“THE EXPRESSION SHOULD BE INTELLIGENT, SOFT AND SWEET WITH A TWINKLE OF MISCHIEF.” boston terrier Q&A WITH COLLEEN BROSSARD, MARCIE DOBKIN AND MICHAEL & BEVERLY STALEY
for a while, but more and more through the hard work of breeders of today—they are coming back. MD: The expression should be intelligent, soft and sweet with a twinkle of mischief. Round dark eyes, (without bulging and white showing or lateral gaze) are what gives the Boston his distinct way to melt our hearts! A square, full muzzle adds to the softness and balance. Ideal mark- ings are just that, but correct expression can also be achieved with minimal required markings. M&BS: Expression is a most important characteristic of the breed. The Boston expression is alert and kindly, indicat- ing a high degree of intelligence. This expression comes not only from the Boston’s large, round, dark eyes and proper ear set, but also from an inner attitude that let’s you know how special a dog he thinks that he is. The skull is square, flat on top, and free from wrinkles with a well-defined stop, but slight wrinkling can occur in front of the ears when the Boston is excited or animating, or from lifting of the ears as well. This wrinkling in front of the ears should not be penalized. 8. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? CB: In the past ten years, we have seen so many improve- ments in the Boston breed; that is why they are catching the eyes of many Judges today. MD: Although no traits seem exaggerated in today’s ring, I am disturbed, right now, seeing Bostons that are too small and “toyish” with the coordinating round heads, buggy eyes and fine bone. The Boston is a family compan- ion, not a tiny lap dog and must be sturdy enough to be handled by small children without fear of injury. I’ve also been seeing unsound feet. In keeping the preferred small round foot, breeders have been exhibiting dogs where the lateral toe is too short to reach the ground. This needs to be addressed as a health issue. M&BS: There are presently no traits in the Boston Terrier that we fear are becoming exaggerated. There is no complete perfect Boston Terrier, but we do have our standard to keep us on track that was updated in 2011 to disqualify colors other than those listed in the standard. 9. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? CB: New Judges have a hard time understanding standard when judging them in the ring. Which I feel is because of the three weights. Many people have heard me say over and over that we should have a ideal weight. When you look at the Specials they usually are close in size. The smaller ones are not usually seen in the Groups same as the very large. It is all about the balanced look. Not weight. They are not always easy to show. The handlers have to make them think it is fun or they could care less. Also Judges have to be gentle with them on the table or
there goes the expression and the expression by shut- ting their eyes or turning their head away to show who is boss. MD: New Judges seem to equate the Boston with the Bull- dog and Frenchie—probably from too many seminars that compare the three brachycephalic Non-Sporting breeds together; thus too forgiving or actually choosing the roached topline and search for the flattest face pos- sible without allowances for the slightly longer muzzle as permitted in our standard. M&BS: Some new Judges may not be aware that a represen- tative specimen should not be penalized for not possess- ing “desired markings”. 10. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate. CB: They are a companion dog, so unless it is fun they are unhappy. Lastly, I like the brindle in the coats as it seems to give the soft feeling with fine smooth finish look mixed with the black fine hair. But there is nothing prettier than a true brindle yet they have a hard time in the ring with Judges as of the White of the Boston stands out more with the dark seals and blacks. MD: I think I’ve said enough in the previous answers, but would like to define the ideal Boston by the following: The Boston Terrier is a dog of squares—square muzzle on a square skull with a square body in a tuxedo. A dapper gentleman, ready for an evening of adventure while on the town in New York City! M&BS: We are glad to see Boston Terriers holding their own in the Non-Sporting group. It has been awhile since the Boston Terrier has received the credit that they deserve. It is good to see so many quality Boston Terriers being shown and being recognized and we hope to see this trend continue. 11. And, for a bit of humor: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show? MD: Too many funny experiences to think of one in par- ticular, but a giggler (now, not then) during the Bulldog National Obedience trial, my Bulldog ran away during the off lead heel exercise, forcing me to chase her through the gallery, the vendors, the lobby and the bar of this huge convention center, while yelling, “ETHYL COME!” and trying to catch her. She didn’t qualify! (Except for the comedy award.) M&BS: One of our funniest experiences happened when we traveled to Australia to judge the Boston Terrier specialty. In Sydney after renting a car at the airport we found that with all of the roundabouts that no matter which way we turned or what road we took we took, we would eventu- ally end up right back in the airport. It reminded me of Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day”. After that funny experi- ence we did our traveling by train.
262 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A UGUST 2018
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