Looking for a Reputable Boston Terrier Breeder Takes Time

I had to learn patience.  Being that my first puppy was found online and fairly immediately available … this was now a waiting game.  Puppies don’t grow on trees you know.

Unlike larger breeds that have ten to twelve puppies at a time; the boston terrier breed has small litters.  Some one.  Some four.  Some more.

Go meet breeders where they are – at dog shows

We started going to dog shows to see if we could meet some breeders.  I basically threw myself in front of the people showing asking for a puppy.

There wasn’t much of a response.

Basically it was like trying to get to home base on the first date.  It doesn’t happen like that.

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A reputable breeder has a commitment to improving the breed

I really wanted to get a dog from someone who showed dogs.  Not that because I myself was going to show … but I understood that show breeders had a commitment to the line and health of the dog which was above the care a casual breeder might.

A dedicated breeder can tell you about the puppy’s pedigree and would have a record of the puppy’s parents, grandparents and further back (depending on how long they have been breeding).

Keep in mind “AKC Registration” doesn’t mean that the puppy you’re interested in is a fully fledged Boston Terrier.  It just means it was registered with AKC.

A welcome back program

Full disclosure and a welcome back program was also the norm for a reputable breeder.  They would let you know all the health issues and be the first to want to take the puppy back home should you not be able to care for it.

A reputable breeder is just as interested in you as you are in them and the puppy

And I also learned … show or reputable breeders are just as interested in you as you are in the puppy.  They want to know your profession (can you afford the care of the dog for it’s lifetime); and your schedule and activities …. because they view these puppies as extended family.  So they want to make sure they are going to good hands.

Join your local Boston Terrier Club

So after a few months of chasing the idea of puppies, I joined the local Boston Terrier Club.  And through the club connections, I was able to get referrals to Maggie and then Orbit.

I’m very happy with my two.  And even more, I’ve gained new friends.   The breeders have become the girl’s “grandpuppy parents”.  We communicate and stay in touch.

Because this method has worked for me – it’s what I recommend to those that ask me.  But I know it doesn’t always work like that for everyone so here’s a few more notes:

• Start off by looking up the National Boston Terrier Club website.
• Look for the local breeders in your area and call them.
• Keep in mind 95% of reputable breeders are not going be online.  The reason is the transaction of puppies going into new homes is relationship based and most of this happens at the dog shows or dog clubs or referrals.  And so most puppies are spoken for or have a long waiting list.
• Just because someone says they are “AKC” registered doesn’t mean the puppy is healthy or comes from a line that meets breed standards.  AKC registration is just paperwork someone files.
• Always ask for health testing records.
• Ask about the welcome back program.
• See if you can visit the breeder’s home and meet the puppies.
• Ask if the parents are on site.
• Interestingly enough – reputable breeders also won’t let you bring the puppy home until they are between 10 and 12 weeks of age.  The additional time allows the puppy to learn more from their litter.   A dedicated breeder knows how much a puppy has to gain by staying longer with her pack and her mother.  The first 12 weeks shapes your puppy’s future.  The breeder is most likely aware of the teaching of “Puppy Culture” of the “Puppy’s Rule of 12”.
• If you’re looking for two puppies, reputable breeders will not let you take two littermate puppies home to avoid littermate syndrome.

Now these are just some cliff notes of what you should ask your breeder.

Instead of recreating the list – I urge you to do your own research and reading.  A complete list of all your questions can be found by reading through the Boston Terrier National Club site.

Educate yourself on what it means to have a Boston Terrier be “Breed Standard“.  Also understand about approved Boston Terrier Coat Colors.

What are some Red Flags when considering a Boston Terrier Puppy that meets Breed Standard

I am assuming that if you are reading this article, you’re interesting in finding a healthy boston terrier puppy from a breeder that has experience in the breed.

I also am assuming that if you want a boston terrier puppy you should know the difference between what makes a dog meet the breed’s standards and what doesn’t.  If a seller is claiming to sell you a “boston terrier puppy” then that’s what you should get.  Not a boston terrier puppy that will develop health issues or one that has been mixed with a chihuahua or other breed.

