Boston Terrier Group Overview and Everything You Need to Know

Boston Terriers are a beloved breed known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They originated in the United States in the mid-19th century.

Their short, easy-to-maintain coats come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, seal, and red.

Boston Terriers are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 10-25 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall.

Boston Terriers have a distinctive appearance, with their large, prominent eyes being a standout feature. Their round eyes are set widely apart and are large in size, located squarely in the skull.

Their short tails are a result of their genetic makeup and can take various shapes, such as a corkscrew, curl, or straight shape. Boston Terriers' tails generally do not exceed 2 inches in length.

The Boston Terrier's unique appearance is also defined by their color pattern, with the accepted color of the breed being a smart brindle/white combination. This color pattern features white markings on their legs, chest, collar, and head, giving them a dandy-like appearance.

A different take: English Springer Spaniel Tricolor

The Boston Terrier's petite size is one of its most endearing features.

They're surprisingly small, especially considering their sturdy build.

The official AKC breed standard calls for three weight classes, ranging from under 15 pounds to 25 pounds.

Boston Terriers under 15 pounds are the smallest of the breed, making them perfect for city living or families with smaller spaces.

Dogs between 15 and 20 pounds are a great choice for those who want a compact companion without sacrificing too much size.

The largest Boston Terriers weigh between 20 and 25 pounds, still a relatively small dog compared to other breeds.

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The Boston Terrier's breed standard colors are an essential part of its identity. These colors have been accepted within the breed standard for generations.

The most common breed standard colors include Black & White, Brindle & White, Mahogany Brindle & White, Seal & White, and Seal Brindle & White. These colors are a result of the breed's history and are a key factor in identifying a true Boston Terrier.

According to the breed standard, these colors are the only ones accepted, with solid colors and other colors not mentioned being excluded. This ensures that the breed remains consistent and recognizable.

Here are the accepted breed standard colors:

The Boston Terrier's large, prominent pair of eyes is a distinguishable feature. They are round, set widely apart, and located squarely in the skull.

Boston Terriers have a short tail, which can take the shape of a corkscrew, curl, or be straight. Generally, these tails do not exceed 2 inches in length.

Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Bull Terrier, was awarded a gold medal by the U.S. Army in 1921 for his service during World War I. He was given a rank in the U.S. Army, making him the first dog to ever earn it.

The breed's unique appearance has made them a beloved mascot for Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, with a live Boston Terrier named Blitz attending home football games since 2003.

The Boston Terrier's health is a top priority for any responsible breeder or owner. The breed's brachycephalic nature means they can experience breathing difficulties, including stridor and stertorous breathing.

Their shortened muzzle can also lead to obstruction of breathing, resulting in a range of symptoms including emesis, skin fold dermatitis, and brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.

A UK study found that Boston Terriers are 12.9 times more likely to experience dystocia, which may require a caesarean section to give birth. Over 80% of litters in a UK Kennel Club survey were delivered this way.

The breed is also prone to eye conditions, such as shallow eye sockets, which can cause their eyes to become more prominent and at a higher risk of trauma and ulcers.

A study in North America found that 0.36% of Boston Terriers have hip dysplasia, compared to 3.52% overall.

On a similar theme: Boston Terrier Breathing Issues

The Boston Terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog named Judge, which was of a bull and terrier type lineage.

Judge was bred to Edward Burnett's bitch named Gyp, a white bulldog-type female, and from this foundation, subsequent breeders refined the breed into its modern-day presentation.

The Boston Terrier Club was formed in 1891 and was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club in 1893, making it one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States.

This recognition marked a significant milestone in the breed's history, as it officially acknowledged the Boston Terrier as a distinct breed.

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The Boston terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to around 1870. Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog named Judge, which was of a bull and terrier type lineage, from a man named William O'Brien.

Judge weighed about 32 pounds and was bred to Edward Burnett's bitch named Gyp. Gyp was a white bulldog-type female, owned by Edward Burnett, of Southboro, Massachusetts, and weighed about 20 pounds.

The Boston Terrier Club was formed in 1891 and was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club in 1893. This makes it one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States.

The breed's original weight was up to 44 pounds, but breeders refined it to its modern-day presentation. The Boston Terrier has lost most of its aggressive nature, preferring the company of humans.

Boston University has used Rhett the Boston Terrier as their mascot since 1922.

The Boston Terrier's classification can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. The Boston Terrier is in the Non-Sporting Group, and it's likely because it wasn't bred for a specific purpose like some other breeds.

The breed shares a similar lineage with the Bulldog and French Bulldog, which may have influenced the club's decision to categorize them together. The Boston Terrier was created by crossing Bulldogs with other breeds, such as the White English Terrier, which is the descendant of the modern-day Bull Terrier.

The lack of a specific purpose may have landed the breed in the Non-Sporting Group. Weighing in under 25 pounds means the breed was small enough to join the Toy Group, but breeds belonging to that group consist mainly of dogs that were bred strictly as companions.

The Boston Terrier could have also been considered for the Terrier Group, but it's not a good fit. Terriers are bred for vermin control, and the Boston Terrier wasn't bred for that purpose.

The main difference between the Boston Terrier and other breeds in the Terrier Group is their intended purpose and ability to perform that task. The Boston Terrier's creation involved a variety of purposes, including rat control and possibly bullfighting, but it didn't retain the same level of tenacity as breeds in the Terrier Group.

Worth a look: Bull Terrier Purpose

Boston Terriers are a gentle breed with a strong, happy-go-lucky personality and a merry sense of humor. They're generally eager to please their owner and can be easily trained.

Their friendly nature makes them excellent companions for families with children, as well as for the elderly. Boston Terriers get along well with other canines and non-canine pets if properly socialized.

Both males and females are generally quiet and bark only when necessary. This sensible attitude toward barking makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers.

While they're friendly, Boston Terriers can be protective of their owners, which may result in aggressive and territorial behavior toward other pets and strangers.

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Boston Terriers are a natural fit for dog sports, and getting started is easier than you think. To begin, check out the introductory section on dog sports, which covers the basics and helps you decide which sport is right for you and your Boston Terrier.

If you're new to dog training, don't worry - there are plenty of resources available. The "Get Started in Dog Training" section provides a great starting point, and you can even explore virtual dog sports and events if you prefer.

Boston Terriers are known for their intelligence and can excel in a variety of dog sports, including Conformation and Fast CAT.

Boston terriers are prone to certain health issues, and breeding restrictions are in place to prevent the propagation of these problems.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in Boston terriers, and responsible breeding practices aim to minimize the risk of this condition.

Breeding restrictions often involve selective breeding to reduce the incidence of brachycephalic syndrome, a respiratory condition common in flat-faced breeds.

Boston terriers are known for their short, easy-to-maintain coats, but some lines may be more prone to skin problems due to their skin folds.

Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, taking steps to minimize the risk of inherited conditions such as patellar luxation.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has established breed standards that include guidelines for breeding Boston terriers to minimize the risk of inherited health issues.

Related reading: Boston Terrier Skin Bumps