The Boston Terrier Club Of America

Choosing a Boston Terrier as a member of the family is serious business. Its one of the few times in your life you will be able to choose a member of your own family. You must take the time to search for the right Boston Terrier and the right breeder.

There are many ways to locate Boston Terrier breeders and one is through our Breeder Referral, Ms. Billie Bunch at: bbunch1024@aol.com We have also have a list of BTCA Affiliate Clubs so that you can contact their representatives for suggestions. If they have an upcoming show or trial you can observe many Bostons at one location and talk to various breeders. You can talk to or visit with different breeders to find one whose goals for their dogs meet your needs.

We strongly recommend that you do not buy from a pet shop. It is a violation of BTCA Code of Ethics for BTCA registered Boston Terries to be sold in pet shops.

It is considered best for both the puppy and the new owner that puppies do not go to their new home until they are at least 9 weeks of age. Weaning usually takes place from 5 to 6 weeks of age, and this gives the puppies a few more weeks to socialize with their littermates and get past the stress of weaning.

PRICE
Price should be consistent with the quality of the puppy. Raising a litter of quality, healthy Boston puppies takes time and a lot of effort by an informed breeder. If it has been done properly, the breeder will have invested in proper nutrition, veterinary care and vaccinations, worming, promotion of their litter and bloodlines through advertising or competition and perhaps a stud fee to a top quality sire and usally a C-section. Beware of the cheap puppy as it may not really be a bargain. The initial investment you make is nothing compared to the investment both financially and emotionally you will make over the next 10-15 years.

WHAT TO ASK WHEN YOU VISIT WITH THE BREEDER
Ask the breeder for a pedigree on the puppies. This should include at least three generations. Be sure both parents are registered with AKC and breeders are members of the BTCA. Remember that a pedigree full of titled dogs does not always guarantee a quality dog and vice versa. Many top dogs come from non-titled, unshown sires and dams. Conversely, some very poor quality dogs can have impressive-looking pedigrees.

Ask for the names of several references of people who have purchased puppies from them. Talk to these owners to see if and spend some time with the dam (and sire if on the premises)see if their dogs seem like the type you are looking for. The breeder should provide a sanitary environment for their dogs and puppies, proper medical care and adequate attention and exercise. They should also patiently and thoroughly answer any questions you have, whether on housebreaking, health, training, competition or breeding. If they are unable to do these things, look elsewhere for a reputable breeder. Buying from a breeder who fails to give basic care to their dogs, who is unknowledgeable or doesn't have time for you or their dogs simply rewards sloppy breeding practices.

Conscientious breeders have specific goals for the dogs they raise. Ask why they chose to use this particular sire for this dam. What do they consider faults of the sire and dam. Do they consider these show, working, pet, etc. puppies? Ask the breeder which pup they would consider to be the best for you and why. Concerned breeders want to place each pup in the home that is the best match for it. Again, consider what traits are important to you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BREEDER
At the time of sale, the breeder should provide you with information on the health clearances of the parents, registration application papers for the puppy, a pedigree and a health record. Have both parents had eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist certified by CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) within the past year to verify they are free of hereditary eye diseases? Have they been BAER tested (normal hearing in both ears?) Have they passed their OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified free from luxating Patellas? Be very wary of a breeder who does not know what CERF, BAER and OFA stands for. Do not let them tell you they know their dog can see or hear just fine or does not have luxating patellas because it runs and jumps. Some breeders also have eyes examined in puppies and hearing tested before they are sold. The breeder can provide you with copies of the parent's OFA ratings and numbers and CERF number or eye exam papers, or these can be looked up on the OFA and CERF websites under the dogs registered name or registration number.

The guarantee should specify the conditions under which you are due a refund or replacement, should the puppy develop a hereditary disease. Be aware that neither a written guarantee nor health clearances on the parents can completely prevent the development of a health problem in a puppy later on; however, breeders who screen the parents for hereditary diseases are helping to ensure that it is less likely that such defects will be passed on. Many hereditary conditions have either a recessive mode of inheritance or are polygenic, meaning they are controlled by many genes. Some hereditary diseases that Bostons are susceptible to are eye defects (such as juvenile cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and iris colobomas, among others), deafness, luxating patellas and autoimmune disorders.

