If you’re thinking “What is a Blue Boston Terrier” after reading the title, we understand. We had no idea either. How can a dog be blue? But, they really exist. Well, they’re not really blue, but you’ll see what I mean. The Blue Boston Terrier is a purebred Boston Terrier and even the American Kennel Club recognizes them if both parents are registered.
The Boston Terrier is a dog breed that originated in the United States of America and is classified as a non-sporting breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
They were dubbed “American Gentlemen” because of their appealing color and demeanor. It was soon designated as Massachusetts’ state dog. For over a century, it was Boston University’s official mascot.
Every family will find them to be excellent companions. Their tiny stature and friendly attitude also make them an excellent home pet. They are well-known for being excellent companions for both the elderly and children.
Everyone is entertained by their cuteness and hilarious attitude. The Boston Terrier loves children and enjoys playing with them just as much as the children adore this dog. This is why they are now found in many homes.
But, how come some of these dogs are blue, and are they different from other Boston Terriers?
The five AKC Boston Terrier colors
The AKC has a list of five colors that are accepted and you will be able to register you dog if he falls into these categories. That means that you and your dog will also be able to attend dog shows.
If you’re looking for a purebred Boston Terrier, you’ll want to make sure it’s one of the five colors listed below.
- Black & White
- Black Brindle & White
- Brindle & White
- White & Seal
- Seal Brindle & White
Seal & White
Brown and white is the common name for the seal with its white coat. You should also be aware that seal is a hue that can be difficult to identify, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the breed.
This is also due to the fact that until the light strikes on it, this one hue seems to be dark. The crimson undertones of this Boston Terrier come to life as the light strikes on it.
Black & White
This is a rather self-explanatory statement. This is one of the most well-known Boston Terrier colors. When most people think of a Boston Terrier, this is the first thing that springs to mind.
Black Brindle & White
Brindle is a coat with black, brown, tan, and/or gold stripes that resemble the stripes of a tiger. This hue has a lot of similarities to a Black & White Boston Terrier, but if you look closely, you can see the small distinctions.
Lighter and darker patches can be found throughout a Brindle coat.
Brindle & White
It’s a lot like Black Brindle & White, but with a lot more Brindle.
Seal Brindle & White
This is the most unusual Boston Terrier color according to the AKC. There aren’t many other canines with a coat like that!
Rare Boston Terrier colors
It’s crucial to know that the AKC does not accept these colors as purebred Boston Terriers. This implies you won’t be able to compete with your Boston Terrier as a show dog. However, most dog owners are indifferent about this, as Boston Terriers of any color are still great companions.
To get these hues, different breeds were most likely blended into the lineage at some point.
- Fawn & White
- Lilac
- Blue
- Red
- Red & White
- Fawn
- Merle
- Chocolate (Brown)
- White (Platinum)
- Cream
- Lavender
Lilac
Brown and black coats are mixed to create lilac fur. And, with these colors, you’ll most likely get something like this:
The nose of this breed of dog may have Lilac tones. Eye colors may change as these puppies age from light yellow to amber.
Blue
The blue fur on this breed is a watered-down version of a typical black fur. It’s a gene mutation that causes lighter tones with a blue tint.
White streaks are common in blue coats. Puppies and adults come in a variety of hues, ranging from a light blue to a dark steel.
The hue of this breed’s eyes can range from gray to pale blue eyes to hazel-brown as they get older.
Red and White
Some Boston terrier varieties have a red coat with a white striping pattern. These hues of red can range from a dark red to a light copper color.
Boston Terriers of this breed are also more likely to have amber eyes and a reddish-brown snout.
Fawn
Even though some colors are uncommon, they can be seen in Boston Terrier breeds. Some dogs, for example, have light fawn coats that have a champagne look. Others, on the other hand, are a deeper fawn color or a pale crimson color.
History
Although everyone accepts that the Boston Terrier was created in Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1800s, there are many different theories regarding how the breed came to be.
According to legend, affluent families’ coachmen created the breed by combining Bulldogs with the now-extinct English White Terrier to produce a new dog-fighting breed. According to another story, in 1865, a Bostonian named Robert C. Hooper bought from England a Bulldog/English Terrier hybrid named Judge because he resembled him of a dog he had as a boy. According to another narrative, Hooper bought Judge in 1870 from another Bostonian, William O’Brian.
While we may never know which version is real, the truth remains that there was a dog named Judge who gave rise to the Boston Terrier breed we know today.
The American Bull Terrier Club was founded in 1889 by roughly 30 Boston Bull Terrier owners who dubbed their dogs Round Heads or Bull Terriers. Bull Terrier and Bulldog enthusiasts were outraged by the moniker. The Boston Bull Terrier fanciers decided that caution was the better part of valor and changed the name of their group to the Boston Terrier Club, in honor of the breed’s birthplace, because the Bulldog contingent had a lot of power with the American Kennel Club (AKC) at the time. Boston Bulls became a popular nickname for the breed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized the breed in 1893. The Boston Terrier was one of the earliest non-sporting dogs bred in the United States, and it was the first of the AKC’s ten made-in-America breeds.
