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Boston Terrier Information - Breed History

The Boston Terrier, nicknamed The American Gentleman, is the first dog breed to be developed in America. They were bred specifically to be companion dogs to human beings. However, their ancestors were fighting dogs, including their original type of the rare breed the Olde English Bulldogges. This ancient breed was thought to have been created from crossing the English Bulldog and the long-gone English White Terrier.

Dogs were already well established in North America by the time the very first European settlers arrived. However, anything having to do with the Native Americans was seen as shocking, savage and unfamiliar. So the Native American dogs, along with their owners, were ostracized from new America. Boston was one of the biggest shipping towns in New America, and still had close ties to Europe. Therefore, the Boston Terrier came from predominately European bulldog lines.

The first dog considered to have the most influence on today's Boston Terriers was a dog imported from England called Hooper's Judge. He was thought to have been born in about 1865. He was purchased by Richard C. Hooper of Boston in 1870 and known for excellent looks, as well as a friendly and lively disposition. Most of his puppies looked like him, but dog breeders purposefully tried to breed smaller dogs. He often was put to the now extinct breed English White Terrier.

Hooper's Judge looked a lot different from today's Boston Terriers. The only Boston Terrier information we have of him is written descriptions. He was thought to be over thirty pounds, a solid dark brindle color except for a white blaze down the nose. His head was more round like an English Bulldog. He established a breed called the Old English Bulldogge (which has gone through several spellings). The breed still exists today, but it is very rare.

Eventually, the determined Boston breeders got the dog they wanted. This Boston Bull Terrier or Boston Bull was about fifteen to twenty five pounds, had a naturally short tail and had an evenly proportioned amount of white with the colors black, seal or brindle.

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.

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Wendy Caples is a passionate lover of the Boston Terrier and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Boston Terrier. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Boston Terrier Training plus a whole lot more. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.

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