What kind of health guarantee do they give?
Breeders should offer a basic health guarantee against communicable diseases amd the guarantee may give a day or two for you to have a vet examine the puppy and let you return it if it doesn't pass the exam. If the puppy has been vaccinated, What has the puppy been vaccinated for along with the brand and dates? Most veterinarians recommend puppy shots beginning at five or six weeks then again every three years.

What deworming schedule has the puppy been on and the dates?
This is also information your veterinarian will need. Infected Puppies will often reinfest with parasites and need stool exams to check for routine deworming.

What has the puppy been eating and what is his schedule?
Try to keep him on the same feed and schedule for at least a week to lessen the stress of moving to a new home.

WHAT A BREEDER SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOU
Once you've found a breeder who is knowledgeable and concerned about placing their pups in the proper homes and have decided that their dogs are right for you, there are certain things a breeder expects from a buyer. First, you must continue to provide proper veterinary care and nutrition for your dog. If you have purchased a show quality animal, you should make every effort to finish the dog and do the proper health clearances before breeding. Iform your breeder of the results. Commit yourself to early training and socialization with your puppy. Contact your breeder for advice before any behavior or training issues you are experiencing become unmanageable. Their experience with the breed will often give valuable insight on the steps to take to correct or avoid problems. Breeders deeply appreciate being informed of the welfare of the dogs they produce. Updates on health, temperament and ability provide them with information critical to improving their breeding programs. At any time, if you can no longer care for your dog, let the breeder know, as most will accept back any dog that they have bred. Most of all enjoy and cherish your Boston Terrier. They are deeply devoted and highly intelligent animals that can provide you with many happy years of companionship.

Is A Boston Terrier Right For You?

Let me start out by saying that Boston Terriers are very special dogs that can do special things. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They do very well in Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Therapy work and even Weight pulling! Most of all they excel at being your "best friend"!

However, they are not for everyone.
Bostons require a lot of time and attention. They are, and have been bred to be, companions. They will languish without human contact. They are not "outside" dogs!

Boston Terriers are very active dogs that love to play. Without some basic training they may jump on you and maybe even give little nips while playing. Some Bostons have been given up for adoption or dropped off at the local "dog pound" for these very reasons.

Boston Terriers are also prone to some health problems, some of which require expensive Veterinary attention. If you would like to know more about some of these health problems, please visit Our Health Site.

We are NOT trying to discourage you from adopting a Boston into your life, We just want you to be aware that these wonderful dogs have become very popular and because they are so "cute", many people have run out to buy them before doing their homework, so to speak. There are quite a few Boston Terriers being bred without regard to their health or temperament and ending up in the pound or worse.

Please, buy ONLY from a reputable breeder that has health clearances on their dogs and is willing to stand behind that puppy's health and welfare for the rest of its life.

The BTCA has a Breeder Referral Committee for the benefit of those looking for a reputable breeder.

The Boston Terrier Club of America [hereinafter referred to as "BTCA"] maintains a breeders referral list of BTCA members who have signed the BTCA's Codes of Ethics and Conduct and have requested to be listed. This breeders referral list is not published and is for the sole purpose of reference only.

These members are in good standing with the BTCA, but under no circumstances does the BTCA guarantee the services or dogs of any said member(s) nor does it assume any responsibility or liability regarding any agreements you may enter in with any of the breeders listed.

The BTCA does not recommend or endorse any one breeder, nor does it recommend, guarantee, or rate breeders or their stock. Under no circumstances does the BTCA promote the sale of puppies through businesses or professionals such as pet shops, wholesalers, commercial dealers, or paid agents.

Buyers should check all matters relating to AKC registration, health, and quality before making any decision to purchase a dog.

The BTCA does not and cannot guarantee or accept any responsibility or liability of any kind for the quality, health, or temperament of any dog; nor for the warranty, guarantee, integrity, honesty, reliability, expressed or implied, by any BTCA member who requested to be included on this list.

All such warranties, guarantees, promises, or any other aspect of animals a buyer may purchase from a BTCA member on this listing are between buyer(s) and seller(s) as individuals.

Please be aware that Billie, like many BTCA members, often goes to dog shows on the weekends. Your answer might be late in arriving during the show seasons. Thank you for your considerations.

Boston Terrier Breeder Referral

Is A Boston Terrier Right For You?