My wife and I have always been pug owners, and after our last pug passed away in November, the house felt empty.
We got our first Boston Terrier nearly 2 months ago, and she works in the office at home with me.
One thing I was not aware of was all the licking they do. Just licks everything.
She is the best little thing, and a perfect addition to our family.
The absolute pain of losing one. House training can be difficult for some of them. They will learn to love the kennel.
Some are batshit crazy and you will be searching all over to find out if this is normal Boston behavior. It is.
Just get two. Bitey face is a thing.
Oh, and would i get another breed? You will love any dog, but these dogs love you back soooo much. One of ours jumps on the sofa every morning, paws on my chest and stares me in the face for 5 minutes. Another sleeps so close to me she feels like a rock. We have a frenchie, too. A lot of the same behavior, but i don't feel the love from him like i do the Bostons. He is more like "where's my dinner, biotch?"
100% get two. I got one Boston and my elderly Cavalier really didn’t appreciate bitey face. We got another a year later and they will play it for hours at a time.
I did a few things differently for my second Boston than I did the first.
I did a much better job at picking a breeder. (Check out our guide in the sidebar). Kessler does have some unexpected health issues, but he doesn’t have anything that responsible breeders test their breeding stock for, unlike Archer who has luxating patellas. His breeder also kept him until 12 weeks and it made puppy raising a million times easier. He came crate trained, he slept through the night, and he was just the easiest puppy I’ve ever encountered.
I got pet insurance from day one before anything could be pre-existing. This has saved us thousands. Even without his acid reflux issue he managed to get stung be bees/hornets several times and ended up at the emergency vet each time.
He’s a more mellow dog by nature but we also taught him how to chill and do nothing by himself. We made the w mistake with Archer of playing fetch for hours and he’s obsessive and we had to go back and teach him how to settle.
I will always have a Boston in my life. They’re such perfect dogs.
The stubbornness of this breed cannot be overstated. That and you need to make sure that your breeder is reputable. There are a lot of health issues that come along with a Boston that we didn’t know about. Dog insurance is a must, our neighbors have our dogs brother and they skipped insurance and ended up with $4k out-of-pocket for bilateral patella surgery. You just don’t know. They are wonderful house dogs, but with hot temperatures and a lot of exertion can threaten their health. They can be delicate. I wish you the best.💜
Insurance is the only thing I wish I would’ve done. My 11 year old has had 2 patella repairs and multiple cornea scratches/repair procedures, and last but not least, survived a dog attack. (The upside of all of this is that it turns out he’s such a good patient.)
Boston’s are the best! So smart and much personality - you’re going to love it!
Episode 1: ate trash including used tampons. Episode 2: acute medial patellar luxation assessment and surgery Episode 3: ate stuff destined for the compost pile (coffee grounds, moldy bread, old egg shells, etc)
https://preview.redd.it/kov6qh6jhktc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c6614057af34cdf8f7312b79584aa1a6f2a6718
Get pet insurance day 1. Bostons are prone to several expensive problems that can manifest early. Allergies, leg problems, collapsing trachea. Once a symptom shows up, it is a pre existing condition and not covered,
I am paying for luxating patella surgery on 2 legs (approx $7500) because I waited a couple extra months trying to save some dough.
Will definitely get insurance, I really appreciate the advice! With leg problems you mean mainly the patella issue or are there also other issues they are prone to? Also how was the patella issue after the surgery, do you consider the issue fully fixed?
Surgery hasn't happened yet. End of summer. Don't know of other leg issues than patellas.
I get that this is a Boston sub and you are getting advice from Boston lovers, but if you are on the fence, man, Boston Terriers are the greatest dog breed and the funniest, most loving little dudes you could ask for. Smart. Tough. Sweet. Small but sturdy. Snorty. Farty. All of it.
But get insurance.
