The Boston Terrier is famous for the stylish tuxedo coat that it wears so elegantly, but do you know that there are about 26 different colors of this coat that its owners can choose from?
These colors can range from common ones to the rarest and most difficult to find. Selecting one from a wide range of patterns, colors, and combinations may be quite challenging but can also be exciting.
This article will walk you through these different Boston Terrier colors, including identifying the standard ones, how the color may affect health and behavior, and more!
How Many Boston Terrier Colors Are There?
Out of the 26 Boston Terrier colors in this comprehensive list, five are recognized as standard colors by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and by the Boston Terrier Club of America (BTCA), the AKC’s national breed club.
These standard colors are all in combination with white, forming this dog’s elegant and popular tuxedo coat.
With this recognition comes the privilege of being able to join AKC’s conformation shows. However, the other 21 on the list are not to be disregarded. They are as beautiful and as in demand as the standard ones.
Below is a quick list of all possible Boston Terrier colors that you may come across:
- Black & White (Standard)
- Black Brindle & White (Standard)
- Brindle & White (Standard)
- Seal & White (Standard)
- Seal Brindle & White (Standard)
- Brindle
- Seal
- Blue
- Blue & White
- Blue Brindle
- Blue Red
- All White
- Solid Black
- Lilac
- Fawn
- Fawn & White
- Blue Fawn
- Brown
- Brown & White
- Cream
- Red
- Red & White
- Champagne
- Merle
- Splash
- Blue Splash
If the Boston Terrier is a favorite breed of yours, you will surely be delighted with this wide variety of colors. The details of each of these will be discussed in greater detail in the succeeding section.
26 Boston Terrier Colors
Below is a list of 26 Boston Terrier colors, including pictures and descriptions to help you identify each variation:
1. Black & White Boston Terrier
Black and white is the most iconic color of the Boston Terrier. This color combination is also responsible for giving the breed its tuxedo coat appearance and its nickname of “American Gentleman.”
The white markings should appear in specific parts of the Boston Terrier’s face and body, including the muzzle, between the eyes, and the forechest.
White marks are also preferred around the collar, a part or whole of the forelegs, and below the hocks on the hindlegs.
Further, the eyes need to be dark brown, while the nose should also be black in color.
2. Black Brindle & White Boston Terrier
The black brindle and white is a standard Boston Terrier color that may look like and have the same patterns as the black and white version of the breed.
However, as you look closely, you can observe lighter and darker areas in the coat, somehow resembling a tiger’s stripes. This is described as the brindle pattern.
This pattern blends in on the same areas as the black coat and may appear in colors such as brown, tan, or gold colors.
3. Brindle & White Boston Terrier
Brindle and white is another variation of the Boston Terrier’s standard pattern, similar to the black brindle and white. However, in this coat, the black is completely replaced by the brindle color.
The brindle pattern can vary from dark to light, where the base can either be a dominant or a dilute color. However, the white markings must be in their desired areas to meet the standard.
A brindle and white Boston Terrier must also sport dark brown eyes and a black nose.
4. Seal & White Boston Terrier
Seal and white is one of the most difficult colors to identify amongst the Boston Terrier’s standard colors. Its colored part may look black, but its real shade appears once it is exposed to direct sunlight.
The seal color will have a red undertone that somehow resembles that of a wet sea lion. This color will reflect a shade that is close to burnt black or copper.
This is often mistaken for other colors, such as brown, red, blue, lilac, or black, so sunlight is necessary to identify this hue more easily.
5. Seal Brindle & White Boston Terrier
The seal brindle and white is the rarest and most unique color amongst the standard colors of the Boston Terrier. This merges the seal shade with the brindle pattern in the colored parts of this breed’s coat.
This color may resemble that of the black brindle and white, except that it will display red undertones when exposed to direct sunlight. The brindle pattern usually comes in black, brown, tan, or gold colors.
Further, the white parts must appear as a muzzle band, a blaze between the eyes, and in the forechest.
6. Brindle Boston Terrier
Brindle is a non-standard Boston Terrier color that is almost similar to that of the brindle and white. However, this color is dominantly brindle on most body parts. Should white patterns occur, they will be very minimal.
The most common brindle pattern in Boston Terriers would have a brown or tan base, complemented with black hair and light or dark stripes. If the stripes are lighter than the base, this is called reverse brindle.
Further, this brindle pattern is developed by mixing the agouti gene with other color genes. This is responsible for this dog’s tiger-like stripes.
