I'm thinking about getting a Boston Terrier. What is their temperament like?

What I know of terriers is that they have loads of energy and tend toward the hyperactive. They need lots of stimulation or their behavior can degenerate into destructive, obsessive ways. I lived with a Jackabee (half beagle, half Jack Russel), why people intentionally breed these, I have no idea, as she had all the bad traits of both breeds! Don’t get me wrong, though, she is a highly intelligent dog, eager to please, and very easy to train (with no treats and only praise, which impresses me a lot).

However, she really needs a lot of stimulation or her bad behaviors increase. I tried to work with this by getting her a puzzle treat ball, teaching her new “tricks”, and getting her to run out as much of that energy as possible. I know you run, so this may be not so much of a problem, as it would be really good for a terrier to get that kind of exercise to balance out their excess energy.

Boston Terrier Info and Pics
Boston Terriers
Boston Terrier: Temperament

I don’t know, but I hear they like to chase pocked caws.

But seriously, here are all types of FAQs about the terrier .. One of which .. doh.. @MissAnthrope probably already gave you enough linkage… XD

Boston Terriers are terriers – they are active to hyperactive, and need stimulation and active play. However, they are cute little devils and love their people.

As this site puts it:

“Though small in stature, most terriers are not well suited to smaller living areas such as apartments. These are high energy dogs that often need a considerably higher level of daily than many of the larger breeds. They require brisk walks and play time or space to run off their energy. Without exercise, they may develop undesirable and destructive habits. Some breeds also have a tendency to bark and yap excessively.

The strong personalities of this group of canines can pose training problems for inexperienced owners. A Jack Russell Terrier may know exactly what you want him to do – and decide not to do it. Obedience training require both calm patience, knowledge of training procedures, and the ability to convince the dog you are leader of his pack.

Training methods must be consistent day after day. A lapse in requiring your dog to obey your obedience commands may require as much effort and time to correct as to teach the command initially.

The joy of these small breeds is in their excitement and happy personalities. They are funny, curious, loving and loyal – always ready for a walk, a ride, an adventure. With proper training and adequate exercise, the terrier group makes wonderful companions.”

My mom had a Boston when she was a girl. She loved Snowflake, who went everywhere my mom did until both collapsed from exhaustion at the end of the day.

Scary hyper and strong

I have no personal experience with that particular breed but I do know terriers tend to be hyper. Here is some extra info.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm

Thanks everyone for contributing to this thread.

Tons of energy, I can deal with that. Like @MissAnthrope said, I’m a runner, so, she’ll be getting plenty of exercise. I’ll pick up a kong or two, as well. I’m more concerned about how she’d get along with other dogs. We have a dog park around the corner, and, I’m hoping to take my Boston there a lot. I remember that a friend of mine had a Boston and the Boston was scrappy with other dogs. Could just be that he wasn’t socialized properly.

Training? Yes, I plan on doing that. I’ve done it with all of my other pooches.

They are too darn cute, and look as though they need a black bow tie to complete the assemble. And, then there’s the squishy faces.

I’ll do a little more research and will most likely go with a rescue, if I decide to go ahead and get one.

It is always a good idea to talk to people who have them. There are yahoo groups for every breed you can imagine. Join one of them or a couple and listen to what people say. You also can get a good idea of where to obtain a healthy, good natured one that way.

Just an interesting little aside, according to the AKC the Boston Terrier is no longer considered a terrier, they are actually included in the Non-Sporting Group.

@jmah – We tried Kongs, but they aren’t much bang for their buck in terms of entertainment value, IMO. We’d squirt the treat stuff in them and the dogs would be done in like five minutes. What really kept her occupied was the treat ball. We’d put in a bit of kibble, and she would be off and playing with that thing for the next 30–60 minutes.

Boston Terriers have the most lovely personality, they can be prone to digging which is quite annoying but this can be stopped with some training. They are highly intelligent dogs who are fiercely loyal but not over aggressive, this is my favourite breed of dog! I am a dog trainer and i find this dog the most pliable when it comes to training, they are quick learners. They are also one person dogs which means although they may love everyone in the household, they will have a favourite! i hope this helps! as regard to socialising your boston with other dogs, this should not be a problem as long as you start early! Otherwise your dog may see other dogs as a threat to you, and therefore try and protect you. I suggest socialising your puppy as soon as you get it, but generally this breed is good at getting along with children and other animals.