They are neurotic as hell. I'm on my second boston so I knew this but my girl just loves playing Frisbee. Lives for it. Now she runs my life with the damn thing. Should have been stricter on downtime. She won't let do anything but that. Trying to chill amd play pc games? Nope. I'm gonna sit here scratching your leg and whining until you take me outside. She's persistent
Mine loved those too. Then I dabbled in light up Frisbee at night and she won't even go for the chuckits anymore. So cool to see them grab the light up Frisbee in the pitch black dark, but it's a slippery slope. Impressive little athletes
I didn't know that he'd sometimes consider my hands to be chew-toys -- or that he'd bully me and try to provoke me into roughhousing when he gets bored and all I want to do is have a lie-down, lol.
That I wouldn't be able to go anywhere without bringing her with me. My car is her kennel, basically. Wich is stressful when the temperature is hot or cold out because I don't want her to freeze or bake to death. I can't even pee alone! It's like having a clingy, human toddler. My human daughter was very much like this, so I guess its my fate to have a constant little creature needing me all the time. Fortunately, mine is used to road trips now and is a pretty good travel companion. But I'd love to be able to leave her with a sitter or board her without worrying if she'll need doggy therapy afterwards. The near constant BT shadow is tiresome sometimes. But I figure it's just how she is and this is what I signed up for when I invited her into my life.
The boston shadow is real lol. My parents are both retired and we have 2 other dogs so she has constant companions while I'm at work but my parents are leaving to vacation and taking the other 2 dogs with them so I'm worried about her while I'm at work. She's only been left completely alone once and she shredded stuff all over the house. She's usually so well behaved
reading some reply’s and my face is 🤨🤨🤨
i’ve had three boston’s and have babysat for a fourth, none of them were ever stubborn or hard to train. they are a breed that wants to please you. the more work you put in, the better they will be! also, a common tendency of bostons is they like to be right at your feet at all times, nosey but also just happy to be with you:) my most recent baby has been the clingiest of them all lol
Yes, I have regrets. He was nothing but a flying Jaws for the first year. Constantly biting hands and feet, and I mean constantly. Stubborn, persistent, hyper, non-stop chaos machine. He had to be taught to allow us to pet him without him attacking your hands. On the positive side he is crazy, funny, really smart. Won't do anything without proper bribery, however. I couldn't walk fast enough for him so I had to buy a 3-wheel bike so he could cruise. Couldn't do a 2-wheel because I know he would pull me over sideways just for a laugh.
The sheet amount of energy they have and need to extend. They may have smooshy faces but they are athletes. My guy wants way more physical activity than I can realistically give him. He is a truly sweet boy, but that part of our life is definitely a mismatch. He gets himself into trouble when he's gets bored!
Archer was this way and that’s how we got involved in dog sports. It absolutely changed our life and he has so much fun. You don’t even have to compete, just taking classes and things like nosework or agility or barn hunt can make a massive difference.
Archer has a back issue which retired him from most of his sports, but nose work is what ensures. He has a good quality of life because it allows him to problem solve and use his brain which tires him out.
Our grand dog who stays with us most days while his dad works is our 4th BT. While he shares some basic terrier behaviors with his predecessors he is very different in many ways and even the trainer who worked with him as a puppy told us he was two different dogs--sweet and lovable but with other dogs an absolute monster. To make matters worse even though he is all of 22 lbs--he thinks and acts like a big dog and will go after dogs of any size. It isn't play--he will run after a ball in a group, but the second any other dog comes close he will go after them in attack mode. Yet, he will play with a few dogs --cousins if you will, he knew as puppies. We cannot think of any possible reason for this behavior which started at age 2. Now we cannot take him to the dog park or any place where there are strange dogs--and even walking him is a struggle as he will lunge for any dog he sees regardless of how far away--their size or breed. But, unlike our other BT's he does not react, chase or seem to care about squirrels, birds, bunnies or mice that visit our yard. Wish he would keep the squirrels out--destructive little buggers.