Boston Terrier breed overview
You’d never guess the Boston Terrier was bred to be a vicious pit bull today. Although males have been known to exhibit their terrier lineage with a bit of posturing when they feel their territory is being invaded by another dog, the tiny American Gentleman, as he was nicknamed in the 19th century, is obviously a lover, not a warrior.
Boston Terriers are well-known for their intelligence, which may be excessive at times. Their playful, friendly temperament makes them highly lovable, however their stubbornness or bursts of hyperactivity can get them into trouble with their owners. Any stress you might have about their conduct vanishes as soon as they glance up at you with those wide, round eyes that seem to say “I love you.”
Despite their little size, Boston Terriers are tough and powerful dogs. They have a sleek, glossy, straight coat with sharp white markings in a tuxedo pattern, which is why they were given the nickname American Gentleman. The huge, prominent ears of Boston Terriers are another characteristic of the breed. They are complemented by their large, gorgeous eyes that are positioned far apart.
The face of a Boston Terrier is wide, flat, and wrinkle-free. They are part of the brachycephalic breed of dogs (brachy meaning short, and cephalic meaning head). The lower jaw is proportional to the body, as it is in other brachycephalic dogs, but the upper jaw is short, giving them a “pushed in” look.
The Boston Terrier is an excellent family pet and companion due to his tiny stature and energetic, loving personality. They adore kids and entertain people of all ages with their antics and charming expression.
What is a Blue Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier, as previously stated, has Boston roots reaching back to the 1870s, namely 1875 when Hooper’s Judge was mated to Burnett’s Gyp.
This dog is a hybrid between a white English Terrier and an English Bulldog. The ancestors of this bull terrier mix are the same as those of the popular French Bulldog.
Breeders have attempted to improve it ever since, resulting in the current version.
Surprisingly, the blue hue on this Boston Terrier is the product of a genetic abnormality and bad breeding techniques.
The blue hue is caused by a mutation in the Boston Terrier’s chromosomal pool. Instead of the original hue, it seems to be blue, grey, or silver.
Black and white, brindle and white, and seal and white are the additional colors seen in this breed.
When it comes to Boston Terrier colors, the American Kennel Club has very strict standards. The black, seal, and brindle Boston terriers, for example, would be disqualified for official papers.
What are the differences between a Blue Boston Terrier and a Regular one?
To be honest, the answer to this question is very straightforward. The main difference, as the name implies, is in the color of the dogs.
Almost all of the distinct hues have a coat of white blended with another color, the most prevalent of which is black and a seal color that has a black cast when exposed to sunlight.
Some dogs have an all white coat, while others have a partly white coat. The standard black and white coat, known as a tuxedo by the general public, is plain with a splash of white on the chest, a white blaze, and white down the muzzle.
Bridle refers to the pattern rather than the color when it comes to the white color. Furthermore, due to the red undertone in its hue, the seal and white coat are the most well-known among the general public.
Some individuals have confused seal with brown, but whatever the case may be, the AKC accepts it.
AKC Blue Boston Terrier recognition
The AKC did not exclude any colors at originally. However, by 1914, it had become more picky and was only admitting specified hues. Solid black, tan and black, liver red, and mouse or blue have all been unpopular.
The all-white coat was also ruled ineligible. Solid black, as well as solid brindle and solid seal with no marks, are no longer attractive to the Club. Grey and liver are also not acceptable.
The white markings may be seen on the chest as a splash, between the eyes as a blaze, and on the muzzle as a muzzle band. The white patterns on the collars and legs, on the other hand, are not really appealing.
How does a Blue Boston Terrier look like?
The Blue Boston Terrier isn’t really blue. They are more grey in color.
They have a lighter coat that looks grey and sometimes has a lilac hue to it. This color is a result of a gene mutation. Because of this gene mutation, their black color gets diluted and it looks grey. This is also called Chromosome 25 in canines.
This dog is a cute puppy with a lot of personality. Their superb features are enhanced by the flame between their eyes and the banded muzzle. They’ve got brown eyes, a black nose, and the cutest puppy eyes you’ve ever seen.
Boston Terriers are little dogs with a strong desire to be a part of your life. They are always interested in what is going on within your home. Even their upright ears give them the impression that they are constantly interested in what we have to say.
The blue Boston Terrier has a small body, a short tail, and the prettiest ever tuxedo coat style, making it a great companion for snuggling on the sofa.
Chromosome 25
In a recent article titled “Blue Great Dane: What makes them different” we explained the gene mutation. But, let’s go over it again.
You have to know that your dog’s color is created from two pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Both of these pigments have a set color, but that color can also be altered by different genes.
In our case, the eumelanin pigment is important now. The black coat is caused by that pigment, the eumelanin pigment. But, there are other genes that turn the black color into liver, blue or isabella, or violet. So, if your Boston Terrier has a special recessive gene, the Chromosome 25, it will turn their black coat into a blue coat. So, it will dilute the black color.
But, this pigment doesn’t only give your dog’s coat its color. It also affects the eyes and the nose.
