CHAPTER V. 



EDUCATING A BOSTON TERRIER. 



The Characteristics of Boston Terriers Their Intelligence 

 A Practical Demonstration Housebreaking Teaching 

 Them to Be Watchful Discipline Some of the Special 

 Advantages of the Breed. 



THE SPECIAL characteristics of the Boston 

 Terrier may be summed up by stating that for 

 a loving, faithful and all-round companion he 

 cannot be excelled. He is a small, short- 

 haired dog, of a decidedly sporty appearance, 

 intelligent to a very marked degree, kind and 

 affectionate, yet fully capable, should occasion 

 require, of taking not only very good care of 

 himself, but also of his master or mistress. 



Some years ago the idea was credited among misguided and 

 misinformed persons that the Boston Terrier, although he was 

 a handsome and an expensive dog, could not be taught like other 

 dogs. In other words, that he was naturally stupid, and could 

 only look pretty when on dress parade. At first the author did 

 not give the matter any special consideration, for he did not 

 own one, but within a year he saw a pup a little over six months 

 old, and the degree of intelligence that was manifested in his 

 beautiful eyes prompted him to purchase the little fellow and 

 deciding to test the matter as to his ability of absorbing knowl- 

 edge. He was a son of Ch. Monte, ex Murphy's Lottie. He 

 was named Muggy Dee, and at once introduced into the home, 

 breaking him to the house, which, as is usual with this breed, was 

 very easily accomplished, for they are naturally cleanly in their 

 inclinations. By easy stages he was taught various tricks and 

 accomplishments, and it was amazing the facility with which 

 he became proficient. Before he was nine months old he could 

 perform some of the most difficult feats, and was always ready 

 and anxious to display his knowledge. This experience certainly 

 of itself refutes the calumny placed upon the breed by those 

 either ignorant of the possibilities or too indifferent to test the 

 matter. 



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