BOSTON OF A DIFFERENT COLOR
Disclaimer: This piece is NOT written in support of colored Boston Terriers. I prefer the colors that are within the standard set forth by the Boston Terrier Club of America and I support their decision to NOT include these colors. HOWEVER, these colors DO exist, and have existed since the creation of the Boston Terrier, and despite being a disqualification per the Boston Terrier standard, people ARE purposely breeding for them. Some people believe that ANY breeding of them is IRRESPONSIBLE. As much as I love this breed and feel any breeding of Boston Terriers should be done with the standard set forth by the BTCA in mind, I cannot deny that there are some people who are breeding to the standard, with the exception of color, and are also utilizing health testing to be as responsible as they can in the attempt to get these colors recognized as a separate breed. At this point, 2019, *I* do NOT feel the recognition of the "Colored Boston Terrier" is near as those who are breeding for that are in the minority. This piece was written for educational purposes for those who are contemplating on acquiring a colored Boston Terrier.
I'm sure you've all seen the ads for "rare" red, brown, fawn, blue, lilac or albino Boston Terriers. You may be wondering about these colors. I'm going to break it down. As of 2010, The Boston Terrier Club of America only recognizes brindle, seal or black with white markings.
This is an example of a black colored Boston Terrier
This is an example of a brindle colored Boston Terrier*
Example of a black colored(left) & Seal colored(right) Boston Terriers**
I'm sure you've run across websites or ads advertising different colored Boston Terriers and have seen dogs that typically look like this...
If you think you're looking at Boxers, you're wrong. These are supposed to be Boston Terriers. Some people are selling dogs like this claiming they are rare, when they aren't, and selling them for insane amounts of money. Let's discuss the history of the Boston Terrier. The Boston Terrier became a recognized breed in 1893. As per the standard written in 1891....
COLOR: Any color, brindle, evenly marked with white, strongly preferred.
If you click on the link, you can see the original standard was rather vague. In fact, when it came to color, it does state that any color is allowed. Many different colored Boston Terrier breeders would reference this and often use it to justify their breeding programs. However, the standard also says brindle. Because the standard was so vague that it could be interpreted that any color was permissible or any color AND brindle was permissible, this was one of revisions made to the standard in 1914....
COLOR: Brindle with white markings.
IDEAL MARKINGS: White muzzle, even white blaze over head, collar, breast, part or whole of forelegs and hindlegs below hocks.
COLOR AND MARKINGS FAULTS: All white; absence of white markings; preponderance of white on body; without the proper proportion of brindle and white on head; or any variations detracting from the general appearance.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Solid black, black and tan, liver and mouse colors. Docked tail and any artificial means used to deceive the judge.
And here's what the current standard says about color...
Color and Markings: Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred ONLY if all other qualities are equal. (Note: SEAL DEFINED. Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in sun or bright light.) Disqualify: Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal without required white markings. Gray or liver colors.
Required markings: White muzzle band, white blaze between eyes, white forechest. Desired markings: White muzzle band, even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, white collar, white forechest, white on part or whole of foreleg and hind legs below the hock. (Note: A representative specimen should not be penalized for not possessing "Desired Markings".) A dog with a preponderance of white on the head or body must possess sufficient merit otherwise to counteract its deficiencies.
As you can see, the revised standard has made it quite clear that brindle, which is not a color but a pattern, is preferred. Liver(which can be another term for varying shades of red or brown) and mouse(which can be another term for varying shades of gray) were disqualifications. However, when different color Boston Terrier breeders claim the some of colors they breed for were around since the creation of the breed, they do speak the truth. In fact, some Boston Terrier history books attest to this...
"One of these was the Jack Reed dog. He was an evenly marked reddish brindle and white dog and weighed between twelve and fourteen pounds.
Another outside dog was the Perry dog. He was imported from Scotland and weighed but six pounds. He was of a peculiar blue color, having some white on him."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page 13.
