This dog is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Australian Shepherd dog. Both their parents' best traits can be found in these medium-sized pups: energy, loyalty, and devotion to family. The Baussie, also known as the Bossie, is a great dog for families.
Whether you have a large family or are living on your own, these lovely pups would be a welcome addition. Make sure kids get a lot of attention and physical activity. There is a risk that they will become bored and destructive if they are left alone in the yard. Continue reading to learn if this is the dog for you. Bossies are a blend of various dog breeds, and you can learn more about them here.
Highlights
- As far as we know, they're all mixed-breed dogs. These dogs, like their Boston Terrier and Australian Shepherd parents, are not purebred.
- They wear black, crimson or brown, or white as their primary colours. They are rarely one colour, but rather a mixture of two or three.
- Allergy sufferers may want to avoid them because of their short coats. Also, there are certain Bossies that have thicker coats than others. This is especially true if they inherit their Australian parent's coat.
- In general, bosses are prone to gaining weight and experiencing significant levels of fatigue. Do your best to ensure that your dog gets at least an hour and a half of daily physical activity. Destructive behaviour might develop as a result of boredom.
- These dogs are intelligent and can learn rapidly, but they may also be stubborn and forget what they've learned just as quickly as they did. Positive reinforcement will go a long way in building customer loyalty in the hands of an enthusiastic and reliable proprietor.
- In general, families with older children are better suited to Bossies. Bosses are descended from "herding dogs," and if the Australian Shepherd parent DNA is strong, they may be able to herd children or other pets. Bossies, on the other hand, make fantastic family pets once they've been properly trained.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
25 to 40 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
15 to 23 inches
History
There is very little information on the origins of hybrid breeds, since they were all established in the recent past. An Australian Shepherd and a Boston Terrier are the two breeds that make up the Bossie. Boston Terriers used to be much larger than they are today, and pit fighting was a common practice for them. Boston Terriers were originally developed by crossing English Bulldogs with English White Terriers, both of which are now extinct. At some point, French Bulldogs were also included in the mix. An animal known as Hooper's Judge was the first dog to combine these two breeds and form this new breed.
People started breeding Boston Terriers with smaller females and interbreeding them. Once known as American Bull Terriers and referred to as "roundheads," they were renamed Boston Terriers in honour of their birthplace. The moniker "Australian Shepherd" is misleading, as the breed originates in the Pyrenees Mountains, which lie on the border between France and Spain.
In the United States, they were frequently employed as herding dogs. This breed's forebears most likely came from a mix of Spanish and Collie ancestry. It has been well-known from the beginning of time that this breed excels in a wide range of canine sports and activities, including herding and obedience training, agility and retrieving as well as search and rescue.
Personality and Temperament
There is a reason why the name "Bossie" was chosen. They have a tendency to be overbearing. As their parent, you have a duty to make sure that they understand that you are the alpha dog. Due to their high energy levels, they enjoy going on walks, going on outings, and participating in a number of other activities.
The herding characteristics of some Bossies are inherited from their Australian Shepherd father and they may try to herd other pets and youngsters. It's possible they'll bark at a strange dog, but yapping isn't something they are known for. Despite the fact that these dogs are intelligent and capable of rapid learning, they may also be stubborn and forget instruction as quickly as they learn it.
In order to maintain the loyalty of a motivated and consistent owner, positive reinforcement is essential. Everyone in the family, especially those who enjoy taking them for walks and other trips, will be adored by their bosses. Large families may be more suitable for bosses who need a lot of love and attention from their family members.
Care
Good nutrition, exercise, environmental needs, grooming and health maintenance all fall under the umbrella of a dog's care.
Apart from being a nice sociable dog, Bossie can have health or behavioural difficulties like any other dog. At the very least, make sure your pet gets an hour of daily exercise. Please keep it out of the rain and other harsh weather.
Clean the ears with a cotton ball soaked in a vet-approved solution. Nails on your dog should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and becoming brittle. Brush your dog's teeth once a week to keep their mouths healthy.
