The AKC Standard, Club Names and Breeder information were all provided by information given out by the Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc. All materials used with permission. Copyright 1995 by the Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc.
Additions, corrections, and suggestions are welcomed.
One of the few native American breeds, and often called the American Gentleman, the Boston Terrier is a recent addition, comparatively speaking, to the realm of purebred dogs.
The handsome little dogs we see today have come a long way since their beginnings in the fighting pits of Boston. The Boston Terrier was bred from a cross between Bull Terriers and Bulldogs. The first crosses occurred in England, and some members of this hybrid stock were sent to America.
In 1889, about thirty fanciers in Boston and surrounding cities organized the American Bull Terrier Club. Dogs were bred and exhibited by these fanciers as "Round Heads" or "Bull Terriers". Bull Terrier breeders objected that these crosses were not Terriers. Bulldog fanciers objected because they were not Bulldogs. In 1891 the name was changed to the Boston Terrier Club of America, (BTCA) and a standard was written. They applied for entrance to the AKC stud book, but were denied. In 1893, however, the breed was accepted and the first Boston Terrier was admitted. He was Hector #28814, by Bixby's Tony ex Dimple.
By 1915 the breed was stabilized and had become the most popular in the country. They were number one in registrations of the top twenty breeds, when all breeds numbered 22,127. They were on top again in 1920. The Bostons were back in first place in 1930. The Boston Terrier remained in the Top Ten until 1960, but have slipped steadily since that time.
The Boston Terrier, refined and standardized, has maintained its place in American history as a spunky little dog of intelligence and spirit...a fitting representative from Boston commons from whence it came.
If you would like to learn more about the Boston Terrier and the BTCA, please contact the Boston Terrier Club of America, or one of our affiliate clubs both listed below.
Boston Terrier Rescue is a division of the BTCA, and along with the BTCA, is dedicated entirely to the protection and preservation of the Boston Terrier.
Bostons are active dogs needing daily exercise. They love toys, playing fetch, chase, and children. Please remember children need to be taught how to handle and care for a pet. The Boston Terrier is a short haired dog that sheds minimally. The brushes I have found that work the best are: rubber palm brush and grooming mit. The palm brush used in a circular motion lifts out dead hair and brings the oil to the surface, grooming mit traps loose hair. A grooming session at least once a week should be sufficient.
Ear cleaning is a must as is nail clipping.
No. However, Bostons make excellent watch dogs. They take pride in defending their masters. They are fearless, often attacking a dog much larger than themselves.Do they dig? Can I leave them outside in the backyard?
Yes, most dogs do. They love to bury their bones, toys, etc. They can be left outside for short periods. Due to the short muzzles, they can not survive outside during the summer/winter months.Do they shed?
Yes, however, regular brushing and bathing will take care of this problem.Are they good with children?
Yes. If they are raised with a child, they will usually become that child's protector and babysitter. Just remember, children have to be taught how to handle a young puppy.Would a puppy or an adult dog be better?
This depends on a lot of different things. For young children, I would have to recommand an older puppy or grown dog. One that can get away from the children, if the dog will be left alone with the children for any length of time. Many times, an elderly person would rather have an older dog -- one that does not require as much physical activity, etc. Remember, think about this before you add a dog to your household. How much time you have to spend with this dog or puppy? Are you willing to take the time to housetrain? Are your children ready to help handle the responsibility for a pet? Can you handle the extra expense of a dog?What kind of activities do they like? Walking? Hiking? Obedience? Agility? How trainable are they?
If people are involved, Bostons usually love to participate. They love long walks, hiking, etc. Bostons do have a stubborn streak, but are very trainable and love obedience.How long do they live?
Bostons have an average life span of 10-13 years. Some longer. My oldest Boston lived to be 15.5 years of age.How well do they get along with other dogs or pets?
Bostons get along very well with other pets. I personally have had Bostons with cats, horses, ducks, goats, and other dogs. I have also known Bostons who hated cats. This is something you hve to check on a dog-to-dog basis. Bostons usually like being the "Top Dog."What would be some reasons I should NOT get a Boston Terrier?
They must be kept inside. They are active. They need attention and want to be played with.