"A fourth outsider was O'Brien's Ben. He was a short, cobby, lowset, dog of a white and tan brindle color."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page 15.
"The third registered was Punch #29,137, whelped September 8, 1888. Color- Fawn and white."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page. 23.
"When we first commenced breeding Bostons in 1885, the prevailing shades were a rather light golden brindle(often a yellow), and mahogany brindles, and quite a considerable number had a great deal of white. Then three shades were debarred, viz., black, mouse and liver, and although years after the Boston Terrier Club removed this embargo, they still remain very undesirable colors."- "Boston Terriers. The Early Years" edited by Cathy J. Flamholtz. Page 110.
"The standard states simply-"brindle with white markings." And there are brindles and brindles. We have them from the almost black brindles to the almost gray brindles and the truly yellow or golden brindles. There are rich brindles, smudgy brindles, gay brindles, and dull brindles, but if they are brindles at all, they are perfectly legitimate brindles and the conscientious judge has no authority to penalize a dog for color unless he is outside of the brindle class." - "The Boston Terrier" by Vincent G. Perry. Page 119.
So while different color breeders are correct in that these colors were around since the creation of the breed, a LOT of them fail to realize that unless the brindle pattern was present, the colors were considered a disqualification per the breed standard, were not allowed in the ring and were considered undesireable. These are examples of brindle dogs with different color base coats.
COLOR: Any color, brindle, evenly marked with white, strongly preferred.
If you click on the link, you can see the original standard was rather vague. In fact, when it came to color, it does state that any color is allowed. Many different colored Boston Terrier breeders would reference this and often use it to justify their breeding programs. However, the standard also says brindle. Because the standard was so vague that it could be interpreted that any color was permissible or any color AND brindle was permissible, this was one of revisions made to the standard in 1914....
COLOR: Brindle with white markings.
IDEAL MARKINGS: White muzzle, even white blaze over head, collar, breast, part or whole of forelegs and hindlegs below hocks.
COLOR AND MARKINGS FAULTS: All white; absence of white markings; preponderance of white on body; without the proper proportion of brindle and white on head; or any variations detracting from the general appearance.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Solid black, black and tan, liver and mouse colors. Docked tail and any artificial means used to deceive the judge.
And here's what the current standard says about color...
Color and Markings: Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred ONLY if all other qualities are equal. (Note: SEAL DEFINED. Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in sun or bright light.) Disqualify: Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal without required white markings. Gray or liver colors.
Required markings: White muzzle band, white blaze between eyes, white forechest. Desired markings: White muzzle band, even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, white collar, white forechest, white on part or whole of foreleg and hind legs below the hock. (Note: A representative specimen should not be penalized for not possessing "Desired Markings".) A dog with a preponderance of white on the head or body must possess sufficient merit otherwise to counteract its deficiencies.
As you can see, the revised standard has made it quite clear that brindle, which is not a color but a pattern, is preferred. Liver(which can be another term for varying shades of red or brown) and mouse(which can be another term for varying shades of gray) were disqualifications. However, when different color Boston Terrier breeders claim the some of colors they breed for were around since the creation of the breed, they do speak the truth. In fact, some Boston Terrier history books attest to this...
"One of these was the Jack Reed dog. He was an evenly marked reddish brindle and white dog and weighed between twelve and fourteen pounds.
Another outside dog was the Perry dog. He was imported from Scotland and weighed but six pounds. He was of a peculiar blue color, having some white on him."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page 13.
"A fourth outsider was O'Brien's Ben. He was a short, cobby, lowset, dog of a white and tan brindle color."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page 15.
"The third registered was Punch #29,137, whelped September 8, 1888. Color- Fawn and white."- "The Boston Terrier" by Arthur R. Huddleton. Page. 23.
"When we first commenced breeding Bostons in 1885, the prevailing shades were a rather light golden brindle(often a yellow), and mahogany brindles, and quite a considerable number had a great deal of white. Then three shades were debarred, viz., black, mouse and liver, and although years after the Boston Terrier Club removed this embargo, they still remain very undesirable colors."- "Boston Terriers. The Early Years" edited by Cathy J. Flamholtz. Page 110.
