Non- Standard Colors in Boston Terriers
The official American Kennel Club breed
standard for the Boston Terrier describes the colors and
markings that are acceptable for all Boston Terriers. The
acceptable colors are brindle, seal or black with white
markings. A Seal appears black, except it has a red cast
when viewed in the sun or bright light”. Brindle is
defined in the AKC glossary of terms as a color pattern
resulting in the layering of black pigment in regions of
lighter color.
Our standard further instructs judges to disqualify solid
colored dogs (no white markings) or gray or liver colored
dogs.
Sometimes there may be a puppy born that is a non-standard
color, such as red, blue, fawn, solid white, etc. While
these dogs may be cute and healthy, they do not meet the
requirements set forth by the breed standard.
Newcomers to the breed should be cautioned that these
colors are not rare or desirable. They are simply
incorrect. To promote these dogs as exceptional or as
acceptable breeding stock in order to entice a sale is
misleading to the buyer.
The unique, striking appearance of a black, seal or brindle
Boston Terrier with its snow white required markings is
what makes a Boston Terrier stand out from any other breed.
Breeders are encouraged to adhere to the Boston Terrier
Club of America standard when choosing their breeding stock
so that each new litter will improve our breed and we can
continue to preserve correct breed type.