What You Need To Know About The Boston Terrier Breed Standard
Although the breed standard for the Boston Terrier is pretty strict on what they should look like, they are also strict on what the breed should act like. This attention to temperament has sadly been lacking in some other breed standards like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Even pet quality Boston Terriers who would be laughed out of a show ring will not be offended, as they will be happy for the chance to make anyone smile.
Unlike a lot of other breed standards, there has always been an equal emphasis on the temperament of a Boston Terrier just as much as their looks. An ill-mannered or mean Boston Terrier has never been rewarded in the show ring, unlike some other breeds. The temperament of a Boston Terrier should be friendly, lively, easy to get along with others and inquisitive. A goal of breeders is top make good pets, and not just good show dogs.
The breed standard also reveals another reason why the Boston Terrier is so popular. They are small, but not so small as to jeopardize their health. They are robust, but portable. Although you may find some Boston Terriers outside the lines, they are usually fifteen to twenty-five pounds and only about fifteen inches high at their shoulders. They are most famous in black and white, but also come in seal and white and brindle and white. The breed standard is quite strict on the distribution of white around the body, which disqualifies a lot of Boston Terriers from the ring.
Boston Terriers look like they have docked tails, as they are very short. However, when you look at the breed standard, it says that docked tails are not allowed. This is one of the few breeds that naturally have tiny tails.
Knowing as much Boston Terrier information as you can absorb will help you not only get along with your Boston Terriers, but decide if the breed is right for you in the first place. The breed standard emphasizes a short, smooth coat, so that tells you that Boston Terriers are easy to groom and don’t need to be clipped.
Boston Terriers were bred purposefully to be companion animals. They are happy, trainable, lively and like to get along with others. The nickname for the breed is The American Gentleman.
Boston Terriers often have pointed ears that are proportional to the size of the head. Sometimes, you’ll see a purebred Boston with huge bat-ears - that’s not a show dog. They bounce when they walk, but they should not have a high-stepping walk like a Hackney horse or the incredibly slow shuffle of a Pekingese.
Although the dog might not match the physical description exactly, you’ll know they have the temperament, which is the most important aspect of the Boston Terrier breed standard.