"The standard states simply-"brindle with white markings." And there are brindles and brindles. We have them from the almost black brindles to the almost gray brindles and the truly yellow or golden brindles. There are rich brindles, smudgy brindles, gay brindles, and dull brindles, but if they are brindles at all, they are perfectly legitimate brindles and the conscientious judge has no authority to penalize a dog for color unless he is outside of the brindle class." - "The Boston Terrier" by Vincent G. Perry. Page 119.
So while different color breeders are correct in that these colors were around since the creation of the breed, a LOT of them fail to realize that unless the brindle pattern was present, the colors were considered a disqualification per the breed standard, were not allowed in the ring and were considered undesireable. These are examples of brindle dogs with different color base coats.
This is an example of a Mahogany Brindle Boston Terrier
This is an example of a Black Brindle Boston Terrier
For those who don't understand how standards work, let me break it down to you. A standard is what a breed should look like. People who create the breed have the "perfect specimen" in mind and they write it down and breed to that. A standard can be changed and revised and the way it's usually done is that members of a breed club, such as the Boston Terrier Club of America, agree to it and vote on it with the majority winning.
Now I have no idea why these colors were excluded but *I* think it has to do with expression. Expression is very big in the breed. Some dogs of a different color may have light colored eyes and noses. That may take away from the expression. Here's an example...***
Now I have no idea why these colors were excluded but *I* think it has to do with expression. Expression is very big in the breed. Some dogs of a different color may have light colored eyes and noses. That may take away from the expression. Here's an example...***
Here's an example of "expression" per the breed standard****
There isn't any health issues associated with different colored Boston Terriers, not counting the ones that afflict ALL Boston Terriers, with the possible exception of Boston Terriers that have a lot of white or are blue or lilac in coloring. This is a Boston Terrier with a lot of white. This is Ch. Lady Dainty. That's correct, she's a champion. Now, if she were to enter the ring today, she probably wouldn't go far if make champion at all.
This is Samuel Adams*****
Now there's a thing with white Boston Terriers. A lot of white on a Boston Terrier, especially on the head, may indicate deafness. Deafness was introduced to the breed by the White English Terrier. It is believed that the majority of that breed were deaf and it's the main reason why the breed went extinct. When it comes to Bostons who are blue or lilac, there's a possibility of Color Dilution Alopecia.
There's been a lot of assumption, usually perpetuated by some different colored Boston Terrier breeders, that the Boston Terrier Club of America is going to recognize these colors and allow them to compete in conformation in the near future. The BTCA is not going to recognize these colors simply because the first revision to the standard made a point to exclude them. Not only that, very few have correct conformation, excluding color. A lot of them look like miniature Boxers, American Staffordshire Terriers and mixes of those breeds. Look at the pictures I've posted. Some of those dogs have obviously docked tails which leads me to believe either they are not purebreed or someone didn't read the breed standard where it says docking is a disqualification in the breed.
Being that some different colored Boston Terrier breeders have accepted that the BTCA will not recognize these colors, some of them have gotten together to create their own club which is called the All Colored Boston Terrier Club. They created the club as a way for responsible different color Boston Terrier breeders to get together and strive to create different color Bostons with nice conformation in an effort to show that some folks are trying to do right by the breed. These folks are not trying to get the BTCA to recognize the colors, as they respect how the BTCA feels about these colors, so they're going their own route. The Colored Boston Terrier is considered a separate breed from the Boston Terrier as it has it's own written breed standard. The club is still in it's infancy and they are promoting responsible breeding and are putting on various dog shows. However, as of November 2019, the website looks like it hasn't been updated since 2015. These are some Colored BT's owned by some of the members of the club...******
There's been a lot of assumption, usually perpetuated by some different colored Boston Terrier breeders, that the Boston Terrier Club of America is going to recognize these colors and allow them to compete in conformation in the near future. The BTCA is not going to recognize these colors simply because the first revision to the standard made a point to exclude them. Not only that, very few have correct conformation, excluding color. A lot of them look like miniature Boxers, American Staffordshire Terriers and mixes of those breeds. Look at the pictures I've posted. Some of those dogs have obviously docked tails which leads me to believe either they are not purebreed or someone didn't read the breed standard where it says docking is a disqualification in the breed.
Being that some different colored Boston Terrier breeders have accepted that the BTCA will not recognize these colors, some of them have gotten together to create their own club which is called the All Colored Boston Terrier Club. They created the club as a way for responsible different color Boston Terrier breeders to get together and strive to create different color Bostons with nice conformation in an effort to show that some folks are trying to do right by the breed. These folks are not trying to get the BTCA to recognize the colors, as they respect how the BTCA feels about these colors, so they're going their own route. The Colored Boston Terrier is considered a separate breed from the Boston Terrier as it has it's own written breed standard. The club is still in it's infancy and they are promoting responsible breeding and are putting on various dog shows. However, as of November 2019, the website looks like it hasn't been updated since 2015. These are some Colored BT's owned by some of the members of the club...******
While these dogs are obviously very nice specimens, the sad part is a lot of people are irresponsibly breeding for different colored Boston Terriers because they concentrate solely on color. Being that a lot of them charge a lot of money for different colored Boston Terriers, and people will actually pay a high price for them, gives no incentive for them to strive to breed for dogs with correct conformation or utilizing responsible breeding practices such as health testing.
If you are interested in buying a different colored Boston Terrier, please do research! Your best bet is to purchase one from a breeder who is responsibly trying to get the colors recognized by responsibly breeding Boston Terriers that are excellent specimens of the breed, are structurally sound, are utilizing health testing and are basically focusing on the whole package as opposed to concentrating solely on color.
Another option is to try Boston Terrier rescue. Often times, you can find different colored Bostons in rescue who are in need of a loving home.
If you are interested in buying a different colored Boston Terrier, please do research! Your best bet is to purchase one from a breeder who is responsibly trying to get the colors recognized by responsibly breeding Boston Terriers that are excellent specimens of the breed, are structurally sound, are utilizing health testing and are basically focusing on the whole package as opposed to concentrating solely on color.
Another option is to try Boston Terrier rescue. Often times, you can find different colored Bostons in rescue who are in need of a loving home.
*SPECIAL NOTE*
As of lately, I've been seeing people ask for "Merle" Boston Terriers. Merle is a coat pattern that's popular among breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and Catahoula Leopard Dog. It looks like this....
As of lately, I've been seeing people ask for "Merle" Boston Terriers. Merle is a coat pattern that's popular among breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and Catahoula Leopard Dog. It looks like this....
The thing with Merle is it does NOT naturally occur in Boston Terriers. The creation of the Boston Terrier is very well documented. This is how we know that Boston Terriers came in different colors besides what is permissable by the Boston Terrier breed standard set forth by the Boston Terrier Club of America. As far as I know, based on the research I've done, there is NO mention of a Merle Boston Terrier in the history of the breed and it seems the pattern has only occurred recently. This means that any Boston Terrier with the Merle coat pattern is NOT a purebreed dog. Someone cross bred a Boston Terrier with a breed in which the Merle pattern naturally occurs. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Merle coat pattern can be associated with health issues. Especially if someone breeds "Double Merles". If you're really interested in getting one, keep in mind that you're not getting a purebreed Boston Terrier, be mindful of the health conditions associated with the pattern and that the chances of getting one from a RESPONSIBLE breeder is slim to none.
