oston Terrier Breeders in the U.S.

The Boston Terrier is a pure breed that was developed in the United States. In 1870, a breeder named Robert C. Hopper of Boston bought an Old English Bulldog and English White Terrier mix. He bred this dog with a small dog and bred their puppies with even smaller French Bulldogs. This became the basis for the Boston Terrier as we now know it. The name Terrier is actually a misnomer. Boston Terriers have very little Terrier in their ancestry and are more closely related to Bulldogs.

A Boston breeder, Robert C. Hopper, bred the first Boston Terriers with French Bulldogs to give the breed a smaller size and more affectionate demeanor. Traditional Bulldogs were bred to bait bulls and engage in dogfights. Mr. Hopper tried to breed out any aggressive tendencies to make the Boston Terrier a companion dog that could be kept in an apartment or home with a small yard. In 1893, the Boston Terrier became the first American breed to be registered by the American Kennel Club.

The Boston Terrier is also referred to as the American Gentleman due to the tuxedo-like markings on its coat. Boston Terriers may be black with white, brindle with white, brown with white or a red-black color called seal with white. Their coats are uniformly white on the muzzle, between the eyes, on a band around the neck, on the chest and halfway up the forelegs. This color pattern make the Boston Terrier appear to be wearing a white collar, shirt, and cuffs with a black suit jacket and coat tails.

These sturdy dogs are ten to twenty-five pounds, fifteen to seventeen inches tall, and have large, dark and wide-set eyes, erect ears and an alert, intelligent expression. Overall they do appear to be well-dressed little gentleman (or ladies).

Like all pure dog breeds, Boston Terriers suffer common genetic problems. Good Boston Terrier breeders will educate potential buyers about health conditions such as cataracts, deafness, allergies, curvature of the spine and difficulties during whelping. Due to their French Bulldog and pug ancestry, this breed has a short snout and may have respiratory difficulties such as reverse sneeze, snoring and an inability to regulate body temperature.

The short, fine coat of the Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. Nails should be clipped regularly and the face and ears should be wiped with a damp cloth every day. Boston Terriers are prone to ocular conditions such as cherry eye and cataracts so eyes should be checked regularly.

This breed requires a daily walk but can live happily in an apartment or a home with a small backyard.

Boston Terrier buyers have a responsibility to thoroughly research Boston Terrier breeders. There are many illicit breeders working to make money with little regard to animal health, quality or care. Buyers should ask for references from respected breeders in their town or state. Local shelters may also be able to direct buyers to good Boston Terrier breeders.

Last 5 posts by Wendy Caples

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