The Boston Terrier was developed in Boston in the late 1800s from bulldog and terrier crosses, and it was among the first American breeds recognized by the AKC, in 1893. Nicknamed the American Gentleman for its tuxedo-like markings, it's a compact dog with large round eyes, upright ears and a smooth, short coat in black, brindle or seal with white. Most adults weigh roughly 12 to 25 pounds.
Many Bostons are friendly, lively and affectionate, happy to play one minute and burrow under a blanket the next. Their short muzzle brings trade-offs, including snoring, breathing trouble and heat sensitivity, and their prominent eyes injure easily. In Midland, where summers run long and dry, that makes cooling and eye care part of everyday life. Dogs vary, so a particular Boston may be calmer or more stubborn than this description suggests.