History
The Boston Terrier dates back to 1820. Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog known as Hooper’s Judge. Judge was of Bull and Terrier ancestry. Although Judge’s specific lineage is unknown, Hooper’s Judge is thought to be directly related to the original Bull and Terrier breeds of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Some think that Judge is the result of English Bulldogs being crossed into terriers to create a new breed for the dog shows.
Judge weighed over 29 pounds. The offspring was crossed French Bulldogs which provided the foundation for the Boston Terrier. The current dog has been bred down in size from the pit-fighting dogs of the Bull and Terrier types. Boston Terriers originally weighed up to 44 pounds. The Boston Terrier was first shown in Boston in 1870.
By 1889 the breed had become so popular in Boston that fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, but this original name for the breed was not well received by the Bull Terrier Fanciers. Also, the breed’s nickname, “roundheads”, wouldn’t suffice. With the suggestion of James Watson (a noted writer and authority), the club changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club and in 1893 it was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club. This made it the first US breed to be recognized by the AKC. The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog to bred in the US.
In the early years, the color and markings were not very important, but by the 20th century the breed’s unique markings and color were made standard, becoming an essential feature. Terrier only in name, the Boston Terrier has lost most of its ruthless desire for mayhem, preferring the company of humans. Although some males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.
The Boston Terrier comes in many color variations. The most common being black with white markings. Another popular color is brindle and white. Boston Terrier’s can also be red and white or seal. There are even blue and white Boston Terriers. Although, not all colors are recognized by all registries. For example, some registries only recognize black and white, brindle and seal Boston Terriers.
In conclusion, the Boston Terrier is a breed that is rich in history and can trace it’s ancestry to the French Bulldogs, Bull and Terrier breeds of the 18th century with Hooper’s Judge being the dominating factor in the lineage. Also, the Boston Terrier is available in several colors and was the first United States breed to be recognized by AKC