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