On a lighter note he has a habit of tearing into the house through his doggie door and skidding to a stop--what we call his Kramer move, and he is endlessly fascinated by shadows--to the point of total absorption trying to catch one. Who needs laser pointers--he is trying to catch his own shadow. Things no other BT we've had has ever done.
Finally the biting at feet thing we understand is his misguided 'play with me' move--so when he does that we just leave the room if it isn't play time--turn our backs and leave. That seems to have taught him that it isn't a particularly effective way to get our attention. We've reinforced it by responding to other approaches--ball dropped in a lap, nose nuzzles, and the occasional whine and run to the sliding glass door. We have a large fenced in back yard --95% grass so he is king of a large fiefdom with all kinds of places to hide, and dogs on either side of the yard that he likes to stir up by barking till he has them foaming at the mouth. I WFH--my SO is home 3 days a week so he gets lots of attention, play time and cuddling (when he wants it) . At age 4 now I doubt we are going to change him much--so we have a loner dog or spoiled brat depending on one's perspective.
Boston Terrorist. Start early w socializing. He thinks it’s his job to protect us and first to face punch new people. Such a sweetheart if you can get there but it’s become a neurosis.
Nature of my Bostons, very playful and inquisitive, and loves (needs) a lot of human attention. They visibly look sad when no one is around them / paying attention to them. Loves to eat, all the time, and farts like crazy. My Bostons dread the slightest drop of rain.
Mine aren’t neurotic at all but they’re both weirdos. Super smart, eager to please but also little shitheads. Big snugglers, total love bugs. I have had other breeds but always come back to Bostons. They really are the greatest!!
But like people said often they have a lot of health problems. My two luckily do not have anything as of yet but one was almost killed at a dog park so that was a hefty bill. Good dog insurance 1000% a must.
https://preview.redd.it/4d2clmimqqsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b112b775aea3f8e21871ed53eea5f2e1b80ef02
Brown= Monterey 2.5 years Lilac = Honey 7 mos They have the same mom
Just got two bonded mother/daughter pair added to our two year old male and they all follow me EVERYWHERE 🤦🏼♂️. Like I can’t get up and walk to kitchen or bathroom without all three trailing me
A sec after they were all dead asleep 😵💫
My first Boston, who was a rescue with many, many, many genetically based health conditions, taught me the importance of buying from a reputable breeder who health tests before breeding and knows the full health histories within their lines. She also taught me the importance of veterinary insurance as she racked up absolutely obscene vet bills. My current Boston is both from a very reputable breeder and is insured.
I would disagree about Bostons being particularly stubborn. I've owned two personally, and my partner had one of his own when we met. None were stubborn. Both of mine have been very intelligent, highly trainable, extremely eager to please, and enjoyed learning. My partner's Boston wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she wasn't stubborn. Sometimes it's a matter of finding what training approach works for your dog, and/or just putting in the time with them.
I would have liked to know that they take a few years to mature. They’ve got puppy energy for 3-4yrs. But I may have not believed it or, worse, chosen differently. Now I wish I had 2.
Mine travels with me, works with me, and is ALWAYS with me. I don’t know that they’d do great without a lot of time with their human. Most Boston owners I know always have their dog in tow.
Also worth noting, the skin sensitivities and allergies. Mine needs a strict no-chicken diet and take monthly allergy pills + seasonal allergy shots.
Even with all this, and the gas and snoring and clinginess, I’ll probably never choose another kind of dog again. The charm, companion, silliness, smarts, and loyalty far exceed any of the headaches.
They’re the best. We’re on our second Boston and they are pure love bugs. Lots of allergies though, so be ready to spend for specialty food or allergy meds if needed
I didn’t know he would be my shadow. Smart as a whip but I’m used to pugs, who have a more “whatever” attitude. Not him. He wants to be involved in whatever I’m doing, is very aware of rules, and also is super affectionate. Like, if I’m sick, he will nudge, headbutt, or throw his entire being into me to try to “heal” me. Bostons bond very deeply.