What is Boston Terrier Rescue?
It is a network of BTCA affiliate clubs/members dedicated to placing unwanted or abandoned Boston Terriers. The Network arranges for emergency rescues throughout the country, and gathers information designed to match appropriate dogs in appropriate permanent and temporary homes.What is wrong with the dogs needing rescue?
The majority of the dogs are simply unwanted by no fault of their own. Owners often find that they were unprepared for the care required. Owners are often gone all day, and therefore unable to provide the time, attention, and level of activity necessary to this lovely little dog. Sometimes jobs or life situations change, making it impossible for someone to keep their beloved pet.Can a dog with behavioral or health problems be put up for adoption?
Boston Terrier Rescue can not place a dog that is aggressive to humans, dogs in poor health (i.e. incurable) are also not suitable for adoption. The BTCA Rescue does not function as a clearing point for dogs with serious behavior or health problems, but does make every effort to assist or counsel when an owner seeks advise that might enable them to keep a dog in its current home.Can I use a rescue dog for breeding?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. All animals must be spayed or neutered as part of the placement process, and they are placed strictly as pets. Many of the dogs rescued are not good examples of the breed standard, and often there is no pedigree or record of ancestry.Is there a charge to surrender a dog?
If possible, owners are asked to take full responsibility for having the dog's medical requirements up-to-date, including spaying/neutering, and a current health certificate as their concerned participation in the process. Donations are also helpful to assist in the expenses involving the dog's temporary care and preparation for placement in a new home.Is there a charge for adopting a dog?
Yes, Boston Terrier Rescue is not a clearing house for free dogs to be given to just anybody. Owning a dog requires financial and care giving responsibility of the new owner. Relocation costs and travel crate is the responsibility of the new owner.Who can adopt a dog from the Rescue?
BTCA Rescue screens prospective owners to be sure they can provide suitable homes. Approval is based on, the owners lifestyle (i.e., available time for the dog), and their ability to house the dog properly. A fenced yard is required; the dog cannot be allowed to run free without supervision. Once a prospective owner is approved, the Rescue network then tries to match them up with the appropriate dog.May I adopt a female?
Interestingly, most of the Bostons needing homes are males in age from one to five. Many people incorrectly think females to be more affectionate than males. The Boston Terrier male is a sweet and responsive companion. Since all rescue animals are required to be neutered as part of the placement process, the gender should not matter. Males who are rejected are often nearing sexual maturity, and instead of neutering the dog, the owner puts them up for adoption. Even when an owner had not desired to breed, they will often reject the pet as a result of problems that could have been resolved by neutering.What if a rescue dog has a problem?
The Rescue has volunteers who work to adjust behavior problems that are not serious in nature. Sometimes telephone advice to present owners has given insight into behavioral modifications that has saved more than one dog from being displaced from its present home.Are shelters and humane societies helpful with Boston Terrier Rescue efforts?
Some are great; others are not at all interested in our involvement, and are perhaps over-protective of their wards. Often shelters do not know the animal in their keep is a Boston. We send letters of introduction and policy, and are listed in Project Breed Rescue so that shelters will better know of our intent to help the Boston Terrier in a reputable way.What can I do to help?
Never sell a Boston Terrier to anyone, if you think the home inappropriate, if only by instinct, do not sell to that person. Do the people have children? Do the children mind the adults? If they cannot control their children, they will for sure have problems with the dog and with the combination of the dog and children.Foster care is an important necessity. If you can provide a temporary home for a Boston Terrier in need, drop us a line so that we can enter you into our computer files. Check shelters and look for Boston Terriers who may need a home if time at that shelter is limited.Be honest about the breed. Plan litters and have good homes reserved for them, or do not breed. If you do not have a serious breeding program, do not breed. If you think it will make your pet complete, you are very wrong. There are too many unwanted pets, and certainly too few suitable homes for this special dog. Be responsible and committed to the breed. If what you are breeding is not a contribution to the future of the breed, please leave it in the hands of experienced breeders. Inform and educate others as to the special nature and physical and mental requirements of the Boston Terrier. Make it understood that although small and cute, the Boston Terrier is clearly not for everyone or every lifestyle.
