The
Boston Terrier was originally bred for fighting but was
later down-bred as a companion dog. As with many dogs with flat
faces and short snouts, the Boston Terrier is susceptible to
difficulties breathing, and the most serious of these
difficulties is brachycephalic syndrome. Also common among dogs
this size is patellar luxation
(kneecap problems). The Boston Terrierโs life span is 11 to 13
years. A great many Boston Terriers are delivered by caesarean
section.
Primary Health Conditions of the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is, like the
bulldog and
pug, a brachycephalic breed,
meaning literally, โshort head.โ As a result, one of the most
serious of health problems with this breed is an inability to
properly breath when the dog is hot or excited, or even
exercising moderately. This shortage of breath can be mild, and
may pass quickly, but can at times result in cardiac arrest and
death.
A less serious condition among Boston Terriers is patellar
luxation, or slippage of the knee. This condition can be
exacerbated by obesity and may be corrected with surgery.
Secondary Health Conditions of the Boston Terrier
Conditions of the eyes are relatively common among this breed.
Because of the position and bulging of the eyes of the Boston
Terrier, injuries to these sensitive organs can occur. Cherry
eye, or protrusion of the tear duct, as well as cataracts, can also trouble this breed.
Because the Bostonโs ears are erect, they are not prone to
yeasts, bacterial infections, or mites as some dogs are, but
ear problems can arise, including sensorineural deafness. The
digestive systems of Boston Terriers are often sensitive, which
can lead to flatulence that may or may not be corrected by
changing the diet.
Boston Terrier Exercise and Walking Needs
Although the Boston Terrierโs exercise
needs are only moderate, this dog was bred as a companion
animal, and requires a good deal of attention from its owners.
A few moderately long walks will suffice in terms of physical
activity, but the Boston will need additional play time and
companionship around the house. Without stimulation, the dog
can appear restless and may bark a good deal. The Boston
Terrier likes attention wherever it can be found, including
from children.
Boston Terrier Nutritional Needs
The Boston Terrier tends to have a sensitive digestive tract. Thus, these
dogs are more likely to be susceptible to problems stemming
from lower quality foods. Extra care should be taken to feed
the Boston a high-quality, high-protein food. Less expensive
foods that contain a lot of grains can cause flatulence. Corn
and soy are often the biggest triggers of this condition.
How to Distinguish Between Boston Terriers and French
Bulldogs
Have you always found it confusing to tell the difference
between a Boston terrier and a French bulldog? Well, you are
not alone. The similarities between these two breed have a lot
of people scratching their head trying to tell them apart.
Weโve taken it upon ourselves to help you distinguish between
these two adorable breeds so that you never have to wonder if
youโre looking at a Boston terrier or a French bulldog ever
again.
The differences between
Boston terriers and French bulldogs
The reason these dogs are so similar is because they both
originally hail from the English bulldog. So they are
genetically related but after years of parallel line of
breeding there is enough to tell these breeds apart. Most of
the differences arose from the breeds that the English bulldog
was crossbred with.
The Boston terrier has
English terrier parentage while the French bulldog gets is
lineage from a number of small breeds.
Height: Boston terriers are the taller of the two breeds. This
might not be easy to notice when you donโt have a French
bulldog to compare with but it isnโt hard to notice that in
proportion to the body the legs are long. French bulldogs on
the other hand have much shorter legs in proportion to their
body.
Ears:
While both breeds have upright ears, Boston terriers can be
distinguished by their point tips. French bulldogs have more
rounded ears.
Build:
Boston terriers have a sleeker looking body while French
bulldogs are stocky and more muscular. French bulldogs are also
heavier boned than Boston terriers. Boston terriers weight from
15 to 25 pounds while French bulldogs weigh from 20 to 28
pounds.
Temperament:
While both these breeds are equally loyal and friendly we find
that Boston terriers are more energetic and playful than French
bulldogs. French bulldogs more than make up for being less
playful by being extremely affectionate.Life expectancy: Boston
terriers have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years while French
bulldogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Why we love both the
breeds
Now that we know how to tell the breeds apart let us quickly go
through all the things we love about Boston terriers and French
bulldogs. The squishy faces and bug eyes are right there on the
top of our list of favorite features. The small size in another
thing we love about these breeds because they are like puppies
their whole lives.Speaking of puppies, the young ones of both
Boston terriers and French bulldogs will make your heart melt.
If you are thinking about bringing home one of these two breeds
you will have a hard time deciding by looking at the pups. What
we can guarantee though, is that whichever breed you pick you
will have a loyal friend for a long time to come.
More on Dog Health
Ear Mites In Cats And
Dogs
10 Of The Best Rated Dog
Foods
What Are Symptoms of Eye
Infections In Pets
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or
other qualified professional with any questions you may have
regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking
professional advice due to what you may have read on our
website.
