Does anyone here own boston terriers or have any knowledge of their temperament ? 
There's someone I know who has a young male that's quite hostile towards other dogs (starts fights etc) and the breeder has told her that this is what they're like (she conveniently omitted to mention this before selling the puppy).  If aggression is one of the characteristics of the breed then it would obviously be difficult to overcome.  But if it's just a problem with this particular dog, the owner is quite prepared to put the work in to try to improve its behaviour.  The dog isn't a stud dog and hasn't been castrated.

Any advice/information from anyone with a knowledge of the breed would be really appreciated.

Hi Joyce,

As you might be aware, Bostons are a lot more popular in the U.S. than here in the U.K.  I've owned one in the past and he was a gentleman.   Bostons are definitely not known for being hostile to other dogs and they are not an aggressive breed.  They are good family dogs.  It sounds like your friend has a problem with their dog that is not breed related.

Stacey

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm

Here's a great description of them.

I sourced a male for freinds and he was agro towards other dogs as he wasn't properly socialised, and they have a very high opinon of themselves.  I had them bring him round so m y girls could show him some manners.  He is now castrated and having learnt how to behave among other dogs now has quite a circle of canine chums.  This change in his training did not happen until he was over two years old.

I would say that they are little Napoleons :D  Training and socialisation is the key as most of it is due to being unsure and being a terrier and a bull type their first line of defense is to posture and go on the offensive.

My freinds were first time dog owners and he was thoroughly spoilt.  I don't think they wiould have had any problems with him of this nature if they knew how a dog ticked and had been more proactive training and socialising.  When he got fizzy on the lead they panicked, and never allowed him the chance to great other dogs, it was as much frustration as fear agression on his part.  My dogs being very laid back about other dogs, but no walk overs soon had him minding his P's and Q's.

Even though it has already been said that Bostons are not usually hostile or aggressive, I still have to say this! :D

Here in America the Boston Terrier is known as the American Gentleman. I've never owned or been around Bostons before, but I've always thought they were very charming dogs. My opinion of them was even more great when I noted that they are called very often the American Gentleman. I have always thought they were such sweet dogs, I'd love to have one of my own someday! :)

I own 4 of them and also bred them....I have noticed some take after more of the terrier in look where others take more after the bulldog. My bitch takes more after the bulldog and my male more the terrier. They where originaly bred for dog fighting, but they were also much bigger then the bostons we have today. If they are not properly socialized you will have a problem on your hands, just like any other dog. Boston's think they are much bigger dogs then what they are and are good lil guard dogs....The biggest thing is socialization and obedience training to have a well behaved dog, and if they neglected any of these then the dogs behaviour is no one's fault but their own, a dog is what we mold it and also how the breeder bred it. If they did do everything then it could be down to breeding.....

I posted abit ahwile back on boston's so if you do a search you should get some info on them...They do make lovely pets and are very willing to please as long as their human part is willing to take the time....

Junior has had an attitude and I put that down to me not socializing him enough, I have done Obedience, Novice and agility (for fun), to work on his behaviour. he has come along ways and it has built up his confidence and taught me different methods on training and helping him over come the mistake I made from lack of socializing :(

Good luck and I hope their lil boston comes around, they are a lovely lil breed

Thank you all for your responses - this was just the kind of info I was after :D

Now I know that bostons aren't known for their aggression I'm hopeful that this person will be able to get her young boston back on track.  Although he was well socialised from a young age,  I think he's been allowed to get away with behaviour that maybe he shouldn't.  I reckon he's definitely taken advantage of being the centre of his owner's world !  If she can adapt her training methods and treat him more like the terrier he is, there's every chance of an improvement.

Could I just ask Dollface  - are your males stud or pet dogs,  do they all get along with each other ?  The owner in question would like to add a second dog to the family and is toying with the idea of another male boston.

Taz (hybrid ) male, Dozer- male, Tiva (bred her) female, T-Bone-Female -  all fixed now

Junior he is still intact, yes he is my stud dog

They all get along just fine, I did have problems between Junior and Taz but that was when Tiva came into heat and over bones. Junior and Taz now play together great. Junior gets along great with the other boston's.

I have someone who bought 2 males off me (different litters) and one is intact and they get along great, always play nice, share toys ect. I also have some one that has 2 females off me (different litters), they too get along great and they are both fixed.

:)

Thanks, Dollface, for the additional info - very helpful :D

Your welcome :)