Terrier Dogs Training Tips

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The Boston Terrier’s Mouth

Boston terriers share many common dental characteristics with their human companions, including gum disease, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth fractures.

There are several noted differences

• Boston Terri terriers usually do not get cavities • An adult Boston Terrier has 44 teeth (humans have only 32) • A Boston Ter riers teeth are designed for their carnivorous (meat-eating) diet and humans teeth are designed for their omnivorous (eating meat and vegetables) diets

Like humans, a Boston Terrier 8217;s teeth can loosen in their sockets, opening the opportunity for infection. This infection can travel through the bloodstream and cause kidney and heart disease. Antibiotics can suppress the infection, but only tartar removal can prevent recurrence.

The second biggest problem for the Boston Terrier’s teeth is tooth fracture. A Boston Terrier can break their teeth surprisingly easy by crunching down on rocks, bones, and other tough substances.

Supplies Needed

A canine toothbrush or child’s soft toothbrush.

A finger brush.

Toothpaste for dogs comes in several flavors.

a. Nutri-Vet Canine Toothpaste, Chicken Flavor b. Canine Enzymatic Toothpaste c. KissAble Toothpaste d. CET Pet Toothpaste e. Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste f. Triple Pet All Natural Toothpaste g. Virbac Toothpaste Dog – Natural

A good canine diet.

Adequate clean water.

A large dose of love, patience, sweet talking, and praise.

Your Boston Terrier 8217;s Dental Care Begins With Proper Diet

Dental distress can be caused by the wrong kind of foods. The mild abrasiveness of dry food can help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate chewing exercise and stimulation.

Feeding your pet sweets and table scraps may increase plaque and tartar formation. So avoid feeding your pet these items.

If your Boston Terrier is prone to dental problems your veterinarian may recommend a special dry food designed to reduce plaque and tartar.

Tartar buildup can be reduced by modifications in diet, but only regular brushing can reach the critical areas at and below the gum line.

Brushing Your Boston Terrier’s Teeth

Brushing your Boston Terrier’s teeth may be easier than brushing your own. Your Boston’s teeth are narrow and more widely spaced, so the need for flossing is eliminated.

There are several noted differences in brushing your Boston’s teeth as opposed to brushing your own teeth. Because your Boston cannot rinse or spit out toothpaste, the toothpaste must be specially designed for dogs. Human toothpastes can irritate your Boston’s stomach and fluoride can cause mottling of the tooth enamel.

Getting Started

For the first few dental care sessions with your dog, do not even use a toothbrush.

The first step is selecting a good time. This should be a time in which the dog is relaxed, drowsy is good.

Gently stroke the outside of your Boston’s cheeks with the tip of your finger.

When your Boston becomes comfortable with that, place a small dab of toothpaste on your fingertip. Let your dog sniff it and then lick it off. Repeat this process several times.

Do not rush your Boston. Be patient. The last thing you will want is for your dental care time to be traumatic. You should not have to force your Boston. It may take days or weeks before your Boston becomes comfortable. You may need to back up and try days or weeks of gently stroking on the outside of their cheeks.

Gently rub several teeth with your fingers and a small dab of toothpaste.

Gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.

Remember, it is extremely important to brush the back teeth where plaque and tartar have an increased tendency to accumulate. Go slowly. Stop brushing after just a few minutes and long before you Boston begins to fuss.

If your Boston begins to dislike the procedure, back up to the step of gently stroking the outside of your Boston’s cheeks with the tip of your finger. Repeat this step for days or weeks until your Boston again becomes comfortable with you manipulating their mouth area.

Always remember to be patient. You do not want this time to be wrought with anxiety for both you and your Boston.

Next, introduce a small dab of toothpaste on a toothbrush to your Boston’s mouth. When your dog has tasted the toothpaste, reapply a small dab to the toothbrush and brush gently in a circular motion to their front teeth. Praise your Boston often, stroke their neck gently, speak softly. When your Boston is relaxed, pull their lips and cheek back gently to gain access to the side and back teeth. Brush softly.

Boston Terri terriers do not accumulate much tartar on the inside of their teeth, so it is important to worry only about the outside surfaces. The back teeth are very important.

Try to make your Boston’s dental care time pleasurable. Stop each session and lavishly praise your dog.

Your Boston Terrier may actually start to look forward to their dental care time.

Consult your Boston’s Veterinarian for brushing frequency. Most will recommend at least twice a week. Boston’s with stubborn dental problems may need more frequent dental care.

While brushing your Boston’s teeth twice a week may seem daunting, it will become easier with practice and patience. By caring for your Boston’s dental hygiene, you will assure good dental health, and may prevent more serious dental and medical problems as they age.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Consult with your veterinarian to determine frequency of needed professional dental care. Most will recommend an interval of one to three years.

