The Boston Terrier Club of America is a gathering place for all lovers and aficionados of the breed. Everyone is welcome regardless of the style of their Boston(s.)
Origin: U.S.A.
The BTCA developed a Breed Standard, approved by the American Kennel Club, that describes our breed. The Standard has its origins in the 1890's, created by the founders of the Boston breed during its infancy, and has had a few revisions, as allowed by the AKC, over the years, most recently in 2011.
The Standard defines General Appearance, Size, Proportion, Substance, Head, Neck, Topline and Body, Forequarters, Hindquarters, Gait, Coat, Color and Markings, and Temperament, and dedicated breeders strive to produce Bostons that most closely meet these defined attributes. Those who come closest and have no disqualifying characteristics are shown in conformation events, to obtain third party assurance (by way of a judge educated in the breed) that they are working in the right direction for the breed.
Disqualifications as listed in the Breed Standard that prevent a dog from participating in conformation events are:
1- Eyes blue in color, or any trace of blue
2- Dudley nose (one that is flesh colored and lacks any black pigment )
3- Docked tail (Boston Terrier tails are naturally short)
4- Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal, without required white markings
5- Any color not described in the Standard (black, brindle and seal are the only colors described in the Standard, and so are the only colors allowed in the show ring. Seal is defined in the Standard as "Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in sun or bright light.")
Those who don't reach the show ring are placed in loving homes, where they can excel in obedience, rally, agility, lure coursing, barn hunting, dock diving, therapy…and of course, just as their siblings who spend time in the conformation ring do….as loving companions on our sofas and in our hearts.
Some breeders are breeding Bostons by following a different standard, or not following one at all. While these dogs are without a doubt loving companions, it is important to recognize the motivation behind such breeding practices and to know that they aren't condoned by the BTCA.
Whether your Boston is an agility star, an obedience nut, a barn hunting fanatic, a conformation champion, or a beloved couch potato….or even all of those things….if you love Bostons you are welcomed and encouraged to become part of the BTCA. If you are a breeder dedicated to improving the breed, a Boston owner thinking about adding a Boston to your home, or learning more about the breed by finding a mentor and considering breeding one day, you've come to the right place! Let the BTCA help you help make Bostons great! We look forward to meeting you.
