The Boston Terrier was originally bred out of curiosity and as a pit fighter (the sport was popular in Boston in the mid 19th century). The first Boston Terriers were products of a Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier (similar to the Bull Terrier), crossed in Massachussetts in the mid 19th century. The first Bostons were much heavier than today's Boston (much like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier) and were further crossed to the French Bulldog for more refinement. This resulted in a compact, well-muscled dog with distinctive markings, now characteristic of the breed. The original Boston breeders would not likely appreciate Bostons seen today, as they would probably consider the breed to be much too fine and effeminate. they would probably consider the breed to be much too fine and effeminate.The Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in the United States betweenthe years 1929-1935.
     Due to the Bostons' confirmation (large head, small pelvis), it is difficult and expensive to reproduce, as caesarian section is necessary more than 75% of the time. Thus, usually only the best breed representatives are used in breeding programs today and the over-all quality of Bostons has been well-maintained (despite a period of immense popularity).

     Although Boston Terriers descend from fighting dogs, the Boston Terrier is often called the "American Gentleman". Bostons are not considered to be "scrappers" however they can take care of themselves when threatened and are a very confident breed by nature. While not working terriers, Bostons are terriers and act like other short-haired terriers. Bostons in general, tend to be dominant and should be trained and raised with the same expectations one would a large breed.
     Bostons excel as companions and house dogs due to their gentle dispositions and are very affectionate with children and their families. The Boston has a unique sense of humor and loves to play and make lively, entertaining companions. 
     They are extremely dependant on human companionship and can get quite annoyed and offended if they don't get it. Bostons prefer human companionship to that of other dogs, cats and other animals, however they are known to get along well with them if properly socialized. Because Bostons bond so closely with their families, some are prone to separation anxiety and engage in destructive behaviours. Crating your Boston when you are away usually prevents and eliminates this problem.
     Bostons tend to be "scrabblers" (frantically scratch/paw at your legs for attention) and have a bad habit of jumping up on you and guests to get attention. Training should start early in puppyhood to prevent/curb this behaviour.
     Again, Bostons are very confident in nature and tend to be dominant. Their families do need to set clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour right from when they are puppies. Just because they are small, does not mean that their "easier" to train. Bostons are VERY intelligent and need an equally intelligent owner to keep up with all of their antics. Nobody wants an obnoxious adult Boston around! However, once dominance is established by the owner and their families, some Bostons can be very "soft" tempered and most do not like their owners/families being upset with them.
     It's important to not use a crate strictly for discipline/punishment, as it is not unlike a Boston to run or hide when they are in trouble, as they do not want to be crated and separated from their families.
     Another "bad habit" of Bostons is that they tend to eat the feces of other dogs (Coprophagia). Some theorists suggest that it is due to an imbalance or lack of nutrients in their diet, while other theorists alternatively suggest that it's due to their dominant nature (i.e. they try to remove the scent of other dogs in their territory), as it's also observed in Bostons who eat the highest quality diet. Coprophagia is a normal canine behaviour and can be seen in most other breeds, however some suggest in may be more common in more dominant dogs/breeds.  Indeed, we support the latter theory. Also, this behaviour can also be instinctive and biological in nature, given that mothers and sometimes other dogs in a pack (wolves, coyotes, wild dogs, etc.) can be observed eating the feces of puppies, younger dogs, etc. to remove their sent from the environment and prevent other predators from eating their young.
     Bostons are true house dogs and can adapt to any family or living arrangement, as long as they are kept indoors with their families, as they are not outdoor dogs. They are generally not "yappy" and prone to incessant barking, however they can get loud and boisterous playing with other animals. Bostons cannot tolerate extreme temperatures (hot and cold) and tend to have trouble breathing in periods of heat, as they are brachycephalic (short-nosed).
     They are highly intelligent and make excellent show-dogs. Bostons also do very well in the Obedience ring and are gaining popularity as agility dogs. Some Bostons can be stubborn (especially if positive reinforcement is not used) and slow to house-train, however, they are a very intelligent breed and train very easily with consistent, positive reinforcement. Once the limits are set (and families use positive reinforcement techniques), Bostons adapt well and adhere to the rules.

     In Canada, Bostons are divided into three weight classes; Lightweight (15lbs and under), Middleweight (15-20lbs) and Heavyweight (20-25lbs), with the majority of Bostons today weighing between 15-20lbs. A Boston is supposed to be very "square" in appearance, with their height equaling their length.

     The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture in colours of brindle and white, seal and white, black brindle and white or black with white markings. Solid black (no white), black and tan and liver or mouse (brown/chocolate/red) colours are disqualifications and not within breed standard. Eyes should be dark brown in colour. Blue eyes are not RARE and are not within breed standard. They are defects in the breed.

     Bostons are considered by most, to be the healthiest of the brachycephallic breeds. As mentioned previously, due to their short muzzles, Bostons tend to have trouble breathing in hot and cold temperatures and when stressed by exertion. Bostons also have a tendency to snore. Due to their prominent eyes, Bostons are prone to eye injuries. 
     Heart and skin tumors, luxating patellas (dislocating knees), cataracts (poor vision due to opacity of the lens), deafness, Cushing's Syndrome (adrenal dysfunction resulting in obesity and muscle weakness) and difficulty whelping (due to their narrow hips and large heads) are all common problems in the breed. Luxating patellas are the most common health problem in Bostons. 
     Despite these common health problems/issues, the health of the Boston Terrier as a breed has generally been well-maintained and Bostons are known to live 12-15years or more.
                                                              
                                                      
                                                          Official CKC Breed Standard