|
Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/bostonterriers
Posting-frequency: 30 days URL: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/bostonterriers.html Last-modified: 17 Oct 1999 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge ======= There are many FAQ's available for this group. For a complete listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article is posted bimonthly in rec.pets.dogs, and is available via anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu under pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list, via the Web at http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/lists/faq-list.html, or via email by sending your message to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with send usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list in the body of the message. This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below. It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without alteration provided that this copyright notice is not removed. It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other than the URL listed above without the permission of the Author(s). This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other documents without he Author(s)'s permission and is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty. ========== Boston Terriers Author Pam Dupre, LUCY81354@aol.com The AKC Standard, Club Names and Breeder information were all provided by information given out by the Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc. All materials used with permission. Copyright 1995 by the Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc. Additions, corrections, and suggestions are welcomed. _________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents * Breed Origin * The Boston Terrier Club Of America * Care, Exercise, and Grooming * Health * Frequently Asked Questions * Boston Terrier Rescue * Resources + Parent Club + Affiliated Clubs + Unaffiliated Clubs + Books and Magazines * A Look at the Standard + Introduction + Twelve Sections of the Boston Terrier Standard + The Boston Terrier Standard _________________________________________________________________ Breed Origin Although the Boston Terrier is a cute, compact little dog, and you have decided you would like to be owned by one, it is important to understand the special nature of this little dog and why the breed exists. The Boston Terrier requires a certain amount of mental and physical activity. One of the few native American breeds, and often called the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is a recent addition, comparatively speaking, to the realm of purebred dogs. The handsome little dogs we see today have come a long way since their beginnings in the fighting pits of Boston. The Boston Terrier was bred from a cross between Bull Terriers and Bulldogs. The first crosses occurred in England, and some members of this hybrid stock were sent to America. In 1889, about thirty fanciers in Boston and surrounding cities organized the American Bull Terrier Club. Dogs were bred and exhibited by these fanciers as "Round Heads" or "Bull Terriers". Bull Terrier breeders objected that these crosses were not Terriers. Bulldog fanciers objected because they were not Bulldogs. In 1891 the name was changed to the Boston Terrier Club of America, (BTCA) and a standard was written. They applied for entrance to the AKC stud book, but were denied. In 1893, however, the breed was accepted and the first Boston Terrier was admitted. He was Hector #28814, by Bixby's Tony ex Dimple. By 1915 the breed was stabilized and had become the most popular in the country. They were number one in registrations of the top twenty breeds, when all breeds numbered 22,127. They were on top again in 1920. The Bostons were back in first place in 1930. The Boston Terrier remained in the Top Ten until 1960, but have slipped steadily since that time. The Boston Terrier, refined and standardized, has maintained its place in American history as a spunky little dog of intelligence and spirit...a fitting representative from Boston commons from whence it came. _________________________________________________________________ The Boston Terrier Club Of America The BTCA is designed to protect the breed from proliferation of genetic faults, and to ensure the standard of the Boston Terrier. Membership includes a quarterly newsletter magazine with breed information, interesting articles, and activities throughout the country. A major function of the BTCA is education, and many informational publications are distributed to assist BTCA members and prospective Boston Terrier owners. There are BTCA representatives in most states throughout the U.S. to assist in providing information. If you would like to learn more about the Boston Terrier and the BTCA, please contact the Boston Terrier Club of America, or one of our affiliate clubs both listed below. Boston Terrier Rescue is a division of the BTCA, and along with the BTCA, is dedicated entirely to the protection and preservation of the Boston Terrier. _________________________________________________________________ Care, Exercise, and Grooming Boston Terriers are extremely easy dogs to live with wanting only to please. Bostons are extremely easy to train. Bostons are strictly house dogs, they are not able to cope with extreme cold, nor can they deal with extreme heat. Bostons can overheat very quickly due to the short muzzle and a slightly elongated palate. Bostons are active dogs needing daily exercise. They love toys, playing fetch, chase, and children. Please remember children need to be taught how to handle and care for a pet. The Boston Terrier is a short haired dog that sheds minimally. The brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brush and grooming mit. The palm brush used in a circular motion lifts out dead hair and brings the oil to the surface, grooming mit traps loose hair. A grooming session at least once a week should be sufficient. Ear cleaning is a must as is nail clipping. _________________________________________________________________ Health Snoring & Snorting The Boston Terrier possesses a short muzzle or pushed in face. Some Boston Terriers may show some degree of airway obstruction. This is because the dog has an elongated soft palate. After you have a Boston for awhile, you don't even realize that they snore. Gas A carefully planned diet, along with regular exercise, will put your Boston on the road to a long and healthy life. Proper nutrition must begin as a puppy in order to develop strong bone, well-conditioned muscles and a natural immunity to diseases and infections. An incorrect diet of table foods can lead to gastrointestinal problems in the Boston Terrier creating excessive gas. This problem can usually be controlled through diet. Juvenile Cataracts A very serious genetic disorder in the Boston Terrier and several other breeds. Juvenile Cataracts occur between 8 weeks to 12 months of age. Some cataracts are clearly visible to the eye, while others are diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalomologist by a CERF test. This is a serious problem in the Boston Terrier and carrier dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism This can cause many problems and you should ask about this in parents and grand parents. This problem can usually be controlled with medication. _________________________________________________________________ Frequently Asked Questions Do they bark a lot? No. However, Bostons make excellent watch dogs. They take pride in defending their masters. They are fearless, often attacking a dog much larger than themselves. Do they dig? Can I leave them outside in the backyard? Yes, most dogs do. They love to bury their bones, toys, etc. They can be left outside for short periods. Due to the short muzzles, they can not survive outside during the summer/winter months. Do they shed? Yes, however, regular brushing and bathing will take care of this problem. Are they good with children? Yes. If they are raised with a child, they will usually become that child's protector and babysitter. Just remember, children have to be taught how to handle a young puppy. Would a puppy or an adult dog be better? This depends on a lot of different things. For young children, I would have to recommand an older puppy or grown dog. One that can get away from the children, if the dog will be left alone with the children for any length of time. Many times, an elderly person would rather have an older dog -- one that does not require as much physical activity, etc. Remember, think about this before you add a dog to your household. How much time you have to spend with this dog or puppy? Are you willing to take the time to housetrain? Are your children ready to help handle the responsibility for a pet? Can you handle the extra expense of a dog? What kind of activities do they like? Walking? Hiking? Obedience? Agility? How trainable are they? If people are involved, Bostons usually love to participate. They love long walks, hiking, etc. Bostons do have a stubborn streak, but are very trainable and love obedience. How long do they live? Bostons have an average life span of 10-13 years. Some longer. My oldest Boston lived to be 15.5 years of age. How well do they get along with other dogs or pets? Bostons get along very well with other pets. I personally have had Bostons with cats, horses, ducks, goats, and other dogs. I have also known Bostons who hated cats. This is something you hve to check on a dog-to-dog basis. Bostons usually like being the "Top Dog." What would be some reasons I should NOT get a Boston Terrier? They must be kept inside. They are active. They need attention and want to be played with. _________________________________________________________________ Boston Terrier Rescue The BTCA and Boston Terrier Rescue are here to help... We are dedicated to the Boston Terrier. What is Boston Terrier Rescue? It is a network of BTCA affiliate clubs/members dedicated to placing unwanted or abandoned Boston Terriers. The Network arranges for emergency rescues throughout the country, and gathers information designed to match appropriate dogs in appropriate permanent and temporary homes. What is wrong with the dogs needing