The Boston Terrier is a popular dog that makes a great companion. The breed originated in England and has been given quite a distinguished nickname. You’ve probably heard the Boston Terrier referred to as an American Gentleman, which refers to the patterns and colors that make them look like they’re wearing a tuxedo.
Of course, this leads people to think Boston Terriers only come in black and white. However, they’re available in various colors and patterns, but only three of them are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In the article below, we’ll discuss the AKC-recognized colors and a few that aren’t recognized.
The 6 Boston Terrier Colors
1. Brindle Boston Terrier (AKC Recognized)
The Brindle Boston Terrier is an AKC-recognized canine with reddish-brown fur and features the white markings of the black Boston Terrier. It’s important to note that brindle isn’t a color but a pattern. Most Boston Terriers have at least some brindle patterning in their coats, so you can’t truly get away from the brindle at all. The brindle pattern occurs due to a recessive gene.
2. Black Boston Terrier (AKC Recognized)
The Black Boston Terrier is AKC recognized and features the traditional black and white fur they’re famous for. This is where the name American Gentleman came from, as the dog looks like it’s wearing a classic black and white tuxedo, which is adorable, just as the dog is. Their chest and belly are white, but their back and hind legs are black. Some Black Boston Terriers have freckling, and though that’s not desirable, the AKC still recognizes them anyway.
3. Seal and White Boston Terrier (AKC Recognized)
The last AKC-recognized Boston Terrier on the list is the Seal Boston Terrier. They look black, but when the light shines on them, they tend to have a reddish seal tinge on their fur. They have black noses and brown eyes and are often mistaken for Black Boston Terriers.
4. Chocolate Boston Terrier (Not AKC Recognized)
The Chocolate Boston Terrier is not AKC recognized and can be a light brown or darker chocolate color with white markings scattered throughout their fur. This dog doesn’t show dirt as easily as the other colors because of their dark color.
5. Blue Boston Terrier (Not AKC Recognized)
The Blue Boston Terrier is not AKC recognized but has one of the rarest colors of the breed. While no dog is entirely blue, the Blue Boston Terrier’s silver or gray coloring has a blue tinge. While these gorgeous dogs make great pets, some feel that they result from poor breeding practices and tend to avoid giving this color a forever home.
6. Red Boston Terrier (Not AKC Recognized)
The Red Boston Terrier is also not AKC recognized. You shouldn’t expect this dog to have a vibrant or fire engine red coat, but they often have fur with a red tinge. They can have an orangish red, multi-colored, or even reddish-brown coats.
While only three of these colors are recognized by the AKC, they still make loyal, loving companions for the right family or individual.
Things To Consider Before Adopting a Boston Terrier
When adopting a Boston Terrier, it’s important to ensure the breeder you choose is experienced and reputable. Some breeders have tried to sell potential pet owners Boston Terrier Puppies that they pass off as seal or brindle when they aren’t.
If you are trying to purchase a Boston Terrier Puppy to compete in dog shows, it’s vital that you trust the breeder you’re adopting from since the AKC won’t let your pup compete if they aren’t one of the three colors above.
However, if you don’t care about your dog being in shows, any Boston Terrier will make an excellent pet. You must ensure that the color of your Boston Terrier Puppy can’t cause the dog any health problems. We’ll talk about possible issues in the next section.
Possible Boston Terrier Health Issues
Sadly, it’s been discovered that Boston Terriers with white markings on their head or bodies that cover over a 1/3 of those areas could end up giving birth to deaf puppies. It’s also possible that the parent dog will become deaf as well, though this doesn’t always happen.
There are a few other health issues you’ll want to watch out for with a Boston Terrier. For example, the Blue Boston Terrier is more vulnerable to allergies and hair loss. The best thing to do, no matter what color Boston Terrier you are trying to adopt, is to have a complete checkup done by a reputable vet before you make a final decision.
Conclusion
As you can see, a few colors are available when it comes to giving a Boston Terrier puppy a forever home. However, it’s essential to note that only three colors are AKC-Recognized. If you’re looking for a dog that you can compete in dog shows, the three colors we mentioned are the only ones they will accept.
However, if you’re not concerned with your Boston Terrier competing, any Boston Terrier will make an ideal companion. Since some dogs are more vulnerable to specific health conditions due to their coat color, adopting a Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder and maintaining veterinary appointments is vital.
Featured Image Credit: Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock
