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Hi Everyone!!!!Am going to get a small dog for my mom for company.She seems to think she wants a Boston Terrior. I know this a cute little breed,but just don't know much about them.Would appreciate any opinions you guys might have on this little breed as a companion....Thanks Sandy
Logan will come to the rescue on this one! Her mom has a Boston Terrier called Darcy. She has posted some cute shots of him here. Logan are you out there!! :D
They are precious little dogs. But just make sure your mom knows she will have to work hard on the training. These are very, very energetic dogs! But so compact, and quite cuddly when tired, which is rare. My mother and father absolutely adore Mr. Darcy, and we do too. If it was up to me, I'd go for something a little different (and bigger of course)! It's all in what you like though! And this is the breed my mother loves. They are very smart, and with proper training, are wonderful pets. Here's a picture of Mr. Darcy as a little baby...
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/008/4m/CK/St/w250885.jpg
Let us know what the decision is. I love all dogs and Mr. Darcy is quite a character! It might be good if your mom could spend some time around several different types of small dogs, then she could be sure.
[ July 12, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]
Thanks Logan I will tell my mom what you said.A friend of hers has a Boston and she has just fell in love with him.She likes my shih tzus,but not the hair.Thanks for sending the picture of Darcy.He is a doll.I will let you know the outcome.Thanks to ya both..Sandy
That pic is SSOO cute!!! I love the bostons. Here is a url that gives alot of info on the Boston's:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm
I would strongly suggest that your mother consider another breed. My friend has a Boston Terror and she is highly active and if not exercised will destroy his house, shoes, towels, etc. She is almost 3 years old and he still has to cage her whenever he leaves the house. Boston Terrier rescue groups already have alot of these dogs to place due to people not realizing the high amount of exercise and work needed with this breed.
Shih Tzu's may have alot of hair (which can be cut several times a year) but they are laid back and not destructive. They don't need a lot of exercise either...great for an older person.
Boston Terrors tend to need children in the home to tired them out.
Sorry but this breed just isn't for older people.
A Boston Terrier is a great choice in breed for your mom.
Boston Terriers are very smart, active and so lovable. Start training early because they sometimes can take longer to train then other breeds, depending on the dog. My sister has a Boston Terrier and she was trained to pee on the paper when we got her at six weeks old, by the end of the next week she was off the paper and going to the washroom outside.
She is now 5 months old and is the best little dog in the world. She is so smart she knows her basic commands, and has learned a couple of other tricks her fave being a summersalt. She is started in agility and is pretty good. She is one big couch potatoe and loves to just sit and snuggle with anyone who is willing to lend her thier lap.
I think your mother would be very happy with a Boston Terrier, is she an older lady ? They are the perfect companion for older people, I know alot of people in there 60's who have a Boston and they don't think they could live without them.
This is my sisters Boston Reegan at 9 weeks with my hound Hannah.
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/015/3y/iR/Nj/9q82818.jpg
They are the best of friends, Bostons get along great with other dogs and cats and are excellent with children.
Listen to me I sound like a boston terrier door to door sales women :D but honestly I really think it would be a great dog for her. I don't want to start a fight but I think Lori V. is wrong in her opinion on the boston, just because one dog is like that doesn't mean they all are. It sounds to me like your friends boston wasn't properly trained.
Talk to other Boston Terrier owners and if you think they would fit into your mothers life style then I think you should get one.
I'm sorry Ilovehounds, I don't care for this breed at all (nor hound dogs). I can't stand a dog that jumps all over you and never settles down, even to be petted. My friends' Boston Terror just runs and runs and runs...
he has to put it in the bedroom when ever he has company.
Got to make you wonder why there are so many needing homes by Boston Terror Rescue Groups. I think that says it all.
Sorry but her mother will regret getting this breed!!!
Oh also my siter has a website for Little Reegan if you wanted to check out all her picks and she has links to other great Boston sites aswell.
Reegans Room
Click on the pic on the front page to see all the other pics.
