Boston Terrier Colors, Health and History
Bostons come in a variety of colors and markings, only three of which (brindle, seal and black and white) are considered acceptable by AKC standards. This has been a controversial and heated issue between breeders and breed clubs alike. One side defends the standard of the breed and the other argues that such genetic limitations do not benefit the breed, nor coincide with the original characteristics: of which there were many colors, markings, weight and structure.

I have provided some photos for everyone to view the variety in Bostons I have come across.
This is an example of a RED Boston. Other names may include liver, cinnamon, mahoganny. The color ranges from light Apricot to dark red colors.

This is a BLUE Boston, they appear grey in color with a variety of shades, sometimes pigment on the nose may be this color as well. Blue Boston Terriers have recently increased in popularity. The blue coloring is a dilution of the traditional black. Blue coat coloring is common in many breeds. As they grow, cream brindling may also appear, but disappear once the dog is full grown.
This is a CREAM Boston, also sometimes incorrectly referred to as a dilute Boston.  Genetically speaking, the cream Boston is a result of the E Locus recessively or e/e. As the cream does not carry for dilute (d) recessively 100% of the time it can not techinically be considered a dilute like blue or lilac.
This is a CHOCOLATE Boston, also known as liver or brown. They are similar to red but dont have the same red/orange cast. They are similar to a chocolate lab, some lighter some darker.

Here is a side view of FAWN coloring. Fawn Bostons have a coat that sometimes can resemble that of a dark cream.  The tan shading of their coat can vary from a light color to a very dark mahogany but the black banding on the hair (or sabling) must always be present.  Also, a fawn is not a fawn without it's black mask, or genetically speaking, melanistic masking (which can be in black, brown, or even grey).

This is an example of SPLASH markings.They have uneven patches of black on white as some terrier breeds exhibit; ie fox terriers.The Splash pattern is also known as Piebald, but incorrectly described at times as Solid White. Splash Bostons may have varying degrees of pigmentation with some having almost no spotting, to others that are very much spotted. If the dog has any spots at all, it clearly cannot be described as solid white, although they are sometimes advertised this way.
This Boston has a BLUE EYE, also known as china eye or white eye. Some Bostons have two blue eyes, some have split pigmentation; one eye split into two different colors; brown and blue usually. This trait is disqualifying for show but is prevalent in many top Boston bloodlines and is expressed occasionally in puppies from showing parent carriers.
This Boston is MISMARKED . This happens occasionally even to show breeders and is just considered a fluke. Any Boston that does not have symmetrical markings or an over abundance of white is considered mismarked. One must be careful when purchasing a pup with a large amount of white as they are more apt to carry the genes for blindness/ deafness.


ABOUT BOSTON TERRIERS

Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. Boston Terriers can weigh from 10 to 25 pounds usually around 16 pounds. The breed is known for its gentle, alert and intelligent expression. Frequently variations on the standard are seen depending on the ancestry of the individual dog. At various times, the English Bulldog, English mastiff, English Staffordshire Terrier and French Bulldog-among other breeds- have been cross bred with Boston Terriers to minimize inbreeding in what is necessarily a small gene pool.

Temperment:
While originally bred for fighting, bull baiting and barn keeping, they were later bred for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier is gentle, alert, expressive and well mannered. Many still retain the spunky attitude of the typical terrier and stubbornness of their bully type relatives.Some Bostons enjoy having another one for companionship. Both males and females bark only when necessary although both may defend their territory if they feel it its threatened. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people and if properly socialized, get along well with children, the elderly, ot her canines, and non canine pets ( yes cats! ) Some Bostons can be very cuddly, while others are more independent.

History:
The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds that was "Made in the USA." Boston to be exact. The Boston Terrier breed originated around 1870 when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog known as Hooper's Judge, a cross between an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Judge weighed over 30 pounds, he was bred down in size with a smaller female, and one of his pups was bred to yet a smaller female. Their offspring interbred with one or more French Bulldogs providing the foundation for the Boston Terriers. Bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types, the Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds. ( Olde Boston Bulldogge) Their weight classifications were once divided into lightweight, middlweight and heavyweight.
The breed was first shown in Boston in 1870. By 1889 the breed had become sufficiently popular in the US that Boston fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, but this proposed name for the breed was not well recieved by Bull Terrier fanciers. The breeds nickname "roundheads" was similarly inappropriate. Shortly after, the breed was named the Boston Terrier after its birthplace. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1893 when the AKC admitted the Boston Terrier breed and gave the club membership status, making it the first American breed to be recognized and the first  non-sporting dog bred in America. In the early years the color and markings were not very important but by the 1900's the breeds distinctive markings and color were written into the standard becoming an essential feature. Terrier only in name, the Boston Terrier has lost most of their ruthless desire for mayhem, preferring the company of humans, although "some" males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded. Mr. Dwight Baldwin in his early history of the breed published in the Boston Terrier Club book mentions some other importations which assisted in forming the breed. Among others a dog of unknown parentage owned by Mr. Reed; about 12 pounds, reddish brindle and white, the Perry dog; only 6 pounds, blue and white and imported from Scotland, the import from England "Kellem' Brick"; black spotted, 18 pounds  and a most determinded fighter, which was also said about "O'Brien's Ben"; a short backed white dog with brindle markings.
These later importations were smaller than the "Hooper's Judge" style of dog and tended to lower the size, so that in the 1890 Boston classification there was a division by weight of under and over 20 pounds  for dogs and 18 pounds  for bitches.

After this point there were now and then some infusion of Bulldog blood, even if it was not admitted by the breeders at that time. Quite a number of the dogs registred up to 1898 showed bulldog lines, and in 1894 the Kennel Club cancelled a registration of a Boston Terrier which had a bulldog as a sire.

At first, color and markings were not all that important, but by the early 1900s the breed's singular markings had become a fundamental breed characteristic.
By 1929-1935 the Boston Terrier was the most popular breed in America.
Today the Boston Terrier can be found all over the world, mainly as a companion dog.











Todays AKC Boston Terrier Breed Standard:

Non-Sporting Group

General Appearance
The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expression indicates a high degree of intelligence.

The body is rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful. A proportionate combination of "Color and White Markings" is a particularly distinctive feature of a representative specimen.

"Balance, Expression, Color and White Markings" should be given particular consideration in determining the relative value of GENERAL APPEARANCE to other points.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds. The length of leg must balance with the length of body to give the Boston Terrier its striking square appearance. The Boston Terrier is a sturdy dog and must not appear to be either spindly or coarse. The bone and muscle must be in proportion as well as an enhancement to the dog's weight and structure. Fault: Blocky or chunky in appearance. Influence of Sex. In a comparison of specimens of each sex, the only evident difference is a slight refinement in the bitch's conformation.
Head:The skull is square, flat on top, free from wrinkles, cheeks flat, brow abrupt and the stop well defined. 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. Disqualify: Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue. The ears are small, carried erect, either natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head and situated as near to the corners of the skull as possible. The muzzle is short, square, wide and deep and in proportion to the skull. It is free from wrinkles, shorter in length than in width or depth; not exceeding in length approximately one-third of the length of the skull. The muzzle from stop to end of the nose is parallel to the top of the skull. The nose is black and wide, with a well defined line between the nostrils. Disqualify: Dudley nose. The jaw is broad and square with short regular teeth. The bite is even or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle. The chops are of good depth, but not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed. Serious Fault: Wry mouth. Head Faults: Eyes showing too much white or haw. Pinched or wide nostrils. Size of ears out of proportion to the size of the head. Serious Head Faults: Any showing of the tongue or teeth when the mouth is closed.
Neck, Topline and Body
The length of neck must display an image of balance to the total dog. It is slightly arched, carrying the head gracefully and setting neatly into the shoulders. The back is just short enough to square the body. The topline is level and the rump curves slightly to the set-on of the tail. The chest is deep with good width, ribs well sprung and carried well back to the loins. The body should appear short. The tail is set on low, short, fine and tapering, straight or screw and must not be carried above the horizontal. (Note: The preferred tail does not exceed in length more than one-quarter the distance from set-on to hock.) Disqualify: Docked tail. Body Faults: Gaily carried tail. Serious Body Faults: Roach back, sway back, slab-sided.
Forequarters
The shoulders are sloping and well laid back, which allows for the Boston Terrier's stylish movement. The elbows stand neither in nor out. The forelegs are set moderately wide apart and on a line with the upper tip of the shoulder blades. The forelegs are straight in bone with short, strong pasterns. The dewclaws may be removed. The feet are small, round and compact, turned neither in nor out, with well arched toes and short nails. Faults: Legs lacking in substance; splay feet.
Hindquarters
The thighs are strong and well muscled, bent at the stifles and set true. The hocks are short to the feet, turning neither in nor out, with a well defined hock joint. The feet are small and compact with short nails. Fault: Straight in stifle.
Gait
The gait of the Boston Terrier is that of a sure footed, straight gaited dog, forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power. Gait Faults: There will be no rolling, paddling, or weaving, when gaited. Hackney gait. Serious Gait Faults: Any crossing movement, either front or rear.
Coat
The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture.
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 the 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 the 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 forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. (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.
Disqualifications
Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue, dudley nose, docked tail.Solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal without required white markings.
Gray or liver colors.



































































Health:

Several health issues are of concern in Bostons; cataracts( both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxation of the patella, deafness, blindness, heart murmur,cushings disease, hypothyroidism,seizures,hermivertibrae and allergies. Curvature of the back, called roaching might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs. This might also be a structural fault with little consequence to the dog. Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat or cold weather due to their short muzzles. Hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can bring harm to a Boston.