rescue? The majority of the dogs are simply unwanted by no fault of their own. Owners often find that they were unprepared for the care required. Owners are often gone all day, and therefore unable to provide the time, attention, and level of activity necessary to this lovely little dog. Sometimes jobs or life situations change, making it impossible for someone to keep their beloved pet. Can a dog with behavioral or health problems be put up for adoption? Boston Terrier Rescue can not place a dog that is aggressive to humans, dogs in poor health (i.e. incurable) are also not suitable for adoption. The BTCA Rescue does not function as a clearing point for dogs with serious behavior or health problems, but does make every effort to assist or counsel when an owner seeks advise that might enable them to keep a dog in its current home. Can I use a rescue dog for breeding? ABSOLUTELY NOT. All animals must be spayed or neutered as part of the placement process, and they are placed strictly as pets. Many of the dogs rescued are not good examples of the breed standard, and often there is no pedigree or record of ancestry. Is there a charge to surrender a dog? If possible, owners are asked to take full responsibility for having the dog's medical requirements up-to-date, including spaying/neutering, and a current health certificate as their concerned participation in the process. Donations are also helpful to assist in the expenses involving the dog's temporary care and preparation for placement in a new home. Is there a charge for adopting a dog? Yes, Boston Terrier Rescue is not a clearing house for free dogs to be given to just anybody. Owning a dog requires financial and care giving responsibility of the new owner. Relocation costs and travel crate is the responsibility of the new owner. Who can adopt a dog from the Rescue? BTCA Rescue screens prospective owners to be sure they can provide suitable homes. Approval is based on, the owners lifestyle (i.e., available time for the dog), and their ability to house the dog properly. A fenced yard is required; the dog cannot be allowed to run free without supervision. Once a prospective owner is approved, the Rescue network then tries to match them up with the appropriate dog. May I adopt a female? Interestingly, most of the Bostons needing homes are males in age from one to five. Many people incorrectly think females to be more affectionate than males. The Boston Terrier male is a sweet and responsive companion. Since all rescue animals are required to be neutered as part of the placement process, the gender should not matter. Males who are rejected are often nearing sexual maturity, and instead of neutering the dog, the owner puts them up for adoption. Even when an owner had not desired to breed, they will often reject the pet as a result of problems that could have been resolved by neutering. What if a rescue dog has a problem? The Rescue has volunteers who work to adjust behavior problems that are not serious in nature. Sometimes telephone advice to present owners has given insight into behavioral modifications that has saved more than one dog from being displaced from its present home. Are shelters and humane societies helpful with Boston Terrier Rescue efforts? Some are great; others are not at all interested in our involvement, and are perhaps over-protective of their wards. Often shelters do not know the animal in their keep is a Boston. We send letters of introduction and policy, and are listed in Project Breed Rescue so that shelters will better know of our intent to help the Boston Terrier in a reputable way. What can I do to help? Never sell a Boston Terrier to anyone, if you think the home inappropriate, if only by instinct, do not sell to that person. Do the people have children? Do the children mind the adults? If they cannot control their children, they will for sure have problems with the dog and with the combination of the dog and children. Be honest about the breed. Plan litters and have good homes reserved for them, or do not breed. If you do not have a serious breeding program, do not breed. If you think it will make your pet complete, you are very wrong. There are too many unwanted pets, and certainly too few suitable homes for this special dog. Be responsible and committed to the breed. If what you are breeding is not a contribution to the future of the breed, please leave it in the hands of experienced breeders. Inform and educate others as to the special nature and physical and mental requirements of the Boston Terrier. Make it understood that although small and cute, the Boston Terrier is clearly not for everyone or every lifestyle. If you can provide a good home for a Boston Terrier, get in touch with us immediately. The dogs in need are far ahead of homes available. It is a sad and growing problem. Please consider adopting and adult dog over having a cute little puppy in your life. Puppies grow up fast...an older dog is usually very loyal, extremely affectionate towards their new owners, appreciate their new homes, never looking back. Most adopted dogs adjust quickly, with few adjustments problems. Most importantly, their