Professional dental care is performed under general anesthesia. It will consist of scaling (to remove tartar above and below the gum line); polishing (to smooth the surface of your Boston’s teeth); and flushing (to dislodge both tartar and bacteria).

A professional dental cleaning may consist of:

a. Anesthetizing your Boston Terrier. b. Taking x-rays to assess the health of their teeth and surround bone areas. c. Flushing their mouth with antibacterial solution to kill bacteria d. Using an ultrasonic scaler to clean the teeth. e. Polishing the teeth to remove scratches f. Examining each tooth and the surrounding gums for signs of disease g. Reflushing the mouth again with the antibacterial solution. h. Applying a dental agent to retard plaque buildup. i. Documenting any abnormalities on your Boston’s chart. j. Recommending follow-up and determining a home care regimen for your Boston Terrier.

The typical cost of a professional veterinarian’s dental care for your Boston Terrier is between $70 and $350. Costs may increase if your veterinarian may determines that your dog may need pre-anesthesia blood work. A need for a more extensive cleaning may also increase the costs.

February

Remember that February is National Canine Dental Month.

If you have not had, your Boston Terriers’ teeth examined by your veterinarian, then now is an excellent time. They may recommend a home care regimen that will prevent further problems. Glossary

Plaque – a film of saliva, mucus, bacteria, and food residues that builds up on the surface of teeth and can cause gum disease.

Tartar – a hard deposit of mostly organic material that forms on teeth at the gum line and contributes to dental decay if not regularly removed.

The Boston Terrier s a loving companion dog well suited to apartment and small house living . She only requires walks for exercise. She can become overheated in hot and humid climates. She is highly intelligent and easy to train. She is good with children, other animals and the elderly. Just as a reminder, never leave young children with a dog or puppy unsupervised.

Some Registries:
* Boston Terrier lub of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 4 Boston Terrier puppies

Category: Non sporting. Mastiff.

Terms To Describe: Gentle, alert, intelligent, expressive, well mannered, cuddly, well balanced,

*Other Names Known By: Round Heads, Yankee Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Boston terrier:
Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” the Boston terrier is a cross between an English White Terrier and an English bulldog, first originating sometime during the late 19th century. During that era, the breed was called Hooper’s Judge, weighing around 30 pounds. Over the years, the n-Terriers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" > Boston Terrier 8217;s name changed and it was bred down in size. Although the early breed was classified as lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight, today they are usually between 10 and 25 pounds.
The interesting thing about the Boston terrier is that it was the first American breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893. During the late 1870s, these dogs were used for pit fighting but today, they are known as being the first non-sporting dog bred in the United States, a docile breed. Hitting a peak in popularity during the 1920s, the Boston Terrier emains a nice choice for families although males tend to challenge other dogs for turf.Physical Appearance
Again, the Boston terrier is not a large breed, being very compact but well proportioned. The dog has a short tail, short muzzle, and alert, erect ears. Height can vary but most dogs in this breed are between 15 and 17 inches at the withers. As with other terrier breeds, you will find the Boston Terrier arked with various colors and color combinations, as indicated below.
* Black with White Markings
* Brindle
* Seal
* Combination of black, brindle, and seal
Regardless of the color of the terrier, the chest, band around the neck, muzzle, and partially up on the forelegs, along with the hocks and rear legs should be white. Then, for American Kennel Club standards, the Boston terrier should also present a white blaze that goes between the eyes but without touching.Temperament and Personality
The most noticeable characteristics of the Boston terrier are alertness, gentleness, and excellent manners. Because of the sweet disposition of this breed, it makes an excellent companion dog. Typically, the breed loves being around people, specifically adults. However, if socialized young, they also do quite well around children and other animals. Interestingly, the Boston terrier is not a big barker. While they will alert when necessary, barking is seldom, making them a great choice for apartment-dwellers.Health
For the most part, the Boston terrier is a strong, healthy breed. However, the breed does not handle heat and humidity well, which is because of the short muzzle. In fact, too much heat could lead to heat exhaustion. Although the average age of the Boston terrier is around 13, some will live to 15 or 16.
Due to the short muzzles, the Boston terrier does have a few considerations. For one thing, they can “reverse sneeze,” which is simply a gasp and snort. While it sounds horrible to the owner, this does not hurt the dog. If you find your Boston Terrier ecoming overly excited with an episode of reverse sneezing followed, just calm the dog down and the episode will stop.
Another non-dangerous tendency is to snort and snore, again because of the short muzzle. Depending on the dog, he or she may actually need minor surgery to help, making breathing easier. Therefore, if you feel your Boston Terrier s not getting adequate air, we recommend you talk to your veterinarian. Finally, some Boston terriers will have eye problems such as ulcers. With a prominent eye structure, you would want to watch for any signs of injury or redness.