They can live 15 years or more but the average age is around  10 to 13 years.

The Boston, like other short-snouted breeds have an elongated palate. They are prone to "reverse sneezing" where the dog will quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. This is caused by air or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes won't hurt a Boston at all but may be a scary experience for first time Boston owners. The quickest way to stop these episodes is to talk to them calmly and cover their nose with your palm, which will force the dog to breathe more slowly and deeply through their mouth. Because of their short snouts they do tend to snort and snore. These can be signs of serious health issues if their nasal passage is too narrow.

Due to the Bostons prominent eyes they need to be supervised around young children and other animals as some are prone to ulcers and minor injuries to their cornea.

***** If you have a particular question about your Bostons health you may E-mail me at prbostons@hotmail.com ******                                                                

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ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR PETS HEALTH...EVEN FOR LITTLE THINGS (THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE THERE FOR! )'
Information/ explanation of cream and fawn colored Boston Terrier provided by Krystin C/O Cypress Farm Kennel.
The ALBINO Boston Terrier is one which obviously lacks color. Some albinos are incorrectly labeled as Cream, Silver or White Boston Terriers.Albino Bostons are not white with red eyes, but are cream colored in the areas that are usually pigmented in other color patterns. The nose, rims of the eyes and paw pads are pink. The eyes are usually a very pale blue, although some albino Bostons have had light green eyes.Because of the cream coloring in the usually pigmented coat areas, some albinos may be incorrectly identified as cream & white Bostons. The easiest way to identify a true albino Boston is the lack of pigmentation (specifically on the nose).
The TRI COLOR Boston is the most unique color pattern in Bostons. Tri-color Bostons can come in any color. The tri-color differs from the fawn in that it has colored points above the eyes, cheeks and white stockings of the legs rather than the colored facial mask.
The CHAMPAGNE  Boston Terrier is also known Lavender, Blue-Fawn or Lilac. They are, at times, incorrectly labeled as Blue, Fawn, Silver, Grey or Seal.This color is often confused with blue, however, when a blue and a lilac are next to each other, the difference is very clear. They tend to be born to red Bostons, with blue eyes at birth that turn to green as they age.
According to the AKC standard, the SEAL Boston Terrier "appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light". One way to think of this is that the hairs are black with a sable-type pattern of lighter roots that appear red when light hits them. True seal Bostons are uncommon, however, with the increasing popularity of red boston terriers and other non-traditional colors, those colors are frequently and mistakenly labeled as "seals" Note the reddish cast of this dogs coat.

The preferred BRINDLE BT is characteristically marked with white in proportion to the brindle pattern. The brindle Boston Terrier is preferred (according to most breed standards) over seal or black, provided all other qualities are identical.
"Brindle" is described as a coat coloring in animals, particularly dogs, cats, cattle, donkeys and horses, where there are streaks of color that are darker than the base coat. It is sometimes described as "tiger striped", however, the brindle pattern is much less pronounced than that of a tiger's coat.
***Dog and Photo Owned by Colorful Bostons
For.more information about the original breed type and development of todays Boston Terrier and development of the standard I recommend these books:

                            Boston Terriers                                      The Official Book Of The
                            The Early Years                                       Boston Terrier




For related information about Boston Terriers and other bull and terrier type breeds including the related Olde Boston Bulldogge there are many interesting links including these:
http://www.bulldoginformation.com/Old-boston-bulldog.html
http://www.molossermania.com/brd/b/b004/history.html
http://www.bostonterrierhub.com/boston_terrier_standard.html
Photos of Early Boston Terriers taken between 1870 and 1890. Note the full tails, rose ears, longer muzzle and longer muscular body type.


These photos and more information were obtained courtesy of Molosserworld.
Photos of Boston Terriers which exhibit good adherence to the current breed standard as defined by The American Kennel Club. There has been and obvious and dramatic refinement in the look and function from early Boston and the Boston we know today.

These photographs were obtained coutesy of the official American Kennel Club website: www.akc.org
Conformation Photos snd information obtained from the Boston Terrier Club of America (BTCA) website.k here to add text.