We've had three Boston Terriers since we've been married.  They are the American Gentleman and are a  non-sporting breed.
Where does the name come from.?  
They originated when Robert Hooper of Boston purchased a dog named Judge that was a mix of Bull and Terrier lineage.
There are a lot of different terriers types in dogs
They are the sweetest dogs, but they can be super stubborn also.  But oh so smart!
They look like they would be sweet. They have breathing problems I thought someone told me.
Their average life pan is 11 to 13 years and yes they can have breathing issues due to their short nose, mostly snoring and snuffling, but nothing that really causes them distress.
That's good. Do they sit up in chairs like a humans, lol, 
Well, they are highly intelligent and easily trained, so I guess someone could train them to do that.  Ours just sit at our feet during dinner and wait for  nibbles.
Sounds like they have a great home. I don't have a pet right now. Live too close to a road,