Boston Terriers have an impressive appearance because of their unique colors. They are also well known for their tuxedo-like coats. Because of this black and white look, this breed is also called “The American Gentleman”.
Boston Terriers come in a variety of colors and shade combinations. Some of them are black, white, brindle, and seal. The less known colors of this breed are grey, lilac, and fawn.
From all these color mixes, only five are recognized by kennel clubs. Only white markings are accepted during competition.
List of Boston Terrier Colors
Boston terriers can be brown, brindle, and blue, with or without white markings. Some rare shades of this breed are albino, red, lavender, or cream. Keep in mind that not all color combinations are recognized by kennel clubs.
Boston terriers can be an impressive amount of colors.[1]
Different patterns and markings are also common for this breed. This offers them a special appearance.
Here are the 13 different Boston Terrier colors:
- Brindle
- Brindle and white
- White (albino)
- Blue
- Blue and white
- Blue and red
- Black
- Black and white
- Seal
- Seal and white
- Brown
- Brown and white
- Piebald
Brindle Boston Terrier
Brindle isn’t a solid color. Brindle is a pattern made from combinations of dark and light stripes. This design gives Boston Terriers a tiger-like appearance. The brindling can show up on parts or the whole of the dog’s body.
This color depends on a Boston Terrier’s genes. Because of this, not all dogs look the same.
The most common brindle Boston Terriers have a brown or tan coat with dark brown or black stripes. If the stripes are lighter than the base, the color is called a reverse brindle.
The base can be a diluted color or dominant color. Depending on this, this breed’s coat appears red, black, brown, blue, or lilac. The number of stripes also varies.
Brindle and White Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers can have a brindle and white coat. The white markings usually occur on the dog’s neck, muzzle, and front legs. White fur is also common between the eyes.
White Boston Terrier (Albino)
Completely white Boston Terriers are rare. Unfortunately, they are not accepted by any kennel club. Their fully white coat color is caused by a genetic mutation that obstructs the production of melanin.
These dogs are also called Albino Boston Terriers. This name comes from the condition that gives them this color, Albinism. Other unique physical characteristics of this breed are their blue eyes and pink nose.[2]
White Boston Terriers are prone to more health issues than other Boston Terriers.
Blue Boston Terrier
Blue Boston Terriers get their colors because of a mutation that occurs in this breed’s chromosome pool. It’s not actually blue, but diluted black.
Depending on the dog’s genes, their color also comes out as grey and sometimes silver.
Blue Boston Terriers are also called Grey Boston Terriers. While they don’t come in actual shades of blue, their coat has blue tones in the right light.
These Boston Terriers aren’t recognized by kennel clubs.
Blue and White Boston Terrier
Blue and white Boston Terriers are more common than all-blue ones. Their white markings are specific to Boston Terriers. They occur in small areas, such as between the eyes, or all over the dog’s body.
Blue Red Boston Terriers
Blue Boston Terriers can have red undertones. This color is a dusty red that is hardly noticeable by an untrained eye.
Related: Red Boston Terrier
Black Boston Terrier
Fully black Boston Terriers are among the most unique Boston Terriers and are difficult to find. Despite their look, black Boston Terriers are not accepted in competitions.
Black Boston Terriers with no colored spots are rare dogs. Black with shades, markings, and color variations are more common.
Black and White Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers with a black coat and white markings are common. White markings on their face, chest, and legs give Boston Terriers the well-known “tuxedo” look.
Seal Boston Terrier
Seal Boston Terriers look black until observed in a certain light. This shade is difficult to identify by an untrained eye. Even experienced owners have a hard time seeing this color.
Some seal Boston Terriers also have red undertones.
The easiest way to see if your dog is seal is to put it in direct sunlight and check if its black color shifts to copper.
Seal and White Boston Terrier
Seal and white Boston Terriers are more common than completely seal-colored ones. This color is accepted by all kennel clubs.
