Bossie
The Bossie is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Australian Shepherd. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bossie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact, and well-muscled dog that presents a square appearance with a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern that has charmed dog lovers since the breed's development in the late 1800s. Standing between 15 and 17 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 25 pounds, this breed is divided into three weight classes: under 15 pounds, 15 to 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds. The body is short and sturdy with a slightly arched neck, a broad chest, and a short, naturally bobbed tail that may be straight or have a slight corkscrew shape. The legs are strong and well-proportioned, giving the dog a balanced and athletic stance despite its compact frame. One of the most recognizable features of the Boston Terrier is its distinctive head, which is square and flat on top with a short, wide muzzle and a well-defined stop. The large, round, dark eyes are set wide apart and convey an alert, intelligent expression that has earned this breed the nickname "American Gentleman." The ears are small, erect, and may be natural or cropped, standing prominently on the corners of the skull. The breed is brachycephalic, meaning it has a shortened skull that creates its characteristic flat-faced appearance. The jaw is broad and square with a slightly undershot bite that contributes to the breed's distinctive profile. The coat is short, smooth, and fine in texture, requiring minimal grooming to maintain its sleek appearance. Boston Terriers are found in distinctive color patterns including black and white, brindle and white, or seal and white, with the white markings typically appearing on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, and on part or all of the forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. These markings give the breed its signature tuxedo appearance that makes them immediately recognizable. The skin fits tightly over the body without wrinkles except on the head, where some wrinkling may be present around the short muzzle. Their compact build and moderate bone structure make them suitable companions for various living environments.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Boston Terriers form strong bonds with their family members and do well with children when properly supervised, though interactions with very young children should be monitored due to the breed's tendency toward boisterous play. They generally coexist peacefully with other pets, especially when socialized from an early age. Their alert nature makes them adequate watchdogs who will bark to announce visitors, but they are not typically aggressive. The breed thrives on companionship and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, making them best suited for households where someone is frequently home.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include deafness, which can be partial or complete and is often hereditary in the breed, and hemivertebrae, a spinal condition where malformed vertebrae can cause neurological problems or back pain. Boston Terriers may also suffer from allergies, Cushing's disease, and various skin conditions. The average lifespan for this breed ranges from 11 to 13 years. Responsible breeding practices, including health testing of parent dogs, can help reduce the incidence of these genetic conditions. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate exercise are essential for ensuring a long, healthy life.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, medium-sized dog with an athletic build that reflects its heritage as a versatile working herder. Males typically stand between 20 and 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 65 pounds, while females measure 18 to 21 inches and weigh 40 to 55 pounds. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a level topline that slopes gently toward the hindquarters. The legs are straight and strong with oval-shaped feet, and the breed displays remarkable agility and endurance that enables it to work long hours in challenging terrain. One of the most striking features of the Australian Shepherd is its beautiful double coat, which consists of a medium-length outer coat that may be straight to slightly wavy, and a dense undercoat that varies in thickness according to climate. The coat comes in four recognized colors: blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, with all colors potentially featuring white markings on the face, chest, legs, and underparts, as well as copper points on the face and legs. The merle patterns create a marbled effect with darker patches scattered across a lighter base color, making each dog's coat unique. The head is clean-cut and proportionate to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate, well-defined stop. The muzzle tapers slightly from the base to the nose, which may be black or liver-colored depending on coat color. Perhaps the most captivating feature is the breed's expressive eyes, which may be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof, including dogs with two different colored eyes (heterochromia) or eyes with more than one color within a single eye (split eyes). The ears are triangular and set high, breaking forward or to the side when alert. The tail may be naturally bobbed, docked, or left full length, with natural bobtails occurring in a portion of the breed.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Australian Shepherds are typically loyal and affectionate with their families but may be reserved or aloof with strangers, reflecting the breed standard's description of being "reserved with strangers." They possess a natural protective instinct and make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual activity. While they can be wonderful family dogs and generally do well with children, their high energy and herding tendencies require supervision around young children. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive training methods and may become anxious or withdrawn if treated harshly. The breed's adaptability and eagerness to please make them highly trainable in the right hands.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Australian Shepherds are prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures typically appearing between one and five years of age. While epilepsy can often be managed with medication, it requires lifelong treatment and monitoring. Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce adequate hormones, can also affect this breed. Additionally, breeding two merle-patterned dogs together can produce "double merle" puppies with a high risk of deafness and eye defects, making responsible breeding practices essential. Cancer, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, occurs in the breed at rates comparable to or slightly higher than other breeds. Regular veterinary care, maintaining appropriate weight, and providing adequate exercise all contribute to the overall health and longevity of Australian Shepherds.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Bossie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Boston Terrier and Australian Shepherd to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.