BOSTON TERRIER
Companion Dog Group
View Registration Requirements

Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised April 15, 2007.


History

The Boston Terrier is truly an American breed, being a down-sized version of the Bull-and-Terrier types that were so popular in the early days of our country. Breeds thought to have had an influence in the development of the Boston Terrier include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Boxer, English Bull Terrier, French Bulldog and English Bulldog. In the early days of the breed they were often referred to by various names, including Round-headed Bull and Terriers, American Bull Terriers and Bullet Heads.

The Boston Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1914.

The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well-balanced dog. They are brindle, seal or black in color. The Boston is a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. Bone and muscle must be in proportion, as well as an enhancement, to the dog's weight and structure. The length of leg must balance with the length of body to give the Boston its striking, square appearance. The strong limbs are neatly turned. The tail is short. No feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. When comparing specimens of each sex, the only evident difference is a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation. A proportionate combination of color and white markings are to be given particular consideration in determining the relative value of general appearance to other points.

Serious Faults: Blocky and/or chunky in appearance.

The ideal Boston expression is a most important characteristic of the breed; it is alert and kind, indicating a high degree of intelligence. The Boston is a friendly and lively dog. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity; with style of a high order. Carriage is easy and graceful. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston an incomparable companion.

The head is in proportion to the size of the dog, and its expression indicates a high degree of intelligence.

SKULL - The skull is square, flat on top and free from wrinkles. There is an abrupt brow, and a well-defined stop. The cheeks are flat.

MUZZLE - The muzzle is short, wide and deep, and in proportion to the skull. It is shorter in length than in width and depth, not to exceed in length approximately one-third of the length of the skull; and is free from wrinkles. The jaw is broad. The chops are of good depth, but not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, white, regular teeth meet in an even bite or one sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle.

Serious Faults: Wry jaw. Any showing of the teeth when the mouth is closed.

EYES - The large, round eyes are dark in color and wide apart. They are set square in the skull. When viewed from the front, the outside corners are on a line with the cheeks. The alert, kind expression is an important characteristic of the breed.

Faults: Eyes showing too much white or haw.

Disqualification: Any trace of blue in eyes.

NOSE - The nose is black and wide, with a well-defined line between the nostrils.

Faults: Pinched or wide nostrils.

Disqualification: Dudley nose.

EARS - The small ears may be left natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head. They are carried erectly and situated as near to the corners of the skull as possible.

Fault: Ear size out of proportion to the size of the head.

Neck length must display an image of balance to the total dog. The neck is slightly arched, carrying the head gracefully, and setting neatly into the shoulders.

The sloping shoulders are well laid back, allowing for the Boston's stylish movement.

FORELEGS - The forelegs are set moderately apart and on a line with the upper tip of the shoulder blades. The forelegs are straight in bone. The elbows stand neither in nor out. The pasterns are short and strong. Dewclaws may be removed from the forelegs.

The body is rather short and well knit. The back is just short enough to square the body. The topline is level. The rump curves slightly to the set-on of the tail. The chest is deep, with good width. The well-sprung ribs are carried well back to the short, strong loins. The flank is very slightly cut-up.

Serious Faults: Roach back. Sway back. Slab-sided.

HIND LEGS - The thighs are strong and well muscHIND LEGS - The thighs are strong and well muscled. The stifles are bent and set true. The hock joint is well defined. The hocks are well let down and turn neither in nor out.

The forefeet are small, round and compact, with well-arched toes and short nails. They turn neither in nor out. The hind feet are small and compact, with short nails.

The short, fine, tapering tail is set on low and must not be carried above the horizontal. It may be straight or screw. The preferred tail does not exceed, in length, more than one-quarter the distance from the set-on to the hock.

Fault: Gaily carried tail.

Disqualifications: Docked tail; no tail.

The short, smooth coat is bright, and fine in texture.

The only acceptable colors are Brindle, Seal, or Black, with white markings. Brindle is preferred only if all other qualities are equal. Seal appears black except that it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light.

The required markings are a white muzzle band; a white blaze between the eyes; and a white forechest.

The desired markings are a white muzzle band; an even white blaze between the eyes and over the head; a white collar and white on part or whole of the forelegs and hind legs below the hocks.

A dog with a preponderance of white on the head or body must possess sufficient merit otherwise to counteract its deficiencies.

Disqualifications: Solid seal, black or brindle without the required white markings; gray or liver colors; albinism.

Under 15 pounds up to, and including, 25 pounds.

Disqualification: Weight over 25 pounds.

The gait of the Boston is that of a sure-footed, straight-gaited dog. The forelegs and hind legs move straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power.

Serious Faults: Any crossing movement, front or rear.

Faults: Rolling. Paddling. Weaving. Hackney gait.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Weight over 25 pounds. Any trace of blue in eyes. Dudley nose. Docked tail. No tail. Solid seal, black or brindle without the required white markings. Gray or liver colors. Albinism.