There is no need be be inmature about this Lori, as a stated I don't want to start a fight, but just because one boston chews and destroys doesn't give you the right to put down the breed altogether. Im sure there is a chewer and destroyer in every breed. If you don't like Bostons or hounds then I respect that, you have the right to dislike a breed. But don't turn another lady off a breed she likes just because your friends boston isn't perfect. With the proper training this lady will have a wonderful pet and companion in a boston. Read the link Shepherlover posted, I think it says it all. "especially good with elderly people" is want it says and I agree.
Ilovehounds: I'm not being immature, I'm stating my experience with Boston Terrors...
You do not pick a breed based on looks. You pick a breed that suits your life style. A very active breed needs lots of exercise and older people can't give them the exercise they need.
Just visit a Boston Terror website and they are always looking from homes for this breed. Why is this?
I guess either you love or hate this breed. No in between...
Lori V. Maybe the reason that so many dogs of all breeds are looking for homes is people don't train them and they can't stand this and they can't stand that...... :p
Personlly ink bostons are great breeds my friend has two. I have never seen such mellow dogs they are well behaved in the house. They listin so good! When you let them outside you ahve to say ok be puppys and they get hyper but if you don't say ok be puppys they won't leave your side. I love it. My friends loves his bostin to death .Just because one is bad does not mean all are bad. Why are they looking for homes fro some many Golden retreivers we have 2 shealters for golens over here does that mean they are a bad breed fro people to get? No it just means people are not takng proper care of the dogs or there is just somthing abotu the brered that turned them off. Over breeding dogs is alos a big prolem and that could be why there are som many boston rescues.
Im sorry but I don't believe I ever said they were good looking, but yes they are very cute dogs and I do agree you never get a dog based on looks. I believe I said "if a boston fits your mothers lifestyle then you should get one." I never said ya they are cute get one.
I also wanted to welcome you to pet talk, I hope this topic doesn't stop you from visiting us. I never wanted to start a fight and I hope Im not being rude, but I think if you read the other topics you will see that many people love the Bostons, and you shouldn't judge the breed by one dog.
Hi, Lori V., and welcome. Everyone is welcome to his or her own opinions. There isn't a breed that I know of that doesn't have a rescue group with dogs needing homes, really, and of course shelters are full of all sorts of dogs. Do you know of a Boston Terrier rescue group that you could recomend? Maybe that would give a dog a home with Sandy's mother, and she could talk to experienced individuals before making the commitment. Terriers of any sort tend to be higher-energy dogs than some breeds, but if she is aware of what she is getting for a dog, perhaps it will be fine!
Any dog can be a great dog for the right owner, with very few exceptions.
Karen: Thanks for the welcome. Bostons In Common website has lots of rescue links: www.boston.com. Or www.bostonrescue.com
While all breeds have rescue groups, this breed by far has the most rescue groups I've ever seen on the Internet. I just think people are mislead by their cute smiling faces. Anyway there should be lots of older dogs to choose from on these websites. Maybe the older dogs are less high strung.
Sandy, if your mother is very active and able to take a good sized walk every single day, and knows a good amount about dog training then a boston may be a good match. Bostens are extremely active, Lori is correct. I personally love them but would not recomend them for an older person simply because they are packed to the rim with energy. I am only 26 and they are too active for me, but that's my own opinion, not everyone likes a mellow dog like I do. They can be overly protective but with the right breeding and with a lot of socialization as puppies they are real friendly...maybe too friendly :) They never really settle down so your mom has to know that it will remain a puppy for most or all of its life. I have no idea how old your mom is, but if she is knowledgable about dog training and is still up and active, and has time/paitence for a boston then it could be a perfect match. If your mom wants a lap dog that likes to cuddle and be held and does not pull with all it's might on the leash then a boston would not be a good choice. Bostons don't like to stand still they want to GO, GO, GO. And most bostons can never walk fast enough on a leash...they pull the entire walk. If they cuddle it will be just a brief cuddle in between spasticlly bouncing around and having fun and making it's owner laugh.
If your mother is depressed or sad or lonely and needs to laugh on a regular basis then a boston would help her with that. They have a great sence of humor because they are extremely silly. They love to make people laugh.