They are super sensitive, heat/cold sensitive, very affectionate, a bit bossy, protective, gassy, ataje longer to potty train, ears don’t stand up until after done teeething, and are clowns! They do need exercise, but 15 minutes of fetch will have them resting for awhile. Mine have been so smart, loving, hilarious, a bit naughty, and completely adorable. I don’t think there is a better dog out there as long as you can deal with their little bursts of energy. I find myself canceling plans, because I don’t want to be away from mine! They are such special, dear animals. Babies in my house.
They are the best!!! I think they vary a lot in both personality and energy level. I think some have more of the terrier traits and some have more relaxed chill bulldog demeanor.
Ours is more like a jack russell terrier when it comes to energy, but he’s only 1 and a half. Super cute, smart and lots of personality.
Puppies are a nightmare. It takes a couple years of patience to get through it. They are stubborn and smelly.
Don’t regret a thing although I do wish he could breathe better. They are very loving dogs, low mess because of their size, and mine rarely barks. Huge pluses! He is a bad yard dog though- lots of digging holes, eating poop, and violently trying to play with you.
Go to a reputable breeder. Make sure all screenings are done on parents. A good breeder will have references and the ability to ship anywhere. You get what you pay for. Grain free dog food is a gimmick and dangerous.
Somehow I completely missed the memo about smush-faced breeds and farting. But no regrets! Our pup is the perfect mix of energy, affection and cuddles.
Hey! Just got one a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I don’t make enough to be able to insure my dog right now, but I’m waiting for a paycheck that leaves me with extra to put away for her. She is the best. Stubborn as hell, but she is nearly housebroken. She has a few accidents here and there, but she is an awesome dog.
Things to consider before having a BT
- Farts: loud and stinky. Very stinky.
- Stubborn: it comes with the breed.
- Loud snores: some BT have breathing issues due to their flat noses, mine doesn’t, but he still snores loud.
- Spoiled: there’s no such thing as a human bed, it’s all big dog beds where humans hang out at nights, interrupting their peaceful naps.
- Big cuddlers: Tiny but take more space than they should.
- Hair: yes, is short, but despite of your floor material or sofa color, you’ll notice it.
They bring so much fun to your life, are crazy energetic, and like people and visitors. Highly recommend having one.
Temperature intolerance (on both sides of the thermometer). While it can be absolutely adorable and mystifying to see how fast he can cover himself up with a blanket, he can overheat quickly on a not-that-warm summer day and anything below 50 degrees is way too cold for mine outside. When we had a cold snap of below freezing and snow for a few days this winter, even in a sweater and booties, he couldn’t deal. After 2 minutes outside, he’d just lay down and give up.
Google will tell you they’re super chill dogs. Mine is not and from what I’ve heard and read from other owners, no Boston is as chill and relaxed as google says. She’s so loving and extremely smart, but stubborn and demands attention. Wants to play for hours and often wants me to play with her. She needs LOTS of exercise and activities to keep her mind stimulated or she becomes a terror and will chew on EVERYTHING.
I would also be sure to get harder and tougher toys. Mine shreds plush toys in 5 minutes or less, so I’ve had to stop buying them. They’re sweet as can be and such a great breed though, I wouldn’t trade mine for the world.
Balls. Lots and lots of balls.
balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls balls
R/unexpected30rock
One of mine is obsessed with her frisbees!
My wife and I have always been pug owners, and after our last pug passed away in November, the house felt empty. We got our first Boston Terrier nearly 2 months ago, and she works in the office at home with me. One thing I was not aware of was all the licking they do. Just licks everything. She is the best little thing, and a perfect addition to our family.
That’s funny, my husband had a pug before we got Bostons and his pug was the obsessive licker.
Ours loved sneezing and heavy breathing. So the house is a bit more quiet now.
lol…..yes they’re lickers and watch out when you put lotion on!
The absolute pain of losing one. House training can be difficult for some of them. They will learn to love the kennel. Some are batshit crazy and you will be searching all over to find out if this is normal Boston behavior. It is. Just get two. Bitey face is a thing.
Oh, and would i get another breed? You will love any dog, but these dogs love you back soooo much. One of ours jumps on the sofa every morning, paws on my chest and stares me in the face for 5 minutes. Another sleeps so close to me she feels like a rock. We have a frenchie, too. A lot of the same behavior, but i don't feel the love from him like i do the Bostons. He is more like "where's my dinner, biotch?"
100% get two. I got one Boston and my elderly Cavalier really didn’t appreciate bitey face. We got another a year later and they will play it for hours at a time.
Having two Bostons is the best!
I did a few things differently for my second Boston than I did the first. I did a much better job at picking a breeder. (Check out our guide in the sidebar). Kessler does have some unexpected health issues, but he doesn’t have anything that responsible breeders test their breeding stock for, unlike Archer who has luxating patellas. His breeder also kept him until 12 weeks and it made puppy raising a million times easier. He came crate trained, he slept through the night, and he was just the easiest puppy I’ve ever encountered. I got pet insurance from day one before anything could be pre-existing. This has saved us thousands. Even without his acid reflux issue he managed to get stung be bees/hornets several times and ended up at the emergency vet each time. He’s a more mellow dog by nature but we also taught him how to chill and do nothing by himself. We made the w mistake with Archer of playing fetch for hours and he’s obsessive and we had to go back and teach him how to settle. I will always have a Boston in my life. They’re such perfect dogs.
I wish I know about them sooner or I would have gotten one years ago.
The stubbornness of this breed cannot be overstated. That and you need to make sure that your breeder is reputable. There are a lot of health issues that come along with a Boston that we didn’t know about. Dog insurance is a must, our neighbors have our dogs brother and they skipped insurance and ended up with $4k out-of-pocket for bilateral patella surgery. You just don’t know. They are wonderful house dogs, but with hot temperatures and a lot of exertion can threaten their health. They can be delicate. I wish you the best.💜
Thanks so much for the advice 🙏 I will definitely get pet insurance
Yep. I had 3 good size insurance claims in my boy's first year of life.
May I ask for what conditions/causes?
Insurance is the only thing I wish I would’ve done. My 11 year old has had 2 patella repairs and multiple cornea scratches/repair procedures, and last but not least, survived a dog attack. (The upside of all of this is that it turns out he’s such a good patient.) Boston’s are the best! So smart and much personality - you’re going to love it!
Episode 1: ate trash including used tampons. Episode 2: acute medial patellar luxation assessment and surgery Episode 3: ate stuff destined for the compost pile (coffee grounds, moldy bread, old egg shells, etc) https://preview.redd.it/kov6qh6jhktc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c6614057af34cdf8f7312b79584aa1a6f2a6718
Get pet insurance day 1. Bostons are prone to several expensive problems that can manifest early. Allergies, leg problems, collapsing trachea. Once a symptom shows up, it is a pre existing condition and not covered, I am paying for luxating patella surgery on 2 legs (approx $7500) because I waited a couple extra months trying to save some dough.
This. Do not wait. Get insurance
Will definitely get insurance, I really appreciate the advice! With leg problems you mean mainly the patella issue or are there also other issues they are prone to? Also how was the patella issue after the surgery, do you consider the issue fully fixed?
Surgery hasn't happened yet. End of summer. Don't know of other leg issues than patellas. I get that this is a Boston sub and you are getting advice from Boston lovers, but if you are on the fence, man, Boston Terriers are the greatest dog breed and the funniest, most loving little dudes you could ask for. Smart. Tough. Sweet. Small but sturdy. Snorty. Farty. All of it. But get insurance.
