www.Chocolate-Bostons.com

The Boston Terrier

An All American Breed

Such amazing little dogs! They are so easy to train and so incredibly loyal. A Boston Terrier is an excellent watch dog, but isn't a "yappy" dog by any means. My dogs are quiet until they hear a suspicious sound or a strange car pull up. They're friendly, they LOVE people and other animals. They are natural comedians and have ways of making everyone laugh. I love their build, I am especially fond of the stocky, compact look. They have beautiful square heads, and short-muscular bodies. Their energy is amazing at times, but gone in a heartbeat when they are ready to relax. They definitely appreciate a good nap!

Above: Araya's first litter: Shakira(left)and Brian at 5 weeks old.

Boston Terriers tend to have very sensitive gastrointestinal tracks, and can be on the gassy side, especially when fed the wrong food. You should avoid low-grade, cheap, generic store brand dog foods such as: Pedigree, Alpo, Mighty Dog, Come 'N' Get it, Gravy Train, Ol'Roy, Kibbles'N'Bits, Caesar, etc. You don't want food containing chemical preservitives(BHA, BHT, Sulfer dioxide, sorbates, Ethoxoquin), corn, whole corn, soy, corn gluten, wheat, wheat gluten, artificial colors or flavors, by-products, certain dairy products, beef, etc. They are common allergens and can lead to ear infections, liver/kidney disease, shorter lifespan, premature aging, skin infections, a weakened immune system, dental disease and more!

Some of my favorite foods are: Life's Abundance, Merrick, Nature's Logic, Nature's Variety, California Natural, Innova, Avoderm, Blue with life bits, Natural Choice Ultra, Canidae, Solid Gold, Wolf King/Wolf Cub, Natural Balance, Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Dog/Puppy Lover's Soul, Canine Caviar, Kharma, Eagle pack Holistic Select, Nutri Source.

Do you know what's really in your dog's food??

Above: Veterinarian behind Life's Abundance pet foods, Dr.Jane Bicks

Above: Goofy Shakira @ the park 3/18/2009

Boston Terriers are not built to be outdoors in the cold. They have short coats, and lose heat quickly. Adequate shelter and bedding must be provided if they are ever out in the cold, and they should be inside the house in stormy weather. If supervised and bundled up in doggy coats and/or sweaters they are ok for a short time. I have even seen some Bostons enjoy the snow, but only for short periods of time and they should wear protective boots.

Above: Araya and Calypso's puppy "Heart" (now Sparks) @ 13 days.

Like all smart dogs, Bostons don't do well unsupervised while puppies. They put everything in their mouths and get into mischief like it's going out of style. I always recommend crate training, it makes puppy rearing so much safer and less stressful.