Boston Terriers Are the Best Breed

by Kathi MacNaughton
(Boise, ID)

In my opinion (and many I have spoken with as well), Boston Terriers (or BTs, as we call them for short) are hands down one of the best breeds ever. If you want a loyal companion, a fun playmate or a loving and gentle family dog, a BT is the perfect choice for you.

Here are some of their great traits:

They're darn cute. Nicknamed "The American Gentleman" because of their white chests on a mostly black coat (reminiscent of a tux), they also have muscular, well-proportioned little bodies and adorable "smushy" faces.

They're agile and playful. BTs love to play, whether it's to run after balls and squirrels or a fierce tug of war. They also chew their bones with a vengeance. I always wanted to train my BT, Gizmo, for agility competitions, but never got around to it. He would have been great at it, though.

They love their people. BTs love to snuggle. Every BT owner I've ever talked to says the same... their BT loves to get under the covers in the bed with them and nestle into that area behind your knees when you're lying on your side. The closer the better. Mine also insists on being under a blanket when lying next to me on the couch.

They're very easy going. We call our Gizmo, "Mr. Chill", because (except when he's playing) he's just so easy going and relaxed. He doesn't bark or get territorial with other dogs; he's not hyperactive. Playtimes are fun and intense, but when they're over, they're over.

They're fearless. Boston terriers are up for anything. Gizmo's puppy trainer told us that "BTs are a little dog in a big dog's body," and it is so true. Gizmo has always liked playing with big dogs more than dogs his own size (around 25 to 30 pounds). He loves rumbling with our 55 pound black lab! He also loves to hike with us in the mountains.

However, in the interests of providing a balanced view of Boston Terriers, let me point out a few "negative" qualities.

Their short snouts make it hard for them to eliminate heat, so they're not great in really hot weather, especially if you want to exercise them in heat. You have to be sure to give them lots of water to drink and also to douse them with it periodically if outdoors in hot weather. Their short snouts also tend to make them snore... loudly.

They are also a very, umm, gassy dog, if you get my drift. Not pleasant when they're always snuggled up so close to you. My husband says they should bottle up the stink as a chemical weapon!

I'm not sure if Gizmo is representative of the whole breed in this, but he's very sensitive to the emotions in our household. My husband can get loud at times (even when he's not really mad) and we're both hotheads when it comes to sports and this can set Gizmo to shaking and hiding. We have to be sure to reassure him that we're not mad at him.

BTs can also be a little hard to housetrain. It takes a lot of diligence and demonstration. They will learn, but you have to be patient. I don't think it has to do with intelligence (we're pretty sure Gizmo understands English)... probably more related to their stubbornness.

In short, if you want a sweet, loving and devoted canine companion who is good for families as well as individuals, you really can't go wrong with a Boston Terrier. I mean, look at that picture... have you ever seen anyone as cute? :)

Kathi MacNaughton, Boston-Terrier-Pictures.com