Boston Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

Boston Terrier vs Border Collie - Breed ComparisonBoston Terrier is originated from United States but Border Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Boston Terrier may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Border Collie. Boston Terrier may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Border Collie. Boston Terrier may live 4 years less than Border Collie. Both Boston Terrier and Border Collie has almost same litter size. Boston Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Border Collie requires Moderate maintenance

History

boston terrier - historyNicknamed the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is the result of crossing the British Bulldog with the white English Terrier. At first the Boston Terrier was bred to be a fighting dog, but since then, undesirable characteristics have been bred out and today the Boston Terrier is regarded as an indoor dog that doesn’t tolerate extreme weather conditions.

The breed emerged in the 1870s when Robert Hooper from Boston bought a dog thought to be a mix of a Terrier and Bull type lineage. A specialist breed club was formed in 1891 and in 1979 the commonwealth of Massachusetts named the Boston Terrier the Official State Dog. By the 20th century, the breed’s color and patterns were standard and an essential feature.

border collie - historyThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
38 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 11 kg
11 - 25 pounds
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
10 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, American Gentlemen
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Brindle with white markings, Brown and white or black and white.
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
Coat:
Short and smooth
Moderately long and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

boston terrier puppy - descriptionThe Boston Terrier is a lively, strong-willed breed with an alert expression and fairly large, erect ears. He is a small to medium sized dog and his square muzzle puts him among the Bull breeds. The dog is compact in build and varies quite significantly in size. Weight with the dog is actually divided into 3 categories – lightweight (under 6.8kg), middleweight (up to 9kg) and the heavyweights being between 9.1kg and up to 11.4kg. The Boston has a short head and a naturally short, low-set tail. The coat is short and smooth, and the colour can be brindle with white markings, brown and white or black and white.

It’s the energetic liveliness of the Boston Terrier that makes him such a lovable and popular pet. He has an affectionate, gentle nature that makes him a fantastic family pet and he gets on well with children and pets in the home. He can adapt to city or country life. One or two interesting facts of this breed are -

with his short nose, he is prone to drool and snore

he is prone to corneal ulcers because of his large, somewhat protruding eyes

with a small pelvis, the females often battle with the birthing process and may require a caesarean section.

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

Characteristics

boston terrier dog - characteristicsThe Boston Terrier is such a sweet little dog, but you can’t really say what your puppy’s personality will be as personality varies quite a bit between individual Boston’s. Remember that just like with a human child, your puppy will turn out with characteristics that can be attributed to the way he was raised. The Boston just loves his human family and he wants to be part of all your activities, even though he may gravitate towards one favorite family member.

Your Boston can be your Best Friend

Your Boston is a Terrier and that means he is full of life and will require being exercised by you. He can’t just be left outdoors day after day because this is one particular breed that can’t adapt to changing weather conditions. He likes being inside where the temperature is more even. Look after your Boston, because if you do, you’ll be rewarded by having one of the best friends you’ve ever had.

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

Health Problems

boston terrier puppies - health problemsBoston Terriers are generally healthy, feisty little dogs but it is always wise to know that you may well come across some health conditions that can affect your pet.

Eye Problems

Your Boston may well have to contend with cataracts, and in the dog world, this isn’t only an ailment for old dogs. Juvenile cataracts can develop in young puppies already. Cherry Eye is another eye problem with a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is also an eye disease than can be found in young dog of less than a year old.

Deafness

Boston Terriers actually have a fairly high incidence of deafness in one or both ears. White Bostons tend to produce more puppies with deafness.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog and therefore more predisposed to Brachyphalic Syndrome where the dog battles to breathe because of too much soft tissue which forms in the airways.

To avoid many dog diseases with your Boston, buy your puppy from a reputable dog breeder who screens dogs used in a breeding program as this prevents puppies inheriting genetic disorders.

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

Caring The Pet

Exercise

boston terrier dogs - caringThe Boston Terrier is a lively dog, and even though he doesn't have any extreme exercise requirements, he will still require you exercising him by taking him on walks, or having ball games with him. As an essentially indoor dog, he can even enjoy some quieter indoor games.

Feeding

You’ll be able to gauge how much your pet requires in terms of high quality food, but by the time he is an adult, he usually has one or two bowls of food a day. Size and age play an important role in determining his eating habits. Home made foods made up of rice, meat and vegetables are always welcome for your pet and these can be added into his top quality commercially produced dog food. For a healthy dog who is free of skin problems include some raw meat in the diet from time to time. Always make sure that there is a bowl of fresh, cool water which is available 24/7.

Grooming

With his short coat, the Boston Terrier isn’t a heavy shedder and is low maintenance in terms of keeping his coat groomed. Brush him at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to also prevent flea and tick infestations. Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to ensure no plaque build-up which can damage the teeth. Never use human toothpaste, but invest in special toothpaste and -brush for dogs. If he is essentially an indoor dog, you may have to get the vet to trim his nails too.

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boston Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Boston Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Jack Russell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Patterdale Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwich Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Norfolk Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. English White Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Parson Russell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Manchester Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cesky Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnorkie vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Sealyham Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Border Collie vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  29. Border Collie vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Collie vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Sakhalin Husky vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. German Pinscher vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Puli vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Porcelaine vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Finnish Lapphund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Pumi vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds