Most dog breeds have very little documentation to substantiate their origins and ancestry. Because of this lack of actual recording, the information on most breeds is frequently accepted as best possible; however, the history of the Boston Terrier is different. This dog breed has been particularly well documented.

During the late 1800s, wealthy families from Boston used to employ coachmen to interbreed some of their finest of dogs. It was at that time that one of these crosses, between an English Terrier and a bulldog, created a dog named “Hooper’s Judge”. He was well over 30 pounds but was bred with a smaller sized female. The offspring puppy, which was a male, was then bred with a female smaller than himself. The puppies of these two dogs were then interbred with French Bulldogs, and this, in turn, created the foundation of today’s Boston Terrier.

By the year 1890, this breed became extremely popular in the Boston area and enthusiasts of the dog created an organization called the American Bull Terrier club. Shortly after, the name was officially changed to the Boston Terrier and was recognized by the AKC as an official dog breed in 1893. Until then it had also known by the names Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, Boxwood and American Gentleman. This last name came about because it’s white markings tended to resemble a gentleman’s formal atire of that time.

In the beginning, the Boston Terrier’s color and markings were not considered significant, but by the 20th century the breed’s distinctive markings and color were written into the AKC standard, becoming a crucial feature.

Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. They usually have a ‘square’ face. The smooth coats of the Boston Terriers are mainly brindle, seal or black with symmetrical white markings in proportion to the main color. They should weigh no less than 10 pounds and no more than 25 pounds and stand 15—17 inches at the shoulder.

During the 1920s Boston Terriers were especially popular in the US. Boston University’s mascot is a Boston Terrier named Rhett.

Temperament

Terrier in name only, while originally bred for fighting, these dogs were later down bred for companionship, so over the years, the Boston Terrier has fortunately lost most of its remorseless desire for havoc, favoring the companionship of humans. These days they are gentle, friendly and happy-go-lucky, although some males will still take exception to other dogs if they sense their territory is being encroached upon.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Boston Terriers are extremely devoted to their owner and are very sensitive to the atmosphere and mood around them. This dog can sense whether its owner or other people are feeling upset, happy, or angry. This unique characteristic makes the Boston Terrier a wonderful companion who is clever and learns very quickly. Not all of them bark often, but most do, making this animal a great watchdog.

Daily exercise is needed, which only requires the typical walks on a leash or playtime in a field with its owner. He loves to play chasing games, especially retrieving a ball. When it comes to living arrangements, this tough looking dog may seem like it could live outdoors, but quite the opposite is true. Boston Terriers are not meant to live outside as it does not tolerate heat or cold temperatures very well, but most importantly, this animal thrives from constant human companionship with its family.

Health Information

If you keep your Boston Terrier in a constant state of good health from sound nutrition and daily exercise, it has a long lifespan of up to 14 years. Another quality of this terrific house pet is that it has absolutely no major health concerns throughout the breed. The minor health issues that rarely come up are stenotic nares, patellar luxation, elongated soft palate, and allergies. It is recommended that all Boston Terriers be specifically tested for hip dysplasia, knee problems, and potential eye issues.

Boston Terriers frequently require a caesarean section to give birth.

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