I am not going to put any breeds down because I don't want to hurt feelings, and there are always exceptions to every single breed, but with exception to the rare few bostons that are mellow, everything I said and Lori said seems to be right on. I have yet to meet a mellow boston, and I have been a dog fancier for 15 years and I had worked in a vet for almost 5 years, done lots of volunteer work at shetlers, and attended dozens of dog shows so I have been exposed to many breeds. I guess it all boils down to how active/patient your mom is and how much she knows about training and socializing.
Good luck :) Be sure and let us know if your mom wants to get a boston even after what she knows about them. I think they are absolutely adorable!
Oh...and about the shih tzu....did I by chance show you the pics of my moms new shih tzu, Ritz? Oh my gosh is he SO cute! He's so cute I can hardly stand it :) Here he is :)
http://photomail.photoworks.com/shar...66097976350601
Adore My Dogs:
Thanks for sugar coating what I saying...
The pics of the Shih Tzu are too precious. I have a gold male Shih Tzu and those pictures make me want to get another one. This is the only breed I'll ever own. I guess we all have our favorites.
Having read all the above information and not having had any previous experience with this breed, I would state that a common mistake people make is underestimating the need dogs have for exercise. It was a mistake I have made myself. I don't think taking a dog for a walk constitutes enough physical or mental stimulation for a high energy animal. They need to play and romp and run. If your mother has a fenced in yard where the dog can get plenty of activity and your mom has plenty of time to supervise and interact with the dog and is aware of the time and work it takes to train the dog, then I'd say go for a Boston. If not, she might be better served to give the decision some extra thought or investigation. There is nothing worse than getting a dog that has needs that you can't provide for. My first dog as an adult was an airedale terrier. After two awful years, I had to rehome this beautiful animal. I thought I was the most dedicated dog person alive and gave it so much effort, but I didn't have the living situation that could accommodate the activity needs my dog had nor did I understand at the time how important those needs were. It was a heart rending experience to go through.
[ July 13, 2001: Message edited by: RachelJ ]
Wow you guys must be seeing some pretty crazy bostons :D I not only have one living with me but I have met alot aswell and they are nothing like you describe. Mellow would be one of the words I would use to describe Reegan :) She will sit on your lao and cuddle all day if you let her.
I just wanted to ask Sandy if she has ever seen Breed All About It, they had a wonderful show on bostons wich featured an older couple with a Boston Terrier.
All I can say is do your research, not everyone here will agree on one dog and most of the time they will only recommend the one they own.
Me again :D I forgot to leave this link I came accross the other day.
I noticed you liked Shih Tzus and there is a webpage with the cutest little SPOILED Shih Tzu :D
The URL is http://www.geocities.com/tollgirl.geo/index3a.html but I don't remember the name of it.
Hope you enjoy, I did. I love her little flat face. Did you see the Shih Tzu on America's Funniest Animals ? the one that was jumping on the bed and landing on her face ?? I laughed so hard when I saw that.
I think in any breed, each dog has a different personality. Of course some breeds are known to be more active then others.
However don't judge a book or dog by it's cover. We have two Schnauzers, terrier terrors, they are completely different. All day Daisy wants to play with her toys, play catch the ball, run through the house. I take her outside every day and throw the ball for her to give her more exercise, she can keep going and going.
On the other hand Perry is content to play for a little while, maybe run for the ball twice and give it up, play with his toys for a little while, but what he really loves to do is go in his crate and take naps or jump on my husband and give kisses and sit with him.
So I don't think so much it's the breed, but the personality of the dog.
I have to admit I don't know a thing about Bostons. :)
Jackie
Hello Sandy!
I highly recommand that you get your mom a Boston Terrier.
I have a Boston TERRIER, and she is the sweetest, she loves people and kids, so if she has grandchildren then the dog will get along with them great.
When I have company come over she gets her greetings in then she lays down, she loves to see new people as I imagine every dog does. You should never just throw a dog in a room or it will never learn.
A helpful hint to teach your dog to lay down when company comes, is to have your dog on a leash and when it goes to jump on company give a little tug and say no down, and then throw it a toy. This teaches it to go play when company comes.