So far the BTCA has not spoken out about the pattern but other breed clubs/kennel clubs have issued statements regarding Merle in breeds where it does or does not naturally occur. Some breed clubs include the Pacific Coast Bulldog Club(DQ in the breed), Chihuahua Club of America(Allowed in the breed), Chihuahua Club of Canada(DQ in the breed), French Bulldog Club of Central Canada(DQ in the breed), American Miniature Schnauzer Club(DQ in the breed), ADBA American Pit Bull Terrier stance on Merle(DQ in the breed), American Pomeranian Club(Allowed in the breed), Siberian Husky Club of America(DQ in the breed) and American Spaniel Club(DQ in the breed). The Kennel Club of England went a step farther and will no longer register dogs bred from Merle to Merle breedings and will not register Merle dogs where the pattern does not naturally occur.
So far the BTCA has not spoken out about the pattern but other breed clubs/kennel clubs have issued statements regarding Merle in breeds where it does or does not naturally occur. Some breed clubs include the Pacific Coast Bulldog Club(DQ in the breed), Chihuahua Club of America(Allowed in the breed), Chihuahua Club of Canada(DQ in the breed), French Bulldog Club of Central Canada(DQ in the breed), American Miniature Schnauzer Club(DQ in the breed), ADBA American Pit Bull Terrier stance on Merle(DQ in the breed), American Pomeranian Club(Allowed in the breed), Siberian Husky Club of America(DQ in the breed) and American Spaniel Club(DQ in the breed). The Kennel Club of England went a step farther and will no longer register dogs bred from Merle to Merle breedings and will not register Merle dogs where the pattern does not naturally occur.
*Special thanks to Patty Sulzberger from Talavera Boston Terriers for allowing permission to use Goldie's picture.
**Special thanks to Colleen from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Mickey and Seamus picture.
***Special thanks to Rachel from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Ross' picture.
****Special thanks to Danielle from Campbell Clan Bostons for allowing permission to use Dylan's picture.
*****Special thanks to Jess from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Samuel Adams picture.
******Special thanks to Jona from Boston Baby Buddies for allowing permission to use Lucy's picture.
******Special thanks to Gabby from Gabby's Fawn Bostons for allowing permission to use Candy and Ace's pictures.
********Shetland Sheepdog picture used from Wikipedia.
**Special thanks to Colleen from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Mickey and Seamus picture.
***Special thanks to Rachel from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Ross' picture.
****Special thanks to Danielle from Campbell Clan Bostons for allowing permission to use Dylan's picture.
*****Special thanks to Jess from the Woofboard for allowing permission to use Samuel Adams picture.
******Special thanks to Jona from Boston Baby Buddies for allowing permission to use Lucy's picture.
******Special thanks to Gabby from Gabby's Fawn Bostons for allowing permission to use Candy and Ace's pictures.
********Shetland Sheepdog picture used from Wikipedia.
For further reading, check out these linkages....
The Boston Terrier Club of America.
The Boston Terrier Club of America FAQ-(They speak about off colored Boston Terriers).
The Boston Terrier and All About It. -(This is an old school online book about the Boston Terrier written in 1910 by Edward Axtell. It's an excellent book about the breed)
Boston Terrier History -(A nice website that speaks of Boston Terrier history and has lots of pictures of Boston Terriers in the early years)
All Colored Boston Terrier Club-(This club is devoted to the Colored Boston Terrier)
Boston Terrier Colors Explained-(An EXCELLENT website that explains the genetics involving the different colors in Boston Terriers)
The Boston Terrier Club of America.
The Boston Terrier Club of America FAQ-(They speak about off colored Boston Terriers).
The Boston Terrier and All About It. -(This is an old school online book about the Boston Terrier written in 1910 by Edward Axtell. It's an excellent book about the breed)
Boston Terrier History -(A nice website that speaks of Boston Terrier history and has lots of pictures of Boston Terriers in the early years)
All Colored Boston Terrier Club-(This club is devoted to the Colored Boston Terrier)
Boston Terrier Colors Explained-(An EXCELLENT website that explains the genetics involving the different colors in Boston Terriers)