FAQS
Should I buy a male or female?
This is a matter of personal preference. There is very little difference in temperament and personality between male and female Boston Terriers. They are both loving and are great companions.
How are Bostons with children?
Bostons are a great family dog. However, they will jump up on children, and toddlers can find this threatening. Constant supervision of the Boston and the children is necessary, as they both must develop mutual respect and understanding of each other.
Should I get a puppy or an older dog?
Most families, especially with children, prefer a puppy. If you get a puppy, you will have to endure housebreaking, teething, and chewing. Older Bostons can make wonderful pets, but will have set behavior patterns. There is always a period of housetraining for an adult, too.
Should I buy from a pet store or a breeder?
While there may be exceptions, the majority of pet stores purchase their dogs from puppy mills. These dogs are bred for profit, with little regard to the health or temperament of the dogs. The living conditions of these dogs are sometimes poor, and there is a higher risk of parasites and other health conditions as the dog ages. You will not have any information about the puppy’s ancestors. A breeder will be able to tell you about all the dogs in the pedigree (the family tree) of the puppy. Most breeders do health testing (CERF for eyes, BAER for hearing, OFA for patella) and only breed the dogs that meet certain health requirements. Most breeders will be available to answer specific questions about the Boston and be there to help you if you need it. When you buy from a breeder, feel free to ask lots of questions, and the breeder will probably do the same to you. Most breeders care where their puppies go, and will interview prospective buyers prior to selling them a puppy.
What is the availability of Bostons?
The demand for the Boston Terrier far exceeds the supply. I get about 100 inquires per month for the 10 or so puppies I have per year. Boston litters are small (one to three puppies is average) and mortality is high. Looking for a Boston puppy takes patience and diligence, and a little luck. You may have to travel out of your state to find a puppy.
How can I get on your waiting list for a puppy?
I don’t keep a waiting list. If I did, there would be several hundred names on it by the time I had puppies available. People never notify me when they have found a puppy or if they are no longer interested. I tell people when I might expect puppies, and ask that they contact me closer to the time the litter is due. I then require a personal interview so I can match a puppy with the lifestyles and desires of prospective owners. I will select the best puppy for you, and there may not be a choice.
Why didn’t you respond to my telephone call?
I can’t return long distance phone calls. If you are calling from outside of Massachusetts, please call after 8 p.m. when I am home and finished working in the kennel. I do work during the day, and I sometimes can’t return calls until the weekend. So, please be patient with my schedule.
What is the average price for a Boston Terrier?
The price depends on what part of the country you are in. I only know what I charge. Prices range from $ 1800.00 to $ 2200.00 for a Whalom Boston puppy sold as a companion.
Why do you charge so much for a Boston?
Believe it or not, I don’t make any money breeding Boston Terriers. My husband laughs whenever I talk about what I am going to do with puppy money. The average litter costs $ 2000.00 just to breed — that’s if there are no complications with the delivery and no sick puppies. All of my breeding stock has Health Certification from the Boston Terrier Club of America. That means they are CERF clear (eyes), BAER tested (hearing) OFA patella, and pass a general health exam annually. I spend hours studying pedigrees and structure, and hours training and socializing my dogs. My dogs are bred for health, temperament, and quality.
What health guarantee do you provide?
The specifics of our guarantee will be discussed at the interview. I stand behind my dogs, and want to know if a problem should develop. I am there to offer advice and information about any medical condition your Boston may experience.
How should I select a breeder?
The Boston Terrier Club of America has a breeder referral chairperson who can help you locate breeders in your area.
The American Kennel Club offers suggestions about how to locate a reputable breeder.
Do you ever have older puppies or retired Champions for sale?
Occasionally I do. Please inquire. All adults are spayed or neutered before they are placed.
Do you ship dogs?
I do not ship dogs. People buying my dogs must come here to pick them up. I will meet someone at the airport to fly a puppy in the cabin under the seat, but I won’t ship a puppy in cargo.
Can I buy a show quality puppy as a pet?
I don’t part easily with my show quality puppies. I keep most of them, and if I sell one, I co-own it until it is shown and finished as a Champion.
What food do you recommend for a Boston Terrier?
There are many good foods on the market. The key is to be able to read and understand the ingredients on the label. We feed a dry food that contains only fresh and whole human grade ingredients that are USDA approved. The first two ingredients should be derived from whole meat. A good food should have no meat by-products or digest. Meal (such as chicken meal) is fine. There should be no generic fats or proteins, no artificial preservatives, colors, sugars or sweeteners. There also should be as few grains as possible. Food that also contain omega fatty acids, folic acid, and probiotics get a gold star from us.
What supplements do you recommend?
As a general rule, I don’t give supplements unless there is a need. All of our dogs receive Fastrack® Canine Microbial Powder daily and Fastrack® Canine Gel during periods of stress, i.e. showing, surgery, pregnancy, whelping, worming, immunizations. There has been such a positive change in our Bostons since using Fastrack® products that Christi has become a Distributor. Please refer to the Fastrack® page for more information about the products and how to order them.
Are your males available for stud services?
Our males are available for stud services to approved bitches. To be considered, your female must be evaluated for her quality to be sure that the male you are interested in using is a good match structurally. Documentation must be provided for a negative brucellosis test, BAER test with normal hearing bilaterally, CERF evaluation with normal results, patella examination with normal results. Your female must be A.K.C. registered and you must have a certified pedigree from A.K.C.
