Boston Terrier Description, Boston Terrier Pictures

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Boston Terrier

Quick Facts:

Group classification: Non-Sporting Group
Country of origin: USA
Date of origin: 1870
Weight (M): Divided by classes: Under 15 pounds: 15 pounds to under 20 pounds: 20 pounds and not to exceed 20 pounds
Height (M): 15-17 inches
Weight (F): Divided by classes: Under 15 pounds: 15 pounds to under 20 pounds: 20 pounds and not to exceed 20 pounds
Height (F): 15-17 inches
Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Boston Terrier

History

The Boston terrier is a truly American breed but there are many stories about how it originated. The breed was developed in the stables of Boston, Massachusetts after the Civil War. It is a cross between an English bulldog and a white English Terrier. An imported dog, Hooper’s Judge, is considered to be the predecessor of the modern Boston terrier. This dog was sold to a man living in Boston. In 1891 the breed was given the name of Boston terrier after the name of the city of its origin.

75 Boston terriers were admitted in the stud book of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893 and the breed had finally recognized. The breed developed fast after that and the Boston terrier entered the homes of many Americans and for the first fifty years of the 20th century the breed was the top breed registered with the AKC. Most of its popularity was due to it being an all American breed.

General Description

He is a compact built and short tailed dog with a smooth coat. He is typically marked with white with black, brindle, seal or a combination of the three.

Specifically used for Boston terriers, seal is defined as black with red highlights when seen in the sun or bright light. All other things being equal, a grey or brown streak or pattern (brindle) is the preferred color of the Boston terrier.

His body is short and well structured. His limbs are strong and turned in and the tail is short. In fact, no part or feature of his body is that prominent to make him disproportionate. He gives a decisive impression, carries himself easily and gracefully. A representative specimen of Boston terrier has a proportionate combination of white and color.

He has a square skull that is flat on top without wrinkles. The ears are small and erect and placed as near to the corners of the skull as possible. His large and round eyes are wide apart and set squarely in the skull. The muzzle is in proportion to the skull and short, square, deep and wide.

His gait is sure footed with each step indicating grace and power. His forelegs and hind legs move straight in rhythm.

Temperament

The Boston terrier is not easy to forget. He has a very strong and endearing personality. Although they can display a range of temperaments, varying form eager to please to stubbornness, they are easy to train if the owner is patient and assertive.

Overtime, the Boston terrier has been down bred from a fighting dog to a companion dog. The Boston terrier is now a gentle, alert and well mannered breed. He will bark only when necessary and enjoys company of another dog as well as humans. He gets along very well with children provided he is properly socialized.

Boston terriers have various health issues. Juvenile and adult cataracts, cherry eye, patella moving out of position, abnormal sound of the heart and allergies are of major concern. Tiny nostrils, long palates and a narrow trachea due to the short breadth to length ratio of their head also cause respiratory problems. They are prone to reverse sneeze, snoring, repeated forced inhalation through the nose and making snorting or gagging sounds. These problems however do not cause any harm to the dog.

The Boston terrier is marked by his up-to-datedness in dress and manners. The dapper appearance and gentle temperament of the Boston terrier earned him the nickname of ‘the American Gentleman.’ He indeed is a ‘gentleman’ who carries himself with grace and dignity.

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Last Updated: 10/10/09

Boston Terrier

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