Bostons, Pugs or Frenchies-- any advice??

Shanz · #1 27th September 2006, 05:07 PM

Im in my final year of my veterinary technician course and will be graduating in April. Bf and I already have Cinnamon, but we strongly believe boxers are not solitary dogs, they need companion from another dog. Right now, Cin lives with our GSD, Brandy, but when I move out in April-May she'll be by herself. We've always wanted a Boston and from everything Ive read, theyre Boxers in smaller bodies. Recently Ive fallen in love with pugs, I think they are just so sweet and very funny little guys. We both have a mutual interest in French Bulldogs and Ive found a breeders for all 3 in my area. All do the recommended testing (eyes, patellas, etc.). So basically what Im looking for is advice and any info from owners of either of these breeds and if anyone knows what testing should be done on these breeds by the breeder?

Gretchen B · #2 27th September 2006, 10:57 PM

I had a friend who had several pugs. According to her, they shed like crazy! They had light hair all over the place and it sticks to everything. Other than that, they were pretty nice dogs. I'd prefer a Frenchie, though. They're adorable!

Kirby Kirb · #3 28th September 2006, 07:10 AM

I have got Kirby (Boxer) and Riggs (Pug), and they are the best of friends!! There are some pics in my gallery. They get along great, Rigg's is 4, and Kirby is about 8 months. I love both breeds, I have done alot of research, and both require alot of attention. One thing some people forget about pugs, is to celan there roll (above nose), it can get very dirty playing around with Kirby, and if not kept clean, it can get infected, Rigg's had a yeast infection a few months ago. I would recomend the two together anytime!

My Calla · #4 28th September 2006, 12:56 PM

I don't have or have ever owned any of those three, however, my sister has a pug and a friend of ours has a boston terrier and a frenchie. If I had to chose one, it would definetly be a frenchie. He acts just like a boxer. He is only 14 pounds, but he doesn't take any junk off of Calla. He plays and keeps up with a dog almost 5 times his size. He is adorable and from what I have heard my sister say about her pug, pugs are very hardheaded. I don't know that to be a fact, just what she has told me.

Kirby Kirb · #5 28th September 2006, 01:43 PM

Pugs can be very stuborn!! Rigg's is the king of stuborn!! But between him and Kirby I don't know who is a bigger suck!! I find pug's to be more laid back, and not as energetic as the frenchies. Rigg's would be happy to spend the day on the couch, but loves walks, car rides, dog park, and attention!! I think its all a preference. But I am more then happy to tell you all you need to know on pugs!!

Jag's Mom · #6 28th September 2006, 02:56 PM

I have a Boston Terrier and think Bostons are great dogs.

My boy Nakai definatly keeps up with Jagger. He gives as good as he gets during playtime and has a huge great personality. He prefers to play with big dogs too. Those little dogs can't keep up with him. Practically no shedding is a plus too. Some health testing to look for are Patella, CERF, and BAER. I can't tell you how much I love the breed and they are "almost" as perfect as Boxers.

Good luck.

**gmacleod** · #7 28th September 2006, 03:16 PM

You can find some very useful information about the genetically inheritable diseases that various breeds are predisposed to at http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/intro.htm

For pretty much anything listed there, you'd want to see testing - or a good explanation of why it isn't done - for the particular breed in question.

As for Frenchies - if you're interested in learning more about the breed from those that own them, you might care to visit Boxerworld's sister site www.bulldogworld.com

Shanz · #8 28th September 2006, 04:56 PM

thats for all your input. I'll most likely be moving into an apartment which is why I wouldnt be able to have a boxer- 2 in an apartment, not sure how well that will work. 2 people in my program have bostons and a teacher of mine got a boston pup this summer, and ive heard nothing but good things, so I am leaning towards the boston, but am still very open to the other 2

Jill McD · #9 28th September 2006, 07:10 PM

We have a Boston and Boxer pair. They are actually our second pair. I grew up having a Boston and we got one soon after we married. They are very similar in temperment to Boxers, just a much smaller package! I know people that have Pugs and they too are cute, but shed much more than Bostons and Boxers. Our two love each other, the Boston does not realize the Boxer is bigger than her and really keeps him in line. So from experience, I would recommend a Boston Terrier.

Shanz · #10 28th September 2006, 08:09 PM

Well, the Boston breeder Im looking at I found on the Boston Terrier club of Canada website. This is what the contract states regarding geneteics/health problems. Ive read it over a few times but this last time I just found it a little sketchy for some reason-- maybe im overreacting though

2. ***** Boston Terriers are Guaranteed against the following conditions:
Heart Defects
Juvenile Cateracts(present in both eyes)
Bilateral Deafness
Luxating Patella's

A written statement from our veterinarian will provide an evaluation of heart, patella's, or hearing problems prior to sale. Any results other than normal will be stipulated at the time of purchase. If the buyer decides to accept the puppy "as is" no further guarantee regarding that condition will be made, unless stated as such in the "Other Terms & conditions"section of this contract.(Last Page) If a Show Potential puppy develops any of the above conditions the buyer has the option of returning the puppy for the exchanging of a puppy from a differant litter (or) keeping the puppy & receiving a refund equal to the difference between the show puppy & pet puppy price.($____________).

If your vet suspects cataracts you will have a veterinary Ophtamologist Diplomat perform a CERF exam at the buyers expense. For the purpose of this contract, juvenile Cataracts are defined only as those which develop before the age of one(1) year of age, and are always present in both eyes.

If the patella(s) are found to be normal or non-luxating at the time of purchase, no refund will be made in the event that the dog sustains an injury to the stifle/patellar area which mimics the symptoms of luxating patella.

A replacement will be given on any puppy that possesses a problem covered by this agreement if it is detected within the 1 year of age limit & the puppy is returned to Quarteracres. Partial refunds may be disgust if the buyer decides to keep the puppy.

**gmacleod** · #11 29th September 2006, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanz

Partial refunds may be disgust ...

Umm. You think that means discussed? LOL

Flying Fur · #12 29th September 2006, 09:36 AM

The only thing I dislike about buying contracts is that most (if not all) stipulate that you can return the dog for another or a refund (providing the dog has health problems i.e. HD,ED, prolaspe etc.) BUT they know well and good that 98% of people who buy a puppy fall in love with it and bond with it so the chances of them actually returning the puppy is slim to none.

In my (dream) world, breeders would instead offer half or a third of your money back to pay for the necessary vet visits/surgery. The fact that the breeder you're looking at has something similar is a really good thing IMO because in general breeders don't advertise the fact that if they sold you a (for lack of a better term please forgive me) 'defective' pup they'll help out with costs/price