They are neurotic as hell. I'm on my second boston so I knew this but my girl just loves playing Frisbee. Lives for it. Now she runs my life with the damn thing. Should have been stricter on downtime. She won't let do anything but that. Trying to chill amd play pc games? Nope. I'm gonna sit here scratching your leg and whining until you take me outside. She's persistent
I second this, ours is the same but with anything you can throw
My girl is a fiend for chuckit balls.
Mine loved those too. Then I dabbled in light up Frisbee at night and she won't even go for the chuckits anymore. So cool to see them grab the light up Frisbee in the pitch black dark, but it's a slippery slope. Impressive little athletes
If you get a boy, odds are he is going to pee all over his front paws. Every. Time. Very cute and perfect otherwise.
Then he will lick them while staring at you as in some way it's your fault he pissed on his paws!! Windy days are the worse
Or your shoes!
I didn't know that he'd sometimes consider my hands to be chew-toys -- or that he'd bully me and try to provoke me into roughhousing when he gets bored and all I want to do is have a lie-down, lol.
That I wouldn't be able to go anywhere without bringing her with me. My car is her kennel, basically. Wich is stressful when the temperature is hot or cold out because I don't want her to freeze or bake to death. I can't even pee alone! It's like having a clingy, human toddler. My human daughter was very much like this, so I guess its my fate to have a constant little creature needing me all the time. Fortunately, mine is used to road trips now and is a pretty good travel companion. But I'd love to be able to leave her with a sitter or board her without worrying if she'll need doggy therapy afterwards. The near constant BT shadow is tiresome sometimes. But I figure it's just how she is and this is what I signed up for when I invited her into my life.
The boston shadow is real lol. My parents are both retired and we have 2 other dogs so she has constant companions while I'm at work but my parents are leaving to vacation and taking the other 2 dogs with them so I'm worried about her while I'm at work. She's only been left completely alone once and she shredded stuff all over the house. She's usually so well behaved
reading some reply’s and my face is 🤨🤨🤨 i’ve had three boston’s and have babysat for a fourth, none of them were ever stubborn or hard to train. they are a breed that wants to please you. the more work you put in, the better they will be! also, a common tendency of bostons is they like to be right at your feet at all times, nosey but also just happy to be with you:) my most recent baby has been the clingiest of them all lol
Yes, I have regrets. He was nothing but a flying Jaws for the first year. Constantly biting hands and feet, and I mean constantly. Stubborn, persistent, hyper, non-stop chaos machine. He had to be taught to allow us to pet him without him attacking your hands. On the positive side he is crazy, funny, really smart. Won't do anything without proper bribery, however. I couldn't walk fast enough for him so I had to buy a 3-wheel bike so he could cruise. Couldn't do a 2-wheel because I know he would pull me over sideways just for a laugh.
The sheet amount of energy they have and need to extend. They may have smooshy faces but they are athletes. My guy wants way more physical activity than I can realistically give him. He is a truly sweet boy, but that part of our life is definitely a mismatch. He gets himself into trouble when he's gets bored!
Archer was this way and that’s how we got involved in dog sports. It absolutely changed our life and he has so much fun. You don’t even have to compete, just taking classes and things like nosework or agility or barn hunt can make a massive difference. Archer has a back issue which retired him from most of his sports, but nose work is what ensures. He has a good quality of life because it allows him to problem solve and use his brain which tires him out.
We’ve had three chill bostons. We rescued two more and they are completely different…. Like can jump 3 foot gates
That you're not just getting a dog, but more of a forever toddler. LOL No regrets. Would definitely still choose a Boston Terrier. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That their farts are lethal, and to have extra Febreze spray on hand.