Has your dog been left to sleep on the floor every night? Thats so totally uncomfortable, and you should know that by investing in a large dog bed, your dog will soon be sleeping as peacefully and comfortably as you. Your dog works hard every day to dig holes in your backyard for you to fill up, pulling food off of the table behind your back, and stealing your favorite T.V chair from you when its time for your dog to watch some T.V. after a hard days work of digging holes, stealing food, and robbing chairs for T.V time (dogs have their favorite shows, too!) they deserve to have a warm and comfy dog bed waiting for them to flop lazily into when its bedtime (or naptime.)

As an owner of 1 large English Pointer (Bryan), and another large German Shorthaired Pointer (Elliott), I can tell you that they both have a large dog bed to rest comfortably in. They love it too, in fact 90% of the day you can find Bryan sleeping peacefully in his dog bed. The other 10% of the time you can either find him outside, digging a hole that could probably take you to the lost city of Atlantis, or inside stuffing his face during lunchtime (yes, our dogs have their meals made for them at lunchtime, and thats a whole different article right there.)

A large dog bed can accommodate all large dogs. As stated, we have a couple of Pointers, as well as a Chocolate Labrador (Hershey) who all have their own large dog beds, but there are other large dogs that will appreciate a large dog bed, such as Dalmatians, Bull Dogs, and Huskies.

Speaking of Huskies, we (me and my mom) took Bryan to the dog park one day (and if you have ever seen an English Pointer, they do not look ANYTHING like a Husky.) As we were walking around, and he was busy at play, we noticed a couple sitting on a bench, and they were identifying the different breeds of dogs to unsure people. We thought this was a good and engaging idea at least until Bryan walked past them, and they said, and I quote, Now that dog, thats a husky! We found it to be quite funny, and even though Bryan was totally insulted, he still went hard at play that day. When we brought him home from the dog park, he was very tired, so guess what he did? Thats right; he flopped down into his large dog bed!

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The Boston Terrier is a compact, small dog with a square face and a personality bigger than their 10-25 pound size. Although the most common color is black and white, they may be brindle or seal, and have distinct markings required in the standard. They are not a true terrier, belonging to the AKC non-sporting group. As such, they are usually not as driven or high energy as the “typical terrier”.
With the nickname “American Gentleman” the Boston terrier is generally a friendly, loving dog that can vary within the breed from very willing to very stubborn. It gives owners a chance to choose a dog that fits their personality. Some are cuddly, some are more independent but due to a heritage of being companion dogs they generally get along well with people, dogs and other pets. Following the Civil War they were bred in stables around Boston Massachusetts.
Many would be surprised to hear that these dogs were actually bred down from bulldogs, bull terriers and later French Bulldogs to reduce the size. Early in the development they were fighting dogs, largely from English bulldog and English terrier stock. Due to the origins from that stock around Boston in the 1870s the club was originally called the American Bull Terrier Club but that didn’t set well with Bull Terrier breeders so the name was changed to a more local representation and the Boston Terrier was born, first admitted into the AKC in 1893 as the first US breed recognized and the first non-sporting dog bred in the US.
Much like the Morgan horse traces to one horse, the Boston terrier traces to “Judge” owned by Robert Hooper. Bred to Edward Burnett’s “Gyp” the foundation was started particularly through Well’s Eph. This is a fairly young breed as history goes.
By the 1900s the breed’s distinctive markings became part of the standard, making it a requirement instead of an option. Today they are terrier in name only. This is a typically easy going breed that gets by on moderate exercise, the short coat requires little grooming and they are usually easy to train. He is no longer a fighter but many will rise to defending themselves if challenged. He makes a wonderful companion dog.
From a standards point for conformation the dog should be balanced, with good expression and proper markings. The head and neck, topline, body and tail share equal importance, followed by general appearance, expression, forequarters, hindquarters and gait. Lastly, eyes, ears, feet and color/markings have points awarded, although solid colored dogs without markings is cause for disqualification. Additionally gray or liver base colors are cause for disqualification.
The shortened muzzle of the Boston Terrier oes bring some challenges you should be aware of. Excessive heat or cold can harm your dog so caution is needed to protect him from extremes while exercising.
Brachycephalic syndrome is one of the issues that affects not only the French Bulldog but the Boston terrier as well. The normal dog expels air and fresh air inflates the lungs, with the pressure of the chest equal to that of outside air. With these breeds, low pressure within the airway means the dog must work harder to breathe – to pull that air into the lungs. This can result in these breeds being susceptible to overheating at much higher rates than other dogs. Care must be taken – much like closing your nose off part way it’s harder for air to get into the lungs.
According to the standard, the eyes are set square in the skull and the outside corners should be in line with cheeks when viewed from the front. This calls for eye protection due to large eyes that somewhat protrude. Doggie visors can help keep the sun out of their eyes. Do not let your Boston terrier stick his head outside the vehicle – while protecting the eyes of any dog with this rule is important, because of the very structure of the head it’s more true with Bostons. Keep your Boston terrier away from thorny plants to prevent getting their eyes scratched, and avoid dusty areas if possible.
This is stressed because there are 20 different problems that can be created with Boston terriers. Juvenile Cataracts should be tested for annually as this can cause blindness. Watch for change to the eye including a blue, gray or white color. If he begins bumping into things, is afraid of stairs or getting up on something, is timid in unfamiliar places it’s all signs to have him checked. If a normally outgoing dog becomes “clingy” it may also be a sign he’s not able to see as well and looking to you for help.
Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to reverse or shrink cataracts. It is important to be mindful of protecting the eyes of your Boston terrier and as much as possible reduce the chances of injury. There is sometimes surgical options, but this isn’t foolproof. Dogs that are blind can live a healthy, normal life if handled with this in mind. Keep the environment familiar and keep him in a fenced yard or on leash at all times when outside.
Juvenile cataracts is a recessive hereditary disease – both parents may be normal but if the offspring have the wrong genetics match up they could have the disease not present in the parents. Genetic testing before breeding is highly advised to determine if the individual is a carrier of juvenile cataracts.
Some heart issues are also known to affect boston terriers s well as things that affect all dogs no matter what breed.
Some breeders speak of necessary C-sections so in addition to health testing there is a vet specializing in bully breeds (remember that breathing issue) and thus a cost of thousands of dollars to produce one puppy. Due to the blocky head it is not uncommon for a C-section to be needed to produce puppies, something that warrants serious consideration before breeding. With the high fees it would seem demand for these wonderful little dogs is high enough one need never be in rescue, but that is not the case.
There are certainly serious considerations to breeding any dog and more so with breeds like the Boston terrier. Equally certain even among champion to champion breeding not all will be show dogs but these are still incredible pets and companions. If the Boston Terrier ounds like a dog that would be a fit for your home, contact a Boston terrier breeder to see about an unshowable dog, or look into rescues that pull dogs given up by their owners or found on the streets. There are incredible dogs looking for homes and if you are serious about finding your ideal Boston terrier it can happen.

