Appearance of the Boston Spaniel
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| When mature, the Boston Spaniel is a robust dog of medium size. His coat will be of medium length and generally smooth. Ears are floppy and usually large. Its expressive dark eyes are often round, and its nose is brown or black. The coat colors of this proud, perky hybrid are black, brown and combinations of brown and white and black and white. The tail is carried straight, and the muzzle and face generally follow the Boston Terrier parent. |
Temperament of the Boston Spaniel
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| The Boston Spaniel will have personality traits from both parents. The Cocker Spaniel is outgoing, confident and happy. A Cocker Spaniel that is well socialized at an early age will be good with children and other dogs. He's a gentle, loving companion, intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train. He doesn't like to be left alone for long periods and can be prone to separation anxiety, which may cause him to bark or chew furniture. The Cocker Spaniel has a hunting instinct, which enables it to chase smaller animals. Consequently, it should not be left off leash. The Boston Terrier parent is an outgoing, intelligent and friendly dog. He likes to be included in family activities and can be a bit boisterous and need a little extra attention. He can be a little stubborn, so early obedience training is recommended. Boston Terriers are generally good with children and other dogs. Your Boston Spaniel can be the ideal pet with gentle, attentive handling. But be sure to make it clear that you're the boss, so he'll always be receptive to his place in the house. |
Needs and activities of the Boston Spaniel
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| Boston Spaniel love their daily walks. Precautions should be taken in case of extreme temperatures when exercising your hybrid, as this mix can be sensitive to weather conditions. Don't exercise him when it's very hot or very cold. He's happy to go for a few short walks a day as long as there's mental stimulation and attention in the mix when he's at home. As part of his exercise program, you can enroll him in obedience classes. He'll enjoy the outing and benefit from the structure of the class. What's more, it will help him develop his confidence, learn to interact with other dogs in a neutral setting and practice his listening skills. |
Maintenance of the Boston Spaniel
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| If your Boston Spaniel has a medium-length coat, it will need daily brushing and combing. Monthly professional grooming may be necessary if he has feathers around his ears and legs, as the Cocker Spaniel parent does. His nails should be trimmed monthly and checked often for cracks and tears. To prevent tartar build-up, the Boston Spaniel's teeth should be brushed several times a week. Floppy ears tend to accumulate dirt and moisture, so they should be cleaned with an earwash when debris is detected. Just be sure to dry the ears thoroughly after cleaning and whenever they get wet, as the Cocker Spaniel parent is prone to ear infections. |
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