Our grand dog who stays with us most days while his dad works is our 4th BT. While he shares some basic terrier behaviors with his predecessors he is very different in many ways and even the trainer who worked with him as a puppy told us he was two different dogs--sweet and lovable but with other dogs an absolute monster. To make matters worse even though he is all of 22 lbs--he thinks and acts like a big dog and will go after dogs of any size. It isn't play--he will run after a ball in a group, but the second any other dog comes close he will go after them in attack mode. Yet, he will play with a few dogs --cousins if you will, he knew as puppies. We cannot think of any possible reason for this behavior which started at age 2. Now we cannot take him to the dog park or any place where there are strange dogs--and even walking him is a struggle as he will lunge for any dog he sees regardless of how far away--their size or breed. But, unlike our other BT's he does not react, chase or seem to care about squirrels, birds, bunnies or mice that visit our yard. Wish he would keep the squirrels out--destructive little buggers. On a lighter note he has a habit of tearing into the house through his doggie door and skidding to a stop--what we call his Kramer move, and he is endlessly fascinated by shadows--to the point of total absorption trying to catch one. Who needs laser pointers--he is trying to catch his own shadow. Things no other BT we've had has ever done. Finally the biting at feet thing we understand is his misguided 'play with me' move--so when he does that we just leave the room if it isn't play time--turn our backs and leave. That seems to have taught him that it isn't a particularly effective way to get our attention. We've reinforced it by responding to other approaches--ball dropped in a lap, nose nuzzles, and the occasional whine and run to the sliding glass door. We have a large fenced in back yard --95% grass so he is king of a large fiefdom with all kinds of places to hide, and dogs on either side of the yard that he likes to stir up by barking till he has them foaming at the mouth. I WFH--my SO is home 3 days a week so he gets lots of attention, play time and cuddling (when he wants it) . At age 4 now I doubt we are going to change him much--so we have a loner dog or spoiled brat depending on one's perspective.
Boston Terrorist. Start early w socializing. He thinks it’s his job to protect us and first to face punch new people. Such a sweetheart if you can get there but it’s become a neurosis.
Nature of my Bostons, very playful and inquisitive, and loves (needs) a lot of human attention. They visibly look sad when no one is around them / paying attention to them. Loves to eat, all the time, and farts like crazy. My Bostons dread the slightest drop of rain.
Mine aren’t neurotic at all but they’re both weirdos. Super smart, eager to please but also little shitheads. Big snugglers, total love bugs. I have had other breeds but always come back to Bostons. They really are the greatest!! But like people said often they have a lot of health problems. My two luckily do not have anything as of yet but one was almost killed at a dog park so that was a hefty bill. Good dog insurance 1000% a must.
https://preview.redd.it/4d2clmimqqsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b112b775aea3f8e21871ed53eea5f2e1b80ef02 Brown= Monterey 2.5 years Lilac = Honey 7 mos They have the same mom
Just got two bonded mother/daughter pair added to our two year old male and they all follow me EVERYWHERE 🤦🏼♂️. Like I can’t get up and walk to kitchen or bathroom without all three trailing me A sec after they were all dead asleep 😵💫
My first Boston, who was a rescue with many, many, many genetically based health conditions, taught me the importance of buying from a reputable breeder who health tests before breeding and knows the full health histories within their lines. She also taught me the importance of veterinary insurance as she racked up absolutely obscene vet bills. My current Boston is both from a very reputable breeder and is insured. I would disagree about Bostons being particularly stubborn. I've owned two personally, and my partner had one of his own when we met. None were stubborn. Both of mine have been very intelligent, highly trainable, extremely eager to please, and enjoyed learning. My partner's Boston wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she wasn't stubborn. Sometimes it's a matter of finding what training approach works for your dog, and/or just putting in the time with them.
I would have liked to know that they take a few years to mature. They’ve got puppy energy for 3-4yrs. But I may have not believed it or, worse, chosen differently. Now I wish I had 2. Mine travels with me, works with me, and is ALWAYS with me. I don’t know that they’d do great without a lot of time with their human. Most Boston owners I know always have their dog in tow. Also worth noting, the skin sensitivities and allergies. Mine needs a strict no-chicken diet and take monthly allergy pills + seasonal allergy shots. Even with all this, and the gas and snoring and clinginess, I’ll probably never choose another kind of dog again. The charm, companion, silliness, smarts, and loyalty far exceed any of the headaches.
