The history of the Boston Terrier dates back to 1865 in Boston, Massachusetts with a dog named Hooper’s Judge. Purchased by Robert C. Hooper, Judge was part English Bulldog and part English Terrier (an all-white breed). Weighing approximately 32 pounds, he was tall in stature with a dark brindle coat, a white stripe across his face and a square, blocky head.
Judge soon came across a white Bulldog-type female named “Burnett’s Gyp” who was short in stature with a short square head and weighed approximately 20 pounds. One of the offspring named “Wells’ Eph” was crossed with a bitch “Tobin’s Kate” and began the evolution of the Boston Terrier breed.
They were first found in fighting pits, but it was quickly recognized that they were incredibly devoted to their masters and were used as family dogs.
In 1891, they were considered to breed true to form and established as a breed of dog. The breeders decided to form the American Bullterrier Club of Boston and quickly applied to become members of the American Kennel Club.
The newly formed club met resistance, as their breed did not resemble a Bullterrier. After much debate, a noted author and authority, James Watson, suggested that the breed adopt a name that would reflect its roots. The breed had been developed and bred in and around Boston, so naturally “Boston Terrier” would be most suitable. The Boston Terrier Club was officially formed and in 1893 it was granted membership in the American Kennel Club, making it the first American breed to be recognized by the organization.
In the early 1900s and 1920s, breeders began to focus on body markings and proportions, and the Boston Terrier moved out of the now-illegal fighting ring for a more relaxed life as a companion. By the 1950s, the Boston Terrier had defined itself as a family dog.
Nicknamed the American Gentleman for his gentle disposition and tuxedo markings, today’s Boston Terrier is consistently at the top of family dog lists, a far cry from the breed’s early days in the fighting pits.