If you can provide a good home for a Boston Terrier, get in touch with us immediately. The dogs in need are far ahead of homes available. It is a sad and growing problem. Please consider adopting and adult dog over having a cute little puppy in your life. Puppies grow up fast...an older dog is usually very loyal, extremely affectionate towards their new owners, appreciate their new homes, never looking back. Most adopted dogs adjust quickly, with few adjustments problems. Most importantly, their life depends on someone like yourself being willing to give them a chance.
Donations are greatly needed. Rescuing and placing dogs is often an expensive process, and Boston Terrier Rescue is operated primarily on donations. We need your support.
For more information, please call: Linda Trader, 724-883-4732, The Boston Terrier Club of America Breed Rescue Coordinator, or write to 127 First Street, Box 53, Mather, Pa. 15346.
| Pam Dupre: | Lousiana |
| Patricia Holland: | Washington |
| Susan Kennedy: | Arizona |
| Roger Perry: | Indiana |
| Donald Van Avery: | Rhode Island |
Boston Terrier Club of San Diego County
Sherrie Stratton - Secretary,
13645 Choisser Lane, Lakeside, CA 92040; 619-443-5345
Golden Gate BTC
Terry Furry, Secretary, 595 Athol Avenue,
Oakland, Calif. 94606. PH. 510-465-6438
Florida Suncoast Boston Terrier Club
Geraldine Wilson - Secretary,
1870 W. Leewynn Drive,
Sarasota, FL 34240;
President # 813-953-2396
Fort Wayne Boston Terrier Club
Emily Griffith - Secretary,
4330 Kekionga Drive #1,
Fort Wayne, IN 46809;
219-747-0882
Boston Terrier Club of Louisiana Rescue (south)
Jane Collins - Rescue Contact Person,
2606 Hundred Oaks,
Baton Rouge, La. 70808;
225-344-3144
Tri-Angle Boston Terrier Breeders Club
Michele DeJulia - Secretary,
109 East 9th Avenue,
Pine Hill, NJ 08021;
608-784-8179
Greater Houston Boston Terrier Club
Maxine Uzoff - Secretary,
12377 Kingside, Houston, Texas, 77042 - Ph, # 713-468-3065
Greater Houston Boston Terrier Club Rescue
Grace MacGillivary - Rescue Contact Person,
907 Joesph Drive,
Porter, Texas;
713-354-7444
The Official Book of the Boston Terrier by Muriel P. Lee, Published 1998
The Boston Terrier by Arthur Huddleston, Published 1985
The Boston Terrier: An American Original by Beverly & Michael Staley. Published 1995 by Howell Book House.
The Boston Quarterly Holfin Publishing, Inc., 4401 Zephyr Street, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033; 303-934-5656, 303-422-7000 FAX.
The Boston Terrier Standard is divided into 12 sections. Each is an important part of the breed. Without excellence in all these parts, no Boston Terrier can be an outstanding specimen of the breed, no matter how many ribbons it wins.
General appearance is especially affected by all parts of the dog. For example, if the dog is faulted in hindquarters, it can not move with determination and an easy and graceful carriage. Neither can a dog with too much white showing in his eyes look intelligent.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE: The most important point about the weight classification is that each size be in proportion in bone and muscle. That does not mean that because a dog is 20 lbs, it should be coarse and bully. Conversely, an under 15 pound dog must also be in proportion to its size. As owners or breeders, we can have a size preference in the dogs we own or breed; judges cannot. However, this section does state that the length of leg must balance with the length in body to give the dog its striking "square" appearance. You will see that when other parts of the dog's conformation are correct, it will also help to make the dog appear square.
The influence of sex is really self-explanatory. It should not be interpreted to mean that a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation allows the muzzle to be snipy or the body long.
HEAD: It is difficult to imagine a square head on a dog, but when the skull is square, it will be determined by the set of the ears and eyes. The ears should be as close to the corners of the skull as possible, with the outside corners of the eyes in line with the cheeks. The eye placement and the muzzle should both form the lower square of the head. One would believe that the correct Boston Terrier expression comes from the eyes. This is only partially true. It also comes from his upright ears and that exceptional bearing that the Boston has that says "I'm something special!" The eyes should be round and large with a very minimum of white showing. The eyes should be as dark as the coat color, otherwise they will appear even lighter by contrast.
