Article  The Boston Terrier: A Good Companion Dog A Boston Terrier is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a good, friendly family pet. This American breed is well suited for homes where someone will be at home most of the time, as they like the indoors and do not require much exercise. These dogs enjoy being around people and are well suited to live with a family with children. Early Boston Terriers were originally bred to fight, and were developed from a cross between an English White Terrier and an English Bulldog. These early versions were larger than the modern Terrier, which is now considered a small dog. Even though the Terrier is small, it is a very well-proportioned animal. They have a compact build and a short, wrinkle-free muzzle, their ears are large but stand up straight and they also have a very short tail. Over time, its temperament has changed and mellowed and the Boston Terrier is now known as a very quiet, gentle breed. They don't bark unless they have to, which makes this breed a good choice for urban pet owners, as well as anyone who lives in a small apartment. The Terrier's coat can vary in tone between black and seal, and many dogs of this breed have white fur mixed in too. Seal colored fur can appear quite striking as the black with red highlights become more apparent when the dog is in the sun. Typically the dog's chest and band of the neck are white in color as can be the muzzle, forelegs, and rear leg areas. The fur is very short, which means it is very easy to care for. Males and females are similar in size, measuring between 15-17 inches and weight for this breed varies from under 15 lbs. up to 25 lbs. The Boston Terrier is a very intelligent breed of dog and they do well in homes where the owners will stick to a regular routine, consistency is the key to training the dog to behave properly. Housebreaking being one example where sticking to a routine will benefit the dog and the owner, since it can take some time for the dog to learn this. With its small size, this type of Terrier is a good choice for owners who want to have a canine companion that is economical to feed; care should be exercised so that the dog isn't overfed. Owners should provide the dog with three small meals that are spaced throughout the day. The Terrier should be fed a combination of meat and dry biscuits at each meal. Owners who are looking for a small companion animal that prefers to be kept indoors will not be disappointed if they choose a Boston Terrier. They are very protective of their families, but may not make the best watchdogs due to their quiet nature. This Terrier is not a high energy pet and will be satisfied with going on a short walk every day. If you are looking for a more energetic dog that can help keep intruders away, a louder more boisterous dog such as an Australian Shepherd may be better for you. These Terriers have a lot of attractive traits that make them a great choice for individuals or families looking for a pet. They are small in size, which makes them good companions for apartment dwellers or people who have small yards. Their quiet nature means that they are not likely to cause a disturbance in the neighborhood where they live. Anyone looking for an intelligent dog who won't wear them out with demands for attention will want to consider welcoming a Boston Terrier into their home. They have a wonderful disposition and are easy to care for and will return your affections. Category Pets Author WOA Member Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 20 November 2009