American Bull Terriers
Breed Description

The Boston Terrier is known by several affectionate names that reflect both its heritage and endearing personality. The breed is most famously called the American Gentleman due to its tuxedo-like markings and refined demeanor. Historically, the breed was known as the Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier, and American Bull Terrier, names that reference its bulldog and terrier ancestry. Some enthusiasts simply call them Bostons or affectionately refer to them as Round Heads, a nod to their distinctive skull shape.

The Boston Terrier holds the distinction of being one of the few breeds developed in the United States. Major kennel clubs recognize the breed under its official name, the Boston Terrier. The etymology of the name is straightforward, combining the city of its origin, Boston, Massachusetts, with Terrier, reflecting its partial terrier heritage. While the breed originated from bull and terrier type dogs, it has evolved into its own distinct breed with a unique appearance and temperament that sets it apart from both bulldogs and traditional terriers.

The Boston Terrier enjoys full recognition from all major kennel clubs worldwide. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially registers the breed as the Boston Terrier and classifies it within the Non-Sporting Group. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1893, making it one of the first American breeds to achieve this distinction. The United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognizes the breed as the Boston Terrier, placing it in the Companion Dog Group, which accurately reflects its primary role as a family companion.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes the breed under the name Boston Terrier and classifies it in Group 9, Section 11, which includes small Molossian type dogs. The Kennel Club (UK) registers the breed as the Boston Terrier and places it in the Utility Group. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) follows similar classifications, recognizing the breed as the Boston Terrier in the Non-Sporting Group.

The national breed club in the United States is the Boston Terrier Club of America, founded in 1891. This organization maintains the breed standard, promotes responsible breeding practices, and provides educational resources for Boston Terrier enthusiasts. The breed standard emphasizes the Boston Terrier's compact, well-balanced body, square appearance, and distinctive tuxedo markings. The ideal Boston Terrier should exhibit a kind, intelligent expression and a lively, determined demeanor.

In the show ring, Boston Terriers compete in conformation events where they are judged against the breed standard. The breed is shown in three weight divisions: under 15 pounds, 15 to under 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds, though the standard does not exceed 25 pounds. Boston Terriers are also eligible to compete in various performance events including obedience, agility, and rally competitions. The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make them competitive in these activities, demonstrating their versatility beyond the show ring.

The Boston Terrier presents a striking appearance characterized by its compact, muscular build and distinctive tuxedo-like markings. The breed should have a square appearance when viewed from the side, with equal distance from the forechest to the rear point of the upper thigh as from the withers to the ground. This balanced proportion contributes to the breed's characteristic sturdy yet refined silhouette. The overall impression should be one of determination, strength, and activity combined with grace and style.

The head is one of the Boston Terrier's most defining features. The skull is square, flat on top, and free from wrinkles. The forehead is abrupt, with a well-defined stop between the skull and the short, square muzzle. The cheeks are flat, and the face should be free of excessive wrinkling. The eyes are wide apart, large, round, and dark, set squarely in the skull. The expression should be alert, kind, and intelligent. The ears are small, carried erect, and situated as near the corners of the skull as possible. They may be natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head, though natural ears are increasingly preferred.

The muzzle is short, square, wide, and deep, with a proportionate width and depth. The nose is black and wide, with a well-defined line between the nostrils. The jaw is broad and square, with short regular teeth. The bite may be even or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle. The neck is of fair length, slightly arched, and carries the head gracefully. It should blend smoothly into the shoulders, which are sloping and well laid back.

The body is rather short with a deep, broad chest and well-sprung ribs. The back is short enough to square the body, with a slight rise over the loin. The topline should be level, and the rump should curve slightly to the set-on of the tail. The legs are strong and straight, with small, round, compact feet. The thighs are strong and well-muscled, with short hocks turning neither in nor out. The tail is set low, short, fine, and tapering, either straight or screw, but never carried above the horizontal.

The coat is short, smooth, bright, and fine in texture. The breed standard recognizes three color patterns: brindle with white markings, black with white markings, and seal with white markings. Seal appears black but has a red cast when viewed in sunlight or bright light. Required white markings include a white muzzle band, a white blaze between the eyes, and a white forechest. Desired markings include white on the front legs, partway up the hind legs, and a white collar. The symmetry and balance of these markings contribute significantly to the breed's tuxedo appearance. The Boston Terrier typically stands 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 25 pounds, divided into three weight classes for showing purposes.

