Mind sharing? Tumblr Reddit Digg Pinterest email

He’s an All-American breed and the official breed of the great state of Massachusetts. Now known as the “American Gentleman” for his pleasant temperament, he wasn’t always so gentle. But, now he’s a playful, fun breed, that’s a great choice for people who want a cheerful and energetic companion. Hi, welcome to Animal Facts. Today we look at the dog with the tuxedo coat and stylin’ attitude, the Boston Terrier. Let’s get started, but before we start, take a moment to like and subscribe for more fun, fauna facts.

Let us know about your doggy in the comments below.

10. The Boston Terrier was developed in Boston in the late 1800s by crossing the bulldog with White English Terriers. He is one of the few truly all-American breeds and is often referred to as the national dog of the United States. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1893, and was one of the first Non-Sporting dogs bred in the U.S. and was the first of the 10 made-in-America breeds currently recognized by the AKC. Despite being called Boston Terrier, these pooches are not technically terriers. You’ll notice that they are excluded from the terrier category on the AKC website.

9. In 1976, the Boston Terrier was chosen as the bicentennial dog of the U.S. Three years later, he was named the official state dog of Massachusetts. Rhett the Boston Terrier is the mascot of Boston University. Wofford College in South Carolina and Redlands High School in California also claim the Boston Terrier as their mascots.

8. Like their English Bulldog relatives, early Boston Terriers were bred for pit fighting and were much larger and heavier than they are today, weighing up to 44 pounds. Modern Boston Terriers typically weigh half that much. As dog fighting fell out of fashion and legality, the breed evolved into the smaller, gentler companion dog we know today.

7. The Boston can be happy as a couch potato or a canine athlete — whatever you want to do, he’ll be right there beside you, like a second shadow. He’s agile and intelligent enough to do it all, from learning tricks to competing in agility, obedience or other sports. And you don’t usually have to worry about a lot of attitude either; a well-bred, well-socialized Boston gets along well with children, strangers, and other pets. The Boston Terrier is at home in any situation and never meets a stranger; everyone is a potential new friend.

6. The short-snouted Boston Terrier, along with Pugs and Shih Tzus, are brachycephalic, meaning they have small nostrils, long palates, and a narrow trachea. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to snoring and complications with general anesthesia. Because of the short face, care must be taken that the Boston does not get overheated. Bostons also chill easily and, in general, should be protected from extreme cold, too. They are definitely house dogs, not outdoor dogs. Bostons do snort and snore, but these are usually endearing rather than irritating qualities.

5. Despite their small size, Boston terriers are considered excellent guard dogs. They are very protective of their families and their loud bark is enough to alert their companions of danger. Although they are small they are not yappy dogs.

4. One of the physical traits that Boston Terriers inherited from their English Bulldog forebears is a head size that’s proportionally larger for their body size than average. As a result, Boston Terrier heads are too big for natural birth to be possible. In almost all cases, Boston Terrier puppies must be delivered via C-section to ensure their safety and that of their mothers.

3. They can be stubborn, kinda like my co-host,[ hey stop that] so persistence and consistency are definite pluses in training methods. They are sensitive to your tone of voice, and punishment can make them shut down, so training should be low-key and motivational. Some are more amenable to training than others. If your Boston seems unwilling to get with the program, try to figure out what motivates him. Usually, food works, but praise or a favorite toy may also be the key to successful training.

2. While most of us are used to seeing the Boston Terrier in the usual black with white coloration, the most common coat pattern seen in the Boston, other acceptable colors include brindle, seal or any combination of the three. The dark color must be proportional to the white markings on the dog, according to the breed standard.

1. In the autumn of 1901, Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan visited Presto Kennels in Newton, Massachusetts, where Keller met a Boston Terrier named Sir Thomas. Known for his independent streak, Sir Thomas did not make friends easily, but he seemed to form an instant bond with Helen. Several months later, to celebrate the end of midterm exams, Helen’s classmates at Radcliffe College presented her with Sir Thomas as a surprise gift. “Is it really mine?” Helen asked as she burst into tears. “Oh, I am so happy.”

Us too, Helen, us too.

Well, there ya have it, 10 fascinating facts about the cordial canine companion, the Boston Terrier. We love hearing about your pooches, so let us know about your Boston in the comments below. Before ya go, take a moment to like and subscribe for more fun, fauna facts. And as always, catch ya next time.

*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you).