Boston Terrier — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic and probably all have some degree of airway crowding from the shortened muzzle; more extreme facial foreshortening, nostril narrowing and scleral show are associated with a higher risk of clinical signs such as snoring, exercise intolerance and overheating.
Ask to see: The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) result on both parents.
UFAW - Boston Terrier: Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/boston-terrier-brachycephalic-airway-obstruction-syndrome) · PLOS One - BOAS in the Boston Terrier: a healthier screw-tailed breed? (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0315411)
Vertebral malformation (hemivertebrae)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
As in other screw-tailed breeds, the gene(s) behind the Boston Terrier's short, kinked tail also produce malformed vertebrae elsewhere in the spine, which can destabilise it and compress the spinal cord, causing pain or hind-limb weakness.
Ask to see: There is no blood or DNA test. Ask whether the parents have had spinal radiographs and what the finding was.
UFAW - Boston Terrier: Hemivertebrae (https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/boston-terrier-hemivertebrae)
Early-onset (juvenile) hereditary cataractscan shorten life or cause chronic pain
An autosomal recessive cataract caused by the HSF4 mutation, affecting both eyes symmetrically, starting before one year old and able to progress to blindness by two to three years.
Ask to see: DNA test for the HSF4 mutation, registered with OFA, on both parents.
Boston Terrier Club of America - AKC Health Statement (http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Boston-Terrier.pdf)
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of its groove; the parent club requires a vet exam every two years for a CHIC number.
Ask to see: OFA patellar luxation exam (graded 0-4) on both parents, repeated every two years.
Boston Terrier Club of America - AKC Health Statement (http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Boston-Terrier.pdf)
Congenital deafness
Some Boston Terriers are born deaf in one or both ears. The parent club requires a one-off hearing test for a CHIC number.
Ask to see: BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test on both parents, performed after 35 days of age and registered with OFA.
Boston Terrier Club of America - AKC Health Statement (http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Boston-Terrier.pdf)