The Boston Terrier, An American Gentleman

One of the very few native American breeds, the Boston Terrier originated in the areas surrounding Boston, Mass. around 1870. Developed from various crosses with the English Bull Dog , French Bull Dog, and White English Terrier, the earliest ancestors of the Boston terrier were unevenly marked, of both low and high station, and sometimes weighed over 30 pounds. Shown as Round Heads or Bull Terriers in 1889, by 1891 the fanciers of this breed had formed the Boston Terrier Club of America and changed the name of the breed to the Boston Terrier. In 1893 the A.K.C., finally convinced that these dogs would breed true to type, admitted the Boston Terrier to the stud book. Boston Terriers are bred as companion dogs. Having no working or sporting heritage, they are classified as part of the AKC's Non-Sporting Group.

The Boston Terrier is a small, square dog with upright ears that in years past were cropped (to a sharp point) more often than not; however, that isn't the case today. The short-muzzled Boston is erroneously thought to have a docked tail. Docking the tail has never been practice and will disqualify a Boston from being shown in conformation. Just as incorrectly, the Boston is sometimes referred to as the "Boston Bull". The highly intelligent Boston Terrier, nicknamed "The American Gentleman", for her dapper combination of strength, elegance, and intelligence, prefers the company of her human family to all else and makes a superb companion for children, as they will play for hours. Bostons are very cheerful little dogs with big hearts. Many adults today have fond memories of an incomparable Boston Terrier in their childhood.

The Boston is a lively dog and can get sufficient exercise from chasing a ball and playing tug (which they adore) indoors. While they are basically an indoor dog, they also are very happy to accompany you in running in the field or hiking, and can be quite athletic. Bostons must be kept indoors. They cannot withstand excessive heat or cold and therefore cannot be kept in an outdoors kennel or run. In climates with chilly autumn or winter weather they will need a coat or sweater to stay warm when going out.  in snow it is best to provide a snow suit. Like other brachiocephalic (short muzzled) dogs, they must not be allowed to overheat. In warm weather or sunny open spaces, you will have to bring your own shade, and be sure to have plenty of water along.

Although in the Non-Sporting Group, Boston Terriers are found in every area of canine sporting competition. They excel at Competition Obedience and Agility, and are also excellent at Flying Disc and Flyball. The Boston's love of being part of a team, willingness to please, and high degree of intelligence make them ideal training subjects using non-compulsory, positive motivational training.