I have three boston terriers! To me, they are the "only" dog there is! My oldest, Mac is going to be 5 in July. He is highly intelligent, loving and just an all around awesome boy! My kids have him in 4H, and he is great in obedience, not so good in showmanship though. Three years ago, he was Detroit's most tricked out dog, he has won numerous costume contests, can pull 155 pounds while he weighs only 13 pounds, and just yesterday, we learned he can "herd" the ducks, chickens and goats!!!
Kippy is our only female. She is going to be 4 in November. I raised her when she and her sister were 2 days old. Their mother died and the guy that had them couldn't do it, so I volunteered to do it. Kippy is a sweetheart, and my baby. She isn't a dog, more like my dog-ter. She has a very motherly personality, even though she was spayed at a very young age.
Herbie is our silly little boston. He will be 4 in February. Herbie is a little more timid then Mac and Kippy, but he matches with everyone's personality. He isn't great on obedience, but he is awesome in showmanship. He does very well with the farm animals, as he is only interested in the nanny berries.
Any dog has a high prey drive and any dog is capable of attacking, hurting or killing animals. The main thing that you as a dog owner need to do is to make sure you enroll you pet in obedience classes. Sure you can do it alone at home, but the socialization is also key in a happy, well adjusted pet. I have also found that my males have less prey drive then my female, so that might be something to consider.
When looking for a boston, you want to make sure the pups have been BAER tested (hearing testing) and the parents have clear CERF (eyes) and patellas. A deaf dog is extremely difficult to train, and while it can be rewarding, having other animals might make it even more difficult. Definitely go the breeder route, the BTCA referral is a great place. Don't be surprised/shocked at the price though, the chances that you are getting a well adjusted, extremely healthy pup is well worth it.
With a boston, it is important to remember that because they only have the one coat as opposed to a two coat system, you might have to "dress" your pup in the winter. Extreme heat can also be hard on your pup so you will want to watch and make sure he/she doesn't get overheated. This does make it nice though for grooming and as far as shedding goes, my guys shed very little.
Good luck with your choices and if you are serious about bostons, check out this website. It can offer you a lot of information, as well as give you a good support system.
www.woofboard.com Hope to "see" you cross over to the wonderful world of being owned by a boston!
