Boston Terriers are known for their unique, gentle, and affectionate nature, making them a great addition to many families. They originated in the United States in the mid-19th century.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, which is a plus for busy owners.
Boston Terriers typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and stand 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a relatively small breed.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets.
Colored Boston Terrier Basics
Boston Terriers can come in a variety of colors, each with its own unique look. The Boston Terrier Club of America recognizes three distinct colors: black and white, brindle and white, and seal and white.
The American Kennel Club also recognizes other colors, including white and black, or white paired with other color spots, as long as both parents have AKC registration.
Here are the three recognized colors by the Boston Terrier Club of America:
- Black and white
- Brindle and white
- Seal and white
It's worth noting that while these colors are recognized, they dictate conformation standards, and dogs with unique features like long tails or blue eyes may not qualify for AKC conformation events.
The Basics of
Boston Terriers can come in a variety of colors, and each one has its own unique look. The BTCA recognizes three distinct colors for the Boston Terrier, promoting quality in the breeding of Boston Terriers since 1893.
The three distinct colors recognized by the BTCA are black and white, brindle and white, and seal and white.
These colors are the foundation of the breed's unique appearance, making each dog a one-of-a-kind companion.
Lilac
Lilac Boston Terriers are a rare and unique shade, characterized by a light purplish or grayish tint.
They carry a dilute gene that dilutes the brown color to a tan hue, which can include a range of tan colors with a purple cast.
This color is often confused with "Champagne" in other breeds, but in Boston Terriers, the term "Champagne" refers to a more complicated color.
If a breeder is selling a tan-colored Boston Terrier and using the term "Champagne", they are using an outdated term that no longer applies to this color.
Lilac Boston Terriers are essentially Brown Bostons with the brown color diluted to a tan color by the dilute gene.
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Cream or
Cream or off-white Boston Terriers have a light coat that's often mistaken for white. Their unique color is recognized by the AKC, which registers them based on their parents' AKC registration.
These dogs can participate in most AKC events, but they're excluded from conformation events, just like other non-standard colored Boston Terriers. This means their appearance may not meet the conformation standards set by the BTCA.
Training Basics
Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs that enjoy pleasing their owner, but their high prey drive means they can get distracted easily.
Keep training sessions short and different each time, as this will help keep their attention.
Begin training when they're young, ideally from the start, to help them develop good habits.
Boston Terriers are a social breed and enjoy human interaction, so socialising from an early age is crucial.
They'll benefit from attending puppy socialization classes and dog training to help them become confident in new situations.
As Boston Terriers start to approach new experiences with caution at around 12 weeks old, it's essential to expose them to various situations to help them develop.
Introduce your Boston Terrier to other dogs, people, and livestock, as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, to help them become confident and calm in new environments.
Leaving your Boston Terrier alone for small periods during training will help them get used to being by themselves and reduce the risk of separation anxiety.
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Standard
The Standard Boston Terrier is a wonderful breed, known for its short, easy-to-maintain coat.
They typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and stand between 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder.
This size makes them a great fit for city living or small homes.
Non-Standard Colors
Boston Terriers come in a variety of colors, but did you know that some colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
The AKC registers Boston Terriers of other colors, like white and black, or white paired with other color spots, as long as both parents have AKC registration.
These dogs can participate in most AKC events, but they're excluded from conformation events due to the Boston Terrier Club of America's (BTCA) conformation standards.
The BTCA dictates conformation standards, which means dogs with unique features like long tails, blue eyes, or weak ears can be registered, but they wouldn't qualify for conformation events.
Boston Terriers are a lively and eccentric breed, and their colors are just one of the many things that make them special.
Physical Characteristics
The black and white Boston Terrier is the most common color, characterized by a black and white coat, with a white muzzle and chest. Their dark eyes and black noses are a classic feature of this color.
The eyes of the brindle and white Boston Terrier are usually dark, and the nose is usually black. The brindle coat is a key difference between this color and the black and white.
Dark eyes and black noses are a common trait among Boston Terriers of all colors, including the seal and white, which is the rarest of the three colors.
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Black
Black Boston Terriers have a distinctive appearance, with a black coat that can be accompanied by white markings.
Their noses are usually black, and their eyes are typically dark.
In some cases, tiny black freckles may appear under their fur, which can darken as they get older.
A black Boston Terrier's mask is usually part of a bi-lateral mask pattern, creating a cute tuxedo-like effect.
Brindle
Brindle is actually a pattern, not a color, and most Boston Terriers have at least some brindling in their coats.
