Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoston Terrier is originated from United States but Border Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Boston Terrier and Border Terrier are having almost same height. Both Boston Terrier and Border Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Boston Terrier and Border Terrier has almost same life span. Both Boston Terrier and Border Terrier has almost same litter size. Boston Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Border Terrier 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 terrier - historyAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

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 terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

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 terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving 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 terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

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.

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
38 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Height Female:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 11 kg
15 - 25 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 11 kg
11 - 25 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, American Gentlemen
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Colors Available:
Brindle with white markings, Brown and white or black and white.
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short, dense and springy
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Jack Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Bull Terrier Miniature vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwich Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norfolk Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. English White Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Parson Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Feist vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Manchester Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Cesky Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Schnorkie vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Sealyham Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds