Meet the Breeds

Boston Terrier

© 2007 The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent dog with an excellent disposition.  He is short-headed and compactly built and conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity.

A Look Back

The breed is a true American creation, resulting from a cross between an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. About 1870 William O’Brien of Boston sold an imported dog named “Judge” to Robert C. Hooper, also of Boston. This dog was commonly known as “Hooper’s Judge” and became the ancestor of almost all true modern Boston Terriers. The Boston Terrier Club of America was established in 1891, when members changed the name of the breed from Round Heads or Bull Terriers to Boston Terriers, taking the name of the city where the breed originated. The American Kennel Club admitted the breed to the Stud Book in 1893.

Dapper Dog

The Boston Terrier is not a fighter, yet is well able to take care of himself.  He has been nicknamed “the American Gentleman” because of his dapper appearance, characteristically gentle disposition and suitability as companion and house pet.

wBoston Terriers were ranked 15th in the nation according to the 2006 Registration Statistics.

wFrom 1905 – 1935, the Boston Terrier held the #1 or #2 spot consistently in AKC Registration Statistics.