The Boston Terrier, also known as the American Gentleman, the Boston Bull, the Boston Bull Terrier, and the Boxwood, is an instantly recognizable breed from the Non-Sporting Group. This breed is one of the more popular breeds of dogs in the United States, and they are even the State Dog of Massachusetts. The Boston Terrier was AKC approved in 1990.
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 face. Frequently, variations on the standard are seen depending on the ancestry of the individual dog. At various times, the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, English Mastiff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and French Bulldog— among other breeds— have been crossbred with Boston Terrier lines to minimize inbreeding in a small gene pool.
While originally bred for fighting, Boston Terriers were later bred down for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive and well-mannered. Many still retain the spunky attitude of a typical terrier. However, it must be noted that they are not considered terriers by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but are part of the non-sporting group.
Boston Terriers can live up to 15 years or more, with an average age of around 13 years. Several health issues are of concern for a Boston Terrier, inlcuding cataracts, cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmurs, and allergies. Bostons are also prone to sensitive stomachs and intestinal gas.