Challenges of buying a Boston Terrier in New Zealand

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With so many families seeking a Boston Terrier puppy in NZ, I thought it would help to outline what it takes to breed Boston Terriers down under in our little country. I hope this helps you understand why our awesome breed is so hard to get and, why they are worth waiting for.

Being in our geographical location, so far south in the Southern Hemisphere and so far away from a wide range of choices for breeding has its challenges. As a result, our gene pool is extremely limited, and breeders are faced with the huge costs to import frozen semen from quality males for our girls. On most occasions, we are lucky to get change out of $15,000 NZD’s just for the importing, stud fee and collection.

Then there is the c-section, scans, progesterone testing, vaccinations, health testing of the puppy, microchipping, quality premium food for mum and pups and more – plus we sleep and spend 24/7 with mum and pups for the first 2 -3 weeks of their life. Then you still run the risk of getting no pups from the mating’s, or just 1 or 2 puppies.

So why do we breed then?

As reputable breeders of The Boston Terrier, we are the guardians and have a responsibility for the future of this wonderful breed. We have a job to ensure this breed stays as our forefathers intended and do not deviate from the breed standard as the smart American Gentleman in his tuxedo.

We ensure we start with fully health tested girls and males that closely fit the standard to breed from. Boston’s are a Brachycephalic (having a relatively broad, short skull), man-made breed so there is a lot to understand and research to breed a quality puppy. Ensuring your breeder does full health screening should be part of your due diligence as a purchaser. After all, you wouldn’t invest in a fridge or a car without checking the safety/economy rating or the reviews at least. The difference is, you are buying a living breathing thing, a part of your family, and the last thing any family deserves, is a puppy that can end up costing you a lot of money, or worse still, having to watch it suffer.

Health Testing

Boston Terrier Health tests:

DNA for Juvenile Cataracts
Patella grading - NO markers for Bostons for DNA so must be a physical test!
Certification for physical eye test from a Veterinary Ophthalmologist
BOAS (breathing) grading

All the above as a minimum.

You can also seek out heart testing and BAER (deafness), the latter not easily available in NZ.

Some breeders also have your puppy’s eyes tested, and patella tested by specialists prior to pick up at 9weeks of age. Health is important, but only a part of the considerations in purchasing a Boston Terrier puppy.

Next is the breeding prospects themselves.

Do they conform to the Boston standard? Are they all in good condition? Are you invited to see the parents or dam at least? Are they raised in the home, or do they live in kennels? Does the breeder offer full after sales service? Do the breeders ensure socialisation of the puppies? Is the litter registered with Dogs NZ? Is there a desexing contract? Are the breeders dogs recognised and respected as quality specimens? etc.

These all contribute towards ensuring a pedigree, quality looking puppy with the best temperament with back up support.

As a reputable breeder of Boston Terriers, we do all we can to breed quality, healthy puppies, but it is important to understand, that this still does not guarantee you a 100% free from issues puppy.

In buying a Boston Terrier or any brachy breed, as a pet owner, it is important to understand you too must accept some of this risk in buying a brachycephalic man-made breed.

Back to the breeding part.

We have established why there are not a lot of Boston puppies available to meet demand.

Due to the risk and the commitment of breeders to breed from health tested and quality dogs, they only have limited litters – assuming the AI has worked, and their girls get pregnant.

It is because of invested, kind and committed breeders overseas that share their lines and knowledge and dedicated breeders here in NZ who invest a small fortune to import frozen semen and dogs as well as their personal time and resources, that the breed will grow from strength to strength and continue into the future.

What else makes a good breeder?

It is the many years understanding every inch of every pedigree and knowing every dog for generations. It is understanding what they produce, their strengths as a sire or dam, and even their weaknesses, that produce the future champion or much-loved pet – which really are one and the same.

This skill is built over many years of asking questions, listening, research and experience and cannot be learnt overnight.

To produce the perfect companion and family pet - just as those before us wanted when they developed the breed in the late1800’s – is a costly, long, and incredibly dedicated and often heart-breaking journey.

It is understanding that we just do not have a puppy on the shelf out back for when someone wants a Boston Terrier puppy for a birthday present or Christmas.

Our best advice - do your research, sight the health certificates (not just DNA), understand if the Breeders in-depth knowledge of the breed is there, visit the breeder, meet their dogs, stay in touch, meet others with dogs from the breeder, and research their dogs.

Understand what they offer in support once you pick up your puppy.

By being well-informed and patient, you can find the perfect Boston Terrier to join your family. Just remember there can be a 2-year waiting list, so be prepared, plan well ahead and keep in touch.

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