Not only should the ears be set properly at the corners of the skull, they must be in proportion to the size of the skull and the muscles that hold the ear erect must be strong so that the ears are held as tightly as possible. Ears like this make the dog appear alert and of course help square the head. Ears that are set badly, are too large or too small, or without good muscles are still apparent to the experienced eye, even if they are cropped.
While the muzzle should be short, square, wide and deep, it cannot be correct unless the jaw is broad with an even or slightly undershot bite.
THE NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY should blend smoothly together, with the length of the neck in balance with the body so that the head is carried gracefully.
The chest should be deep, and as a rule, in line with the elbows. Aside from aesthetics, the main reason for requiring a level back is that the power generated in the hindquarters is delivered forward by thrust, through the spinal column to the forequarters. A straight column of bones delivers thrust to a better advantage than one that is curved.
When the ribs are carried well back, the loins will be short. If you think of the loins as a bridge between the front and rear of the dog, you can understand that a short bridge will be stronger than a long one. It will also help to square the body.
The rump curves slightly to a low tail set. A too-flat rump usually gives a dog a higher tail set and consequently, straighter stifles.
THE FOREQUARTERS or front assembly, help to give the Boston Terrier its stylish movement. The shoulders are sloping and well laid back. This kind of shoulder requires an angle of 90 degrees, which gives the dog the proper reach in front. When the shoulders are well laid back, the neck will be the proper length. A dog with straight shoulders will also have a neck that is too short, with a shorter reach of the front legs. When the front legs are suspended, they will drop perfectly straight without toeing in or out. While we do not call the feet "cat's feet", they are cat-like; small round, and compact.
THE HINDQUARTERS provide the power that is needed to give a dog the drive or push to propel the front. The stifle must be well angulated, with a long upper and lower thigh and the hocks should be well let down, or short in comparison, to give the dog endurance. When the hindquarters have the correct length of bone and angulation, they will be well muscled.
THE GAIT of the Boston Terrier is that "of a sure footed, straight gaited dog, forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power." The key words in this description are "grace and power". From this, one can see that the Boston Terrier was not meant to move with dysplastic hindquarters or like a wind©up toy. If he does not move correctly, he cannot convey an "impression of determination, strength, and activity, with style of a high order, carriage easy and graceful.
COAT texture is often determined by the color of the coat. Brindle coats are usually finer than darker colors. Fortunately, even though some coats are not as fine as others, the quality of the coat is usually determined by the condition of the dog.
COLOR AND MARKINGS are very important. They make a Boston look like a Boston. Desired markings are icing on the cake. It gives that extra bit of flashiness that sometimes is needed, However, it will not compensate for other things that they may be lacking.
THE TEMPERAMENT of the Boston Terrier is a most important requirement of the breed and one we must take care not to lose. Without their friendly disposition and intelligence, they wouldn't be Boston Terriers.
THE SUMMARY is an abridged version of the Standard..."The Boston Terrier in a Nutshell".
THE SCALE OF POINTS is a guide that can be used to determine the relative importance of parts of the whole dog. If it is used to critique a dog, remember that if the value of one area is lowered, it often affects another. There is also one area that has not been assigned a point value, without which a Boston would be without value and that is excellent temperament. Let us not forget it.
Boston Terrier breeder Joseph Balmer said it beautifully for us, many years ago... WE ARE THE HEIRS OF THE PAST AND THE TRUSTEES OF THE FUTURE.
The standard helps us to safeguard and improve the breed; it is our responsibility to protect the Standard.
The body is a rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful. A proportionate combination of "Color and White Markings" is particularly distinctive feature of a representative specimen.
"Balance, Expression, Color and White Markings" should be given particular consideration in determining the relative value of GENERAL APPEARANCE to other points.
Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds. The length of leg must balance with the length of body to give the Boston Terrier its striking square appearance. The Boston Terrier is a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The bone and muscle must be in proportion as well as an enhancement to the dog's weight and structure. Fault: Blocky or chunky in appearance.