life depends on someone like yourself being willing to give them a chance. Foster care is an important necessity. If you can provide a temporary home for a Boston Terrier in need, drop us a line so that we can enter you into our computer files. Check shelters and look for Boston Terriers who may need a home if time at that shelter is limited. Donations are greatly needed. Rescuing and placing dogs is often an expensive process, and Boston Terrier Rescue is operated primarily on donations. We need your support. For more information, please call: Linda Trader, 724-883-4732, The Boston Terrier Club of America Breed Rescue Coordinator, or write to 127 First Street, Box 53, Mather, Pa. 15346. _________________________________________________________________ Resources Parent Club Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc Marian Sheehan, Corresponding Secretary, 8130E Theresa Dr., Scottsdale, Az. 85255 Ph. 605-585-1560 Club Officers 1995-1996 President Norman Randall Vice President Ann McCammon Corresponding Secretary Marian Sheehan Recording Secretary Ellen Dresselhuis Treasurer Richard Nix Board of Directors Pam Dupre: Lousiana Patricia Holland: Washington Susan Kennedy: Arizona Roger Perry: Indiana Donald Van Avery: Rhode Island Breeder Referral West Pat Stone 14792 Ronda Dr., San Jose, Ca. 95124; 408-371-7452 Breeder Referral East Joyce Fletcher 610 Fern Court, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244; 513-528-3091 Affiliate Clubs ALABAMA Birmingham Boston Terrier Club Gloria Wilson - Secretary, Route 13 Box 13 Jasper, AL 35501; 205-387-0295 ARIZONA Valley of the Sun Boston Terrier Club Karen Milham - Secretary, 2421 West Anderson Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. 85023; 602-942-8983 CALIFORNIA Pasadena Boston Terrier Club Betty L Hall - Secretary, 1817 E. Greenleaf Drive, West Covina, CA. 91792-1910; 818-965-3660 Boston Terrier Club of San Diego County Sherrie Stratton - Secretary, 13645 Choisser Lane, Lakeside, CA 92040; 619-443-5345 Golden Gate BTC Terry Furry, Secretary, 595 Athol Avenue, Oakland, Calif. 94606. PH. 510-465-6438 CONNECTICUT Boston Terrier Club of Connecticut Jane Pronovost - Secretary, 104 Homestead Avenue, Naugatuck, CT. 06770; 203-729-7784 FLORIDA Boston Terrier Club of Miami Florida Mary A Hunter - Secretary, 365 Navarre Drive, Miami Springs, FL. 33166 Ph. 305-887-5057 Florida Suncoast Boston Terrier Club Geraldine Wilson - Secretary, 1870 W. Leewynn Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240; President # 813-953-2396 INDIANA Western Boston Terrier Club Rayetta Waldrop - Secretary, 9318 Grace Street, Highland, IN 46322; 219-924-2982 Fort Wayne Boston Terrier Club Emily Griffith - Secretary, 4330 Kekionga Drive #1, Fort Wayne, IN 46809; 219-747-0882 IOWA Hawkeye Boston Terrier Club Mary N. Harris - Secretary, 506 SE Sharon Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021; 515-964-0556 KENTUCKY Boston Terrier Club of Louisville Doris Miles - Secretary, 1306 Myra Court, LaGrange, KY 40031, 502-222-5473 LOUISIANA Boston Terrier Club of Louisiana Rescue (north) Pam Dupre - Rescue Contact Person, 3037 Gray's Creek Road, Dry Prong, LA. 71423; 318-899-5681 Boston Terrier Club of Louisiana Rescue (south) Jane Collins - Rescue Contact Person, 2606 Hundred Oaks, Baton Rouge, La. 70808; 225-344-3144 MASSACHUSETTS Minuteman Boston Terrier Club Fred Comstock - 36 Twin Lakes Dr., Waterford, CT 06385, E-mail: bstndogs@uconect.net MARYLAND Boston Terrier Club of Maryland Rachel Toczylowski - 8906 ArdwickİArdmore Rd., Springdale, Md. Ph. 310-341-2157 MICHIGAN Boston Terrier Club of Detroit Ola Jeanne McCollugh - Secretary, 11353 Island Lake Road, Dexter, MI 48130; 313-426-0188 MINNESOTA Minnesota Boston Terrier Club Arlene Albers - Secretary, 1390 Skywood Lane NE, Fridley, MN 55421; 612-571-8984 MISSOURI/KANSAS Heartland Boston Terrier Club,br> Anita Crowell - Secretary, 12402 NW Porter Road, Parkville, MO 64152; 816-891-6367 NEW JERSEY Lenape Boston Terrier Club Roseanne Zott - Secretary, 169 Magnolia Avenue, Dumont, NJ. 07628; 201-584-9485 Tri-Angle Boston Terrier Breeders Club Michele DeJulia - Secretary, 109 East 9th Avenue, Pine Hill, NJ 08021; 608-784-8179 NEW YORK Boston Terrier Club of New York Dorothy Gomes - Secretary, 4108 Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466 Ph. 818-994-0834 OHIO Boston Terrier Club of Greater Cincinnati Joyce Fletcher - Secretary, 610 Fern Court, Cincinnati, OH 45244; 513-528-3091 OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City Boston Terrier Club,br> Jessie Erwin - Secretary, 7432 NW 26th Street, Bethany, OK 73008; 405-789-9458 OREGON Boston Terrier Club of Portland Oregon Verla Snook-Fagan - Secretary, 9772 Alsea Highway 34, Tidewater, OR 97390, 503-528-3286 PENNSYLVANIA Boston Terrier Club of Western Pennsylvania Linda Trader - Rescue Contact Person, 127 First Street Box 53, Mather, PA. 15346; 412-883-2169 TEXAS North Texas Boston Terrier Club Adrienne Stern - Secretary, 11631 Sahara Way, Dallas, TX 75218; 214-327-6758 Greater Houston Boston Terrier Club Maxine Uzoff - Secretary, 12377 Kingside, Houston, Texas, 77042 - Ph, # 713-468-3065 Greater Houston