Boston Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

The Boston Terrier can trace its origins back to the United States of America, to the late 19^th century. Even though most of the professionals agree on the fact that the breed is originated from Boston, Massachusetts, there are multiple existing theories about the breed’s initial development process.

According to one story, a coachman of wealthy families created the Boston Terrier by mixing the now extinct English White Terrier with other Bulldog breeds with the intention of developing a new dog-fighting breed. Another well-known theory suggests that a man from Boston named Robert C. Hooper imported English Terriers and Bulldogs in 1865 to cross-breed them and create a dog that resembled Hooper’s childhood four-legged companion. A third story includes a man named William O’Brian, another Bostonian, who is credited with giving Hooper his desired puppy in 1870. Whatever the story might be, it is certain that the dog, in particular, was named Judge, and he came to be known as the first official Boston Terrier specimen. Later, breeders bred the offspring of Judge with other Bull-type of breeds, including the French Bulldog, the Bull Terrier, the Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terrier, and even with the Boxer. At that time, the Boston Terrier was known under multiple different names such as Boston Bulldog, American Terrier, and Bullet Heads. In 1889, the American Bull Terrier Club was formed by 30 Boston Terrier owners from Boston. The club’s name opened up some disputes between the Bulldog and the Bull Terrier fanciers because they objected to the name. Consequently, in order to avoid further disagreements and misunderstandings, the club changed there and the breed’s name to Boston Terrier.

These name changes quickly gained recognition for the breed. Moreover, interestingly, the Boston Terrier was the first indigenous American breed to be recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), relatively early, in 1893. During the beginning of the 20^th century, the Boston Terrier’s color and unique markings were not considered to be important for the dogs’ whole appearance, so there was a lot of inconsistency within the breed. Nevertheless, after multiple years of careful, well-planned inbreeding process, the Boston Terrier, as we know it today was established and perfected. Later, their distinguishing black and white colors and markings got written into the breed standard as being essential features for the breed. By 1915, the Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in the United States of America, and it also remained in the top ten until the middle of the 1960s. The breed can thank their increasing popularity during the early 20^th century, to the silent film star named Pola Negri, who played a huge role in popularizing the breed in Hollywood, thus in the U.S.

Later, in 1976 the breed was named the bicentennial dog of the U.S. In 1979 the Boston Terrier became the official state dog for its homeland, Massachusetts. The Boston Terrier is still considered to be a popular dog breed all around the world, because of its intelligence and playful nature. The breed’s “tuxedo” coat made gave them a more charming and loveable appearance. Nowadays, the breed is mostly kept as a companion, however, the dogs are very good in sports like rally, flyball, agility, and obedience.