10 Incredible Boston Terrier Facts You Will Love To Know

If you’re looking for an adorable pup with a rich history and full of fun facts, look no further than the Boston Terrier. From their popularity to their history and behaviors, there’s a little bit of everything about the Boston Terrier for you to sift through, and we’ve highlighted 10 of our favorites for you below.

The Top 10 Boston Terrier Facts

1. They Snore a Lot

Because of their short jaws and muzzles, when these pups sleep, they can’t help but make a lot of noise. They don’t drool all that much though, so you don’t have to worry about them making a mess in everyday life.

But if you listen to them throughout the day, it’s common to hear grunting and snorting noises too. It all has to do with the size and shape of their muzzle, and it’s not anything you need to worry about!

2. They Come From America

The Boston Terrier is one of the first dog breeds to originate in the United States. They come from Boston, Massachusetts, and the AKC officially recognized the breed in 1891.

There are mixed stories about why people bred the Boston Terrier, with stories ranging from fighting dogs to rat hunters.

3. They’re Very Laid Back

While most terriers have tons of energy and get excited over every little thing, that’s not the case with the Boston Terrier. This is in large part because they’re technically not terriers. The American Kennel Club classifies them as a “non-sporting dog breed” because of the breed’s bulldog ancestry.

4. Boston Terriers Are People-Oriented

There’s no doubt that if you’re getting a Boston Terrier, you’re getting a companion dog. These pups love to hang out with their owners, and they don’t do well with long stretches without people. If you’re getting a Boston Terrier ensure you have plenty of time to spend with them. Otherwise, you’re going to have a miserable dog.

5. They Are Very Smart

If you’re looking for a dog that learns quickly, then the Boston Terrier is an outstanding choice. They’re extremely intelligent dogs, and when you pair this with their agility, they do great in different competitions.

Just keep in mind that they can be a bit stubborn at times, so you’ll need to put in a little extra work to get them to learn all the tricks you want them to. But with a bit of persistence, there isn’t much you can’t teach a Boston Terrier.

6. The Boston Terrier Has the Nickname “American Gentleman”

The Boston Terrier looks gentle and stately, which is exactly what you would expect from a gentleman. And when you add in the fact that this dog breed comes from the United States, the nickname of the American Gentleman makes perfect sense.

7. President Gerald Ford Had Two Boston Terriers

Perhaps the most famous Boston Terriers to walk around the White House were Fleck and Spot. These were the two Boston Terriers that President Gerald Ford had during his time as the 38th president of the United States. President Ford served as president of the United States from 1974 to 1977 following the resignation of President Nixon.

8. President Harding Owned a Boston Terrier

President Harding might not be the most well-known president of the United States, but he did serve as the 29th president from 1921 to 1923. During his brief time in the White House, President Harding had a Boston Terrier named Hub.

9. Boston Terriers Have Served in the US Military

When you think of military service dogs, the Boston Terrier likely isn’t the first dog breed that comes to mind. And while they’re not the most common dogs that the US military uses, there have been Boston Terriers in the US military.

The most popular Boston Terrier to serve was Sgt. Stubby who served in World War I and helped capture a German spy!

10. In 2021, the Boston Terrier Was the 23rd Most Popular Dog Breed in the United States

While there was a time the Boston Terrier was the most popular dog breed in the United States, that hasn’t been the case for quite some time. In fact, in 2021, the Boston Terrier was actually the 23rd most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club.

That’s still a lot of Boston Terriers, but it is a long way from the top of the list, which is where the breed was from 1905 to 1935.

Summary

Now that you know a little bit more about the Boston Terrier, the next time you see one you can surprise everyone with a few interesting facts. Not only that but if you are interested in getting one for yourself, you can appreciate the history and behavior of the adorable breed just a little bit more.

You might also like:

• Do Boston Terriers Like to Cuddle? Know How to Approach Them!
• How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers Need? Keep Your Dog Happy!

Featured Image Credit: Zakharova_Elena, Shutterstock