Canadian Kennel Club Standard

Boston Terrier

Origin

Developed in the United States, the Boston Terrier is easily recognized by it’s distinctive color pattern resembling a tuxedo clad gentleman – hence the nickname “the American Gentlemen”. The first of the breed to be exhibited made its debut at the Massachusetts Kennel Club show in 1878. The breed went through several name changes before it was granted recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1893 and became known as the Boston Terrier. Early Bostons were much heavier than the current canines but as the breed pared down in size, it gained in popularity and was the most popular breed in the U.S. between 1929 and 1935.

Temperament

Robust, playful and engaged, the Boston is a friendly and lively dog. The Boston is noted for its excellent disposition and high degree of intelligence.

Activity Level

Low maintenance and family friendly, the Boston makes an excellent family pet. Though the Boston enjoys activity, he is not a hyper animal and requires minimal exercise. His size makes him suitable for most living accommodations.

Height/Weight

For show purposes, the breed is divided into three weight classifications: light (under 15 lb/7 kg), middleweight (15 to under 20 lb/9 kg) and heavyweight (20 to under 25 lb/11.5 kg). A sturdy dog, the length of leg should balance with the length of body to produce a square appearance.

Coat

The Boston sports a coat that is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture.

Color

Bostons come in three distinctive colors - Black with white markings, Brindle with white markings and Seal with white markings.

Ideally white markings including a white muzzle, blaze over the head, collar, breast, all or part of the forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. The effect is that of a dog decked out in a tuxedo.

Grooming

Nothing to it. An occasional bath and brushing is all that’s needed.

The Boston Terrier is truly the “American Gentleman” of  the Pure Bred dog world.

My line of Registered Boston Terriers are the Light weights.