Breed Standards

The Boston Terrier Standard was revised on February 28, 1990 to clarify and adapt the language so that everyone--novices, exhibitors, breeders, judges and potential judges--would understand it.

The Boston Terrier is a member of the Non-Sporting Group and was first recognized by the AKC in 1893. The clean-cut, short backed body of the Boston Terrier, coupled with the unique characteristics of his square head and jaw, and his striking markings have resulted in a most dapper and charming American original.

General Appearance

The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expression indicates a high degree of intelligence.

The body is rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful.

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is a friendly and lively dog. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion.

Disqualifications

• Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue
• Dudley nose
• Docked tail
• Solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal without required markings
• Gray or liver colors

For a detailed description of the breed standard, refer to the Boston Terrier Club of America.