Boston Terrier Club Rescue Grace MacGillivary - Rescue Contact Person, 907 Joesph Drive, Porter, Texas; 713-354-7444 WASHINGTON Boston Terrier Club of Western Washington Patricia Holland, Secretary, 132 Priest Point Dr., NE, Marysville, WA. 98271, Ph. # 206-653-6115 WEST VIRGINIA Boston Terrier Club of Western Pennsylvania Susan Hunter İ Rescue Contact Person, 275 McCullogh St., Morgantown, W.V. 26505; 304-599-9194 WISCONSIN Boston Terrier Club of Milwaukee Gail Gerlach - Secretary, 4230 Anston Road, Green Bay, WI 54307; 414-865-7846 Unaffiliated Clubs CALIFORNIA Pacific Coast Boston Terrier Club Lil Huddleston - Secretary, 17524 Lanark Street, Northridge, CA 91325; 818-344-3487 Books and Magazines There are many books on the Boston Terrier that are out of print. You can look for these at old book stores, dog shows, etc. The Official Book of the Boston Terrier by Muriel P. Lee, Published 1998 The Boston Terrier by Arthur Huddleston, Published 1985 The Boston Terrier: An American Original by Beverly & Michael Staley. Published 1995 by Howell Book House. The Boston Quarterly Holfin Publishing, Inc., 4401 Zephyr Street, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033; 303-934-5656, 303-422-7000 FAX. _________________________________________________________________ A Look at the Standard Introduction The Boston Terrier Standard was revised on February 28, 1990 to clarify and adapt the language so that everyone -- novices, exhibitors, breeders, judges, and potential judges -- would understand it. There are many definitions for the words "standard", but when referring to the Boston Terrier Standard, this one is preferred: "A degree or level of requirement, excellence or attainment." When you read the breed Standard, the words paint a picture of excellence. In any breed Standard, there is very little leeway for interpretation. There is only one version. Not ours, not yours, but the right one. The Boston Terrier Standard is divided into 12 sections. Each is an important part of the breed. Without excellence in all these parts, no Boston Terrier can be an outstanding specimen of the breed, no matter how many ribbons it wins. Twelve Sections of the Boston Terrier Standard APPEARANCE: describes a number of points. It gives us an outline of the dog, shows us the character of the breed and artistically requires that the dog not only be in balance, but must be well proportioned. It gives a synopsis of the breed and tells us without actually using these words, that the perfect Boston is a bright, sound, elegant, beautifully moving, typey dog, with prescribed color and markings. General appearance is especially affected by all parts of the dog. For example, if the dog is faulted in hindquarters, it can not move with determination and an easy and graceful carriage. Neither can a dog with too much white showing in his eyes look intelligent. SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE: The most important point about the weight classification is that each size be in proportion in bone and muscle. That does not mean that because a dog is 20 lbs, it should be coarse and bully. Conversely, an under 15 pound dog must also be in proportion to its size. As owners or breeders, we can have a size preference in the dogs we own or breed; judges cannot. However, this section does state that the length of leg must balance with the length in body to give the dog its striking "square" appearance. You will see that when other parts of the dog's conformation are correct, it will also help to make the dog appear square. The influence of sex is really self-explanatory. It should not be interpreted to mean that a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation allows the muzzle to be snipy or the body long. HEAD: It is difficult to imagine a square head on a dog, but when the skull is square, it will be determined by the set of the ears and eyes. The ears should be as close to the corners of the skull as possible, with the outside corners of the eyes in line with the cheeks. The eye placement and the muzzle should both form the lower square of the head. One would believe that the correct Boston Terrier expression comes from the eyes. This is only partially true. It also comes from his upright ears and that exceptional bearing that the Boston has that says "I'm something special!" The eyes should be round and large with a very minimum of white showing. The eyes should be as dark as the coat color, otherwise they will appear even lighter by contrast. Not only should the ears be set properly at the corners of the skull, they must be in proportion to the size of the skull and the muscles that hold the ear erect must be strong so that the ears are held as tightly as possible. Ears like this make the dog appear alert and of course help square the head. Ears that are set badly, are too large or too small, or without good muscles are still apparent to the experienced eye, even if they are cropped. While the muzzle should be short, square, wide and deep, it cannot be correct unless the jaw is broad with an even or slightly undershot bite. THE NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY should