The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog - the most common genetic problems and why you shouldn't buy one

Are you considering getting a Boston Terrier? Here's everything you should know about this brachycephalic dog breed

Il Boston Terrier it is one of the most loved dogs in the world for its extraordinary sweetness, vivacity and intelligence. Many people choose to have one at home, but not everyone knows the origins of this breed and the most common genetic diseases. If you are considering buying one (which we do not recommend), it would be good to know some peculiarities and pathologies to which these are most exposed brachycephalic dogs.





Index

The origins of the breed

Dogs of this breed have a muscular build, flattened muzzle, short tail, dark, expressive eyes. The Boston Terrier's ears are quite straight and pointed, while the coat is short and shiny. This breed originates in the city of Boston, as the name suggests. In fact, the first specimens were selected in the nineteenth century as fighting dogs by crossing the Bulldog with small-sized Terrier-type dogs.

In reality, the Boston Terrier's appearance was initially quite different. Over the years, the specimens of this brachycephalic breed have lost their "nose", as shown by several vintage photos (and as explained some time ago by Jemima Harrison, British television producer of scientific documentaries).

The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog - the most common genetic problems and why you shouldn't buy one

© Pedigree dogs exposed

The most common genetic diseases

Like all brachycephalic dogs, Boston Terriers are more prone to a variety of diseases, some of which can be quite disabling. Let's see which ones

Brachycephalic syndrome or upper airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS)

Brachycephalic syndrome is a pathological condition that primarily affects brachycephalic dogs and short-nosed cats. The dog breeds most affected are the Pug, the English Bull Dog, the French Boule Dogue, the Boston Terrier, and the Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles, Shar-pei and Shih Tzu. This syndrome includes a series of respiratory problems, often very serious, caused by a genetic selection that has favored the aesthetic aspect over the functional one. Brachycephalic dogs are characterized by various anomalies, namely stenotic nostrils (narrower than normal and obstructing the passage of air), the elongated soft palate (which ends up in the throat, creating abnormal breathing noises) and tracheal hypoplasia ( trachea with a smaller diameter than normal, an element that predisposes to recurrent infections of the respiratory tract).



All of these malformations cause a variety of problems for the dog, including tracheal and laryngeal collapse. Furthermore, as explained by the San Francesco University Veterinary Clinic, dogs with brachycephalic syndrome are more prone to gastrointestinal disorders (regurgitation, vomiting and meteorism) as a consequence of the increased intrathoracic pressures produced in response to an obstruction of the upper airways, or as a consequence of a primary gastrointestinal disease, for example reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernias and gastroduodenitis of various kinds.

Spinal malformations

Another very common problem among Boston Terrier specimens is l'emivertebra, one of the most common vertebral malformations in dogs, characterized by incomplete development of the body and the vertebral arch. This problem is found more frequently in dogs belonging to brachycephalic breeds with "twisted tail" (ie English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Pug). Usually the hemivertebra is found in the middle thoracic region, often associated with the eighth thoracic vertebrae (T8) or the seventh (T7), but it can also be observed in the lumbar and cervical spine and can be single or multiple.

Fetal-pelvic disproportion

92% of Boston Terrier pregnancies end in a caesarean section. This is because childbirth can be very difficult and painful for this breed due to the disproportion of the puppies' head compared to the mother's pelvis, as well as a series of respiratory problems that occur during childbirth.

Cataract

Finally, Boston Terriers are very prone to the development of cataracts, sometimes even the youngest specimens. This inherited eye disease can occur as early as 8 to 12 months of age and can lead to blindness in both eyes. A study conducted a few years ago in North America by researchers at the University of Florida found that 1.693 out of 15.241 (or 11%) of Boston Terriers suffered from cataracts.



Can stopping buying brachycephalic dogs lead to a drastic decrease in risky crosses? Probably not. But if you really want a dog, it would be better to avoid opting for these dogs of controversial origins. In any case, our advice is always the same: adopt! Shelters and kennels are full of furry friends looking for a family!

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Sources: Boston Terrier Society / San Francesco Veterinary Clinic / National Library of Medicine / AIVPA

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