It's rare to get a coat completely free from brindle anymore. Brindle and White Boston Terriers often have this pattern in their coats.
In Brindle and White Boston Terriers, the brindle coat is accompanied by white patches on the legs and face. The eyes of this color are usually dark, and the nose is usually black.
The brindle pattern can be used interchangeably with other terms, such as Black and White, Brindle and White, and Black Brindle and White.
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Seal
The seal color in Boston Terriers is quite unique. It's characterized by a seal-colored coat, with a white muzzle and chest. Their eyes are usually dark, and their nose is usually black.
If you're trying to determine if your Boston Terrier is a seal, look for banded hairs. The base of the hair is black and the tips of the hairs are Mohogany/Red. This means that the dog is Black in regular light, but shines red in the sun.
Fawn
Fawn Bostons are characterized by a light tan or pale yellowish color. They're quite distinct and come with a hint of elegance.
Their coats often feature white markings, providing a gentle contrast that adds to their charm.
Red
The red coat of a Boston Terrier is a striking feature. It can range from a deep red to a rich mahogany color.
These beautiful coats are often juxtaposed with white markings, creating a unique and eye-catching appearance. Boston Terriers with red coats can be quite stunning.
Related reading: American Bully Coats
Blue or Grey
Blue or Grey Boston Terriers have a coat that gives off a silvery appearance. This color isn't a recognized standard but can be found in some Bostons due to specific genetic combinations.
The Blue Boston Terrier carries a dilute gene, which means the normal Black pigment has been diluted to grey.
This results in a grey nose, grey fur, and although they are born with blue eyes, their eyes at adulthood will likely be shades of hazel, grey or green.
Brown
Brown Boston Terriers have brown noses, which is a distinctive feature of this color variation.
Brown and White Boston Terriers, in particular, often have eyes that are a mix of brown and hazel shades, adding to their unique charm.
The variety of shades in Brown Boston Terriers is truly beautiful, with different genetics resulting in different shades of brown.
Brown Boston Terriers are genetically the same color as Liver, Red, and Chocolate Boston Terriers, despite their different names.
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Exercise and Care
Boston Terriers are high-energy dogs that need around one hour of exercise every day. They can be prone to destructive behaviour if they don't get enough exercise.
To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff.
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Exercise Requirements
Boston Terriers are high-energy dogs that need around one hour of exercise every day. This is crucial to prevent destructive behavior and keep them happy and healthy.
If your Boston Terrier is small, you can split their daily exercise into two walks to tire them out. This is a great way to keep them active and engaged.
Boston Terriers love to run off-lead in a secure environment where they can sniff and explore interesting things. This is essential to satisfy their natural instincts and keep them entertained.
Grooming: Do Shed?
Boston Terriers don't moult much due to their short coat. They will only moderately shed their hair.
Their coats are easy to keep in tip-top condition with just one brush per week. You'll only need to bathe your Boston if they get muddy.
Regular tooth brushing is a must to complete their grooming routine.
Dietary Requirements
Feeding your Boston Terrier a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health. Your dog will thrive on complete dog food that provides the right amount of vitamins and nutrients.
Growing pups tend to do well with 3-4 smaller servings throughout the day, rather than two larger meals. This helps prevent overeating and supports their rapid growth.
As your dog matures, their diet can be reduced to two meals a day. This change in feeding schedule can help regulate their eating habits and prevent weight gain.
The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog's needs, taking into account their activity level, age, and metabolism. This ensures your Boston Terrier gets the right amount of food without overeating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest color of Boston Terrier?
The rarest color of Boston Terrier is the seal and white color, characterized by a seal-colored coat with white markings. This unique color combination is a distinctive feature of the breed.
What color are AKC approved Boston Terriers?
AKC approved Boston Terriers can be seal, black, or brindle with white markings, with brindle being preferred only when all other qualities are equal. Seal appears black but has a reddish tint when viewed in sunlight or bright light.
How much does a blue Boston Terrier cost?
The cost of a blue Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,300 to $2,500. If you're interested in bringing a blue Boston Terrier into your family, we recommend exploring our resources on finding a responsible breeder.
What color are lilac Boston Terriers?
Lilac Boston Terriers have a unique lilac or diluted brown coat color. Their distinctive coloration is a variation of the breed's standard coat colors.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/
- https://www.myfamilyvets.co.uk/boston-terrier-breed-guide
- https://bostonterrier.world/blogs/boston-terrier-world-blog/an-overview-of-the-different-boston-terrier-colors
- https://www.showdog.com/forum/read.aspx
- https://westcactuskennels.com/boston-terrier/boston-terrier-colors/
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