7. Seal Boston Terrier
Seal refers to the shade that displays a red undertone observed under direct sunlight and covers most of the Boston Terrier’s body. It reflects a hue that may be described as burnt black or copper.
This color may not necessarily carry the required white markings for the breed, differentiating it from the seal and white. To the untrained eye, this color may easily be mistaken for black, red, brown, blue, and lilac.
8. Blue Boston Terrier
Blue in Boston Terriers reflects a shade that is silvery gray in nature, covering most parts of their bodies. This same color is reflected in these dogs’ noses and paws.
This type of color is caused by the dilution gene, which lightens the dog’s dominant colors into paler ones.
Though a non-standard coat color, the blue Boston Terrier, along with its other variants, creates a high market demand due to its unique shade and rarity. In fact, the average cost of this variant can reach as high as $1,200.
9. Blue & White Boston Terrier
A blue Boston Terrier may also come in a version that shows the required white markings present in the breed’s standard colors with the silver or gray tone in its colored parts. This variant is aptly known as blue and white.
In this case, expect the blue and white Boston Terrier to have a white muzzle band, a white blaze between the eyes, a white forechest and collar, white forelegs in whole or in part, and white hind legs below the hocks.
10. Blue Brindle Boston Terrier
The blue brindle color merges the dilution with the brindle gene in a Boston Terrier. This creates a faded, tiger-striped pattern that gives this canine a one-of-a-kind look.
The base coat color of this non-standard variant may be of a silvery gray shade, mounted by stripes that may be black, brown, tan, or gold. It would usually sport a blue nose and paws, as well.
Further, blue brindle Boston Terriers may or may not have the white markings found in this breed’s standard colors.
11. Blue Red Boston Terrier
The blue red Boston Terrier is another unique color of the breed that is characterized by a dusty red appearance. In this color, the blue or silver-gray coat of the dog is complemented with a red undertone.
This shade is very challenging to determine and is hardly noticeable. Hence, exposing the coat to direct sunlight can help in its evaluation, similar to the approach done for assessing the seal color.
Further, this color variant may or may not carry white markings. If it does, expect these to appear on the usual spots found on the standard breed colors.
12. All White Boston Terrier
All-white Boston Terriers are also known as platinum or albinos. This color is generated due to the lack of any pigment on their skin, making them prone to skin irritation, allergies, and sunburn.
Contrary to popular notion, an albino Boston Terrier does not have pink eyes but appears like such due to the lack of pigmentation around them. It has blue eyes and a pink nose instead.
Aside from coat issues, white Boston Terriers are also genetically prone to deafness, which is true for all other dogs with albinism. Hence, special care is needed when handling these dogs.
13. Solid Black Boston Terrier
The solid black Boston Terrier carries the same black shade present in the traditional black and white version, without any of the white patterns or spots.
Solid black is not recognized by the AKC and BTCA but still has a high demand due to the rarity and beauty of its black coat.
However, the pure black Boston Terrier is very difficult to find, similar to the other solid variants of this breed, so expect it to fetch a high price.
14. Lilac Boston Terrier
Lilac, or lavender, is a color that is driven by the dilution gene on a brown coat. This results in a purplish coat color that appears “dusted.” Brown or black hair is absent in this breed variant.
Lilac puppies are usually born with bluish eyes and lighter-colored coats. As they grow into adulthood, these features darken to a certain degree. Their noses would also carry the lilac hue.
Further, the genes required to develop a lilac coat color are recessive. This means that in order to produce a lilac puppy, both parents must either be lilac or lilac gene carriers.
15. Fawn Boston Terrier
The fawn Boston Terrier reflects a tan color covering most of the dog’s face and body. The shade of fawn may range from light, which is closer to champagne, to dark, which may appear as light red.
Solid fawn Boston Terriers have no to very minimal white markings and are much rarer than their fawn and white counterparts.
Further, fawn, along with its other variants, is not recognized by the AKC and BTCA. This means that Boston Terriers of this color are not allowed to join conformation shows and sporting events.
16. Fawn & White Boston Terrier
Fawn and white is a variant of the fawn Boston Terrier. The colored part of this dog has a tan shade with interspersed black hairs and would usually have darker fawn coloration along its backbone.
Its white patterns may be found around the muzzle and collar, between the eyes, in the forechest and forelegs, and below the hocks of the hind legs. Further, its face may also have a black lining around the eyes.
