Brown Boston Terriers are friendly dogs who love to be around humans and other animals. They are playful and fun to be around. They stand out among other Boston Terriers because of their chocolate color. Fully brown Boston Terriers are rare and do not meet the breed standards.
If you love brown Boston Terriers, your should know they have great personalities and are loyal to their owners.
But, they are rare and difficult to come by.
This article explores the genetics behind the brown color of Boston Terriers. You will learn all you need to know about their appearance, temperament, health issues, and price.
The needs and growth of brown Boston Terriers are discussed in detail to help you understand how to take care of them.
Brown Boston Terrier Characteristics Overview
Brown Boston Terriers are small dogs who have an athletic appearance. They weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and measure between 15 and 17 inches in height. Brown Bostons have short hair that lays close to their bodies. They are single-coated but are not hypoallergenic.
The Brown Boston Terrier has prominent eyes and shortened nose and upper jaw. Their nose is black or brown and their ears are stiff-floppy.
This table lists the main traits of blue Boston Terriers.
| Height | 15 – 17 inches |
| Weight | 10 – 25 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11 – 13 years |
| Dog Breed Group | Pure breed |
| Coat Type | Single |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Color | Brown and white, brown and white with brindle pattern |
| Eyes | Dark |
| Nose | Black or brown |
| Ears | Stiff-floppy |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Grooming Difficulty | 2 |
Brown Boston Terrier Color Genetics
The Brown Boston Terrier’s color is determined by a pigment called eumelanin. This is a type of melanin responsible for the colors black and brown in dogs. The white markings on a brown Boston Terrier are caused by a lack of melanin.
Most brown Boston Terriers are actually brown and white. Pure brown Boston Terriers are rare.
Brown Boston terriers get their color from gene interaction. One gene determines the color of the dog. Another determines the lack of melanin on the white markings. A third gene determines where on the dog’s body the markings are placed.
Together, they make up the genetics of their coat color and markings.
Some Boston Terriers display a stripe pattern similar to tigers but with lower contrast. This pattern appears as black stripes on a brown base.
Brown Boston Terriers with a brindle pattern fall into the category of brindle Boston Terriers.
The brown Boston Terrier is often mistaken for the red Boston Terrier as the colors are similar.
In terms of color genetics, brown Boston Terriers are different from red Bostons. The red Boston Terrier has a reddish liver color that is determined by a different melanin type called pheomelanin.
Do Brown Boston Terriers Meet the Breed Standard?
Yes, brown Boston Terriers meet the breed standard and can take part in breed competitions.
The following Boston terrier colors are accepted by the American Kennel Club[1]:
- Brown Boston Terrier
- Black Boston Terrier
- Brindle Boston Terrier
All Boston Terriers accepted by the AKC need white markings in a specific pattern. This pattern is made of white markings on the chest, around the muzzle as a blade, and between the eyes.
Brown Boston Terrier Temperament
Brown Boston Terriers are friendly and intelligent. They adapt well to apartment living but need a daily exercise routine. They are highly affectionate and behave well around children. But, they are prone to aggression if they are not socialized and trained during puppyhood.
Brown Boston Terriers are friendly towards other dogs. They are happy when they meet strangers and do not engage in aggressive behavior if they are not provoked.
They can get territorial, but that doesn’t mean they make good watchdogs. They rarely bark and are not easily distracted.
If you’re looking for a guard dog, look elsewhere.
Are Brown Boston Terriers Intelligent?
In a study[2] that analyzed the obedience and working intelligence of 130 breeds, the Boston Terrier occupies the 54th position. This means they are more intelligent than 76 breeds and are above average.
Do Brown Boston Terriers Bite?
Brown Boston Terriers have a predisposition for biting, as they were bred for pit fighting. If your dog is socialized and trained since puppyhood, they will not engage in biting as adults.
Brown Boston Terriers bite because of[3]:
- Fear
- Health issues
- Human interactions
- Other situational factors
The chances of a brown Boston Terrier biting decrease dramatically if they:
- Are socialized
- Are trained
- Have enough physical exercise daily
Brown Boston Terrier Care
Taking care of a brown Boston Terrier requires you to fulfill their needs when it comes to grooming, diet, and training. They need to be brushed, fed, and properly trained.
1. Brown Boston Terrier Grooming Needs
Brown Boston Terriers have the following grooming needs:
- Brush their coat once a week.
- Bathe them once or twice a year to avoid depleting them of their waterproofing oils.
- Trim their nails regularly.
- Clean their ears regularly.
- Brush their teeth once in a while.
2. Brown Boston Terrier Food Requirements
Brown Boston Terriers need between 1 and 1.75 cups of dry food per day. If they weigh less than 10 pounds, reduce the quantity according to their weight.
Brown Boston Terriers have a predisposition for gas and bloating. To prevent this, divide your brown Boston’s daily food into smaller meals.
