Boston Terrier

Newborn Boston terrier puppies are born with their ears flat against their heads. Sooner or later, depending on the ears’ size and thickness, they will prick halfway up, then warp backward, bend forward, and finally stand up straight. Typical dogs with undershot mouths, these puppies have difficulty nursing and, initially, eating solid food, and they tend to snore until they are older.

Although most terriers originated in the United Kingdom, this breed was bred in its namesake city in the United States during the second half of the 19^th century by crossbreeding the English bulldog with the white English terrier. Larger at first, they were reduced in size by being crossbred with the French bulldog. Because this dog’s coat suggests a tuxedo wearing canine, the breed is sometimes referred to as the “American gentleman dog.”

Boston terriers are especially mischievous, but they are affectionate, and one owner says, “They are good at winning the hearts and minds of people.” A brief daily session of exercise is necessary.

Their short, glossy coat requires only occasional wiping with a rough cloth.

Origin: United States
Size: (male) Height 10-16 inches; weight 11-24 pounds
(female) same
Coat: Short and silky. Color is ideally brindle, with white markings, but black with white markings is permissible.