The Boston Terrier is a very unique breed of dog, with a fascinating history. They are sometimes referred to as the "All American Dog." The Boston Terrier was bred from a cross between a Bull Terrier and Pitbull. The first crosses occurred in England in the late 18th century and some members of this new breed were brought over to America.
In 1889, about thirty owners in Boston and surrounding cities organized the American Bull Terrier Club. Dogs were bred and exhibited by these fanciers as "Round Heads" or "Bull Terriers". Bull Terrier breeders countered that these crosses were actually not Terriers. Bulldog fanciers objected because they were not Bulldogs.
In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America, (BTCA) was officially formed, and a standard was written. They applied for entrance into the AKC stud book, but entrance was denied. In 1893, though,the Boston Terrier was accepted to the AKC. The first Boston Terrier to be registered was called Hector #28814.
By 1915 the breed was stabilized and was the most popular breed in the United States. They were number one among the top twenty breeds, when all breeds numbered 22,127. They were on top again in 1920. The Bostons were back in first place in 1930. The Boston Terrier remained among the Top Ten until 1960, but have slipped steadily since that time.
The Boston Terrier, refined and standardized, has maintained its place in American history as a spunky little dog of intelligence and spirit...a fitting representative from Boston commons from whence it came.
Boston Terriers are very easy dogs to get along, as they desire to please their owners. One thing to remember is that Bostons are house dogs and do not cope well with extreme weather conditions. Because of their extremely short muzzle and elongated palate they cannot cope with heat well easily giving in to heat stroke so be careful.
The Boston Terrier
by James Wills
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