Haggerty Spot: What Is It, Why Does It Exist? With Photos


After looking at many different photos of Boston Terriers, I started to see some spots on a few of the Boston’s heads. At first, I thought this may have been due to the Boston not being a purebred.

However, I could not have been more wrong. In fact, this unique little spot can trace its history all the way back to a family of breeders in the early 1900s, The Haggerty’s. This family was one of the earliest breeders of Boston’s.

Boston Terrier Haggerty Mark

After doing some research on the Haggerty Spot, here is what I found out…

What Is A Haggerty Spot On A Boston Terrier?

The Haggerty Spot or Dot is a marking found on only a select few Boston’s where they have a spot on top of their heads. This particular marking can trace its origins back to the Haggerty family of the early 1900s.

The Haggerty Family were well known and respected Boston breeders of their time.

Interested in learning more about Boston Terriers? Check out these 15 Interesting Facts About Boston Terriers.

Video Explaining The Haggerty Spot

In this video, I cover the history of the Haggerty Spot.

What Is The Haggerty Spot Video

Who Were The Haggerty’s?

As mentioned before, the Haggerty’s were Boston Terrier breeders of the early 1900s. The Haggerty’s, according to the Boston Terrier Club of America, was one of the founding lines of the Boston Terrier we love today.

Learn more about the Boston Terrier Club of America and its role in helping make the breed what it is today. Check the article out here, the Boston Terrier Club of America.

The Haggerty’s were one of the founding lines of Boston’s because the Boston Terrier had originated roughly a few decades before.

Boston’s were still a relatively young breed compared to their ancestors, the Bulldog and White English Terrier. 

Haggerty’s were very well known for their Boston breeding. They were even mentioned in Vincent Perry’s 1928 book, “The Boston Terrier.” In Perry’s book, the Haggerty Spot is referred to by Perry as the “Kiss Of God.” 

Boston Terrier haggerty spot

Does A Dog’s DNA & Ancestry Interest You?

If you are interested in learning about your dogs DNA and ancestry you should check out Embark Vet.

Similar to the DNA swab test you and I can use to find our ancestry on sites like Ancestry.com or 23 And Me Embark Vet does the same things but with dogs.

Boston Terrier Gift Ideas For Mom

How Does Embark DNA Test Kit Work?

An Embark Breed + Health dog DNA test enables a dog owner to learn about their pup’s breed, ancestry, health, relatives, and more with a simple cheek swab. 

With a research-grade DNA genotyping platform, Embark looks at over 350 breeds and more than 190 genetic health conditions and traits.

You can discover and connect with dogs that share DNA with yours with the world’s only canine relative finder, free with purchase. 

The most accurate & highest rated dog DNA kit on the market. 

Learn more about Embark’s DNA kits, pricing, or purchase a kit here, Embark DNA Kit Information.

What Are Other Names For The Haggerty Spot?

There are several different names for this spot on top of a Boston Terriers’ head.

Here is what I could find others referring to the Haggerty Spot as:

Haggerty Spot
Haggerty Dot
Haggerty Star
Kiss Of God
Haggerty Dog
Angel Kiss

Pictures Of 5 Boston Terriers With The Haggerty Spot

Here are five Boston Terriers who have the Haggerty Spot on their heads.

Some Haggerty Spot’s on these Boston’s are more pronounced than others, but this gives you an idea of what to look out for when searching for the Haggerty markings.

What is the haggerty spot? Boston Terrier Society
What does a haggerty spot look like on a boston terrier?
spot on top of a boston terriers head
Haggerty Spot: What is it, why does it exist? With Photos. Boston Terrier Society
Haggerty Spot: What is it, why does it exist? With Photos. Boston Terrier Society

Are you interested in learning more about your dogs pedigree or ancestry? Check out this article I wrote covering ancestry & pedigree research here, How To Find Your Dog’s Bloodline Or Pedigree.

What Is The Breed Coat Standards?

The Boston Terrier can come in three different coat colors:

  • Brindle
  • Black
  • Or seal (off black with reddish highlights)

All three of these colors are matched with a white blaze on the face, a white muzzle, and a white chest. 

This gives the Boston Terrier his distinct coat looking similar to a tuxedo.

The Haggerty spot is not a disqualifying factor in the standard. However, I’m not sure what a judge would say at a dog show.

Want To Learn About Boston Terrier Colors?

In the podcast below I interview Jani Martin the founder of Colored Boston Terrier Truths to talk about the breeds color standards.

If you want to get the back story on Boston Terrier colors this interviews is for you.

Interview with Jani Martin founder of Colored Boston Terrier Truths.

Final thoughts…

I believe the Haggerty Spot on Boston Terriers is genuinely something special. This special dot traces its roots 100 years back.

I’m big into ancestry, and this spot is so unique you can truly see how one DNA or gene change can make a difference for generations to come. 

If you want to find out more about Boston Terriers, be sure to check out my article covering the breed in complete detail, from health issues to history and more. Click here for the article, The Complete Boston Terrier Breed Profile.

Other Articles You May Like To Read

References

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the owner of the Boston Terrier Society. He has been raising Bella the Boston since 2010. He resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, and Bella. His favorite activities are hanging out with family, traveling, running (but has bad knees), and reading non-fiction books.

Recent Posts