COLORED BOSTON TERRIER TRUTHS
tHE TRUTH ABOUT COLOR HISTORY, THE STANDARD, AND HOW COLOR FADS AFFECT THE BOSTON TERRIER
Correct PIGMENT expression and breed type
From the Boston Terrier Standard:
"The ideal Boston Terrier expression is alert and kind, indicating a high degree of intelligence. This is a most important characteristic of the breed.
The eyes are wide apart, large and round and dark in color. The eyes are set square in the skull and the outside corners are on a line with the cheeks as viewed from the front."
Here are many examples to demonstrate the consistency of key elements in the Boston Terrier Expression in reference to color.
Notice that regardless of the coat color, whether brindle, black or seal, the pigment is always BLACK, the eyes are DARK.
This is correct for the Boston Terrier and has been a requirement since the first written standard, even before the breed's official acceptance in 1893.
Incorrect pigment and Breed type
Though these are likely perfectly sweet dogs and deserve the same love as any AKC Champion, they should not be bred, and a breeder's goal should not be to produce Boston Terriers that have disqualifying pigment and color faults that do not resemble the true Boston Terrier breed. When compared with the dogs bred to standard above, as intended by the creators of the breed, the difference in overall appearance is unmistakable. There are many breeds where these colors are found that an owner can choose from if they desire these coat colors.
The Boston Terrier is perfect exactly the way it is, and has been for over over a century. It does not need to be altered for the sake of fads.
THE BOSTON TERRIER STANDARD
This is the complete Boston Terrier Standard as put forth by the parent club The Boston Terrier Club Of America and supported by The American Kennel Club.
BOSTON TERRIER HISTORY
Explore some interesting facts about the Boston, their start as the first American made breed, some common misconceptions, and the history of color in the breed.
ALLOWED COLORS
The Boston Terrier Standard is very clear about colors for the breed. There is some variation between the shades and amount of brindle but all require black pigment and this page shows you examples of those subtle variations.
DISQUALIFIED COLORS
Learn the facts about what coat colors are and are not accepted for the Boston Terrier, and how breeding these dogs affects the breed overall. Learn the difference between naturally occurring color and introduced color.
CORRECT EXPRESSION
Breed type and expression separates the Boston from many other breeds. Described as the "God Love It" expression by Vincent Perry, the deep dark eyes of the Boston are a hallmark of the breed.
DAMAGE TO THE BREED
This page discusses the long term effects of fad breeding and why breeders should not be ignoring the qualities required by the Boston Terrier Standard.
Additional Facts About The Boston Terrier and Its History
Can Boston Terriers Have Long Hair?
Can Boston Terriers Have Long Tails?
Are Merle Bostons Purebred?
Are Boston Terriers With Longer Noses Healthier?
Did Bostons Used To Be 40-50 Pounds?
Is There Anything Wrong With White Headed Bostons?
Are Boston Terriers With Blue Eyes Okay?
Were Boston Terriers Fighting dogs?