And for excersie, all I do is take her outside at nigh and she runs around and plays with sticks and the cats. and if you want to take it for a walk it WON'T pull your arm out! LoL :D
For training your new puppy, when I was researching the boston I read that they are hard to train, and I was kinda erie about this, but I got my pup when she was 6wks old, and I started training her that day, I kept putting her on the paper, and then once she started going on there I let her outside first thing in the morning, then after every meal, and before bed and she was trained in less then a month.
I guess I blabbed enough, let us know what you deciede to do! :)
My former boss only ever had Bostons so this topic was interesting to me. As a child he had Bostons and as an adult he has had Bostons. Nothing else! :) I found a website that is usually right on the mark about the different dog breeds. Feel free to visit and good luck with your decision!
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm
hink a boston would be good because it would be better for an older woman to have a more active dog to keep her active and the same time the boston can be a lovable dog!
Lori V. - Any breed can jump all over you.. in your friends case that is just improper training.. he or she needs to train it not to jump.
Sandy,
You asked for opinions, and boy did you get them! :eek: I think what has come through loud and clear in this whole post is that everyone has their preferences. Large, small, quiet, wild, it's a free for all!!
And you and your mom will make the right decision, I'm sure of it. I grew up with a Boston Terrier as a small child, and she probably was my mother's "dog of a lifetime". Her name was Sput (after Sputnik), and she died at 13 years old. We then switched to an English Bulldog, and he was my favorite ever! One day, I will have another one. But mom followed him with another Boston, Missy, and she was a wild one, but they loved her to death. And now Mr. Darcy has come to live with Mom and Dad, and their lab mix, Scout. And I will tell you that my retired parents could not be happier! Yes, they take a lot of training, but the key is, that they can be trained. You know the difficulties associated with training any breed. I have Golden Retrievers and the people on this board who have known me the past year know that I have plenty of challenges with them, and they are much bigger to handle than a little Boston.
My final thought is this: if something happened to Mom and Dad tomorrow, I would step in and provide a home for Mr. Darcy and Scout, without a second thought.
I expected you to get many different answers. And one thing we know about this board, and expect, is that if you ask, you shall receive, and you'd better be ready! I don't think anyone has said anything offensive, just their honest opinion, just as you asked.
Keep us posted, and whichever breed, or mix, that you and your mother choose, it will be her dog, and she will love it dearly, I'm sure. Good luck and know that all the comments made here have been made with honesty and caring in mind.
Logan
Well, I was going to stay out of this completely but... My dogs groomer has a Boston Terrier that is 6 months old. He is absolutely adorable and no more hyper than Fritz is. He's already completely trained too. They say poodles are one of the easiest breeds to train but I beg to differ :eek: I'm still having a terrible time teaching Fritz his basic commands. I think each "dog" is different. It doesn't necessarily matter what the breed is :D
Thanks a million everyone for your honest and candid opinions.It is very much appreciated.I brought my mom here and let her read all of your messages.She is in her 60's,but still very active and in reasonably good physical condition.Her opinion is if Darcy's mom can handle him and moms friend can handle hers then she can to.She has a backyard fenced and figures she can let him go out there and exercise.she sits out there a lot anyway.I think she would enjoy watching him run around and play.I also feel the activity of taking care of a boston,might be good for her.She has to much free time and think this might be just what she needs.anyway I have a strong feeling she already has her mind made up that this is what she wants.I have tzus and pugs.My tzus are all pretty calm and laid back.She says they don't have enough spunk...lols.Also mentioned a poodle,as I have had some experience with them and they are very sweet,but again she does not want the hair.Like I said I think she pretty well has her mind made up on a boston.I have notified the shelters if they get a fairly young one in to let me know.As of now they don't have any,however said they would probaly locate one shortly from various other shelters and would let me know.I can not tell you what a great group of people all of you are,and how much i appreciate you.I feel more a part of this board than any I have been on and owe it all to all of you.Thanks a million.Hope i can help some of you sometime as much as you have helped me.Will let you all know the outcome as soon as a final decision is made.Sandy
