The Boston Terrier was bred first and foremost to be a companion to man, woman and child. This has resulted in a breed more renowned for its good temperament than its cute looks. The Boston Terrier has gone through a lot of changes over the hundred and fifty years or so of it's existence. Both his size and color have gone through a lot of changes. But through it all, it has kept a sunny disposition. He truly earns his nickname of The American Gentleman.

The founding sire of the Boston Terrier breed is thought to have been a jaunty little dog called Hooper's Judge, owned by Robert C. Hooper of Boston, who bought him in 1870. This pivotal dog was imported from England and made a big impression on not just the female dogs of Boston, but their owners as well. He was thirty-two pounds, which is a lot heavier than the Boston Terriers of today. He also is described in old America Kennel Club records as having a well built, high-stationed body, being a dark brindle with a white blaze down the nose.

No matter what kind of bitch Hooper's Judge was put to, the puppies took on mostly his characteristics and not hers. Nobody spayed or neutered their dogs back then, as there was usually a need for more dogs, and no sign of the pet overpopulation problem of today. Also, veterinary medicine for dogs was pretty primitive back then. Soon, the Boston Bull Terrier was known outside of Boston.

The Boston dog breeders first developed the Old English Bulldogge, which is a far larger dog of solid colors and a round head. The founding father of the Boston Terrier is considered to be the English import Hooper's Judge, which was bought by Richard C. Hooper of Boston in 1870. Smaller dogs were favored and kept in the breeding program. The Boston Terrier became a familiar sight in the fashionable homes of the North East as early as 1889.

The breed as we recognize it today wasn't seen until about 1900. That was when top breeders formally set down their breed standard. Although there were strict physical standards for a Boston Terrier to make it in the show ring, there were also strict standards on temperament. Although some outright mean dogs in other breeds have won in the show ring, this has not happened with Bostons. They are always ready, willing and able to be part of the family.

The result of a cross breeding between an Old English Bulldog and An English White Terrier, the Boston Terrier is truly an American original. It is a smaller version of the Bull and Terrier types of breeds that were very popular during the early days of our country. The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds that originated in the United States that is recognized by the AKC.

1Today a Boston Terrier makes for an excellent buddy. It has been bred down to become companionable, as it was originally bred as a fighting dog. The breed is very decorous, gentle, yet alert and quite intelligent as well. They socialize well with children, and the elderly, this type of dog adores attention, which makes them a perfect family dog. A Boston Terrier will only bark when necessary, so they make for an excellent pet if you live in an apartment or condo.

Because they don’t need too much exercise, not having a yard and living in an apartment is suitable for this breed of dog. Boston Terrier should be fed with a dry kind of dog food to make sure that their teeth will be well maintained. They should also be fed twice daily, to provide them with ample nutrition.

The Boston Terrier has several health issues, that is why they should be wiped with a clean damp cloth everyday, and their eyes and ears checked. Since they have short hair, they won't shed too much, all they need is a daily comb, a bath when needed and their nails should be clipped occasionally.

Even though Boston Terriers were bred to become fighting dogs, they have been bred down for companionship. It is an incomparable companion because of its being highly intelligent, alert, kind, gentle and well-mannered. Boston Terriers on the other hand are difficult to housebreak, so it is very important to start training tem while they are still young.

Because Boston Terriers have short hair, they are very easy to groom. They need combing with a soft bristled brush every day. The face should be wiped with a clean damped cloth daily and bathes are only given when necessary. Their eyes and ears should be checked daily for ear grass and ticks. Their nails should also be clipped regularly.

A Boston Terrier is a very loving and affectionate breed. They hate being alone. Boston Terriers love being part of the family. They are highly inquisitive, and love to please which makes them easy to train. Regrettably a Boston Terrier can be a little difficult to house break.

Boston Terriers have come a long way. It is now one of the top breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes. So many families decide that this is the right dog for them because of its magnificent nature and uncanny intelligence. Even singles want this breed of dog because it makes for excellent company to cheer you up.