{"id":85,"date":"2024-02-12T04:30:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T04:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bostonterrierhub.com\/?p=85"},"modified":"2024-04-16T12:41:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T12:41:50","slug":"haggerty-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bostonterrierhub.com\/haggerty-spot","title":{"rendered":"Haggerty Spot: Unraveling the Unique Markings of Boston Terriers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re a Boston Terrier enthusiast, you might already be familiar with the unique marking known as the Haggerty Spot. Named after the prominent Haggerty family who were early breeders of the Boston Terrier, this distinctive feature is like a stamp of lineage. Often, you’ll find this spot perched on the top of the dog’s head, and it’s a trait that many Boston Terrier lovers seek out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boston Terriers are a breed known for their tuxedo-like black and white coat, but it’s the Haggerty Spot that adds that extra bit of personality. Though not all Boston Terriers have it, those that do carry a piece of the breed’s history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Haggerty Spot represents a strong genetic marker passed down through generations, showing a connection to the original Haggerty bloodlines. When you see a Boston Terrier with this special mark, you’re looking at a pup with a traceable ancestry that adds to its charm. In fact, this marking is so distinctive, it\u2019s mentioned in Vincent Perry\u2019s 1928 book, \u201cThe Boston Terrier<\/a>“, where it\u2019s called the \u201ckiss of god.\u201d Many also call it the angel kiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, What Is A Haggerty Spot On A Boston Terrier?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Haggerty Spot is a distinctive mark often found on Boston Terriers, a breed known for their charming tuxedo-like black and white coat. This mark is basically a small dark spot on the dog’s head, usually located in the white area, between their ears or somewhere above the eyes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you own a Boston Terrier or are considering getting one, spotting a Haggerty Spot is quite intriguing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These spots are named after the prominent Haggerty family, who were early and influential breeders of Boston Terriers. It’s said that dogs with a Haggerty Spot are descendants from the Haggerty bloodline, which might make your little friend part of a heritage that’s a slice of American canine history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of genetics, the Haggerty Spot<\/em> is linked to a gene for piebald coloring, which is responsible for the unique and appealing white patterns mixed with color seen in many Boston Terriers<\/a>. While it’s purely a cosmetic feature, and has no known impact on the health or temperament of the dog, it’s considered by many enthusiasts a desirable trait, adding to the breed’s distinctiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, the spot is linked to the piebald gene, which is linked to some issues, but we will discuss that further below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boston Terriers are sometimes referred to as the ‘American Gentleman’ due to their elegant appearance, and those bearing the Haggerty Spot might just have an extra dash of that gentlemanly charm. It\u2019s a point of pride for many owners and breeders, symbolizing a connection to the early days of Boston Terrier breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a small dark spot on your own dog, you’ve got a unique bit of the breed’s history right there with you \u2014 it’s a fun and charming part of what makes your pet special!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History and Origin of The Haggerty Spot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Boston Terrier, a breed synonymous with its namesake city, is distinguished not just by its tuxedo-like markings but also by the storied Haggerty spot atop its head. This distinct feature has an enduring legacy tied to one of the early foundational kennels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Haggerty’s Legacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Substantial to the history of Boston Terriers is the notable breeding work by the Haggerty family in the early 1900s. Their kennels produced many Boston Terriers with a unique mark, a dot on the head, which became emblematic of their lineage. Today, many individuals bearing this signature spot trace their genetics back to the Haggerty’s dogs. This characteristic is affectionately known as the “Haggerty star,” \u2018Haggerty dot,\u201dor a “Haggerty dog.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founding Lines and the American Kennel Club<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The American Kennel Club (AKC), which provides standards for dog breeds, recognizes the Boston Terrier as one of its earliest members, first accepted in 1893. The breed’s development involved careful selection and the establishment of founding lines, of which the Haggertys were key contributors. Clubs like the Boston Terrier Club of America, founded in 1891, played a crucial role in defining breed standards. Renowned breeder Vincent Perry<\/a> described the Haggerty spot as “the icing on the cake” for perfect markings, further cementing the Haggerty name’s influence on this American breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does A Haggerty Spot On A Boston Terrier Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be curious about the distinctive mark known as a Haggerty Spot<\/strong> on some Boston Terriers. This unique feature is a small dot located on the top of the head, often found among the breed’s white markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of the Name<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Haggerty Spot is named after the prominent Haggerty<\/strong> family, who were early and influential breeders of Boston Terriers. These spots were common in their dogs, which led to the term becoming a part of Boston Terrier lingo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics Behind It<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The spot itself is a genetic trait, similar to the blaze<\/strong> marking that runs between the eyes and over the skull. It’s not a sign of any health problems, but rather a cosmetic feature that’s passed down from parent to puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boston Terrier Markings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n