Health
As with Australian Shepherds and Boston Terriers, the Bossie mixed breed is susceptible to some of the same health issues as these two dogs. While most cats and dogs are healthy, there are a few that are more susceptible than others, which is why frequent veterinary checkups and appropriate treatment are so vital. A few of the most prevalent ailments that Bossies deal with include:
Hip Dysplasia
There are two types of hip dysplasia in dogs: juvenile and adolescent. It causes the hip joint to relax, which leads to discomfort and dysfunction. The hip cartilage and bone begin to degrade as the dog ages. Osteoarthritis and muscular atrophy can develop as a result.
Eye
Inheriting the Boston terrier’s 'bug eye' characteristic, the Baussie is predisposed to eye problems. As the temperature drops, they are more likely to get a swollen eyeball.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
At just a few months old, little dog breeds are most susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Hip fractures occur when the ball at the top of the femur loses its blood supply and breaks down inside the hip joint. An expensive and traumatic hip replacement is the only option that can save the dog.
Recommended Health Test
- Eye
- Hip
- Blood
- X-Rays
- Blood Tests for Organ Function
Nutrition
A medium-sized dog with a high metabolic rate like the Bossie needs a diet tailored to their specific needs. Overfeeding them can lead to weight growth, so keep a regular feeding schedule and don't leave food out all day. Limit the number of sweets they eat as well.
All dogs' dietary needs evolve as they grow older, and there is no exception for the Bossie. There is too much variation in the weight, energy, and health of individual dogs to make a definite recommendation for your Bossie's food.
Grooming
It is common for Bossie coat colours and coats to be a mix of their Boston terrier and Australian Shepherd parents' coat patterns. For bossies, black, crimson, or brown, and white are the go-to colours. Rarely do they come in a single colour; instead, they're usually a combination of two or three different shades. Because of their short coats, these pets are not suitable for people with allergies.
In addition, there are Bossies that have thicker coats. Because of their thicker, more weather-resistant coat, they'll need more maintenance if they're descended from Australian parents. Fortunately, taking care of both coats is a breeze. However, it is important to discuss your groomer about your individual Bossie's needs. Shorter-coated bossies aren't the best choice for inclement weather. It is almost certain that your dog will need a coat in the winter, and that you will need to apply sunscreen to the ears, nose, and other exposed areas of the dog's body when it is hot outside.
Exercise
The active nature of this breed necessitates both indoor and outdoor activity. If you don't keep them busy and entertained, they could become disruptive.
The Australian Shepherd-like nature of your Bossie means he or she will thrive on having a task to do and may become restless without it.
To keep them happy and healthy, they'll need to work out for 60 to 120 minutes each day.
Training
This is a highly clever dog that should be a breeze to teach, but be prepared for some resistance on its part. It will require a strong, forceful, and constant handler who will not allow this dog to take advantage of them. Positive reinforcement is most effective for all dogs.
As a result, be sure to give her praise for a job well done. When it comes to physical activity, she's a fan of the challenge. She will find it easier to train if she gets more exercise. All pups and canines should be properly socialised from an early age. You should take her to the park and a doggie day care to expose her to as many people and animals as possible.
Children and Other Pets
The greatest choice for a family with older children is a Bossy. As a herding dog, the Bossie is likely to see kids as part of their "flock," therefore you'll need to teach your Bossie that chasing and nipping at kids to herd them is unacceptable. They are fantastic companions for families with children once they discover this.
If you have dogs around small children, be sure to show them how to approach and touch them so that no bites or ear or tail pulling occurs. No child should ever approach a dog that is eating or sleeping and try to take away the dog's food. A dog should never be left alone with a child, no of how friendly the dog is.
They can also get along with other pets, but be aware of herding behaviour. Cats, in particular, may find this offensive.
Puppies
These puppies are medium-sized, lively, and devoted, and they share some of their parents' greatest traits. The Baussie, also known as the Bossie, is a wonderful puppy. There are breed-specific shelters and rescues that have these mixed-breed dogs, so don't hesitate to adopt. A large family or a single person can benefit from having a pet like this. Make sure kids get a lot of attention and physical activity. This could lead to them being aggressive and destructive in the absence of human companionship.
Dog Breeds Similar to Bossie
- Briard
- Pug
- Manchester Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