Make sure their bowl is not elevated and don’t let them drink a lot of water at a time.
Try to include high amounts of protein and a few grains into brown Boston Terriers’ diet, as well as veggies and fruit.
3. Brown Boston Terrier Training
Brown Boston Terriers need training from puppyhood. Training should start when your brown Boston Terrier is 8 weeks old.
Training is important as this breed has a predisposition for aggression because they were initially bred for pit fights.
A recent study[4] found a correlation between the purpose of a dog and their brain development. The section in their brain responsible for aggression is well developed despite their current companion role.
Training and socializing your brown Boston Terrier from early puppyhood reduce problematic behavior. It also reduces the chances of your fully grown Brown Boston Terrier developing anxiety issues.
Brown Boston terriers are sometimes self-willed and independent. As a result, they need a firm and engaging trainer in their early years.
Brown Boston Terriers Health Issues
Brown Boston Terriers don’t experience any specific health issues because of their color. But, they are predisposed to specific breed health conditions. Some of these conditions are genetic and others are due to their physical features.
Brown Boston Terriers have a predisposition to the following diseases:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome[5]
- Deafness[6]
- Eye disorders, such as cataracts[7], glaucoma[8], and corneal ulcerations
- Patellar luxation[9]
The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic breed. Similar to Pugs and French Bulldogs, brown Boston Terriers have prominent eyes. This exposes them to several eye issues, including corneal abrasions.
Make sure to check your brown Boston’s eyes regularly to detect any possible injuries in advance.
They also have a predisposition for skin allergies. Check for changes in their skin texture regularly and take your dog to a vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Brown Boston Terriers Lifespan
Brown Boston Terriers live between 11 and 13 years, on average. Their life expectancy varies, depending on their lifestyle and health issues.
You can extend your Boston terrier’s lifespan by following these tips:
- Providing a high-quality diet.
- Engaging them in regular physical activity.
- Reducing their stress levels.
- Providing large amounts of mental stimulation.
- Taking them to regular vet visits to prevent various health issues.
- Cleaning their teeth regularly.
- Avoiding second-hand smoking exposure.
- Deworming them regularly.
- Spaying or neutering them.
- Preventing them from becoming obese.
Brown Boston Terrier Growth
Brown Boston Terriers weigh around 0.48 pounds (0.22 kilograms) at birth. When they reach adulthood, brown Boston terriers weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, on average. Females weigh less than males because they are smaller.
Similar to all living beings, brown Boston terriers go through multiple growth stages. The essential ones are those before adulthood.
By the time they reach adulthood, some aspects of their physical and psychological development are complete.
During each developmental stage, brown Boston Terriers go through physical and emotional challenges. Because of this, you need to make sure you fulfill the essential needs of your brown Boston during every stage.
This table lists the 5 development stages of Boston Terriers.
| Growth Stage | Period | Key Points |
| Neonatal stage | 0 – 2 weeks | Puppies have a high mortality risk due to bacterial infections. They are deaf, blind, and have no teeth. |
| Transitional stage | 2 – 3 weeks | Brown Boston terriers start to develop their hearing and smell. They also move and start to notice their siblings. |
| Socialization stage[12] | 3 – 12 weeks | Puppies need to be exposed to various situations to avoid anxiety and behavior issues later in life. |
| Juvenile stage | 3 – 6 months | The puppies’ teeth fully develop. This is the period when training is essential. |
| Adolescence stage | 6 – 18 months | Brown Boston Terriers reach their sexual maturity. They start building strong bonds with their owners and develop self-confidence. |
How Much Are Brown Boston Terriers?
Brown Boston Terrier puppies cost $1300 on average. They are more expensive than the other colors of Boston Terriers which don’t meet the breed standards.
The price of a brown Boston Terrier is influenced by many factors:
- The pureness of its parents.
- The reputation of the breeder.
- The amount of money the breeder has invested in training and medical care.
- The age of the puppy.
- How popular they are in the area.
Related: How Much Are Boston Terriers?
Conclusion
Brown Boston Terriers are bi-colored. They are mostly brown and have the white specific marking of Boston Terriers. Their color is determined by a type of melanin called eumelanin. Eumelanin is also responsible for the color of their eyes and nose.
As a result, the nose of Boston terriers can be the same color as their coat.
FAQs
What Do You Call a Brown Boston Terrier?
Brown Boston terriers are also called Chocolate Boston Terriers. Their shade of brown differs among dog individuals, so they can be dark or light brown. Brown Boston Terriers are often mistaken for liver Bostons. Still, their color is different in terms of genetics.
Are Brown Boston Terriers Rare?
No, brown Boston Terriers are not rare. They are among the colors recognized by the American Kennel Club and are preferred by breeders. This is due to the high demand for this color.
