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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Boston Terrier
The Boston
Terrier is an American-made animal, whose Bull Terrier ancestors
came from England between 40 and 50 years ago. Many of them settled
in Boston, where they became so refined that in a few generations
much of the Bulldog was bred out of them.
When,
about 1891, their owners formed the American Bull Terrier Club of
Boston and applied to the American Kennel Club for the registration
of the breed, the application was refused on the ground that the
dogs were no longer ‘Bull’ terriers.
It was
suggested that the breed be named simply ‘Boston Terrier’. This
suggestion was accepted, the club changed its name to the Boston
Terrier Club, and the breed received full recognition in 1893. It is
said to be the most scrupulously courteous dog having any Bulldog
blood in his veins, and is generally recognized as the most
conservative terrier in the world. The Boston Terrier is not as
large as the Bull Terrier, weighing from 15 to 27
pounds, and being judged in three classes, according to weight. The
most popular middleweight class is from 17 to 22 pounds.
The ideal markings are brindle (dark preferred, some are almost
black), with white muzzle, blaze, neck all round, chest and all or
part of fore legs and hind legs below hocks. The
coat is short, smooth, and bright. The ears are commonly trimmed.
The
deformities of the Bulldog are here happily lacking, and we have a
bright, playful, courageous little dog that stands well over (not
hangs between) his legs, which, while well apart, are not bowed nor
bandied, but strong, fairly heavy in bone, and straight. The stifle,
however, is well bent. He is all in all a very compact little dog.
The tail, screw or straight, must be carried low.
The face
is intelligent, rather square, the nose, while short, is not pushed
in, and the jaws are even, broad, and fairly deep. He is in every
sense a good practical dog.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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