There are a lot of hobby breeders that care deeply for their dogs.  And you may be the type of dog parent that wants to obtain a puppy from a hobby breeder.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Just know that a hobbyist will not have as much information passed onto you as a puppy from a reputable ethical breeder.

So without further ado – here are some red flags when you’re considering a puppy for your home.

• Bloated bellies on puppies – indicating a possible worm infection
• Incorrect head shape
• Eyes that are easty westy (eyes that are not centered and looking at different walls)
• Blue eyes
• Long noses
• Long tails
• Ears like jackrabbits
• Nails that are long and sharp (indicating the breeder is neglecting nail care)
• Inability of the breeder to explain the pedigree
• Inability of the breeder to explain the health issues
• Disqualified colors (blue, red etc).  A great site to learn from is Colored Boston Terrier Truths
• Not sharing results of recommended health testing
• Puppies that are sent home at 8 weeks.  Most reputable breeders will ask to wait until 9 weeks at a minimum all the way up to 12 weeks
• Saying that the whole line is 100% healthy.  There’s always some known issues even if it’s a few generations back.
• Breeders who have multiple litters each year.  A reputable breeder, breeds for the dog fancy and allows their dog to rest between litters.
• Dull thin sparse coats – will indicate generalized demodex
• A breeder that states pups are HUU clear and CMR clear.  These are not standard tests and a breeder claiming this is either new to the breed or got one of those off the shelf cheek swab tests to claim their pups are health tested
• A breeder who claims to be an AKC “Breeder of Merit” but when you look it up on the AKC website you cannot validate it on the AKC website
• Breeders that do not ask you questions.  A reputable breeder wants to build a relationship and get to know you first.

Taking your boston terrier puppy home

Once you’ve selected your puppy and made arrangements the fun part starts.  Getting the toys and supplies you need which can be as simple as:

• A travel crate
• Puppy blanket
• Puppy chews – I prefer natural chews like the Himalayan Dog Chews
• Poop bags
• Squeaky balls – we love these small ones from Kong.
• Vetericyn – for your first aid cabinet – puppy’s get all sorts of scrapes and bumps
• Nail Grinder.  I’ve had this one for seven years
• Dog Behavior book.  I really enjoyed “When Pigs Fly” by Jane Killion who invented Puppy Culture
• Dog Treats:  I prefer natural, single ingredient products
• Collar and leash.  When my two were puppies I actually put kitten collars on them (because they had a bell) and that way I could hear them as they wiggled around the house.

Also a cute toy to have at home for your new puppy is the Snuggle Puppy which also has a heart beat and heat source to mimic being part of the pack. 

Boston Terriers are lovable, comical and sweet pet companions.  My two have brought me so much joy and wish you the very best as you look for yours.

I’ll leave you with more photos of Maggie and Orbit playing below.

In case you are wondering:  Maggie came from a hobby breeder who’s mother is healthy and who’s dad has his championship title.  I remain close to the family that she came from.

Orbit came from a show breeder who’s parents have both earned their championships.  Orbit is close to “breed standard” but not quite able to compete in the show ring.  Hence I have her as my pet companion dog.  I remain close and friends with her breeder as well.

I share daily photos and stories on our Instagram @maggielovesorbit and we’d love to meet you there.

Disclosure: Their shirts were sent to us by Canada Pooch – a brand that we vouch for and asides from the complimentary apparel we have received – we’re also customers and buy from them when we are gifting to our best Boston Terrier friends.

If you’ve found this article useful, please share with others who are looking for puppies and pinning it to your Pinterest Board.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hello my name is Hannah and I dance with my dogs.  A self proclaimed Boston Terrier addict, (aka breed advocate) I started this blog because there isn’t enough space to write on our Instagram.  Maggie is my socially awkward one; which I find highly relatable because I am completely out of place in large groups myself.  And Orbit is my sensitive flower.  Blow on her skin wrong (ok I might be exaggerating) and she breaks out in a rash.

You won’t read about cats here… but you will get a fairly large dosage of articles dedicated to the Boston Terrier.    Read more about us. 

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