17. Blue Fawn Boston Terrier
Blue fawn is a variant of the fawn Boston Terrier but with a blue mask on its face. The fawn color on its coat may vary from light to dark, while the blue mask is of the same faded silvery gray color.
Genetically speaking, this Boston Terrier version combines the A-locus, giving it its predominant fawn color, with the D-locus gene, responsible for its blue mask.
Further, this dog may or may not have white markings on its muzzle, between the eyes, and in the forechest.
18. Brown Boston Terrier
The brown coat of the Boston Terrier is also known as liver or chocolate. This hue may range from light to dark chocolate and covers the majority of this dog’s face and body or with minimal white markings.
Additionally, the liver color of this dog can also be found on its nose and paws, while the eyes will be of an amber or copper shade.
The recessive gene responsible for this liver color is TYRP1, and both parents need to have this to be able to produce a brown Boston Terrier.
19. Brown & White Boston Terrier
The brown and white Boston Terrier is a more common version of this breed’s liver variant. Its coat’s colored parts can vary from light to dark chocolate while also carrying a liver-colored nose and paws.
Additionally, the eyes of this dog will be colored amber or copper due to the same genes that cause its liver-colored coat.
This color might also be mistaken with the standard seal color, but take note that this brown color is vibrant enough to be seen without direct sunlight exposure.
20. Cream Boston Terrier
Cream Boston Terriers resemble the all-white variant of this breed closely due to their very pale color. However, creams usually have faint blonde or tan markings and are sometimes called blonde and white or tan and white.
These dogs are born solid white but darken over time. Unlike albinos, though, cream Boston Terriers have dark brown eyes. Their noses are also normally black but may have unique washed-out grayish appearances.
Further, this color is driven by the E-locus gene and would require both parents to have the gene to produce a cream puppy.
21. Red Boston Terrier
The red Boston Terrier may be found in different shades, such as light red, deep red, copper red, or vivid red. This red coat covers the majority of the dog’s face and body. It also sports a red nose and hazel eyes.
There are also minimal white markings for the red Boston Terrier, and it is also much rarer than its red and white counterpart.
In terms of genetics, the B locus is also responsible for the Boston Terrier’s red shade, which is similar to the one that produces the liver color for this breed.
22. Red & White Boston Terrier
Red and white Boston Terriers are quite similar to their red counterparts but with white markings that are typical of the standard versions of this breed.
The white marking may reflect a muzzle band and a blaze between the eyes. It may also be found in the forechest, around the collar, in the whole or part of the forelegs, and below the hocks of the hind legs.
23. Champagne Boston Terrier
The champagne color in a Boston Terrier reflects a pale red or light fawn hue and may also be considered a certain shade of lilac. It may also display the white markings found on the breed’s standard versions.
This shade is caused by the D-locus or dilution gene, which is also responsible for the blue variants of the Boston Terrier. This gives it a washed-out nose color and a hazel or brown eye color in varying shades.
24. Merle Boston Terrier
One of the unique colors that have been introduced to the Boston Terrier is merle, which is alternatively called harlequin or dapple.
Merle is characterized by irregular blotches of fur or a mottled pattern over a lighter background of similar pigment all over the dog’s body.
This can either be a solid black color on a gray background or blue merle or a solid brown color on a tan background or red merle. This pattern also usually comes with blue or partially blue eyes.
Despite its beautiful pattern, merles are usually associated with health issues, such as deafness and blindness.
25. Splash Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier’s splash pattern is called such because it looks like a bucket of black paint was splashed over the Boston Terrier’s white body. This pattern is otherwise known as piebald.
In splash Boston Terriers, the size, opaqueness, and frequency of spots may vary. Some may have moderate spots with splashes all over, while others may just have a few and are almost entirely white.
The S-locus or piebald gene is responsible for this pattern. However, take note that pied Boston Terriers are at risk of congenital deafness due to a lack of pigmentation in their inner ears.
26. Blue Splash Boston Terrier
Blue splash combines the dilution gene with the piebald gene, creating silver or gray-colored spotting all over the Boston Terrier’s face and body.
Similar to the regular splash Boston Terrier, the size of the spots, along with their opaqueness and frequency, may also vary in the blue splash version of this breed.
Due to the piebald gene, the blue splash Boston Terrier also carries the risk of congenital deafness.