Sexual dimorphism is subtle in Boston Terriers, with males typically being slightly larger and more substantial in build than females. However, both sexes should maintain the breed's characteristic square, balanced appearance. Disqualifying faults include solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal coloring without required white markings, as well as blue or liver colors. The movement should be sure-footed and straight with perfect rhythm, displaying grace and power in equal measure.

The Boston Terrier holds the distinguished honor of being one of the first American breeds developed in the United States. The breed's origin dates to around 1870 in Boston, Massachusetts, where it was created from crosses between English Bulldogs and the now-extinct White English Terrier. The foundation of the breed traces to a dog named Judge, owned by Robert C. Hooper of Boston. This dog, known as Hooper's Judge, was a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier, weighing about 32 pounds with a dark brindle color and white markings.

Judge was bred to a small white female named Burnett's Gyp, also known as Kate, who weighed only about 20 pounds and had a stocky build with a short head. This pairing produced a male puppy named Wells' Eph, who became a significant foundation sire despite weighing only 28 pounds. Through selective breeding, focusing on reducing size while maintaining desirable characteristics, breeders developed the distinctive Boston Terrier type we recognize today. Early breeders concentrated on producing a smaller, more compact dog with improved temperament suitable for companionship rather than fighting, which had been the original purpose of bull and terrier crosses.

In 1889, a group of about 30 Boston fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, later changing the name to the Boston Terrier Club after facing opposition from both Bulldog and Bull Terrier enthusiasts. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Boston Terrier in 1893, making it one of the first non-sporting breeds registered and one of only a handful of breeds developed in America. The breed quickly gained popularity, becoming a fashionable companion dog among Boston's elite society and spreading throughout the United States.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the breed underwent considerable refinement. Early Boston Terriers varied significantly in size and appearance, with some individuals weighing as much as 44 pounds. Through careful selective breeding, the size was standardized to the compact companion dog we know today, with weights divided into three classes not exceeding 25 pounds. The breed standard was refined multiple times to emphasize the distinctive square head, short muzzle, and tuxedo markings that define the modern Boston Terrier.

The Boston Terrier achieved remarkable popularity during the early and mid-20th century, frequently ranking among the most popular breeds in America. The breed became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979, recognizing its historical significance to the state. Boston Terriers served as mascots for various institutions, including Boston University, where the mascot Rhett has represented the school since 1922. The breed's popularity extended beyond American borders, finding admirers in Europe, Australia, and throughout the world.

The breed faced challenges during World War I and World War II when breeding programs were disrupted and popularity temporarily declined. However, dedicated breeders maintained quality lines, and the Boston Terrier rebounded to remain consistently popular. Unlike some breeds that experienced dramatic changes in type or health issues due to extreme breeding practices, the Boston Terrier has maintained relatively stable characteristics and health over the past century, thanks to responsible breeding practices and the dedication of the Boston Terrier Club of America. Today, the breed continues to rank consistently in the top 25 most popular breeds in the United States, beloved for its gentle disposition, manageable size, and distinctive appearance that earned it the enduring nickname of the American Gentleman.

The Boston Terrier possesses a delightful temperament that perfectly balances liveliness with gentleness, making it an ideal companion for various living situations. The breed is characteristically friendly, bright, and amusing, often described as having a merry sense of humor. Boston Terriers form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship, displaying remarkable affection and devotion. They are notably sensitive to their owners' moods and often adapt their behavior accordingly, showing empathy that makes them excellent emotional support animals.

Intelligence ranks among the Boston Terrier's strongest traits. These dogs learn quickly and retain training well, though they can occasionally display a stubborn streak inherited from their terrier ancestry. They possess a determined nature that, when properly channeled through training, manifests as focused attention and willingness to work with their handlers. Boston Terriers generally show eagerness to please their owners, responding particularly well to positive reinforcement methods. Their bright, alert expression reflects their keen awareness of their surroundings and quick mental processing.

Energy levels in Boston Terriers tend to be moderate, with periods of playful exuberance alternating with calm companionship. Puppies and young adults display more energetic behavior, engaging in enthusiastic play sessions and requiring regular exercise. As they mature, Boston Terriers often become more sedate, content to spend long periods relaxing with their families. However, they maintain a playful spirit throughout their lives and enjoy interactive games and activities with their people. This balanced energy level makes them adaptable to both active households and more relaxed home environments.