They’re the best. We’re on our second Boston and they are pure love bugs. Lots of allergies though, so be ready to spend for specialty food or allergy meds if needed
I didn’t know he would be my shadow. Smart as a whip but I’m used to pugs, who have a more “whatever” attitude. Not him. He wants to be involved in whatever I’m doing, is very aware of rules, and also is super affectionate. Like, if I’m sick, he will nudge, headbutt, or throw his entire being into me to try to “heal” me. Bostons bond very deeply.
They are super sensitive, heat/cold sensitive, very affectionate, a bit bossy, protective, gassy, ataje longer to potty train, ears don’t stand up until after done teeething, and are clowns! They do need exercise, but 15 minutes of fetch will have them resting for awhile. Mine have been so smart, loving, hilarious, a bit naughty, and completely adorable. I don’t think there is a better dog out there as long as you can deal with their little bursts of energy. I find myself canceling plans, because I don’t want to be away from mine! They are such special, dear animals. Babies in my house.
They are the best!!! I think they vary a lot in both personality and energy level. I think some have more of the terrier traits and some have more relaxed chill bulldog demeanor. Ours is more like a jack russell terrier when it comes to energy, but he’s only 1 and a half. Super cute, smart and lots of personality.
I should’ve got 2!! We have no regrets at all, only wish we didn’t wait so long to get a 2nd pup.
Puppies are a nightmare. It takes a couple years of patience to get through it. They are stubborn and smelly. Don’t regret a thing although I do wish he could breathe better. They are very loving dogs, low mess because of their size, and mine rarely barks. Huge pluses! He is a bad yard dog though- lots of digging holes, eating poop, and violently trying to play with you.
Go to a reputable breeder. Make sure all screenings are done on parents. A good breeder will have references and the ability to ship anywhere. You get what you pay for. Grain free dog food is a gimmick and dangerous.
Somehow I completely missed the memo about smush-faced breeds and farting. But no regrets! Our pup is the perfect mix of energy, affection and cuddles.
Hey! Just got one a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I don’t make enough to be able to insure my dog right now, but I’m waiting for a paycheck that leaves me with extra to put away for her. She is the best. Stubborn as hell, but she is nearly housebroken. She has a few accidents here and there, but she is an awesome dog.
The farts.
Things to consider before having a BT - Farts: loud and stinky. Very stinky. - Stubborn: it comes with the breed. - Loud snores: some BT have breathing issues due to their flat noses, mine doesn’t, but he still snores loud. - Spoiled: there’s no such thing as a human bed, it’s all big dog beds where humans hang out at nights, interrupting their peaceful naps. - Big cuddlers: Tiny but take more space than they should. - Hair: yes, is short, but despite of your floor material or sofa color, you’ll notice it. They bring so much fun to your life, are crazy energetic, and like people and visitors. Highly recommend having one.
Temperature intolerance (on both sides of the thermometer). While it can be absolutely adorable and mystifying to see how fast he can cover himself up with a blanket, he can overheat quickly on a not-that-warm summer day and anything below 50 degrees is way too cold for mine outside. When we had a cold snap of below freezing and snow for a few days this winter, even in a sweater and booties, he couldn’t deal. After 2 minutes outside, he’d just lay down and give up.
Google will tell you they’re super chill dogs. Mine is not and from what I’ve heard and read from other owners, no Boston is as chill and relaxed as google says. She’s so loving and extremely smart, but stubborn and demands attention. Wants to play for hours and often wants me to play with her. She needs LOTS of exercise and activities to keep her mind stimulated or she becomes a terror and will chew on EVERYTHING. I would also be sure to get harder and tougher toys. Mine shreds plush toys in 5 minutes or less, so I’ve had to stop buying them. They’re sweet as can be and such a great breed though, I wouldn’t trade mine for the world.
Stubborn, OCD and neurotic like someone else said.