Hello all

I've been looking around now for a boston terrier breeder and wanted some feedback how you fellow owners found your bostons? I'm located in New York City.
Also has anyone heard of Sturbridge farms located in Pennsylvania and know whether or not they are a puppy mill?
Thank you all in advance

Hi there,
I just wanted to respond. I can't answer your questions as I'm still looking for a Boston and still trying to decide if it's what I really want. I saw one at Petsmart today that the owner was bringing to obedience training. He is 9months and extremely hyper. My friend has a female who is over a year and still extremely hyper. I'm used to a very lazy non hyper bullmastiff so I don't know yet if it's the breed for me. As far as puppy mills go I'm not sure how you tell if they are one or not unless you can actually go to the breeder's home and visit. I am visiting a breeder this week. We live in Tennessee but are originally from MA so hello to another North Easterner!! Good luck in your search. I have posted on this forum but so far no responses. I don't know if it's because it's a slow forum or what.....

Rachel

I've never heard of Sturbridge farms, so i can't help you with that one.
When we were searching, we started with the local paper and found breeders that way. We just called and visited till we found the one we liked and trusted. You could always look online as well.....

Yikes!

NEVER buy a puppy from an ad in the local paper! These are backyard breeders or puppy mills! Reputable breeders of healthy, sound dogs with researched and planned breedings never have to advertise! Most have waiting lists for puppies.

I am the webmaster for the BTCA Boston Terrier Club of America and I have never heard of a Stonebridge Farml! Just the word farm for a dog breeder would be enough to scare me off though! You want someone who raises only a litter or two a year and does so in thier home around people and other animals.

I personally know of a wonderful breeder in NY if you want, I'll give you her contact info. She also would know more of this kennel you are refering to.

Here is a little article (could be more detailed but still good) on how to find a reputable breeder: http://www.thewholedog.org/artrepbreeder.html

Jeannie Thomason

I got my Boston from a Boston terrier rescue. We fostered him and decided to adopt because we fell in love with him. There are good rescue organizations you can research on the web. I think the address I first checked was http://findapet.org or something like that. You can fill in the type of dog you're looking for and that will point you to a gallery and info about all the dogs in your desired breed that need fostering or adoption.

Good luck in your search.

http://cafepress.com/karmicbulldog

not necessarily. I got my bt from an ad in the paper. A very nice small family who have two boston's Mom and Grandmother and they happened to breed their female with a friend of their's male bt. They are not a backyard breeder or puppymill by any means, they love the breed. I do believe what your saying can be true but people need to research and go visit the breeder. We went to visit this family and they had the pups in their home and were very well cared for and loved.
Rachel

If you are willing to get an older boston or a boston mix..check out local shelters & rescues!! www.petfinder.com is a great place to start!!

I just adopted Buddy (purebred boston) from the dog shelter where I volunteer!!

Show breeders often have retired adults or older puppies available to the perfect forever pet homes as well!

Sometimes we hold on to puppies in hopes they will be our next champion but sometimes they either lack the atttitude or have a small fault that keeps them from being competitive in the ring. These puppies are then placed in pet homes.

Sometimes we have an adult female that has already become a champion and produced a litter or two of puppies, been spayed and is now in need of a good family home where they can retire and enjoy being a special family member.

Sometimes we have an adult male champion that has produced future show prospects and now is ready to be a speical pet for the right person.

These older puppies or middle aged adults make the perfect choice as a pet since they are already house broken, leash trained and usualy have some manners. They have also already had and cleared all thier health testing such as BAER, CERF, Patella.

Something to think about when looking for a Boston Terrier.

Puppies tend to be a lot of work and require a lot of attention and time to be trained, etc. the older puppies or adults usually fit right into new homes and you have an instant family member!

I agree. I also got my Boston from a rescue, purebred though without papers. Papers aren't really necessary for me as he is just a companion dog. I have no desires to breed or show so what's the point? I don't mess with breeders because I just don't want to take the chance, plus there are so many good dogs who need homes already. I like to help out when I can.

Sturbridge Farms is a kind of Co-op type puppy mill. They do breed Bostons but they also breed about 8 or 9 breeds as well. Don't want to step on toes but I would steer far and wide around them.