The Boston Terrier: A Very Self Sufficient Dog and a Great Family Pet

The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed the American Gentleman because of its wonderful, gentle disposition and its tuxedo like coat. One of the few breeds that is truly "made in the USA".

Boston Terriers are rated by the American Kennel club as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs; making housetraining simple. Over time, they have evolved into a gentle breed that is content to sit on your lap and be petted.

Originally bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs the Boston Terrier was much larger than it is today, weighing up to 44 pounds.

It seems difficult to believe that these little dogs were once tough pit fighters. The Boston Terrier resembles the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with its strong fighting instinct. The Boston Terriers of today are a far cry from the proud fighting dog of the past.

The Boston Terrier resulted from a cross between the English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. Around 1870 an imported dog known as "Judge" was sold to Robert.C.Hooper. The dog became known as "Hooper's Judge" and was a prize stud dog who was mated with many females. He was a heavy dog weighing in at 30 pounds. He was bred down in size. He is believed to be the ancestor of many of today