The Boston Terrier, a Made-in-America dog, was developed specifically for the nasty sport of dog-fighting in the 1800's. Breeders crossed the Bulldog and the English White Bull and Terrier, and then most likely crossed it again later with the French Bulldog, to give rise to the dog as it is recognised now. The Boston Terrier would have been lost to future generations when dog-fighting became illegal had it not been for the concerted efforts of a few proud breeders in the Boston area. Eventually they formed the Boston Terrier Club and pushed to have the breed recognised by the American Kennel Club; it was recognised in 1893. By the 1930's, the Boston Terrier breed was the most popular one in America and fit into households of all kinds. The Boston Terrier requires little maintenance and exercise which makes it a good choice for those who prefer to stay at home.

Appearance
Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned, dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. They usually have a square sort of face. Boston Terriers can weigh from 10 to 25 lbs, typically in the vicinity of 15 lbs. Boston Terriers usually stand 15-17 inches at the withers.

Character
The ideal Boston Terrier expression is a most important characteristic of the breed; it is alert and kind, indicating a high degree of intelligence. The Boston is a friendly and lively dog. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity; with style of a high order. Carriage is easy and graceful. The Boston Terrier has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston an incomparable companion.
 

Temperament
The Boston Terrier is a lively and intelligent dog who makes a good companion especially to children. Initially suspicious of strangers, the Boston Terrier is a good watch dog. Voted number one family pet by American Parents magazine. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive, and well-mannered. Many still retain the spunky attitude of the typical terrier. It must be noted however, that they are not considered terriers by the American Kennel Club, but are part of the non-sporting group. Some Boston Terriers enjoy having another one for companionship. Both females and males generally bark only when necessary. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets. Boston Terriers can be very cuddly, while others are more independent.

Exercise/Training
The Boston Terrier needs daily exercise and interaction with its people. It loves games, and most of its exercise requirements can be met with a romp in the yard or a short walk on leash. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Boston Terrier will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light. If all other qualities are identical, brindle is the preferred color according to most breed standards. Ideally white should cover its chest, muzzle, band around the neck, half way up the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs, and a white blaze between but not touching the eyes. In show dogs, symmetrical markings are preferred.

Grooming
The coat of the Boston Terrier requires only minimal care, an occasional brushing to remove dead hairs. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Boston Terrier shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Boston Terrier as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Boston Terrier should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.