Breed Specific: The Lively Boston Terrier

Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know about your Boston’s lifestyle and other needs!

Personality and General Features: These terriers love to be active, but are well-suited to smaller homes and apartments. Known for their intelligence, they enjoy games and agility training. Barking is a characteristic that is best dealt with early in the Boston’s development. These friendly, dapper little dogs are likely to bond closely with their owners and will always love to join them for a brisk walk to a park or an outdoor café for some social time.

Males and Females    Height: 15-17 inches   Weight: 12-25 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate diet with your veterinarian. Bostons can be prone to weight gain, so watch calorie consumption. Treats can be an important training aid, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: TheBoston’s sleek, short coat does shed, but is easily maintained by brushing weekly with a soft-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or hound glove. Baths are generally not necessary unless they get into something messy. Regular nail trimming will help avoid foot and leg pain as well as problems walking and running.

Exercise: Each individual may have different needs. For some a brisk walk once or twice daily will be enough. Others may want more play time such as playing fetch with you. Letting them out into the back yard by themselves does not count as they are likely to just sit at the back door waiting to be let back in. Stimulation is key; Bostons who are ignored or left alone for long periods can develop undesirable behaviors. Participation in canine sports such as agility, obedience, flyball and rally are enjoyable ways to channel the breed’s energy.

Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are always recommended. Gently exposing puppies to a wide variety of people, places and situations will help them develop them into well-mannered adults. Treats can assist in positive rewards for training, but gentle corrections followed by warmth and praise will keep them wanting to learn and please you.

Thank you to the AKC’s webpage, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/, for much of this information.

Over the Boston’s 11-13 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.

HEALTH CONCERNS

• Eye issues
• Ear issues
• Knee and spine issues
• Skin issues/allergies
• Dental disease
• Protect from excess heat or humidity

PPVC’S HEALTH PLAN FOR YOUR BOSTON TERRIER

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your pet.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months, as advised by your veterinarian, until age 6, including a full physical exam and routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Knee/spine x-rays
• Annual dental cleanings
• Watch for skin irritation
• Routine eye exams
• Routine ear exams
• Routine dental cleanings

Reach out for more information by phone or text, 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!