blend smoothly together, with the length of the neck in balance with the body so that the head is carried gracefully. The chest should be deep, and as a rule, in line with the elbows. Aside from aesthetics, the main reason for requiring a level back is that the power generated in the hindquarters is delivered forward by thrust, through the spinal column to the forequarters. A straight column of bones delivers thrust to a better advantage than one that is curved. When the ribs are carried well back, the loins will be short. If you think of the loins as a bridge between the front and rear of the dog, you can understand that a short bridge will be stronger than a long one. It will also help to square the body. The rump curves slightly to a low tail set. A too-flat rump usually gives a dog a higher tail set and consequently, straighter stifles. THE FOREQUARTERS or front assembly, help to give the Boston Terrier its stylish movement. The shoulders are sloping and well laid back. This kind of shoulder requires an angle of 90 degrees, which gives the dog the proper reach in front. When the shoulders are well laid back, the neck will be the proper length. A dog with straight shoulders will also have a neck that is too short, with a shorter reach of the front legs. When the front legs are suspended, they will drop perfectly straight without toeing in or out. While we do not call the feet "cat's feet", they are cat-like; small round, and compact. THE HINDQUARTERS provide the power that is needed to give a dog the drive or push to propel the front. The stifle must be well angulated, with a long upper and lower thigh and the hocks should be well let down, or short in comparison, to give the dog endurance. When the hindquarters have the correct length of bone and angulation, they will be well muscled. THE GAIT of the Boston Terrier is that "of a sure footed, straight gaited dog, forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power." The key words in this description are "grace and power". From this, one can see that the Boston Terrier was not meant to move with dysplastic hindquarters or like a windİup toy. If he does not move correctly, he cannot convey an "impression of determination, strength, and activity, with style of a high order, carriage easy and graceful. COAT texture is often determined by the color of the coat. Brindle coats are usually finer than darker colors. Fortunately, even though some coats are not as fine as others, the quality of the coat is usually determined by the condition of the dog. COLOR AND MARKINGS are very important. They make a Boston look like a Boston. Desired markings are icing on the cake. It gives that extra bit of flashiness that sometimes is needed, However, it will not compensate for other things that they may be lacking. THE TEMPERAMENT of the Boston Terrier is a most important requirement of the breed and one we must take care not to lose. Without their friendly disposition and intelligence, they wouldn't be Boston Terriers. THE SUMMARY is an abridged version of the Standard..."The Boston Terrier in a Nutshell". THE SCALE OF POINTS is a guide that can be used to determine the relative importance of parts of the whole dog. If it is used to critique a dog, remember that if the value of one area is lowered, it often affects another. There is also one area that has not been assigned a point value, without which a Boston would be without value and that is excellent temperament. Let us not forget it. Boston Terrier breeder Joseph Balmer said it beautifully for us, many years ago... WE ARE THE HEIRS OF THE PAST AND THE TRUSTEES OF THE FUTURE. The standard helps us to safeguard and improve the breed; it is our responsibility to protect the Standard. The Boston Terrier Standard GENERAL APPEARANCE The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expression indicates a high degree of intelligence. The body is a rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful. A proportionate combination of "Color and White Markings" is particularly distinctive feature of a representative specimen. "Balance, Expression, Color and White Markings" should be given particular consideration in determining the relative value of GENERAL APPEARANCE to other points. Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds. The length of leg must balance with the length of body to give the Boston Terrier its striking square appearance. The Boston Terrier is a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The bone and muscle must be in proportion as well as an enhancement to the dog's weight and structure. Fault: Blocky or chunky in appearance. Influence of Sex in a comparison of specimens of each sex, the only evident difference is a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation. HEAD The skull is square, flat on top, free from wrinkles, cheeks flat, brow abrupt and the stop well defined. The ideal Boston Terrier expression is alert and kind, indicating a high degree of intelligence. This is a most important characteristic of the breed. The eyes are wide apart, large and round and dark in color. The eyes are set square in the skull and the outside corners