Boston Terrier Museum

Boston terriers sawin' wood Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

Dogs not playing poker Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

The collection moved from the owner's workshop to a vacant drug store Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

A passion for Boston terriers Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

The museum is in the small town of Floydada - the "Pumpkin Capital of Texas" Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

Some of the collection's collectibles from the 1950s Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

Every book imaginable about the little black & white dogs Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

Canes and walking sticks Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

Boston terriers and 7UP - it's a natural (?) Barbara Brannon (CC BY 2.0)

In 1991, 20 years after “AJ” came into their lives, Bob and Frances Hambright started their canine treasure hunt. AJ was the couple’s first pet Boston terrier, but he wasn’t their last. Four more followed, sparking a passion for the animal that’s resulted in the Boston Terrier Museum of Floydada, Texas.

The museum opened in 2007, brimming with collectibles and images of nothing but Boston terriers. Porcelains, walking sticks, books, vintage ads, trophies, Christmas ornaments, curtains, doorstops, pull-toys, and paintings all jam an old abandoned pharmacy building in downtown Floydada, in honor of the little tuxedoed dog.

Collecting started in earnest after Bob retired from the post office, and he and Frances hit the road. They travelled around the country, picking up Boston terriers (tchotchkes, not real ones) along the way. After Frances passed away, Bob kept on collecting, traveling less but visiting eBay and online auctions more. The collection grew, outpacing the space in Bob’s old workshop. With no end to acquiring in sight, he eventually took over the old pharmacy, and the Boston Terrier Museum was born.

Bob doesn’t keep regular hours, but a quick call will set you up (the number is on the outside of the building for those who just happen by). So many black and white pups in one place, you might be inspired to adopt a little “AJ” for yourself one day.

Know Before You Go

Floydada is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Lubbock, or about 100 miles south of Amarillo. The museum hours vary, so best to call ahead to make sure the owner can open up for you (806-983-5010).