Bostillon

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Bostillon is from pure breed parents, the Boston Terrier and the Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel.

The Boston Terrier, a sturdy but lithe, dapper little dog, originated from its namesake city and is one of the more popular pet and companion dogs in the US. Bred only in the late 1800's, it is a relatively young breed, and some breeds thought to have contributed to its lineage include bull and terrier types, the modern English bulldog, and the French bulldog. Despite the name, the Boston Terrier differs from terriers in general when it comes to its brachycepahlice appearance and gentler, more relaxed disposition.

The Papillon is one of two breed types from the same litter. A dainty spaniel valued as a lap dog and companion, the Papillon, so-called because of the butterfly-shaped fringe of fur around its ears, shares the line with a drop-ear type, called the Phalene. The Papillon, one of the oldest spaniel breeds, originated in France and has been popular throughout the centuries in various European countries as well, associated at times with various royal houses.

Color

The Bostillion is parti-colored, or can come in any dark base, such as brown or black, and have patches of white or white markings.

Coat

The Bostillon only has a single layer of fur, which makes it vulnerable in the cold. Fur length can take after either parent's: short for the Boston Terrier, medium-to-long for the Papillon. As the Bostillon grows up, it may develop the distinctive fringe of fur around the ears.

Personality

The Bostillon is a compactly built, but still graceful, small dog that possesses many traits ideal in a family pet or companion. It is spirited and lively, but not so that it becomes unruly or disrupts house routines. It is always eager to play, but can also lie contentedly and be petted, or offer silent affection when it senses it is needed. Children , properly instructed, will find it an inexhaustible and amusing playmate. Older or ailing people can rely on the Bostillon to be a good therapy dog, testament to its stable temperament and happy, gentle disposition.

Care

A long fur is prone to mats, and regular brushing will maintain its silkiness and keep it mat-free. If there are mats, a pin-bristled brush will work best in untangling them. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough to keep the Bostillon neat and clean. Bathing once every 6 to 8 weeks will be enough for this small dog.

Training

The Bostillon is a smart dog and can quickly pick up commands in training. The attention it gets, and any rewards, no matter how small, coupled with its eagerness to please, means the Bostillon can be trained for a number of tasks or tricks. With its lithe build, the Bostillon can also do agility courses, and will do good in a number of dog sports.

Activity

A varied regimen of activity will keep the Bostillon happy and stimulated, but it does not necessarily need to be tired out, or maintain muscle tone and athleticism with strenuous activity. A good round of walking or jogging will satisfy its need to be outdoors and explore, while on occasion, vigorous play or tricks indoors or in a small yard will be enough for the day.