Influence of Sex in a comparison of specimens of each sex, the only evident difference is a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation.
HEAD
The skull is square, flat on top, free from wrinkles, cheeks flat,
brow abrupt and the stop well defined. The ideal Boston Terrier
expression is alert and kind, indicating a high degree of
intelligence. This is a most important characteristic of the breed.
The eyes are wide apart, large and round and dark in color. The eyes
are set square in the skull and the outside corners are on a line with
the cheeks as viewed from the front. Disqualify: Eyes blue in color
or any trace of blue. The ears are small, carried erect, either
natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head and situated as
near to the corners of the skull as possible.
The muzzle is short, square, wide and deep and in proportion to the skull. It is free from wrinkles, shorter in length than in depth; not exceeding in length approximately one-third of the length of the skull. The muzzle from stop to end of the nose is parallel to the top of the skull. The nose is black and wide, with a well defined line between the nostrils. Disqualify: Dudley nose.
The jaw is broad and square with short, regular teeth. The bite is even or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle. The chops are of good depth, but not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed. Serious Fault: Wry mouth. Head Faults: Eyes showing too much white or haw. Pinched or wide nostrils. Size of ears out of proportion to the size of the head. Serious Head Faults: Any showing of the tongue or teeth when the mouth is closed.
NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY
The length of neck must display an image of balance to the total dog.
It is slightly arched, carrying the head gracefully and setting neatly
into the shoulders. The back is just short enough to square the body.
The topline is level and the rump curves slightly to the set-on of the
tail. The chest is deep with good width, ribs well sprung and carried
well back to the lions. The body should appear short. The tail is
set on low, short, fine and tapering, straight or screw and must not
be carried above the horizontal. (Note: The preferred tail does not
exceed in length more than one-quarter the distance from set-on to
hock.) Disqualify: Docked tail. Body Faults: Gaily carried tail.
Serious Body Faults: Roach back, sway back, slab-sided.
FOREQUARTERS
The shoulders are sloping and well laid back, which allows for the
Boston Terrier's stylish movement. The elbows stand neither in nor
out. The forelegs are set moderately wide apart and on a line with
the upper tip of the shoulder blades. The forelegs are straight in
bone with short, strong pasterns. The dewclaws may be removed. The
feet are small round and compact, turned neither in nor out, with well
arched toes and short nails. Faults: Legs lacking in substance; splay
feet.
HINDQUARTERS
The thighs are strong and well muscled, bent at the stifles and set
true. The hocks are short to the feet, turning neither in nor out,
with a well defined hock joint. The feet are small and compact with
short nails. Fault: Straight in stifle.
GAIT
The gait of the Boston Terrier is that of a sure footed, straight
gaited dog, forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with
perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power. Gait Faults:
There will be no rolling, paddling, or weaving when gaited. Hackney
gait. Serious Gait Faults: Any crossing movement, either front or
rear.
COAT
The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture.
COLOR AND MARKINGS
Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred
ONLY if all other qualities are equal. (Note: SEAL DEFINED. Seal
appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or
bright light.) Disqualify: Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal
without required white markings. Gray or liver colors.
Required Markings: White muzzle band, white blaze between the eyes, white forechest.
Desired Markings: White muzzle band, even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, white collar, white forechest, white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. (Note: A representative specimen should not be penalized for not possessing "Desired Markings".) A dog with a preponderance of white on the head or body must possess sufficient merit otherwise to counteract its deficiencies.
TEMPERAMENT
The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has
an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence,
which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion.
SUMMARY
The clean-cut, short backed body of the Boston Terrier, coupled with
the unique characteristics of his square head and jaw, and his
striking markings have resulted in a most dapper and charming American
original: The Boston Terrier
SCALE OF POINTS
General Appearance 10 Expression 10 Head (muzzle jaw bite skull stop) 15 Eyes 5 Ears 5 Neck, Topline, Body, Tail 15 Forequarters 10 Feet 5 Color, Coat, Markings 5 Gait 10 Total 100
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue.
Dudley nose.
Docked tail.
Solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal without required markings.
Gray or liver colors.