The personality of a lively child put into dog- this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers . But as it appears, that still would not justify their temperaments.These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox, rat, otter and the likes over and under the ground. And as its name suggests, “terrier” came from the word “terra” which means, “earth”.While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics, they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another.The following are the subgroups of the terrier breed:Show Terriers- These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings.Bull and Terrier Types- these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers . Only in the last quarter of 1800’s did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction.Hunting and Working Terriers- The breed that was primarily bred for hunting.Toy Terriers- These are the smaller versions of terriers , which are basically categorized into the companion breed.To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs, we have prepared some dog profiles here, please read on.Airedale Terrier- This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed. Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder, this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings.A cross-breed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier, Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess. Australian Terrier- Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many out-crossings with other dog breeds. A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England. The offspring of which was taken to Australia. With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land, many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter. It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.Border Terrier- A True-blue working terrier, this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give. Border terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting. Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training, Border terriers can also make good family pets.Bull Terrier- Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, this dog is known to have been well-accustomed to courage and good resistance to pain. However, when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800’s, most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs. Bull Terri terriers came from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce all-white specie. This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname “White Cavalier”.There are of course a variety of other terrier species. Initially, you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them. Who knows, you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed.

The personality of a lively child put into dog- this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers. But as it appears, that still would not justify their temperaments. These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox, rat, otter and the likes over and under the ground. And as its name suggests, “terrier” came from the word “terra” which means, “earth”.

While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics, they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another.

The following are the subgroups of the terrier breed:

Show terriers - These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings.

Bull and Terrier Types- these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers. Only in the last quarter of 1800’s did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction.

Hunting and Working terriers - The breed that was primarily bred for hunting.

Toy terriers - These are the smaller versions of terriers , which are basically categorized into the companion breed.

To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs, we have prepared some dog profiles here, please read on.

Airedale Terrier- This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed. Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder, this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings.

A cross-breed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier, Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess.

Australian Terrier- Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many out-crossings with other dog breeds. A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England. The offspring of which was taken to Australia. With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land, many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter. It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Border Terrier- A True-blue working terrier, this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give. Border Terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting.

Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training, Border terriers can also make good family pets.

Bull Terrier Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, this dog is known to have been well-accustomed to courage and good resistance to pain. However, when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800’s, most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs.

