Customer Reviews

The Boston Terrier (Terra Nova Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very good book filled with background information on the breed, breed characteristics, and training suggestions. It is not very long which actually makes the book very readable. The training methods are very good, as well. Because the book provides just enough information for the average Boston parent on the numerous topics that it covers, some owners looking for extremely in-depth and lengthy explanations might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, most owners who want a well-trained pet and who also want to learn a little bit about the breed would be pleased with this book.

This is one of those books that must be evaluated and assessed from the point of view as to what the reader is looking for; what the reader needs and what the reader already knows about this wonderful little breed of dog.

Everyone has their own favorite breed and the Boston terrier happens to be one of our favorite. We currently have two; both of whom live and get along quite well with our family and our other two dogs which are rescued dogs from a local shelter. In our case (meaning my wife and myself) we have been involved with dogs all of our lives on quite a few levels. All that being said....

This 192 page book which was first published in 2005 is an excellent book for those who are anticipating bringing a Boston terrier into their family or someone who is new to the breed. The author and her consultants have given a very good overview and most certainly have covered all of the basics. There are a number of considerations to make before purchasing this work.

First, this book does cover all of the basics. Many of these basics are all breed applicable and rather generic in nature. In most cases a puppy is a puppy, good nutrition is good nutrition and training methods pretty well apply to any and all breeds. If you want a very good and in depth book on dog care there are better books on the market. If you want a good book on the training of dogs then you have a choice of literally hundreds and hundreds available and the purchaser simply needs to find the one that works for them in their particular situation.

Second, this book does give a very good rundown on the breed specifications, which to the newcomer can be quite confusing. The author has done a very nice job in explaining the vague and at times, archaic terms used in officially describing this breed.

Third, the book is accompanied by a nice DVD which is informative and well done.

Fourth, this books is filled with wonderful color pictures of Boston Terriers (Something I never tire of looking at), in all stages of development, color patterns and conformations. The photographs are of high quality and pleasing to the eye.

Fifth, this work gives a very good description of the personality of these unique animals; their personality traits, most of which are good and what to do with the occasional problem dog.

Sixth, is the overall advice as to diet, exercise and health requirements. It should be noted here that some of this information is a bit dated but not to the extent that it would be harmful to the dog and certainly not to the extent that would make this work less than useful.

Seventh, if the owners of these terriers plan to breed their dogs then you would want a book addressing that subject alone. While the author gives a passing nod to genetics, it must be noted that it is extremely vague. This is an extremely important aspect of breeding and not to be taken lightly and is complicated to the extreme...you really have to know what you are doing before taking the leap in this area. Also, if the owner plans to show their animal, then the information found in this work is rather superficial. This is an extremely complicated procedure and not for the faint of heart. To show a dog you are entering into a completely different world and different culture and it is not a step to one should go into without a lot of information and/or experience. Showing dogs is a way of life and anyone contemplating this "hobby" should think long and hard before they do so.

When all is said and done, this is an excellent "entry level" book and the new owner of a Boston terrier will find it very useful.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Hands down the best dog book I've ever read.
I own a 4 year old pug and a 4 month old Boston Terrier.
Well research breed history and more.
Not only does this book excel in breed specific information and issues,
but also contains an enormous amount of general dog information on how to train/socialize/etc...
the dvd contains information for the first time owner and general dog training, no breed specific information on the dvd.

This is a well written book that offers the history of the Boston bull, which is a hybrid breed. Bostons are the result of crossing old English bulldogs with small white terriers. A hardy, sturdy little dog, the Boston bull is intelligent and lively. Bostons are also excellent family pets.

This book provides clear, concise information not only about the breed, but about care and training. Breeders will be especially interested in the special care pregnant Bostons require. Bostons more often than not have to have Caesarian deliveries because the puppies have extremely large heads. This is a reader-friendly book that all will enjoy, from owners/breeders to those who just love the Boston bull.

The book is really good, it has a lot of information that can help you to take good care of your boston terrier. I have learned a lot with this book. I would definitely recommend it!

I found this book at Petsmart while looking for more information on the breed of my new puppy. Reasonably priced, with the bonus DVD, it covers the history of the breed (right back to the first dog in the tree), and the changes in the breed standard over the years. Great tips for choosing the right breed, breeder, and puppy. Early care and socialization tips, training guideline, house breaking rules, nutrition and exercise. Each aspect is cover in enough detail as to not to be too brief or too wordy. Each section has a number of highlights, to reinforce the topic at hand.

The bonus DVD - usually a throwaway, but not in this case. To be able to see the visuals of the training session is going to be invaluable. An excellent bonus and tool.

I take a star away because there are a few inconsistencies between the book training section and the DVD. Nothing glaring, but enough to know that, as the training section states, methods from trainer to trainer are bound to be different. But in both the emphasis is on the positive reinforcement approach.

Highly recommended for those looking for more information on the Boston Terrier.

This book seemed somewhat out-dated. All the information in the book I had already found by searching the internet. The pictures looked old, and it was a very generic book, it didn't tell me anything new.