The Boston Terrier is a breed of dog originating in the United States.
It is a lively, happy dog that can be quite determined and strong willed.
They are usually good with children and love to play, but they can be boisterous and care must be taken that games are not too rough, as they can be prone to injury, especially their eyes.
They love human company and make affectionate pets and are outgoing and social to all.
While they are called a ‘terrier’ they are not in the terrier group and neither do they behave like one, being far happier at home with their owner than getting into the usual mischief!
Because of the Boston’s short nose, it makes it hard to breathe, and they overheat quickly.
Boston Terriers are indeed known for their loud snoring. Their abridged muzzle can interrupt breathing, which then leads to snoring, grunting, wheezing, and other noises.
The average lifespan of the Boston Terrier is 12 to 14 years.
The adult Boston terrier stands 38 to 43 centimeters (15 to 17 inches) tall and weighs 6 to 11 kilograms (13–25 pounds).
The black-and-white or brindle-and-white coat is short, smooth, and glossy.
The large ears are cropped to stand erect and pointed. The eyes are large, prominent, and dark. The tail is short and may taper to a fine point or be screw-shaped.
The Boston terrier breed originated around 1875, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased from Edward Burnett a dog named Judge, which was of a Bulldog and the now-extinct white English Terrier.
A breed historian describes Judge as a “strongly built, high stationed dog of about thirty-two pounds weight. In color he was a dark brindle, with a white stripe in the face. His head was square and blocky, and he resembled the present Boston Terrier in that he had a nearly even mouth.”
Judge is directly related to the original bull and terrier breeds of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The American Kennel Club cites Judge as the ancestor of all true modern Boston Terriers.
The breed was first shown in Boston in 1870.
By 1889 the breed had become sufficiently popular in Boston that fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, the breed’s nickname, “roundheads”.
Shortly after, at the suggestion of James Watson (a noted writer and authority), the club changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club and in 1893 it was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club, thus making it the first US breed to be recognized.
It is one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States.
The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog breed in the US.
From 1905 to 1939, the Boston Terrier was the most popular dog in the United States and today remains a popular and devoted companion dog.
In the early years, the color and markings were not very important. By the 20th century the breed’s distinctive markings and color were written into the standard, becoming an essential feature.
The Boston Terrier has lost most of its aggressive nature, preferring the company of humans, although some males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.
Boston University has used Rhett the Boston Terrier as their mascot since 1922.
The Boston Terrier has also been the official state dog of Massachusetts since 1979.
On average, the Boston Terrier price usually ranges from $600-$1,200. According to NextDayPets, the median price for all Boston Terriers sold is $800. That number increases for dogs with superior lineage. A top-quality dog with exceptional breed lines can cost $1,500-$4,500.
Boston Terriers are expensive because they are relatively rare. While they are super common in some parts of the USA and the world, they are extremely rare in others. This causes the prices to go up significantly.
With a short, shiny, smooth coat, Boston Terriers require little grooming. Bostons produce light shedding, and weekly brushing of their fine coat is effective at removing loose hair.