Bul bul Bull Terriers > ame from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce all-white specie. This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname “White Cavalier”.

There are of course a variety of other terrier species. Initially, you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them. Who knows, you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed.

Is the American pit- Bull Terrier enetically different than other breeds? Were they born t o fight?  In Britain, pit bulls are considered dangerous creatures.  Britain’s government ministers want to ban the breed altogether.1 The main purpose for having a pit bull was not to protect the family from dangers as with Doberman pinchers and rottweilers who were bred to guard their owners.  Defenders believe the dog is as harmless as any other dog, but this may not be the case.  They say the owners who have the dogs have made pit bulls act this way.  Pit bulls were genetically bred to become fighting dogs.  A Pit bulls head and bone structure allow them to attack, fight and kill other dogs.

According to The Economist’, when talking about reasons why a dog may be dangerous, one can speculate scientifically about the chemicals that are found in the body, in general, which may encourage dogs. There are some chemicals and mechanisms which are found in the body that trigger one to attack called the RAS or Reticular Activating System.  In this system is a chemical called L-tyrosine is found which sends signals from nerve to nerve. This chemical can be altered genetically through breeding. Dogs which have elevated levels of L-tyrosine attack more easily.  It is suggested that pit bulls have this genetic chemical, Not only does it increase attacking, but distracts a dog from feeling pain, so a dog may attack for many minutes even though someone is trying to hit them or make them release their victim.  In a certain attack a pit bull attacked someone for 15 minutes.  This involved a young girl, and the adults who were trying to help her could not beat of the dogs, even though the animal had begun to bleed.

This deflection of pain is also one of the reasons why pit bulls may attack.  Usually if dogs are in fights, they shy away from the dog that beat them, but pit bulls do not.  This may be related to endorphins which may decrease the feeling of pain.  But of course endorphins and its man-made sister, morphine, which is a pain reliever, are addicting.  The pit bull may be seeking out ways to increase their endorphins by getting into fights in order to receive the endorphins, which are also at an elevated than level than normal.  They seek ways to increase pain in order to get the endorphins which are made through fighting.  This sensitivity seems to be found more in pit bulls because of their reaction to receiving anesthetics.  Not only do they receive endorphins, they receive a higher amount than other dogs  It is like morphine for human beings, it becomes addictive to the dogs, and they seem to want to fight in order to relieve these cravings.

In Britain, before the dog was popular, the pit bull used to be culled if it bit someone, therefore naturally modifying the behavior of the breed genetically by cutting off those dogs with a tendency to attack.  Ever since the pit bull has become a sought after pet, culling has decreased, creating an attack dog that genetically will attack more often than normal.  Owners do have some responsibility for a pit bulls aggressiveness.  In a pack of dogs there is always an alpha male who is in charge of being the bully or attacking.  When in a household, the dog may become the alpha male and not the owner, causing, the dog to attack.  It is recommended to teach young dogs to be submissive and obedient, yet in the case of pit bulls this may not work.

Certain dog breeds are sometimes made popular by movies.  Lianne George, the author, states that a case in point was Disney’s movie about Dalmatians.  She states everyone went out to buy one because of the movie and soon realized a Dalmatians temperament was not as docile as those in the movie.  This has also occurred with Doberman Pinschers.  As the fad runs out, so do the breed of dogs.  In the instance of Dobermans, Diane Jessup, an animal control officer and canine historian based in Washington, states that, “Now you hardly ever see them”.  Today’s dog breed of choice is now pit bulls.  We see them in rap videos and traversing the streets with no owners in sight.   They are seen walking down streets in neighborhoods in which they are considered prized possessions.  People now fear them more because of all the attacks that are being publicized.  In Canada, pit bulls are now banned from being bred, and those that have owners must be muzzled if outside.  This is the first time a breed has been banned over an entire province.  According to Attorney General, Michael Bryant, there are those who believe as  he does; that pit bulls are “ticking time bombs”.  There are those who deal with animals daily who believe it is all media-based hype.  Pit bulls weren’t always the black sheep of dogs.  They use to grace American advertisements, and were examples of America’s strength.  Other use of the pit bulls image was in Buster Brown ads, and The Little Rascals series.  But now pit bulls are considered a liability, and are now the most mistreated dog in the US.  Pit bulls are chained up for most of their lives.

