The American Gentleman Marks A Milestone: AKC Canine College Launches Its 100th Breed Course, Featuring The Boston Terrier

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is proud to announce its 100th breed-specific course on AKC Canine College, the organization’s online education platform. The milestone course belongs to a fittingly historic breed: the Boston Terrier, developed in partnership with the Boston Terrier Club of America.

Known affectionately as “The American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-patterned coat and gentle disposition, the Boston Terrier holds a singular place in American dog history. Developed in Boston in the decades after the Civil War, it was the first breed created in the United States to be recognized by the AKC, entering the Stud Book in 1893, just two years after the founding of the Boston Terrier Club of America in 1891.

“The Boston Terrier is instantly recognizable, but meaningful breed education goes beyond recognition to help people understand a breed’s history, characteristics and unique qualities,” said Gina DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “With its distinctly American story, the Boston Terrier is a wonderful breed to highlight. Its Parent Club was an exceptional partner, bringing the expertise and attention to detail needed to ensure the breed was represented accurately and authentically.”

The course gives dog lovers an introduction to the Boston Terrier, from its history and purpose to the characteristics that make the breed unique. Participants will learn about the breed’s appearance, structure, movement and temperament, as well as its participation in AKC sports, with additional insights from experts on judging, responsible breeding and exhibiting.

“The Boston Terrier is more than just a breed to us; it is a piece of American History woven into the lives of countless families,” said Dominic Koon, President of the Boston Terrier Club of America. “Partnering with the AKC in the development of the Boston Terrier Canine College course is a commitment to our breed’s future. By elevating education, we safeguard the hallmarks and qualities that make our breed extraordinary for generations to come.”

Since the first breed course launched in 2016, the program has grown to span all seven AKC groups, from ancient sighthounds to modern working dogs, reflecting nearly a decade of collaboration between the AKC Canine College team, AKC Judging Operations and AKC Parent Clubs.

Course number 100 is more than a milestone. It is a promise from the AKC and the breeders, judges, and club volunteers who know these dogs best: that what makes every breed unique, in form, in spirit, and in our hearts, will be protected, celebrated, and passed on. Because everything we do, we do for dogs.

The Boston Terrier Breed Course is available now at caninecollege.akc.org, where the full catalog of 100 breed courses and counting can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

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Posted by Liz on Oct 18 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.