Buying a Boston Terrier Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Brachycephalic (short faced) breeds frequently have serious health problems due to their body and head shape: eye problems due to large protruding eyes; skin folds causing inflammation, infection and soreness, narrow nostrils causing breathing difficulties; excess flesh in throat & narrow windpipe causing breathing & swallowing problems; spinal deformities causing pain; difficulties coping in hot weather & exercise intolerance.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases, particularly hereditary cataract)
- includes checks for multiple inherited diseases, particularly hereditary cataract
Other Diseases
- BOAS – brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- breathing difficulties
- Corneal ulceration
- painful and slow-healing ulcers on surface of eyes
- Cushing’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
- hormonal problem causing thirst and lethargy
- Dystocia
- problems giving birth
- Luxating patella
- abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness
- Spinal deformities
- including hemivertebrae and screw tail (abnormal tail bones) – can be associated with pain and loss of function
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Hereditary cataract
- eye disease potentially leading to blindness
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation
- Spine X-rays and evaluation