In Ontario, Canada, a law was passed which banned pit bulls in the province after several attacks.  One of the stipulations of the law is that it encompasses all breeds of pit bulls, yet not all breeds of pit bulls are necessarily dangerous. A doctor in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Gary Landsberg, an Ontario veterinarian and president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, states that even if the breed was eliminated, the people, or owners, would switch to different dogs.  In Winnipeg, this is exactly what happened.  Pit bulls were banned and attacks decreased, but Rottwieler and German shepherd attacks increased.  Landsberg says that “people who want to breed and/or own vicious dogs will simply turn to other breeds”. People abuse pit bulls in order to make them more behaviorally mean. “If you knew what these dogs go through, you’d be amazed that there wasn’t a pit bull fatality every day of the week.” said Diane Jessup, the veteran animal control officer.  She does not believe pit bulls are inherently mean, but are made that way by abusive owners.  People like Jessup are trying to create more fair laws that punish abusive owners and not those with other pit bull related dogs that are not aggressive.

Dog Attack Statistics

Statistics:

(Statistics from Karen Delise, “Fatal Dog Attacks” 1965-2001)

Jimmie Mae McConnell was a Kansas City woman who feared for her safety at her own home.  She was killed when a neighbors’ two Pit Bulls attacked her while she was gardening.  Her last plea was a phone call to her son-in-law to call the police.  She died at a local hospital soon after.  A friend of hers stated that McConnell said that “[O]ne of these days those dogs are going to get me”.  One dog was tranquilized and another retrieved from a neighbor’s house after getting a search warrant.  Most of the households in that area stated that the dogs belonged to those neighbors, which were next door.  Though police had not identified the breed of the dogs, most of the neighbors agreed they were pit bulls, which are not allowed in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Center for Disease Control in the State Legislatures’ journal states that 12 people are killed and 5 million bitten per year. Policymakers in at least 29 states have laws which deal with dangerous dogs.  Most states create these laws after a trial in court with an animal officer present. In Ohio, all pit bulls are barred.  Usually a dog in any other state would be banned if they attacked someone, but not because of what breed it is, as in Ohio. In other states, it is unlawful to ban a dog because of its breed, but Denver, Colorado is fighting to do just that.  They have been successful in overturning the states statute, which bans breed-specific legislation. 4 At this point in time, most states have enacted a law which shields owners from liability for the first dog bite, but makes them accountable for the second and on.

Dog Attack Laws

As mentioned earlier, Colorado overturned a state statute made in 2004 to ban breed-specific dogs.  The statute was overturned after a 3 year old and 59 year old minister were killed.6 At this point in time, any Pit-bull related dog or even a dog that looks like a pit bull will be euthanized.  Many other states are thinking about following in line.

This approach has sparked some controversy.  Two-hundred or more pit bull type dogs have been euthanized in Houston.  This type of legislation has only grown more prevalent.  For example, the consequences of owning a pit bull are severe penalties, or the state will ban the breed.  Laws in Houston which occurred in August of 2006, which included creating fines for owners and banning pit bulls, has created the most number of euthanized dogs ever.  Many states, including California will not ban dogs based on breed. Because of the mauling of McConnell in Kansas and  men in Missouri, these two states are considering following the lead of Ohio and banning breeds states Janna Goodwin of the National Conference of State Legislatures.  Ledy VanKavage, an attorney with the ASPCA, states that they want to protect people from dangerous dogs, but labeling pit bulls as evil dogs is not fair, “any dog can bite”.  Cities are taking action against pit bulls in less harsh ways.  Ron Boyer, an assistant director of health in Missouri, states that their plan is to have all pit bulls registered.  This was in response to a number of children who had been mauled. He states that this requirement is “an immediate mechanism to deal with the problem”.  The City Council of Kansas, MO created a law in which Missouri can have a non-lethal way of tracking dogs, such as having them altered, or having owners put up fences and record who gets the puppies of that dog  Other states have followed suit, including Kansas, and Illinois.  The governor of Missouri believes this will create stricter laws for those who own pit bulls.  But Shawn Webster, a veterinarian and state representative in Ohio, states that pit bulls are not genetically prone to attacks, and states that they are “great family pets”.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh held a study and found that not only have states begun enacting laws which ban certain breeds of dogs, but insurance companies have also.  In 1996, a well-known insurance company, State Farm, gave out 80 billion dollars to people who had been attacked by dogs, 30% of all of its medical payments.  This has in turn caused insurance companies to refrain from giving out insurance to owners of attack-prone dogs.  It has been said that the media has created this idea that certain dogs are inherently vicious.  An article from American Law Reports Fourth states that certain pit bull dogs are the “natural enemy of humanity…and are never completely predictable”. In Lynn city in Massachusettes, to the Lynn ordinance was passed which stated that all pit bulls were to be regulated strictly. Yet, it has not been possible for animal control officers or owners to directly pinpoint which type of pit bulls are vicious or not.  There are different types of pit bulls including, “American Staffordshire, Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier Bull Terrier or any mixture thereof”.  But those dogs are difficult to name as a certain breed and therefore the ordinance of a state to provide limitation on owners of certain dogs was not lawful.

