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Costco’s Best-Kept Secrets: 10 Weird Tricks Only Superfans Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

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The Story of America’s First Breed

If you ever find yourself walking down a cobblestone street in New England, there is a good chance you will be greeted by a compact, energetic little package wearing what looks like a permanent tuxedo. With wide, soulful eyes and a characteristically joyful grin, the Boston Terrier is a fixture of American neighborhoods. But these dapper pups are more than just friendly family pets—they hold the distinct title of being the very first dog breed officially developed right here in the United States.

Affectionately nicknamed "The American Gentleman," the Boston Terrier is a beautiful reminder of how a little bit of history, a lot of city pride, and a rough-and-tumble past can evolve into pure, unadulterated devotion.

A Rough Start for a Dapper Dog

Looking at a Boston Terrier today—curled up on a couch or politely trotting along a sidewalk—it is hard to imagine that their ancestry traces back to the gritty world of 19th-century pit fighting.

In the late 1860s, a Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper purchased a dog named Judge, a cross between an English Bulldog and the now-extinct White English Terrier. "Hooper’s Judge," as he became known in breed lore, was a hefty, high-legged, brindle-coated fellow weighing over 30 pounds. He didn't look much like the sleek, compact Bostons we love today, but he possessed a brilliant spark of intelligence and a sturdy frame.

Through careful, selective breeding over the next few decades, local enthusiasts crossed Judge’s descendants with smaller French Bulldogs to soften their features, shorten their stature, and round out their heads.

At first, the emerging breed faced an identity crisis. Fans initially called them "Roundheads" or "American Bull Terriers," which rubbed traditional Bull Terrier owners the wrong way. Seeking a name that truly honored the dog's roots, the breed's loyal fanciers formed the Boston Terrier Club of America in 1891. Just two years later, in 1893, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially admitted the Boston Terrier into its studbook—making it the very first uniquely American breed to be recognized.

The Anatomy of a Gentleman

What exactly makes a Boston Terrier so recognizable? It all comes down to the "tuxedo." To meet the breed standard, a Boston must display a specific pattern of white markings against a black, brindle, or "seal" (a black that reveals a warm red undertone in the sunlight) coat. A white muzzle, a white blaze between the eyes, and a stark white chest are non-negotiable—giving them the permanent appearance of being dressed for a black-tie gala.

Beyond their formal wear, Bostons are famous for their expressive, almost human-like faces. Because they have short snouts—a trait known as being brachycephalic—they communicate volumes with their structural grins and wide-set eyes. Of course, that short snout also means they come with a few built-in acoustic effects; any Boston owner will fondly tell you that their "Gentleman" is prone to a lifetime of loud snoring, snorting, and the occasional reverse sneeze.

Why We Fall For Them

The true magic of the Boston Terrier lies entirely in their temperament. When breeders shifted away from the dog's athletic, combative origins, they didn't just change the animal’s size—they completely transformed its soul.

Bostons are entirely people-oriented. They are dynamic chameleons: perfectly content to sprint through an agility course or play fetch in the yard, yet equally thrilled to spend a rainy Sunday matching your exact energy level under a cozy blanket. They are highly sensitive to the tone of your voice, making them incredibly intuitive companions who genuinely care about making their humans smile.

Fun Fact: The Boston Terrier's charm is so legendary that it was named the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979, and a famous Boston-mix named Sergeant Stubby became America's most decorated war dog during World War I!

More than a century after they first stepped onto the streets of Massachusetts, America’s first breed continues to conquer hearts across the globe. They remind us that no matter where we start, we all have the capacity to grow into something gentle, loyal, and utterly classic.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)
• Raaw Energy - Dog Food: Potential Listeria Contamination
• Albright's Raw Pet Food - Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Potential Salmonella
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