Boston Terrier Breed Standards & Disqualifications
The AKC’s breed standards for the Boston Terrier match that of the BTCA. Both organizations recognize only three colors, namely black, seal, and brindle, and these should be in combination with white markings.
It is also noted in the breed’s standards that brindle is preferred only if all other qualities are equal. Further, the seal color must also appear black and have a red cast when exposed to direct sunlight or bright light.
In this case, here is a quick summary of the standard colors recognized by AKC and BTCA.
- Black & White
- Black Brindle & White
- Brindle & White
- Seal & White
- Seal Brindle & White
Any solid variations of the colors mentioned above are disqualified, along with all other rare colors and patterns of the breed.
In terms of markings, the required ones would be a white muzzle band, a white blaze between the eyes, and a white forechest.
On top of this, there are also desired markings. These include an even blaze between the eyes and over the head, a white collar, white on part or whole of forelegs, and below the hocks of the hind legs.
In case white markings appear on other areas outside of the required or desired ones, it must be compensated by other merits of the Boston Terrier.
Do Boston Terrier Colors Affect Behavior and Health?
In terms of behavior, there are no scientific studies relating a Boston Terrier’s color to any particular temperament.
Regardless of what color or pattern they wear, Boston Terriers will always be known for their playful, lively, cheerful, and intelligent nature. They are also very friendly, even towards other dogs, animals, and even strangers.
On the other hand, certain coat colors are known to predispose the Boston Terrier to particular health issues. This is brought about by the genes responsible for the generation of these particular colors.
To start, blue and other diluted colors of Boston Terriers are prone to having color dilution alopecia. This is a congenital issue characterized by dry, flaky, and itchy skin. This also causes hair thinning and loss.
Though not all dogs that have these diluted colors develop color dilution alopecia, it is quite common.
Albino Boston Terriers also carry a lot of health risks. Aside from the skin issues brought about by their lack of melanin, pure white dogs with blue eyes are also prone to congenital deafness.
Splash Boston Terriers also carry the same risk due to their piebald gene.
Additionally, merles that are produced out of two merle parents, known as double-merles, are also more likely to experience hearing and vision impairment.
Do Boston Terrier Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
There is no hard and fast rule to determine how definite Boston Terrier puppies may change colors as they grow. Genetics do play a big role in this and may differ from puppy to puppy.
On the other hand, some colors have been closely observed to shift to a darker shade as the dog grows into adulthood. An example would be lilac puppies born in lighter shades and bluish eyes, which darken over time.
Cream Boston Terriers are also born pure white, but their blonde and tan markings appear as they grow older, giving them a slightly darker cream shade.
When it comes to actual color changes, owners have also reported instances where their black and white Boston Terriers eventually displayed brindle patterns upon reaching adulthood.
Should your dog stay within its color as it grows to a year old, there is a good chance that it will already retain its current color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Boston Terrier Color?
There are a lot of rare colors that exist for the Boston Terrier, but some of the rarest ones are those that do not have the traditional white markings, such as solid black, solid seal, and solid brindle, amongst others.
Other rare colors that have white markings include lilac or lavender, platinum, merle, and champagne. Expect these to fetch higher prices than the more common colors.
What Is the Most Common Boston Terrier Color?
Not only is the black and white Boston Terrier the most common, but it is also the most popular.
Many Boston Terrier enthusiasts are drawn to this traditional color since it is the embodiment of this breed’s tuxedo coat, giving it the nickname of the “American Gentleman.”
Are Red Boston Terriers Rare?
Red, along with its other variants, is a non-standard color for the Boston Terrier but is not considered rare. In fact, along with brown, red is one of the most common colors of the breed outside of the standard ones.
Many unscrupulous breeders just take advantage of unsuspecting buyers and tag this color as rare to be able to earn more from the transaction.
Hence, research and dealing only with reputable breeders is absolutely necessary to avoid being scammed.
Final Thoughts
Understandably, going through all the Boston Terrier’s colors can either inch you closer to making an informed decision or confuse you more due to their enticing appearances.
Whether you decide to go for a common and standard color or a rare and non-standard one, it is guaranteed that you will always end up with a friendly, playful, and cheerful companion that will definitely be worth it.
However, it is also critical to determine your purpose in acquiring a Boston Terrier. If you plan to join conformation shows and sporting events, then you need to pay attention to the breed’s standards and disqualifications.
Have you already selected a Boston Terrier color that fits your lifestyle and preferences? We would love for you to share it in the comments section below!