Courtney Frank, a spokeswoman for the Houston Humane Society said that “there was no redemption for pit bulls raised to fight.” Frank stated that this has increased the negative connotations we think of when dealing with pit bulls (e.g.  killing people, etc.)  Frank does not believe that the dogs were inherently bad, but that their owners were to blame for putting them in dog fights.  Over half of US states have some kind of ordinances dealing with vicious dogs according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Dog Behavior

A dog psychologist, Cesar Millan, deals with dogs everyday.  He even grew up on a farm and was raised with a pack of dogs. Instead of blaming the dogs, he blames their owners.  He states it has to do with the dogs being spoiled by their owners, and in return the dogs have gone against them. Millan believes dogs need to be returned to their pack oriented history.  He takes a group of dogs on walks in order to reacquaint them with this, and tries to make them see that the owner is in control, and not them.  Mordecai and Margolis, authors of a book about aggressive dog behavior, state that dogs are relatives of wolves, and therefore do share some of their traits.  This includes the need for survival, dominance, and territory.

Dog Fights

Are the bones of pit bulls and greyhounds different?  David Carrier, the author of Functional trade-offs in the limb bones of dogs…running versus fighting’ hypothesized, that one type of bone may be for fighting, while another type may be for running. He wondered had artificial selection by humans caused this effect in dogs.  He assembled a team and decided to test this out.   He put both pit bull bones and greyhound bones on a machine that would break the bones at a certain pressure.  The results were that greyhound bones were less likely to break than pit-bull bones under pressure. On the other hand; the pit bull bones absorbed two times more energy than those of greyhounds.  Those of pit bulls were of greater strength than those of greyhounds, therefore concluding that there were differences in bone structure.  One bone structure was better for fighting and the other better for running.

Conclusion

Are pit bulls friend or foe?  Some believe unfit owners abuse their dogs and this why they attack others.  Other people believe the dog is a boon to society.  They are regarded as a genetic mistake, unable to be readmitted into society, they are euthanized.  Teaching any dog to fight will make them dangerous to others. But are all pit bulls bred to fight? What about those that are not, and attack anyway? Pit bulls should then be considered inherently dangerous to people. Noting that the main victims of these attacks are young children, there should indeed be safety specific measures which will prevent these catastrophes from happening.  Should they be euthanized?  This probably goes against the law that deals with domesticated animals and our relationship with them.  Adults with small children should not allow this dog to cohabitate with them.  On the other hand, if a person wants to own one of these dogs, it should be allowed because even tigers and wolves are pets to some.  With strict regulations and humane treatment, these dogs can be a part of our society, but should not be regarded as safe and non-threatening.

References

1″Killer genes ate my dog.” Economist Vol. 319 Issue 7709, p83-83, 2/3p, 1bw (1991) 21 October 2006. Academic Search Elite

2George, Lianne. “Pit Bull, Bum Rap?” Maclean’s 117 no. 46, 112, 114 (2004)

3″Fatal Dog Attacks” The Stories Behind the Statistics. Karen Delise.

4″One Bite and Fido’s Out”. State Legislatures, Vol. 32, Issue 5 (2006) 16 October 2006. Academic Search Elite

5″Dog Attack, Kansas City Woman Killed”. Jet. 110, no. 6, 13, (2006)

6″Breed-specific dog bans”. American City & County. 120 no. 10, (2005)

7Jones, Charisse. “Laws address dogs’ potential for danger”. USA Today, (2006)

Academic Search Elite.  16 October 2006, Pg. 03a.

8Wapner, Matt, JD, and Wilson, James F. DVM, JD. “Are laws prohibiting ownership of pit bull-type dogs legally enforceable?” October 2006. JAVMA, Vol. 216, No. 10, (2000): p1552-1554.

9″Ruffing It.” People. Vol. 58, Issue 24, p199, 1p, 1c (2002)17 October 2006

10Siegal, Mordecai, and Matthew Margolis.  “GRRR!: The Complete Guide to Understanding and Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Dogs”.  Little, Brown and Company, Boston. 2000

11″Pit Bull Is Top Dog In A Fight” Journal of Experimental Biology. 208, 0iii, (2005)21 October 2006

The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds of dog that America can claim as its own. Around 1870, Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased Hooper’s Judge, a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Hooper’s Judge was bred with a smaller female, and that litter bred with French bulldogs, providing the beginnings of the Boston Terrier, America’s first non-hunting dog. Though originally bred for dog fighting, Boston Terriers are no longer used for that purpose and the aggressive traits have been bred out of the breed.