This dog’s white markings occur in the following places:
- On the muzzle band
- Between the eyes and over the head
- On the collar
- On part or whole of the forelegs and hind legs below the hocks[3]
Brown Boston Terrier
Plain Brown Boston Terriers are common. They come in a variety of shades, from very light to dark brown. Brown is not an official color for Boston Terriers. Because of this, they are not accepted in competitions.
Here are some of the brown hues that a Boston Terrier’s coat can have:
- Fawn
- Chocolate
- Tan
- Liver
- Cream
Brown and White Boston Terrier
Brown Boston Terriers can also have the typical white markings of this breed. The placement of the white spots differs from one dog to another, depending on their DNA.
Piebald Boston Terrier
Piebald Boston Terriers are also called Splash Boston Terriers. They have a gene that leads to the appearance of white or unpigmented spots on their coat. They are also characterized by a discolored iris.
The piebald gene in this dog is unnatural. Obtaining a piebald Boston Terrier is difficult as they are rare.
The number of markings also differs from minimal to exaggerated.[4]
Boston Terrier Color Comparison
Boston Terriers are sometimes confused with other dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Border Terriers, Boxers, and Jack Russell Terriers. The easiest way to differentiate these dogs is through their colors.
Boston Terriers have unique appearances. Sadly, not all the colors of a Boston Terrier are accepted by kennel clubs.
Their representative coat shades and markings make the difference between them and other breeds.
| Breed | Color |
| Boston Terrier | Black and white, black brindle and white, brindle and white, seal and white, seal brindle and white |
| French Bulldog | Brindle, brindle and white, cream, fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle and white, white, white and brindle, white and fawn[5] |
| Border Terrier | Red, wheaten, grizzle/tan, or blue/tan[6] |
| Boxer | Fawn, brindle, with or without white flashing and black mask[7] |
| Jack Russell Terrier | White with tan/brown/black/cream/tri-color markings[8] |
Boston Terrier Vs. French Bulldog Official Colors
Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are two of the most confused breeds. French Bulldogs have more accepted colors than Boston Terriers. Other elements that differ between the two are the features of their faces and the shape of their ears.
Boston Terrier Vs. Border Terrier Official Colors
While the names of these two breeds are very similar and can be easily confused, their appearances are completely different. Border Terriers have less accepted colors than Boston Terriers. Some of them are wheaten and grizzle or blue with tan markings.
Boston Terrier vs Boxer Official Colors
The biggest difference between a Boston Terrier and a Boxer is the black mask of the latter. Their base colors and the characteristic white markings of Boston Terriers also make these two breeds easy to differentiate.
Boston Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier Official Colors
While Boston Terriers are only accepted in competitions with white markings, Jack Russel Terriers have white as their official base color. This aspect helps to eliminate any confusion between the two breeds.
FAQs
What Are the AKC Accepted Boston Terrier Colors?
The AKC accepted Boston Terrier colors are black and white, black brindle and white, brindle and white, seal and white, and seal brindle and white.
What Are the Required Boston Terrier Markings During Competitions?
The required Boston Terrier markings are a white muzzle band, a white blaze between the eyes, and a white chest.
Are There Any Desired Boston Terrier Markings During Competitions?
Yes, there are some desired Boston Terrier markings. All these patterns must be white. While they are not mandatory, these markings bring a plus to your dog during competitions.
Some examples are a full or part white collar, a part or all of the front legs, and white on the toes of the rear feet.
Can a Boston Terrier’s Coat Be Spotted?
Yes, a Boston Terrier’s coat can be spotted. These markings are either natural or caused by a piebald gene.
What Is a Haggerty Spot?
A Haggerty spot is a round marking that can be found on your Boston Terrier’s forehead. It is also called a Haggerty dot. This is a very rare physical trait in this breed.
Can Boston Terriers Be Tri-Color?
Yes, Boston Terriers can be tri-color. Some tri-color dogs have two different base tones and white markings. Others have one dominant base hue and multi-colored markings.
What Boston Terrier Colors Are Considered Rare?
The Boston Terrier colors that are considered rare are lavender, platinum, lilac, merle, and champagne (pale red). Liver, red, brown, white, and cream are also on the list of unusual colors.
