A Definitive Guide To Boston Terrier Colors

You may be checking this article out because you have finally decided to get a Boston Terrier, and now, you’re having a hard time choosing your future Boston Terrier's colors! Seal or black? Or something completely different?

You’ve come to the right place because you are about to find out their different colors and patterns and the implications it has on their health and origin.

STANDARD COLORS OF THE “AMERICAN GENTLEMAN”

When people would hear the word “Boston Terriers” what would come next in their minds is a small, sleek, and shiny, black-colored dog with white markings that resemble a tuxedo.

Well, this is the breed standard of today according to the Boston Terrier Club of America.

Others that also fit on the standard are white, brindle, and seal-colored coats, but they must also have the same white splash on the chest like those of the black-colored ones.

The dogs must also have a blaze between their eyes, a banded muzzle, black nose, and brown eyes.

The seal colored Boston Terrier will look almost dark black, but if they will be put in direct sunlight, a red cast will be seen on their coats.

The brindled ones on the other hand are black striping on a lighter background that ranges from darker to lighter rich shades of reds and browns.

It is attributed more to patterning than coat color itself. Solid Brindles are disqualified by the American Kennel Club.

These are just the recognized color that reputable breeders are supposed to breed. There are still many Boston Terrier colors, though.

They may come in cream, blue, red, lavender, lilac, and merle, it’s just that these colors are disqualified and are not allowed in the breed standard.

You should know that many inherited health conditions are linked to atypical coloration, so these dogs may have some serious health issues. Though not all have one!

Check out our article on Blue Boston Terriers to know more about them!

THE BOSTON TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA AND THEIR SAY ON THE QUALIFIED COLORS

There is a parent club for every dog breed, and they are the ones that establish the guidelines to which breeders are supposed to conform to.

The club will be the sole steward of the official breed description that will be used as a blueprint by breeders and judges (if you are planning to let your pet join a contest).

The parent club will also be the one who will submit the standards to the American Kennel Club which will is the final arbiter of dog breeds and its standard.

Fun fact: The Boston Terrier is the 48th breed to be registered by AKC and it’s the only dog breed that originated in America. It’s officially recognized in 1893.

COLORS AND EXPENSES

When deciding on the color of the Boston Terrier that you’ll buy, of course, the cost must also be considered. The standard price for those that have standard color is usually 600-800 dollars.

The liver, brown, cream, or red-colored ones are usually called rare, though they do not meet AKC standards, that is why the breeders may charge a higher price for these coat types.

Be aware that there may be people who will claim that they breed “rare” Boston Terrier colors, but they lack documentation of the health checks and lineage.

You must be wary of it for you will not only have a dog that doesn’t meet the standard, but you will also have one that has some health issues, so it will not be a good experience for you and your pet.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE COLOR

BLACK AND WHITE- The most common and the standard dog breed. It has a white chest splash, white blaze, and is white along the muzzle. You’ll know if they are purebreds if they have black nose and brown eyes.

SEAL AND WHITE-This is often identified as brown and white and the coat will appear more black with red undertones when in the light. The Boston Terrier with this coat type must also have brown eyes and a black nose.

BRINDLE AND WHITE- Same as the first two that fit on the standard, the brindle, and white coat dogs should also have brown eyes and a black nose.

MERLE- The Merle-colored Boston Terrier is unique to look at for it has a patchy coloration along with two blue eyes. It is becoming popular now, much to the disappointment of legitimate breeders. It’s usually a mix of different dogs in order to get the look.

SPLASH- When they say splash-colored, it means that they are referring to a dog that’s mostly white with some small spots of color mixed in. Splash is not really a color. It’s possible to have a splash Boston Terrier that is totally white with just some patches on their body or some color on their heads though.

CHOCOLATE OR LIVER- The Boston Terrier will be a light brown color. The thing that will be noticed directly about them is that their nose will also be light brown instead of black.

RED- For a dog to be considered as a real red Boston Terrier, its nose must be red as well. They will also have a red coat that may vary in shade to almost a darker orange.

LILAC- This kind of Boston Terrier will have a purple hue and people will call them depending on the color’s shade sometimes. They may be lavender, champagne, or fawn. As they age, their coats will get darker.

BLUE- From its coat to its nose, this kind of Boston Terriers will be blue. Even their eyes. They can also have some gray and silver hues. It’s also getting popular so if this is the color that you want, you should prepare at least 2500 dollars.

In 1914, AKC disqualified the following Boston Terrier Traits:

• Flesh-colored nose
• docked tail
• blue eyes or any traces of blue
• Disqualified Boston Terrier Coat Colors:
• Solid Black
• Solid Brindle
• Solid Seal
• Blue (Gray)
• Liver (Red)
• Fawn
• Champagne (Pale Red)
• Solid White
• Brown

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BOSTON TERRIER

No matter what color you will choose, you will still have a pet that you will share a life with.

As you are considering the color, you must also be mindful of the breeder’s program and the puppy’s bloodline.

You also must make sure that the pup has passed the tests that are recommended by the parent club.

Knowing the breed standards is important so that you can buy responsibly and will also not be taken advantage of.

Dogs will still be loyal no matter what their color is. Also, why should you pay more if you can get one of them from rescue centers? It will cost less, and you can save a life!

Still doubt us? Why don't you read our ultimate guide on Boston Terrier rescue shelters!