After much discussion and a lot of of research my wife and I decided that we are going to get a Boston Terrier (or two) for the family. We've viewed a ton of videos all over the web and see that many people have several Bostons. We would really like to have two dogs but are wondering if it's easier to just start with one or get two right from the start? Thanks! -Jason

It really depends on how much time you would have. Would you have the time to give them enough excercise during the day? Enough room in the house and so on. You would also need patience lol. If you have the money to care for two, like if they had to go to the vet or got hurt or something. If you have that, you should be ok. Another thing about having two is they would play with each other. I'm sure some other people with two dogs will give more advice, but heres an online guide about finding a good breeder, its really helpful. Have you considered rescueing? Its hard to find puppies at most rescues, but you could check into it. They might have some reccomendations as far as a breeder would go.

http://widgetbostons.com/PBG.htm

My feeling is that you should start with one. Get through the tough puppy age and train the first one correctly. Then the second one will copy what the first one does so your life will be easier. Two puppies will be very time consuming. You can get the second one 8 months later or a year later. If you first puppy has issues with behavior, get those things straightened out before you add a puppy. THe reason is that the second will copy what the first one does! I added another dog after my first one was 2 3/4 years old.It was so easy adding one at that point. Good luck! They are great dogs.

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The Dids

Thank you so much for your reply. Love and attention is definitely in abundance in our home. I work from home and my wife homeschools our children. When looking at our budget for a pet(s) we did consider various emergency scenarios and we're pretty sure we'd be ok.

In consideration of the training aspects, would it be easier to start with one and then add another shortly down the road or would two be easier form the start?

Yes we've considered adoption. I've looked at some of the rescues in my area (Atlanta) and they seem to be rather expensive and have a lot of requirements. We wouldn't mind starting with an older Boston if we found one that was compatible with us and us with it. Any suggestions?

Yes, start with one and add another. Make sure you get pet insurance too! It is easy when they are young and healthy.

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The Dids

I started with one...taught her a bunch of tricks. Good manners, good behaviour etc.
When she was 1 year old I bought my second BT.
I wouldn't change it for the world. Absolutely right the older one teaches the pup, and you also learn what NOT to do with the first one, so the second one is a real breeze.
Of course I do agree, you should have more than one Boston in any home. My older girl is just crazy about having another dog in the house. They are best friends already.

My two cents....

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I have 2 10 week old pups now. I love them to bits but I would suggest getting 1 at a time. They are ALOT of work and you need alot of patience. Around 8 weeks I was getting over whelmed. Almost to the point where I only wanted one. We have had our pups since they were 5 weeks. Their mother started to wean them at just 3 1/2 weeks. They have needed a super amount of love and guidance. They are turning out to be real little charmers but it hasn't always been easy by any means. If you can reduce the stress on yourself and get one fully trained before you introduce the next I think you will have 2 beautiful additions to your family.

They do this because they want the dog to go to a good home. The expences are mostly from any vet bills they had while at the rescue (spay/neuter, microchip, etc.) and some rescues will use part of the money for the upkeep of other animals at the rescue.

I definitely understand the reason for the fees. I've heard a lot of people say that they couldn't see paying that much when they could get a puppy for the same price. It's absolutely warranted to ask for that much if not more. We've looked at all the Boston rescues in our state (GA) as well as neighboring states and can't seem to find one that would be compatible with kids and cats while still being somewhat healthy. We are certainly glad that there are organizations out there to take in these wonderful animals when some many people can just simply cast them aside.

Thank You!

-Jason

Well it sounds like youve been researching, thats good. Unless a breeder (which a good one will!) is doing the recommended genetic testing, such as BAER, CERF, OFA and so on, its hard to guarantee a healthy pup. Widgets Bostons (the link I posted earlier) has a ton of good stuff for finding a good breeder.