Wendy Bedwell-Wilson

If you decide to adopt a Boston Terrier, make sure you do some research to find a respected breeder. If you plan to travel and need a dependable pet sitter or boarding facility for your Boston Terrier, make sure you interview each candidate or facility first. Follow some basic tips for living with your Boston Terrier, and keep emergency numbers on hand, to keep you both happy and healthy.

With a nickname like "American Gentleman," you can expect your Boston Terrier to be good-natured, intelligent, and polite with a sense of humor. But like many American gentlemen, they embody a little bit of spunk and spirit that makes them unique. Breeders and fanciers describe Boston Terriers as gentle, alert, and well-mannered.

With their short, broad heads and flat faces, Boston Terriers don't have a lot of space for their jaws and teeth. As a result, their jaws may develop abnormally and their mouths tend to be crowded, causing misaligned teeth and jaw problems. The technical terms for these conditions are prognathia and teeth crowding: Prognathia: This condition occurs when the dog's mandible, or lower part of the jaw, is longer than his maxilla, or the upper jaw.

Finding someone reliable who is willing to stay with your dog or drop in on him several times during the day while you're away can be a better alternative than boarding your dog in a kennel. He'll get to stay home with familiar smells and sounds. He'll have access to all his favorite toys and bedding. He won't be exposed to kennel cough or fleas.

For you and your Boston Terrier to have a happy and healthy life together, follow these tips for preparing to bring your dog home, grooming, basic training, and healthcare: No matter how adorable he is, do not buy a Boston on a whim. Research the breed first, talk to other Boston owners, and search out a reputable breeder.

If you’ve decided to adopt a Boston Terrier from a breeder, ask potential breeders a lot of questions. Start with these queries when you interview a breeder to find the right Boston Terrier for you: How long have you been breeding Boston Terriers? Do you breed other dogs? What dog organizations do you belong to?

When the time comes for you to travel, you want a comfortable and safe place to board your Boston Terrier. Before your drop off your dog, call or visit potential boarding facilities and ask these questions: What hours are you open? When can I drop off my dog and pick her up? Is the kennel supervised 24 hours a day in case of emergency?