Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier--a native American breed--is known for his sunny disposition. He is happy to know you and to be your friend, and is content to live in the city or the country.

The Boston Terrier resulted from a cross between the English Bulldog and a kind of white English terrier during the late nineteenth century. For a while the breed was called Bull Terrier, but there was already a breed with that name. Since the dog was developed in Boston, he was given the name of that city. The Boston Terrier is descended from two kinds of fighting dogs, but he is a loving companion.

Boston Terriers enjoy lots of attention from their family. They get along with other pets, especially when introduced at an early age. Even though they are small, they'll bark to let their family know if someone is at the door. The Boston Terrier is a highly intelligent dog.

The Boston has white on his face, chest, front legs, and feet. The rest should be black or brindle. A quick weekly brush-through keeps his coat gleaming. In cold weather, he requires a sweater for walks or outdoor activity.

Excerpts from the Standard

General appearance: Lively, highly intelligent, with a smooth coat, short head and compact body. He expresses determination, strength, and style.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Weight is divided by classes: under 15 pounds, 15-20 pounds, 20-25 pounds

Fun Facts

Dressed in his black and white "tuxedo," the Boston Terrier carries himself with great dignity. His nickname is the American Gentleman. He is one of the few breeds developed in the United States.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Boston Terrier

Breed Profile

American Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
Group:
Non Sporting
Size:
Small
Origin:
United States
Color:
Black or Brown and White

Boston Terriers love attention and get along well with other pets. He is also highly intelligent, alert and loving.

Articles

Pitbull Pup

Videos

Joey Does His Best Impression of a Piglet

Joey Does His Best Impression of a Piglet

Joey's a sweet-natured Boston Terrier who came to us all the way from the great state of Tennessee. His Southern charm will no doubt win you over, so come on down to the ASPCA in Manhattan and meet the little guy. Or to view other pets looking for homes, visit www.aspca.org/animals.

Blogs

Guess the Breed!

Think you know dog breeds? Sure, you know the difference between a Norwich Terrier and a Norfolk Terrier (or not*), and you understand that a French Bulldog is not just a funny-colored Boston Terrier, but how about the less common...  More…

Fetching Dogs

Zeke, my Boston Terrier, loves to play. Heâ s up for any game, but his favorite is fetch, which he will do relentlessly until he becomes so exhausted that Iâ m worried about his health, both mental and physical. My husband...  More…

A New Gang Member

There was a happy surprise awaiting me at Lillyâ s house this morning: Eli, her new baby brother! 12 weeks of Boston Terrier puppy perfection. What a great way to begin my day. Lilly has welcomed her new sib with open...  More…

Wild Blue Yonder

the job, but the documentary required specific breeds, so the pool shrank quite a bit. Unfortunately, a hammy Boston Terrier, like my guy Zeke, wasn’t required. We needed an English Bulldog, so siblings Rosie and Lilly signed on for  More…

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