INTRODUCTION

The Boston Terrier has been popular since its inception just over a century ago. They were originally bred to be fighting dogs, but today they are gentle, affectionate companions with tuxedo-like markings that earned them the nickname “American Gentleman. ” Although these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Remember to adopt. Don’t go shopping if you want to take a dog home. Boston Terriers are very affectionate dogs that get along well with all family members in almost any type of home, even apartments. However, these playful pups also need plenty of exercise. If you can give your dog plenty of love and physical activity, you will have a lovable and loyal best friend.

HIGHLIGHTS

Short-nosed dogs, such as Boston Terriers, cannot cool the air entering their lungs as efficiently as longer-nosed breeds, and are much more susceptible to heat stress. Because of their short coat, they also cannot withstand extreme cold. Even in temperate climates, the Boston Terrier must be kept indoors. Since Boston Terriers can have respiratory problems, avoid pulling on your dog’s collar to get him to do what you want. Your Boston Terrier is prone to corneal ulcers because his eyes are so large and prominent. Be careful with his eyes when playing or taking him for walks. Depending in part on their diet, Boston Terriers may be prone to flatulence. If you cannot tolerate a gassy dog, a Boston Terrier may not be for you. Because of their short noses, Boston Terriers often snort, drool and snore (sometimes loudly). With their large heads and small pelvises, whelping is not easy for Boston Terrier mothers. If you are thinking of breeding, be sure that, in addition to possible birthing problems that often require a cesarean section, Boston Terrier litters are not usually large (a litter consisting of a single puppy is not uncommon). You may have to wait several months to get a good quality Boston Terrier puppy from a qualified breeder. Although Boston Terriers are generally calm and gentle dogs, not prone to screaming or aggression, males can be quarrelsome with other dogs that they feel are invading their territory. Boston Terriers can be gluttonous with food, so keep an eye on their condition and make sure they are not overweight. They can be stubborn, so persistence and consistency are definite advantages in training methods. They are sensitive to their tone of voice and punishment can cause them to shut down, so training should be discreet and motivating. Crate training is recommended for training your Boston Terrier. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they have no genetic diseases that can be passed on to the puppies and that they have a good temperament.

HISTORY

Although it is generally agreed that the Boston Terrier was born in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts, there are several stories about how the breed came into existence. One story has it that coachmen from wealthy families developed the breed by crossing Bulldogs and the now extinct English White Terrier to create a new breed of fighting dog. Another story tells that a Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper imported from England in 1865 a Bulldog-English Terrier cross named Judge because it reminded Hooper of a dog he had owned in his childhood. Another story is that Hooper bought Judge from another Bostonian, William O’Brian, around 1870. Although we will never know which story is true, the fact remains that there was a dog named Judge, and that from him came the breed we know today as the Boston Terrier. According to The Complete Dog Book, Judge was “a well-built, tall dog” weighing about 32 pounds. He was dark brindle in colour with a white spot on his face and a square head. Surprisingly, Judge was only bred once. He was mated to a 20-pound white bitch named Burnett’s Gyp (or Kate) owned by Edward Burnett of Southboro, Massachusetts, and bred to a puppy, a male named Well’s Eph. By all accounts, Judge and Kate’s offspring was not an attractive dog, but he had other characteristics that Hooper and his friends admired, so he was widely bred. One of his matings was with a bitch named Tobin’s Kate, who weighed only 20 pounds and had a rather short head. She was golden brindle in colour and had a straight three-quarter tail. It is believed that her offspring crossed with one or more French Bulldogs to form the basis of the Boston Terrier we know today. But at first they were not called Boston Terriers. The multitude of Eph offspring were given various names, such as bullet-heads, bull-and-round-headed terriers, American terriers and Boston bulldogs. In 1889, some 30 owners of Boston Bull Terriers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, and called them Roundheads or Bull Terriers. Bull Terrier and Bulldog fanciers objected to the name. Since the Bulldog contingent had a lot of power with the American Kennel Club (AKC) at the time, the Boston Bull Terrier fanciers decided that discretion was the better part of valor and changed the name of their club to the Boston Terrier Club, in homage to the birthplace of the breed. People began to refer to the breed as Boston Bulls. The breed was recognised by the AKC in 1893. The Boston Terrier was one of the first non-sporting dogs bred in the USA and was the first of the 10 made in America breeds now recognised by the AKC. In the early days, colour and breed markings were not considered very important. Also, although the dogs being bred met the standard set by the club, there was much inconsistency within the breed. After years of careful inbreeding to establish type, the Boston Terrier as we know it today was developed. In the 1900s, the distinctive markings and colour of the breed were painstakingly included in the standard, making them an essential feature of the breed. By 1915, the Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in the United States, remaining in the top ten most popular breeds until the 1960s and topping the list again in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1918, 60 Bostons were entered in a single all-breed show. Hollywood actors and actresses loved their Boston Terriers. It is said that silent film star Pola Negri, Rudolph Valentino’s lover, took her Boston Terrier, Patsy, everywhere, including restaurants and nightclubs. When one of the restaurants refused to let her in with her beloved dog, she stormed out screaming, “No Patsy, no Pola. Goodbye forever. Another famous person who had a Boston Terrier named Patsy was gossip columnist Louella Parsons. In 1976, the Boston Terrier was chosen as America’s bicentennial dog. Three years later, it was named the official state dog of Massachusetts. Rhett the Boston Terrier is the mascot of Boston University. Wofford College in South Carolina and Redlands High School in California also have the Boston Terrier as their mascot.