Boston Terrier

There are dogs that look as if they were about to set off for a very elegant evening — and the Boston Terrier is their unquestioned king. This small, trim dog came into the world in Boston, America, at the end of the 19th century as one of the first breeds bred in the United States, and its characteristic black-and-white markings arrange themselves exactly as if it were wearing a perfectly tailored tailcoat with a white shirt. No wonder it earned the nickname “the American gentleman.” And it has to be admitted that it wears it with class: the Boston is sharp-witted, charming, well-behaved, and endowed with impeccable social manners. It is a dog that seems to know perfectly well that it looks elegant — and takes advantage of it with evident satisfaction.

Except that this tailcoated dignity is pure façade — inside resides the soul of a consummate joker. Because the Boston is a gentleman only in appearance — in reality it loves clowning, play, and making its people laugh, giving the impression of a dog permanently dressed for a gala that it came to, above all, to have a great time at anyway. On top of that it has one of the most expressive faces in the canine world: great, round, shining eyes and bat-like protruding ears mean that with the Boston everything is literally visible on its face — from pure delight, through deep contemplation, to theatrically performed indignation when it decides some injustice has befallen it. It is at the same time exceptionally sociable and friendly — it likes people, likes other dogs, and assumes with unshakable certainty that it is welcome absolutely everywhere. And since it does not need much space or extreme amounts of movement, it works ideally as an elegant companion for city, apartment life.

But the real secret of the Boston's popularity lies neither in the costume nor in the comedy — it lies in its heart. This is a dog created for human company, tender, attached, and astonishingly attuned to its owner's mood: the Boston really cares that you be in a good humor, and often gives the impression that it has chosen improving your day as its life's task. It wants to be by you, to take part in everything, and to accompany you like the best possible companion — no matter whether it is a lazy evening on the couch or an expedition to the other end of the city. It is one of those dogs that simply fit into your life and make it warmer, merrier, and less lonely. A small gentleman with an enormous heart, who wants to be everything for you at once: a friend, a court jester, and a faithful personal companion.

And now for that not-very-gentlemanly secret, of which one must honestly warn: Boston Terriers are famous for a tendency toward gas. Their shortened muzzle means that when eating greedily they swallow a fair amount of air, and the effects can be surprisingly loud for such an elegant dog.

Because the Boston Terrier is at once elegant and comical, distinguished and touchingly devoted — and wears these contradictions as naturally as its tailcoat. It is a small dog in a great heart and an impeccable tailcoat, who brings into the home plenty of humor, tenderness, and joyful company, and at the same time adapts effortlessly to almost any lifestyle.

Digestion, coolness, those expressive eyes, and a lean silhouette — these are the four things it asks for. In return, everyday life beside it becomes lighter and more cheerful. Because the Boston, though dressed as if for the most exquisite party in the world, really dreams of only one thing: to spend that evening — and all the ones to come — exactly where you are.