Oh Tanya don't give up on little Fritz! I have now owned 5 poodles and even though the breed is very consistent in traits, etc. each individual dog has a personality of his/her own. Two of my poodles housetrained almost immediately...one in a weekend! Two more took lots longer. Bella took about 6 weeks for #1 but caught on to #2 almost immediately. She now is at the chewing stage and I think she is worse than all of the others combined! Even though we correct her, she will go back and repeat the activity! :eek: My husband feels that this may be due to the fact that she is our first "only" dog. Our other poodles all lived with other poodles. Bella lives with 2 cats who do not give her the stimulation she needs so she gets into trouble for the sheer attention of it all! :) Tanya, poodles are smart but they are also smart enough to try and outwit their humans too! An example of this is that Bella will dig in the yard and get stones and carry them into the house. Once we discovered our home was being invaded by stones we began checking her mouth before we let her in. Of course we immediately disposed of "her treasured stone" at the door. Now we are noticing that she leaves her stone just out of sight of the back sliding door, just before coming in, so we don't throw it away! My husband says maybe we can rent her out to "de-stone" people's yards! :D Tanya, just keep on keepin' on. Fritz will catch on and reward you more than you can imagine. Bella sends him hugs and so do I.
Sounds like a perfect match :D Once someone makes up thier mind it's impossible to change it. But in all honesty your mother will be very happy with a boston. With a fenced in yard for the boston to play in they will be just fine. Your mom can sit out and read or garden or whatever and the boston can play and burn some energy. If your mother likes to take trips then she has pick a great breed, most bostons are car lovers and love to see and do new things.
Its a great idea to look at shelters and as Lori has said boston rescues. Boston Terriers are an expensive breed and if you can save a bostons life and save some money at the same time then double bonus for you :)
Good Luck !
________________________________________
Tanya can I just say please don't get dicouraged with Fritz. I will tell you this, Hannah my three year old beagle is very smart now she can learn new things in the snap of a finger. BUT when she was a puppy she was difficult to work with she just didn't have the attention span to take the time to learn something. You have to make it fun for them so they learn and have fun at the same time. Only work for ten to fifteen minutes at a time or else Fritz will get bored and you will get frustrated.
Trust me it works. :D
Good Luck !
You know what's really funny? If I tell Fritz to sit he runs to the cupboard with the treats in it. He thinks "sit" means "treats" :) He has no attention span at all. As soon as I start to teach him something he runs around in circles.
Just a little tip here about what worked for us with the "sit" command. Hubby took two of our previous dogs to obedience school. First they were taught to heel, using a choker ( :eek: ) collar (I know some people on these boards don't care for them, but it was mandatory at this school) to give a very quick correction. In connection with learning to heel they were then taught to sit when their human stopped walking by a quick correction and at the same time pushing their little bottoms down and clearly saying "sit." The object was that they are to heel when walking and when the human stops walking they go into a "sit." I think this makes the whole "sit" command thing easier.
From the sit command comes the "down" command and then the "stay" command. They all seem to go in a progressive order. Hubby was told to practice 10-15 minutes a day every day. You could clearly see the doggies who were "doing their homework" :) by the way they responded in class. Repetition is the key. Again, each dog has his or her own personality so that also plays a part. There was one little sweetie who would "sprinkle" in class from being a little nervous. :) Lots of luck with Fritz. Keep us posted on his progress and patience is the key! :)
Hang in there with Fritz.he will get it. The experience I have had with poodles is they are indeed very smart,but will try you,however once they realize you are not goingto give up.they will give in and from then on are just little darlings.Try Pams technique as this has worked for me also.Good Luck Sandy
Sandy: That really does sound like a perfect match with your mom. As long as she is aware of their energy level and she still wants one it is wonderful :) They are incredibly adorable. You will have to show some pictures when you get it for your mom :)
And Tanya...hang in there with little Fritz. He'll get it eventually :)
My sisters got a Boston. He is hyper....he does have his moments though,,,, :)
:)
[ July 16, 2001: Message edited by: LindysMomma ]