Boston Terrier

The breed is nicknamed "American gentleman" due to its purely American origins and pleasant character. It also obtained this name because its coat resembles an old-fashioned dinner jacket. Around 1870, a certain William O'Brien, from Boston, sold a dog imported called "Judge" to someone named Robert C. Hooper, also from Boston. This dog, known as "Hooper's Judge", was mated with a Bull-type female dog of white color belonging to Edward Burnett, and named "Gyp" (or "Kate"). This cross produced, in particular, an individual nicknamed "Well's Elph", who was, along with "Hooper's Judge", the ancestor of practically all modern Boston Terriers. The descendants of the first specimens were probably crossed with the French Bulldog, which reduced the size of the breed, whose initial weight could reach about twenty kilos. In 1889, about thirty enthusiasts from around Boston organized the American Bull Terrier Club. They exhibited dogs known as "Round Heads" (round heads), "Boston Bulls" or, sometimes, "Boston Bull Terriers". The use of the term "Bull" and the confusion it could lead to eventually irritated lovers of Bulldogs and Bull Terriers, while the official bodies, which doubted the stability of this new breed, still hesitated to officially recognize it. The enthusiasts took it in stride and, in 1891, nonetheless created the Boston Terrier Club of America. The American Kennel Club (AKC) finally recognized the breed in 1893. This was in fact the first native breed recognized by the AKC. At some point in the 1920s, the Boston Terrier was so popular in the United States that it represented 20 to 30% of dogs presented in competitions. The introduction of the Boston Terrier to France dates back to 1927.

Intelligent and affectionate, it is playful and lively on occasion. Confident, it makes a good watchdog that barks little. It is easily excited but also easily calmed. It is very loyal and very careful with children.

The Boston Terrier is easy to train because it loves to learn; its keen mind allows it to understand quickly. It is very sensitive to the intonation of the voice. Puppies can be slow to housetrain.

It requires no specific grooming. To participate in dog shows, dogs of this breed should preferably have a white muzzle, a white stripe on top of the head, on the neck and chest, on the front legs and below the elbows. The Boston Terrier requires little care. Occasional brushing with a soft mitt, ear care and nail trimming as well as caring for facial folds with a special lotion will suffice.