston Terrier, including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your senior Boston Terrier.

Learn to recognize and handle behavioral problems that may arise with your Boston Terrier. Topics discussed include separation anxiety, aggression, barking, chewing, digging, begging, jumping up, etc.

The original Boston Terriers were ratters of high skill and productivity. The term terrier indicates a breed that digs into the burrow of the vermin it is hunting. Modern Boston Terriers no longer function as exterminators but thrive as companion animals and show dogs.

In the latter half of the nineteenth century in England, a breeder crossbred an English Bulldog with a white English Terrier. The result of the aforementioned breeding was a dog of high stature weighing 32 pounds, dark brindle in color with white markings and a rather bully appearance. In 1865, the dog was exported to a Mr. William OBrien of Boston, Massachusetts, who later sold him to Mr. Robert C. Hooper, also of Boston. The dog was named Hoopers Judge, and all research from many authors indicates that Hoopers Judge was part of the stock that laid the foundation for todays Boston Terrier.

An early French Bulldog in England shows the breeds obvious similarities to the Boston Terrier. This spinoff of Englands Bulldog contributed to original Boston Terrier lines.