The Boston Terrier is not a Terrier at all, but rather more like a Bulldog. Terriers were traditionally bred to be hunting partners, whereas Bulldogs were bred for fighting and companionship. This purebred dog is descended from Old English Bulldogs and English White Terriers. An American breeder, Robert C. Hopper, crossed the first Boston Terriers with English and French Bulldogs to make them into a smaller-sized, companion breed. Though the breed is seen as traditionally Bostonian and is the state dog of Massachusetts, Boston Terriers have personalities that reflect those of refined American gentlemen. Membership for the Boston Terrier, as the first American breed, into the American Kennel Club was granted in 1983.

Although the Boston Terrier is a lot like a Bulldog the aggressive and fighting traits have breed bred out of the breed. Without this aggression, the Boston Terrier is an extremely affectionate, energetic and intelligent companion dog.
The Boston Terrier is often referred to as the American Gentleman. This moniker reflects its American ancestry and refers to the breed’s dapper coat markings, which give it the appearance of wearing a tuxedo and tails. Boston Terriers are robust, sleek, study dogs with compact frames. They have short, shiny coats that come in several colors with uniform markings. Coat colors can be brindle and white, seal and white, brown and white, or black and white. The white portion of the coat appears on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, in a band (or collar) around the neck, and up the forelegs. This breed truly does have the appearance and smart carriage of a gentleman and this has made it a favorite in American Kennel Club and other competitions.

A Boston Terrier breeder will breed dogs with the most desirable traits. Breeders look for dogs that are between ten and twenty-five pounds, fifteen to seventeen inches tall, with the most clear and uniform coat colors. Personality is also important and Boston Terriers are bred for alertness, intelligence, affection and the breed’s inherent humor and dapperness.
Questions to ask a Boston Terrier breeder include the following:
-Do you maintain your own kennel? Good breeders maintain their own kennels and socialize puppies with house privileges.
-May I visit the kennel? Good breeders will encourage buyers to meet parents- if on site- and puppies to build a relationship.
-Have puppies and parents been screened for common genetic defects? Good breeders will not breed any dog with known genetic or behavioral disorders.
-Do you provide medical and immunization records? This should always be a yes.
-Do you provide a warranty or guarantee of health? It may be time-limited.
-Do you run a breed-specific rescue center? Good breeders will encourage buyers to visit rescued Boston Terriers who have been abandoned and need homes. If breeders do not run rescues, they should be affiliated with rescue centers.
-Do you sell or broker Boston Terriers to pet stores? Good breeders never sell to pet stores!
-Can you tell me about Boston Terriers? Breeders are experts on the breed.
Nothing can guarantee that you will get a perfect puppy with no problems, but asking just a few questions can ensure a good start.

Buyers ask questions of Boston Terrier breeders and should also expect to be interviewed by the breeders. This article provides Boston Terrier information and questions to ask the Boston Terrier breeder.

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