The History of the Boston Terrier

Established more than a decade ago, A Maze’n Farmyard provides family entertainment for guests of all ages. The amusement park is located in Eden Valley, Minnesota, and maintains attractions such as bounce houses, a petting zoo, and a 20,000-square-foot maze. A Maze’n Farmyard also sells puppies of varying breeds, including Boston Terriers.

Unlike many other dog breeds, the history and origin of the Boston Terrier is well-documented. Its origins date back to 1870 when English terriers and bulldogs were being imported from England for bull baiting and dogfighting. In this year, Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased an imported dog that was a cross between a white English Terrier and an English Bulldog. This dog became known as Hooper’s Judge and it is believed all modern Boston Terriers can trace their lineage back to this single male.

Over the next several years, Hooper’s Judge was bred with several French Bulldogs and this resulted in a unique breed of dog that had different temperamental and physical characteristics than its predecessors. The new breed was called the Round-Headed Bull and Terrier, and it also was nicknamed, “The American Gentleman.”

Despite being a distinct breed, it took 20 years for the Boston Terrier to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). During this time, the breed was named the official state dog in Massachusetts and the American Bull Terrier Club, the first dog club for Boston Terriers, was established. Shortly before the breed’s inclusion with the AKC, its name was changed to Boston Terrier and the Boston Terrier Club of America was formed.