Hi,

I'm considering a boston for my small family. Really I am doing my research far in advance, I dont plan on getting a puppy for another 6 months or longer. I have a young son, hes 16 months old right now, I'm planning for when hes about 2yrs old. We live in an apartment with my 4 yr old ferret. I would love a dog/puppy to us out of the house, possibly even considering getting into agility, as i've always wanted to since I was a little kid, but something that would be fine if thats not what I end up doing. The puppy would be a playmate for my son, plus hopefully my ferret with supervision of course. Plus a companion for myself. I really want a big dog in a small dog body. I am little concerned about the health problems i've been reading about. How common are the health problems? If I buy from a good breeder are they still as likely? What is the down side of owning a boston? Does this sound like a dog that would be good for me? Please give whatever info you feel could help me.
Thanks

the only thing i can say is that i absolutly love my boston terriers. They listen well, and are a great joy to have around. I would be happy if I never had a different breed again!

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zeus and zoe's mom

As a Boston Terrier Breeder, I really screen potential buyers pretty heavily. My biggest concern would you being able to supervise and train a puppy while raising a two year old. Puppies are a lot of work and require a lot of attention and time especially during the house training stage. They need to be taken out every couple of hours when they are awake, after they wake up, after they eat and after playing.

I would also be concered that your two year old, as gentle and sweet as he may be could hurt a puppy. I raised a family and now have a granddaughter. I always supervise her when she is here and with the dogs and stand or sit right next to her if she is around puppies. She is learning to be gentle and learning to never pick up the puppy, only pet it when it comes to her. This is a job in its self lol she wants to pick up the puppy and hug it. I make her sit down to hold a puppy or even an adult. Puppies are so active and squirmy somtimes they will leap from her arms or lap so she is not allowed to hold puppies in her lap, only adults that will not hurt themselves if they do jump out of her lap. Constant supervision is necessary.

Just some things for you think about and know that a reputable and ethical breeder may have some concerns about placing a puppy in a home with a toddler, especially in a situation where the adult may not have ever raised a puppy before and be aware of the work and time involved. You might be better off finding a young adult or retired adult show dog as a pet/companion.

Jeannie Thomason