Also know as the Boston Bull, Boston Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with short, wide muzzles, dark, large round eyes, short tails and pointy erect ears. Their short coats come in black and white or brown and white and are easy to groom. Some breeders have tried selling all white Boston Terrier as rare. However, an all white coloring generally indicates a genetic weakness, making them more prone to health problems. Though boston terriers o shed, it is not excessive and with regular brushing, the shedding is easy to manage. Baths are only given when necessary.

With the proper care, Boston Terriers can live 15 years or longer, but usually average about 13 years. Boston Terriers will grow to an average of 15 to 17 inches in height and 10 to 25 pounds in weight. Their smaller size makes them suitable for all types of living environments including apartments. Boston Terriers do need regular sessions of walking and playtime, and do not require large amounts of space for their exercise. They are sociable and friendly dogs that are described as intelligent and energetic. Boston Terriers make good family pets and companions and are generally good around children and other pets. They make fair watchdogs; some bos Boston Terriers > ill bark only when necessary and others will never bark.

Boston Terriers are prone to breathing problems, due to their short snouts. Some of them will snore when sleeping, which can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, but it can be corrected with surgery. Exercise caution when out in excessive heat and humidity with a Boston Terrier, as they are more prone to heat exhaustion due to their short snouts. Boston Terriers are more likely to experience problems with heart and skin tumors and are more likely to suffer eye injuries due to their prominent eyes.

There is a website that has great information on Boston Terriers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Boston Terriers are the top dog breed in many different respects. Bostons–or BTs–as many Boston owners often refer to them, are considered on-top for a variety of reasons:
** They’re tops in playfulness.
** They’re tops in eating.
** They’re tops in snoring.
** They’re tops in passing gas and producing solid waste (sorry, but it’s true).
** They’re tops in sleeping peacefully for hours on end.
** They’re tops in chewing and gnawing on bones.
** They’re tops in cuteness.
** They’re tops in loving.
It’s probably true that most dog breed owners believe their preferred dog breed to be the best, but Boston terriers are some of the greatest dogs around. But let’s take a little closer look at Bos Boston Terriers #8230;
A puppy trainer once said that, “ Boston Terriers are a big dog in a little dog’s body…”, and nothing could be more apt. BTs are not afraid of much. They’ll rumble at will with much bigger Golden Retrievers and Labradors. In fact, many Boston Terriers seem to prefer playing with big dogs.
Boston’s have a wonderful muscular physique. Compact and strong, they usually top out at 20 or 25 pounds, and it’s not uncommon to find more petite Boston Terriers as well.
BTs love to play and they’re speedy and athletic, so be sure to have lots of fetch toys available. They may even be good candidates for agility training, a sort of obstacle course for dogs. But they also love to chew and have strong jaws, so you’ll want to keep strong bones on hand, plus well-made chew ropes or hard rubber tug toys. Forget the little plastic squeaky toys… they’ll be mincemeat in minutes… honestly.
boston terriers o play hard, but when they stop, they sleep hard too. Few dog breeds can crash into total oblivion as fast as a Boston. And if they can curl up on the bed or couch with you, so much the better. They absolutely love to nestle into the curve between your butt and knees if you lay on your side. Be prepared to share your bed with your Boston Terrier… they’re almost impossible to resist!
Boston’s eat well too. Not picky, for the most part, they’ll wolf down meals with abandon. And be sure to keep some tasty–but healthy–snacks on hand too to reward good behavior, or just to spoil your little cutie.
And talk about cute… What could be cuter than your little “tuxedo man” (or woman) with the black and white markings, big brown eyes, huge ears, smushy face, and that little pout? One inquisitive look from a Boston Terrier with his head cocked, and you melt.
Of course, Boston Terrier are also “good” at some less desirable things. With their short snouts, breathing is more of a challenge, and they’ll snore better than some humans when sleeping. So, if you’re not a sound sleeper, it could create some problems. Some Boston owners consider their pet to be a “solid waste factory”. It’s not uncommon during a 10-block walk for him to “go” at least twice. So, bring lots of bags!
If you like to exercise, walk, or hike with your Boston, it’s also important to know that their short snouts make it difficult for them to cool their bodies effectively during hot weather. Their dark coats don’t help either. So, you may need to leave your Boston Terriers home on hot days… or to provide some kind of cooling, through a vest with cold packs in it or some such. Cold weather can be hard for a BT too, with their short hair and lack of extra fat. It may look silly, but your BT needs to wear a warm coat when outside on cold days.
But what Boston Ter terriers are absolutely the best at is… loving their owners. They love us with their total being, following us around the house, and always wanting to be close. Most dogs provide unconditional love to their people; it’s one of the biggest reasons to own a dog. But Boston Terriers are absolutely devoted to people.
Boston’s are hands down one of the top dog breeds you could ever own. Won’t you adopt a Boston Terrier today?