January, 1920 
Curiosity, an ever present desire to please, and an absolute trust in 
mankind are traits of these dogs. They are present even amid the 
clumsiness of puppyhood 
A CHARACTERISTIC AMERICAN DOG 
'rhe Boston Terrier Proves that this Country Can Develop Dogs that Will Match In 
Every JFay Their Imported Brothers and Sisters 
MARGARET McELROY 
A S a nation we have not been in the habit 
. of giving enthusiastic encouragement to 
things American. We preferred the stamp of 
foreign approval, and imported art, music, 
prima donnas and food have been received 
with greater acclaim than is accorded the same 
things ‘‘made in America.” There are many 
reasons for this. We are still ver}^ young— 
let it go at that. 
'I'his is not true, however, in the matter of 
dogs. The one typical American dog, typical 
because bred and developed in this country, 
near the city that is responsible for so many of 
the good things of life, is today one of the most 
popular dogs in America. The Boston terrier 
has managed to hold his own against all 
comers. There are fashions in dogs as well 
as everything else, but as fundamental things 
do not change so has the Boston terrier suc¬ 
cessfully weathered the craze for other breed f 
after other breed. Now he is facing his most 
serious foreign rival—and that a worthy one 
—the Police dog. 
Winning Recognition 
This popularity was not easily won. For a 
long time the American Kennel Club, that 
last cry for perfection in the dog world, would 
have none of him. They refused to recognize 
a dog that was neither “bull nor terrier.” It 
was not until 1895 that a group 
of men calling themselves the 
Boston Terrier Club succeeded in 
getting the dog admitted to the 
older club. The Boston terrier 
was then recognized as thorough¬ 
bred and soon became extremely 
popular. From then on his suc¬ 
cess was complete. 
It was a dog called Barnard's 
Tom that started this breed on to 
fame and fortune. About fort)- 
years ago, a dog was brought from 
England of the half-ljred bull 
and terrier type. This was a 
fighting dog, weighing about 
thirty pounds, dark brindle with 
a l^lazed face. The next step was 
the dog known as M'elFs Eph, 
brindle and weighing about twen- 
t)'-eight pounds. From this dog 
came Barnard’s Tom, the ances¬ 
tor of all true Boston terriers. 
These dogs were not at first called 
Boston terriers, but were shown 
with the bull terriers and later 
became known as the “round head 
bull terriers.” This is the reason 
they are so often mis-called Bos- 
dog class, much to the disgust of the breeders 
of Boston terriers, who claimed it was a man’s 
dog, not a lady’s pet. There is still some 
demand for these “toy” Bostons as they are 
called, but every true dog lover must feel that 
in these very small dogs, which in the breed¬ 
ing means a loss of intelligence and stamina, 
is the real danger to the future of the Boston 
terrier. 
He is an American dog and characteristically 
so, from the tip of his encjuiring nose to the 
end of his apology for a tail. He has all the 
qualities that justify his origin. Although 
not a fighting dog, as he does not willingly 
seek a scrap, he is plucky and ready to hold 
his own. He is alert, eager, faithful, with a 
gay camaraderie as contagious as it is earnest, 
and one finds it hard to resist his appeal to 
“come on and play.” 
If anyone wants a one-man dog let him 
shun the Boston terrier. His amiability is his 
fault and greatest virtue. He is interested in 
all mankind and is the friendliest dog in the 
world. 
d'hese dogs are extremely intelligent and 
very easy to train. If possible, get a puppy 
of al)out three months and then the way is 
easy. They have formed no bad habits and 
are open to suggestions on behavior, the proper 
way of sitting up, playing dead, etc. Infinite 
patience is required to teach a 
dog tricks and there is some stub- 
])orness in this breed, but perse¬ 
verance and kindness will win 
out in the end. I say kindness, 
as much more is accomplished 
through it than by severer meth¬ 
ods. Be ver)" careful not to 
frighten a young dog and never, 
through loss of temper, punish 
him unjustly. A dog ver)^ c|uick- 
ly knows when he has done wrong 
and takes his punishment. He 
also quickly recognizes a just 
master and gives him blind tle- 
votion, often turning from one 
who merely pets him. 
Care and Feeding 
Boston terriers are healthy and 
easy to bring up if a little care 
and thought is given to them as 
puppies. Then they are extreme¬ 
ly sensitive to cold and must be 
kept warm. In fact, all their 
lives, owing to their short, sleek 
coats, they have a dread of cold 
weather. They are not as sub- 
(Continued on page 66) 
ton bulls. There is some bull, but far more 
terrier in their makeup. 
At first any color dog was exhibited, pro¬ 
vided the other points were up to the mark, 
but the majorit)- were brindle, strongly marked 
with white and quite different from the present 
day cropped-eared, screw-tailed type. 
There was a time when the demand for 
small dogs threatened to ruin the breed and 
they came perilously near getting into the toy 
A friend faith- 
fid, steadfast, 
a n d with a 
sense of humor 
There is some 
bull, but more 
terrior in this 
breed 
