Bostie

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Bostie is a mix of the Boston Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier, or the Westie. Both are small dogs, but only the Westie possesses the distinct terrier personality, that of being feisty, fearless, and supremely confident.

The Boston Terrier, despite its name and lines of fighting and hunting dogs in its heritage, is softer and more laid back than a true terrier. It is small and compact, and has been given the nickname the "American Gentleman" because of its neat, stylish carriage and sleek body.

The Westie, said to have been bred by the Laird of Poltalloch, Edward Donald Malcolm, and specifically bred in a white coat to distinguish it from its prey in the field, the red fox. There are other terriers in the Westie breeding history, among them the Scottish, Cairn, and Pittenweem Terriers.

Color

The Bostie will always have white in its coat color. A predominantly white coat shows the Westie heritage, while other colored markings or pattern, such as black or brown with white, indicate the Boston Terrier.

Coat

The Boston Terrier's coat is a sleek, single layer, while the Westie, bred in rougher and colder climes, has a longer double coat that consists of a hard, straight outer layer over a dense, plush undercoat. The Bostie can take after either parent. Shedding from a double coat will come from the undercoat, while a single coat will be a minimal to average shedder all year round.

Personality

The Bostie is ideal for a relaxed, occasionally active, household where someone is always on hand to give it attention, play with it, or just cuddle up with it. Small children will find the Bostie happy and energetic in play, but must be supervised to ensure they do not hurt it. The Bostie is an alert and curious dog, and will always investigate or raise an alarm at anything it thinks strange, be it unknown people approaching, or new sounds. It is affectionate, and will not be shy about pleasing and entertaining even in new company. It can get along with other pets in the house, but might show attitude towards other dogs, especially male ones, if it thinks it is being upstaged with its owner.

Care

The Bostie's coat will benefit from regular brushing, not from regular bathing, which will strip it of natural protective oils. Bathing is recommended only as necessary, which might be as infrequent as every two months. Brushing, on the other hand, will help distribute the coat oil, take out any shed fur, and prevent mats, if the fur length is a bit longer. A wipe down for short coats is recommended after trips outdoors, to get rid of dirt and burrs.

Training

The Bostie should be well-socialized from a young age, and constantly even after reaching adulthood. As a companion, it is expected to be warm and friendly towards everyone, and at ease even in new locations or situations. Early obedience training will also be beneficial, as the Bostie possesses a streak of stubbornness that must be worked out with firm but patient handling.

Activity

A small dog, the Bostie can amuse and tire itself out in even in limited indoor space. But it must still be taken out for walks or play outdoors, for at least half an hour everyday. It is sprightly and agile, but will not require strenuous activity to be happy and tired out at the end of the day.