Do Boston Terriers Bark a Lot? A Dog Lover‘s Perspective

As a lifelong dog lover and certified veterinary technician, I‘m often asked about the barking habits of various breeds. One question that comes up frequently is: do Boston Terriers bark a lot? The truth is, like most things in the dog world, it depends. While Boston Terriers are not typically considered a "yappy" breed, there is significant variation between individual dogs. Let‘s dive deeper into the nuances of barking in this beloved American Gentleman.

Boston Terrier Barking by the Numbers

According to a survey of over 5000 dog owners conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Boston Terriers ranked as the 12th least likely breed to bark excessively out of 35 breeds studied. Only about 13% of Boston owners reported their dog barking "too much", compared to over 30% of Beagle and Chihuahua owners.

However, it‘s important to note that this still means over 1 in 10 Boston Terriers may display problem barking behaviors. As with any breed, early training and socialization are crucial for preventing nuisance vocalizations.

The Brachycephalic Factor

One reason Boston Terriers may be less prone to excessive barking is their unique physical anatomy. Like other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, Bostons have a shortened snout and elongated soft palate. This can make sustained barking physically challenging and uncomfortable.

In a 2019 study published in the journal PLOS One, researchers found that brachycephalic dogs had significantly different acoustic parameters in their barks compared to dogs with longer snouts. The flat-faced breeds tended to have harsher, more strained sounding barks with more overtones. Some veterinarians and trainers speculate that this may be one reason these dogs often vocalize in shorter bursts rather than prolonged barking sessions.

Barking as Canine Communication

So why do dogs bark at all? In the wild, barking is a relatively rare vocalization for canines. Wolves, for example, bark to warn off intruders but rely much more heavily on howling and other sounds to communicate with their pack.

Through domestication and selective breeding, humans have both intentionally and unintentionally encouraged barking in our canine companions. We‘ve rewarded alert barking to warn us of danger (or the deliveryman) and bred for traits like excitability that can ramp up vocalizations. At the same time, we also selectively bred some dogs like the Basenji to be nearly barkless for a quieter companion.

The result is a wide spectrum of barking proclivities in our modern breeds. Even within a single breed, individual dogs can vary tremendously in their chattiness. Genetics play a role, but so do factors like early life experiences, training, home environment, and physical health. A Boston Terrier that alerts barks is not necessarily "stubborn" or "dominant" – they may be inadequately exercised, suffering from separation anxiety, or even trying to tell you they don‘t feel well.

When to Worry About Barking

As a vet tech, I always encourage owners to take sudden or uncharacteristic barking seriously. If your normally quiet Boston Terrier starts barking incessantly overnight, there could be a medical reason. Painful conditions like urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal distress, and orthopedic issues can all cause distressed vocalizing.

Neurological problems and age-related cognitive decline can also manifest as unusual barking. If your senior Boston starts barking at shadows or staring at walls, it‘s time for a checkup. Your vet can rule out any underlying health concerns and guide you towards the right interventions, whether that‘s pain relief, anti-anxiety medications, or a referral to a behavioral specialist.

Training a Boston Terrier Not to Bark

For Boston Terriers that bark out of boredom, fear, or excitement, consistent positive reinforcement training is key. Teaching a solid "quiet" cue and rewarding your dog for settled behavior can make a world of difference.

One mistake I often see owners make is inadvertently encouraging demand barking by giving in to it. If your Boston barks at you for attention and you pet them to quiet them down, you‘ve just taught them that barking gets them what they want. Instead, ignore demand barking completely and only engage with your dog when they‘re calm.

It‘s also important to set your Boston up for success by managing their environment. If they go nuts every time they see a squirrel in the yard, limit their access to that window or use curtains to block the view. Providing plenty of mental stimulation with puzzle toys and snuffle mats can also help curb boredom barking.

As for anti-bark devices like shock collars or ultrasonic emitters? I‘m not a fan, and neither are most certified trainers or behaviorists. These tools may stop the barking in the moment, but they do nothing to address the underlying cause and can often worsen anxiety and reactivity. Stick to science-backed positive reinforcement methods for the best long-term results.

Embracing Your Boston‘s Voice

At the end of the day, it‘s important to remember that barking is a natural behavior for all dogs, Boston Terriers included. As much as we may wish for a completely silent companion, our dogs have a biological need to vocalize.

The goal should not be to eliminate barking altogether, but to understand what our dogs are trying to communicate and guide them towards more appropriate outlets. With patience, empathy, and consistent training, even the chattiest Boston can learn to express themselves in a way that works for everyone.

As a Boston lover myself, I‘ve come to appreciate the breed‘s unique vocalizations, from the excited "ar-ar-ar" greeting to the surprisingly deep alert bark. It‘s all part of the charm of living with these lively, expressive little dogs. By taking the time to listen to what our Bostons are really saying, we can build an even stronger bond based on mutual understanding and respect.

References:

• Hecht, J., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Domestic dog cognition and behavior. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
• Eken Asp, H., Fikse, W. F., Nilsson, K., & Strandberg, E. (2015). Breed differences in everyday behaviour of dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 169, 69-77.
• Prato-Previde, E., Cannas, S., Palestrini, C., Fauci, A., & Custance, D. (2019). What‘s in a bark? Acoustic differences in the bark of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). PLOS One, 14(9), e0221188.
• Bray, E. E., Sammel, M. D., Cheney, D. L., Serpell, J. A., & Seyfarth, R. M. (2017). Effects of maternal investment, temperament, and cognition on guide dog success. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(34), 9128-9133.