Socially, Boston Terriers generally display friendliness toward strangers, though they may initially be reserved until they assess new people. They typically lack aggression and rarely display territorial behaviors, making them poor guard dogs despite their alertness to visitors. With other dogs, Boston Terriers usually show friendly acceptance, especially when properly socialized from puppyhood. Their compact size and generally peaceable nature allow them to coexist harmoniously with dogs of various sizes, though supervision is recommended during initial introductions. Some Boston Terriers, particularly intact males, may display same-sex aggression, though this is not a breed-wide characteristic.

The breed exhibits relatively low prey drive compared to true terriers, generally showing little interest in chasing small animals. This trait makes them suitable companions for households with cats and other small pets, particularly when raised together. Boston Terriers typically demonstrate adaptability and tolerance, adjusting well to various household dynamics and lifestyles. Individual personalities vary, with some Boston Terriers displaying more reserved temperaments while others are particularly outgoing and social. Common behavioral challenges include occasional stubbornness during training, separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, and snoring or breathing difficulties related to their brachycephalic facial structure. However, these challenges are generally manageable with proper training, socialization, and understanding of the breed's needs.

The Boston Terrier adapts exceptionally well to various family structures, from singles and couples to large families with multiple children. Their affectionate nature and patient temperament make them excellent companions for children, and they generally display remarkable tolerance for the sometimes unpredictable behavior of young family members. However, due to their small size and prominent eyes, supervision is recommended during interactions with toddlers who may accidentally injure the dog. Boston Terriers typically enjoy participating in family activities and prefer being included in household routines rather than being isolated.

These dogs thrive in multi-pet households, generally coexisting peacefully with other dogs and often with cats as well. Their friendly disposition and moderate size make them neither intimidating to smaller pets nor vulnerable to larger ones, though early socialization helps ensure harmonious relationships. Boston Terriers rarely display aggression toward other household pets and often form close bonds with canine and feline companions. However, individual personalities vary, and some Boston Terriers may prefer being the only pet in the household.

Living space requirements for Boston Terriers are minimal, making them ideal for apartment living. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and relatively quiet nature suit urban environments well. While they appreciate having access to a secure yard for play and exercise, it is not a necessity. Boston Terriers are primarily indoor dogs who should live inside with their families rather than being relegated to outdoor housing. They are sensitive to temperature extremes, particularly heat, due to their short muzzles, and cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to hot or cold weather. Air conditioning during summer months is essential for their health and comfort.

The breed adapts well to both urban and suburban settings, though truly rural environments with extreme weather conditions may present challenges. Fencing requirements are modest, though any yard should be securely enclosed to prevent the dog from wandering. Boston Terriers are not prone to jumping or climbing fences but may escape through gaps if motivated. They generally show little interest in excessive barking, making them good neighbors in close living quarters, though they will alert their families to visitors or unusual sounds.

Alone time tolerance varies among individual Boston Terriers, though the breed as a whole tends to be quite people-oriented and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods regularly. They generally cope best in households where someone is home most of the day or where they have companionship from other pets. Many Boston Terriers adapt to typical working family schedules with proper conditioning, but they should not be routinely left alone for more than four to six hours. They may engage in destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or house soiling if their social needs are not met or if they experience anxiety. Daily exercise requirements are moderate, typically satisfied with a couple of short walks and some playtime. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games is equally important for maintaining their wellbeing and preventing boredom-related behaviors.

Boston Terriers demonstrate above-average trainability, combining intelligence with a general willingness to work with their handlers. They learn quickly and retain training well, particularly when instruction is presented in a positive, reward-based manner. These dogs respond best to training methods that emphasize praise, treats, and play rewards rather than harsh corrections or punishment. Their sensitive nature means they may shut down or become stubborn if treated roughly, but they blossom under patient, consistent, positive training approaches.

Motivation in Boston Terriers typically stems from their desire to be with and please their people, though food rewards are usually highly effective during training sessions. The breed's occasional stubborn streak requires patient persistence from handlers, but this trait is generally manageable and much less pronounced than in many terrier breeds. Early socialization is crucial for developing a well-adjusted Boston Terrier, exposing puppies to various people, animals, environments, and experiences during their critical developmental period between 8 and 16 weeks of age.

