Hi i'm thinking about getting a BT puppy and i would just like to know the pros and cons. I have done some research but i would like feedback from owners before i decide. Any little bit of information would be great. Thanks in advance.

Anthony,

The best advice I can give as a Breeder and exhibitor of Boston Terriers for about 25 years now is to RESEARCH. Go to the Boston Terrier Club Of America web site http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org, go to BTCA members sites (they are listed there), blogs, go to dog shows and talk to breeders at the ring side of the Bostons.

This breed while very special is NOT for everyone. They are bred to housedogs/companions and as such require a lot of time with you. They also require good exercise daily. These dogs love to be get to your face and they will jump on you and scratch at you if not worked with gently and patiently.

They are prone to early onset cataracts, deafness, luxating patellas as well as some intestinal and skin problems if not fed a grain free and supplemented diet.

They are sold by pet shops, back yard breeders and puppy farms for profit with no thought to their health or future welfare. Make sure you buy from a reputable breeder that will SHOW you the health testing results on both the sire AND the dam and that will stand behind the puppy and its genetic health for at least 2 years if not for life!

Hopefully others will post with both the good and the bad of this breed as well.

Dr Jeannie Thomason
Veterinary Naturopath, Animal Nutrition Consultant, Natural Pet Care Educator

Job 12:7-10
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Websites:
http://www.thewholedog.org
http://www.nrbreedersassociation.org
http://www.animaltalknaturally.com
http://www.jeanesbostons.com

Blogs:
http://www.wholedognews.com
http://bostonterriersrock.blogspot.com


Forum:
http://www.wholedogforums.com

If you could give some advice on brand of dog food and supplements that you recommend, that would be great.

My 10 month old already has problems with a luxating patella on her left rear knee.

It's upsetting, but expected.

Kris

Well, I don't like to recommend kibble at all actually, it is all pretty much the same. Kibble is nothing more then some fiber and a little protein with a synthetic vitamin mixture sprayed on it prior to packaging since there is obviously NO nutrition left after the cooking at high temperatures and going though the extruder.
http://www.thewholedog.org/artcookedfood.html


A raw diet is always best since our little Bostons are still carnivores (just look at their teeth and their digestive system. They may cute and smushy faced little critters but their DNA is still the same as the wolf's with the same digestive enzymes (or lack there of), stomach acid, short intestines, etc.
http://www.thewholedog.org/artcarnivores.html

With all this said, if you still think you need to feed a kibble for some reason, please, find one with NO grains and NO potatoes. There are only two on the market I know of and feel I can safely recommend as veterinary naturopath and animal nutritionist.

http://www.thewholedog.org/rubicon.html
http://www.thewholedog.org/ziwi.html

Be sure to supplement your Boston's cooked diet, whether it be home cooked or from a bag. Probiotics, Enzymes, EFAs and trace minerals are a must.

__________________
Dr Jeannie Thomason
Veterinary Naturopath, Natural Pet Care Educator & Animal Nutrition Consultant


The Whole Dog
http://www.thewholedog.org


JeanE's Bostons
http://www.jeanesbostons.com

Job 12:7-10

Another good site is www.dogfoodanalysis.com. There are grain free foods which are a step closer to raw. We feed raw, but before you get into that type of food please make sure that you read up on it. Prepared frozen diets like www.naturesvariety.com are great - but if you aren't a neat freak, and aren't willing to spend some serious money on it, try to buy the food with the highest rating. Just understand that grain free takes a bit of a transition. We feed our dogs the Nature's Variety Raw Frozen patties for one meal and the Nature's Variety Instinct for their second meal. You cannot feed them together as they digest differently. But, we are very happy with both. Good Luck. The raw diet is not great for everyone and should be approached with caution.