are on a line with the cheeks as viewed from the front. Disqualify: Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue. The ears are small, carried erect, either natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head and situated as near to the corners of the skull as possible. The muzzle is short, square, wide and deep and in proportion to the skull. It is free from wrinkles, shorter in length than in depth; not exceeding in length approximately one-third of the length of the skull. The muzzle from stop to end of the nose is parallel to the top of the skull. The nose is black and wide, with a well defined line between the nostrils. Disqualify: Dudley nose. The jaw is broad and square with short, regular teeth. The bite is even or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle. The chops are of good depth, but not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed. Serious Fault: Wry mouth. Head Faults: Eyes showing too much white or haw. Pinched or wide nostrils. Size of ears out of proportion to the size of the head. Serious Head Faults: Any showing of the tongue or teeth when the mouth is closed. NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY The length of neck must display an image of balance to the total dog. It is slightly arched, carrying the head gracefully and setting neatly into the shoulders. The back is just short enough to square the body. The topline is level and the rump curves slightly to the set-on of the tail. The chest is deep with good width, ribs well sprung and carried well back to the lions. The body should appear short. The tail is set on low, short, fine and tapering, straight or screw and must not be carried above the horizontal. (Note: The preferred tail does not exceed in length more than one-quarter the distance from set-on to hock.) Disqualify: Docked tail. Body Faults: Gaily carried tail. Serious Body Faults: Roach back, sway back, slab-sided. FOREQUARTERS The shoulders are sloping and well laid back, which allows for the Boston Terrier's stylish movement. The elbows stand neither in nor out. The forelegs are set moderately wide apart and on a line with the upper tip of the shoulder blades. The forelegs are straight in bone with short, strong pasterns. The dewclaws may be removed. The feet are small round and compact, turned neither in nor out, with well arched toes and short nails. Faults: Legs lacking in substance; splay feet. HINDQUARTERS The thighs are strong and well muscled, bent at the stifles and set true. The hocks are short to the feet, turning neither in nor out, with a well defined hock joint. The feet are small and compact with short nails. Fault: Straight in stifle. GAIT The gait of the Boston Terrier is that of a sure footed, straight gaited dog, forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power. Gait Faults: There will be no rolling, paddling, or weaving when gaited. Hackney gait. Serious Gait Faults: Any crossing movement, either front or rear. COAT The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture. COLOR AND MARKINGS Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred ONLY if all other qualities are equal. (Note: SEAL DEFINED. Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light.) Disqualify: Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal without required white markings. Gray or liver colors. Required Markings: White muzzle band, white blaze between the eyes, white forechest. Desired Markings: White muzzle band, even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, white collar, white forechest, white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. (Note: A representative specimen should not be penalized for not possessing "Desired Markings".) A dog with a preponderance of white on the head or body must possess sufficient merit otherwise to counteract its deficiencies. TEMPERAMENT The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion. SUMMARY The clean-cut, short backed body of the Boston Terrier, coupled with the unique characteristics of his square head and jaw, and his striking markings have resulted in a most dapper and charming American original: The Boston Terrier SCALE OF POINTS General Appearance 10 Expression 10 Head (muzzle jaw bite skull stop) 15 Eyes 5 Ears 5 Neck, Topline, Body, Tail 15 Forequarters 10 Feet 5 Color, Coat, Markings 5 Gait 10 Total 100 DISQUALIFICATIONS Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue. Dudley nose. Docked tail. Solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal without required markings. Gray or liver colors. _________________________________________________________________ Boston Terrier FAQ Pam Dupre, LUCY81354@aol.com Hosted by K9 WEB User Contributions:
[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: lucy81354@aol.com (Pam Dupre)
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
|
rec.pets.dogs: Boston Terriers Breed-FAQ
Search the FAQ Archives
N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
rec.pets.dogs: Boston Terriers Breed-FAQ
[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index | Restaurant inspections ]
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: