Cattle

Archive for June 12th, 2008

A true Brahmin, the Boston Terrier can trace its roots back to 1865 in Boston, MA. The Boston Terrier of that time was very different than the one we know today. He was originally a cross between a Bulldog and an English Terrier and weighed around 35 pounds instead of the smaller variety today. The modern Boston Terrier was actually created by the employees of the wealthy at that time. They would “borrow” their employers’ Boston Terriers and breed them with other dogs to create a good, smallish fighting dog. Unfortunately, Boston Terriers were seen in the dog fight ring for quite awhile but their devotion to their master and his family stood out and they became companion dogs.  The French Bulldog started out as the Toy Bulldog which was brought from England to France during the Industrial Revolution. The French created such characteristics as their bat-like ears and they were adored in royal courts. They are basically a bull-and-terrier breed.

These breeds share many physical characteristics in common including size, build, and bulging eyes. They also share many similar personality traits. Both the BT and the Frenchie are very sweet dogs who love to play and act like a clown. But, both are also at risk for developing Small Dog Syndrome which is a condition where the small dog believes himself to be Alpha because of the owner’s overpampering and child-like treatment. These dogs can be stubborn so early training and establishing yourself as Alpha are imperative. It may seem contradictory to his past but the Boston Terrier is rarely dog aggressive. The French Bulldog, however, is dog aggressive more often so early socialization is important. Neither of these breeds are barkers so you can rely on having a quiet household but not on having a guard dog. The BT tends to need more exercise than the Frenchie who would rather hang out and see what you’re cooking. Both breeds are very people-oriented and a bored Boston Terrier or a lonely Frenchie is liable to be destructive.

The Boston Terrier has been a popular dog since the early 1900s. You’ll see many pictures from that time with children and their Boston Terrier, showing how quickly the breed integrated into family life instead of the ring. The BT was so popular in the 1920s that it made up 30% of entries into dog shows. In 1922, Boston University made the Boston Terrier their mascot and he still proudly represents them today. French Bulldogs were also popular between 1910 and 1915, being in the top five popular breeds in the U.S. Their popularity has emerged again since 1990 because they are such good dogs for apartment living and are excellent all around family dogs.

The Frenchie has several nicknames including “The Clown” and “Frog Dog.” He truly is a clown, often hamming it up for a laugh and some attention. “Frog Dog” comes from the way he look when he lies on his back and his legs sprawl out on either side. This breed is bound to amuse you and cheer you up on a gloomy day. The Boston Terrier was, and is, often called “The American Gentleman.” This name comes from his innate good manners with adults and children and his quiet demeanor. Owning a BT is like having a good butler. Both breeds are a joy for families as long as they’re trained and know their place in the pack.

Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O’-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:

·      Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.

·      If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn’t constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.

·      Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he’s wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it’s important to keep him on a lead or leash.

·      Just as you’d make sure your kids aren’t eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs – a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch’s favorite biscuits and treats.

·      No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.

·      For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.

• Finally, decorations and Jack-O’-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it’s too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it’s in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet’s reach!