One of the few breeds developed entirely in the United States, the Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion dog created in Massachusetts from bulldog and terrier stock.
The breed traces to a single dog: Judge, a bull-and-terrier cross imported to Boston around 1870 and sold to Robert C. Hooper. Bred down in size and refined over the following two decades, Judge's descendants formed a distinct local type.2
The American Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1891 and, after objections from bull terrier fanciers, renamed itself for the city. The AKC recognised the Boston Terrier in 1893 — the first American-developed breed it admitted, and one of the first non-sporting breeds.1 The breed is the state dog of Massachusetts and the mascot of Boston University.
Named for Boston, Massachusetts, where the breed was developed by a group of local fanciers. The "terrier" is largely historical: the foundation stock was bull-and-terrier, but the modern dog is a companion breed and the AKC places it in the Non-Sporting Group.2
| Life expectancy | 11–13 years |
|---|---|
| Height — male | 15–17 in (38–43 cm) |
| Height — female | 15–17 in (38–43 cm) |
| Weight — male | 12–25 lb (5–11 kg) |
| Weight — female | 12–25 lb (5–11 kg) |
| Coat type & colors | Short, smooth, fine; brindle, seal or black, always with white markings |
| Shedding | Low |
| Exercise needs | Moderate — short daily walks and play |
| Country of origin | United States |
| AKC group | Non-Sporting Group (AKC) |
| Prestige Breed size class | Small Breed · Under 25 lbs |
The AKC describes the Boston Terrier as friendly, bright and amusing.1 The breed's nickname, the "American Gentleman," refers both to the tuxedo markings and to a temperament notably gentler than its bull-and-terrier ancestry suggests.
Bostons are lively without being frantic, adaptable to apartment life, and generally sociable with strangers, children and other dogs. They are sensitive to tone and train well with encouragement. Some individuals retain a terrier streak of stubbornness and a tendency to bark at arrivals.
The Boston Terrier was the first breed developed in the United States to be recognised by the American Kennel Club, and it remains the official state dog of Massachusetts.2
Bostons are brachycephalic and overheat easily. Avoid exertion in warm weather and never leave one in a hot car.4
Prominent, shallow-set eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers and trauma. Corneal disease and cataracts are documented in the breed.3
A compact frame carries extra weight badly and worsens breathing. Measure meals.
Tracheal pressure from a collar is unhelpful in a short-muzzled breed. A well-fitted harness is safer.
This guide is educational and is not veterinary advice. Breed standards, measurements and health information are drawn from the sources listed above; consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.
Prestige Breed makes a small breed multivitamin designed for breeds like the Boston Terrier — see the Boston Terrier Multivitamin.