Boston Terrier

Breed: Boston Terrier
Pet ID: 25455-04
Color: Black / White

History

The popularity of blood sports in 19th-century England led to a mania for crossing terriers and bull-type breeds to produce dogs who could excel at pit fighting and ratting contests. In Liverpool, sometime in the late 1860s, a cross between a Bulldog and the now-extinct white English Terrier resulted in a tough, muscular dog named Judge.

Judge’s owner sold him to an American named William O’Brien, who brought his new dog home to Boston. In 1870, O’Brien sold Judge to a fellow Bostonian, Robert C. Hooper. Judge, from then on known in breed histories as ‘Hooper’s Judge,’ became the patriarch of the Boston Terrier breed and the common ancestor of almost all true Bostons.

A breed historian describes Judge as a ‘strongly built, high stationed dog of about thirty-two pounds weight. In color he was a dark brindle, with a white stripe in the face. His head was square and blocky, and he resembled the present Boston Terrier in that he had a nearly even mouth.’

Hooper bred Judge to a small white female named Burnett’s Gyp, owned by Edward Burnett, of Southboro, Massachusetts. And, in the genealogy so familiar to Boston Terrier fanciers, Judge and Gyp begot Well’s Eph, who begot Tobin’s Kate, and on through the seminal generations of the Boston’s U.S. history. During the breed’s formative decades, selective breeding transformed the bulky fighter of Judge’s time into a smaller, sweeter, and more attractive companion dog, originally called the Round Head by its partisans.

In honor of the city where these happy-go-lucky dogs were so painstakingly developed, the breed name was changed to Boston Terrier. The Boston Terrier Club of America was formed in 1891, and two years later the AKC registered its first dog of the breed.

To this day, Boston Terriers are a point of hometown pride. The Boston Terrier has been the official mascot of Boston University for nearly 100 years, and in 1979 the state legislature named the ‘American Gentleman’ the official dog of Massachusetts.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is a breed known for its friendly and gentle temperament. With their affectionate nature, they make excellent family pets. These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also known for being good with children, as they are patient and tolerant. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers have a big personality and love to be the center of attention. They are sociable dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. Overall, the Boston Terrier’s temperament is one of loyalty, playfulness, and charm, making them a beloved companion for many families.

Environment

One of the top qualities of the Boston Terrier is its ability to adapt to different environments. This breed does well in standard homes and small apartments. They are relatively easy to care for and quickly adapt to their surroundings. To top it off, they are also known to do very well with children and other pets in the household.

Exercise

The Boston’s need for exercise varies from individual to individual. For some, a brisk walk once or twice a day will be enough. Others will need more time to run and play every day and let off steam. Simply letting a Boston out into the backyard doesn’t count as exercise’he’ll probably just sit at the door waiting to be let back in. Left alone for long periods of time, a Boston will tend to become frustrated and develop undesirable behaviors. Throw him a ball or a toy, however, and he’ll be more than happy to play with you. Participation in canine sports such as agility, obedience, flyball, and rally is an enjoyable way to channel the breed’s energy.

Grooming

Grooming is an essential aspect of caring for a Boston Terrier. These adorable dogs have short coats that require minimal maintenance. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny. Additionally, their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort and potential injuries. Ear cleaning is crucial to avoid infections, as their floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture. Bathing should be done occasionally using a mild dog shampoo to keep them clean and odor-free. By following these grooming practices, Boston Terriers can maintain a healthy appearance and overall well-being.