Puppy training should focus on basic manners, house training, crate training, and bite inhibition. Boston Terriers are generally receptive to house training, though consistency and frequent opportunities to eliminate outdoors are essential, especially given their small bladder capacity as puppies. Crate training benefits both dog and owner, providing the puppy with a secure den and assisting with house training. Basic obedience commands including sit, stay, come, down, and leave it should be introduced early and practiced regularly throughout the dog's life.

Common training challenges include occasional stubbornness, particularly during adolescence, and potential difficulty with recall if the dog becomes distracted by interesting scents or sights. Some Boston Terriers may also develop small dog syndrome if not properly trained, displaying bossy or demanding behaviors. Consistent boundaries and expectations from puppyhood prevent these issues. Advanced training and dog sports are well within the capabilities of most Boston Terriers, with the breed competing successfully in obedience, rally, agility, and other performance events.

Exercise requirements for Boston Terriers are moderate and easily met in most households. Two or three walks daily, totaling 30 to 60 minutes, combined with interactive play sessions typically satisfy their physical needs. The breed enjoys activities such as fetch, tug-of-war, and chase games, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Due to their brachycephalic facial structure, Boston Terriers should never be over-exercised, particularly in hot or humid weather, as they can quickly develop breathing difficulties. Exercise should be scheduled during cooler parts of the day in warm weather, with plenty of water and rest breaks provided. Mental enrichment is equally important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed, with puzzle toys, training sessions, scent games, and interactive play helping to keep their minds engaged and preventing boredom-related behaviors.

The Boston Terrier is generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years, though many individuals live longer with proper care. Like all purebred dogs, Boston Terriers are predisposed to certain health conditions that potential owners should understand. The breed's distinctive physical characteristics, particularly the short muzzle and prominent eyes, contribute to some health vulnerabilities. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on their breeding stock to minimize the transmission of genetic conditions, and prospective owners should inquire about health testing results before purchasing a puppy.

Health testing recommendations for breeding dogs include CERF eye examinations, patellar evaluation, BAER hearing test, and cardiac examination. While genetic testing is available for some conditions, comprehensive health testing does not yet exist for all potential issues. Prospective owners should obtain health clearances on the parents of any puppy they are considering and should work only with breeders who conduct appropriate health testing and stand behind the health of their puppies with written guarantees. With attentive care, appropriate exercise management, protection from temperature extremes, and regular veterinary attention, most Boston Terriers enjoy relatively healthy lives as beloved family companions.

The Boston Terrier ranks among the lowest maintenance breeds in terms of grooming requirements, thanks to its short, smooth coat. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt removes loose hair and distributes natural skin oils, keeping the coat healthy and shiny. During seasonal shedding periods in spring and fall, more frequent brushing helps manage the increased hair loss. Despite having a short coat, Boston Terriers do shed moderately year-round, though their hair is fine and less noticeable than that of many other breeds.

Bathing should occur every four to six weeks or as needed when the dog becomes dirty or develops an odor. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation. The facial folds and wrinkles, while minimal compared to breeds like Bulldogs, should be cleaned daily with a damp cloth to prevent moisture accumulation, bacterial growth, and skin infections. After cleaning, thoroughly dry these areas to maintain healthy skin.

Nail trimming should be performed every three to four weeks, or when nails become long enough to click on hard floors. Boston Terriers who walk frequently on pavement may naturally wear down their nails and require less frequent trimming. Ear cleaning is necessary on an as-needed basis, typically every few weeks. Check ears weekly for signs of redness, odor, or discharge that might indicate infection. Clean visible dirt from the outer ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution and cotton ball, never inserting anything into the ear canal.

Dental care is particularly important for Boston Terriers, as small breeds tend to be prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is ideal, though three to four times weekly provides substantial benefit. Provide dental chews and appropriate chew toys to help maintain oral health between brushings. Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian may be necessary every one to three years depending on the individual dog's dental health. Eye care involves daily monitoring and gentle cleaning around the eyes to remove any discharge. Grooming costs for Boston Terriers are minimal since professional grooming is unnecessary. Owners need only basic supplies including a brush, nail clippers, dog shampoo, ear cleaning solution, and toothbrush with dog toothpaste. Common grooming challenges include resistance to nail trimming in dogs not properly conditioned to handling, and potential difficulty keeping facial folds dry in dogs with more pronounced wrinkling.

If you're looking to adopt a Boston Terrier, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Boston Terriers waiting for their forever homes.