The second pigment that isn’t as important for this article is the pheomelanin pigment, but we’re going to mention it anyway. Basically, it’s a red pigment that covers shades like deep red, yellow, orange, gold, and light cream.
Appearance
Now we know why some Boston Terriers are grey (or blue). But what other differences are there? How does the grey Boston Terrier look like?
The Blue Boston Terrier looks almost the same as any other Boston Terrier. They are small dogs with short tails. They are usually between 15 and 17 inches tall and weigh between 12 and 25 pounds.
You can easily recognize these dogs because they look like they’re wearing a tuxedo. This is why they have the nickname “The American Gentleman.”
But there are some things that set them apart:
- they have a blue (grey) and white coat. It can be light to medium blue and it can even darken as they age.
- these dogs can have white markings in their nose, paw padds and even eye rims
- the blue color that stays the lightest is the blue from Boston Terriers with brindle coats. So, they don’t have a diluted black coat, but a diluted brindle coat.
Blue Boston Terrier puppies have grey eyes, but they can look light blue. However, their eyes will get darker as they age and will turn into a hazel-brown color
These dogs are very rare. You won’t come across this color very often. And also, to get this color both parents have to carry the gene that’s responsible for diluting the black coat color.
Temperament and personality
Clownish and serene, joyful and magnificent, and above all, friendly and vibrant. A Boston Terrier’s personality is as friendly as it gets, but be wary of their disposition.
It’s really rare for them to be hostile, but if they are in such a situation, there might be a problem. Early socialization is necessary to ensure that your puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.
A well-behaved and well-trained puppy needs to be exposed to a variety of sounds, people, environments, and experiences. They are known to be obstinate throughout training times, thus consistency is required.
Despite this, they are usually nice to other pets and like playing ball games. So a Boston’s personality is at the very least understandable.
Boston Terriers are noted for not having a mood or being aggressive, however this might be difficult to determine if the dog was not reared and taught in a safer setting.
They are a wonderful alternative for apartment dwellers since they do not like to bark. Their happy-go-lucky disposition is tough to elicit, which is why they make excellent friends. Surprisingly, they were originally raised for hunting and fighting, but were eventually down bred for companionship.
The Boston Terrier adores kids and is an excellent companion. He’s not so little that he’ll knock them down, but he’s not so big that he’ll get hurt. He gets along with other dogs and cats in general, especially if he’s been socialized with them since he was a puppy.
Caring for a Blue Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a lively dog, yet he doesn’t require a lot of exercise. He’s a good choice for small apartments or those who don’t have access to a yard because he’s pretty content indoors. He likes going for walks and playing in the yard with you, but he is an indoor dog who should never be left outside. Always remember that Boston Terriers don’t do well in extremes of heat or cold.
Because Bostons are sensitive to tone of voice and punishment might cause them to shut down, training should be low-key and motivating. Use positive reinforcement strategies like food rewards, praise, and games.
Blue Boston Terriers Training
These dogs are quite easy to train because to their intelligence and inherent enthusiasm. The trick is to be as nice as possible.
Because they might be a bit stubborn at times, avoid using harsh penalties; instead, persistence and compassion are the keys to providing your Boston terrier a thorough training.
When it comes to the type of training they’ll require, it’s critical to teach them basic obedience, housebreaking, leash training, and socializing. The most important things to teach a dog are basic etiquettes like sit, stop, come, and stay.
They react well to clicker training and goodies, but be sure your dog isn’t just hungry. During the housebreaking stage, though, your dog may be a bit more than annoyed.
As a result, you must create and stick to a suitable workout regimen. Unnecessary digging is an issue that many blue Boston Terriers have.
This normally happens when they are left alone for a long period of time, so if you’re a busy owner, you’ll need to teach them to be alone.
Boston Terriers are among the simplest breeds to teach on a leash, since their eagerness reacts well to walking. All that is required is that you begin teaching them at a young age. Consistency, care, and attention are always the keys to proper training!
Socialization and growth
Blue Boston Terriers are normally deaf and blind for the first two weeks of their lives. Their senses of taste and touch, on the other hand, are activated as soon as they are born. They also sleep a lot at this period. Their hearing and vision abilities begin to develop during the next two weeks.
Their behavior begins to shift as a result of how you interact with them and their littermates. Because this is when she starts socializing, the next 3 to 12 weeks are ideal for training your puppy to be a good home companion.
You may also help her develop her feeding habits by exposing her to a variety of noises, pets, and people that dwell in your home. Continue educating her and feeding her well beyond this phase to encourage excellent behavior and healthy growth.
Food and nutrition
Every day, you should feed your dog between 0.5 to 112 cups of dry food. Keep in mind that your dog’s requirements may differ based on its activity level, metabolism, and size. You should also provide them with the necessary calories each day to ensure that they receive the nutrients they require for maximum growth.
Blue Boston Terriers, on the other hand, should be avoided since they like feasting. It’s critical to keep track of their food intake to avoid becoming overweight. Also, avoid meals that contain grains as a carbohydrate source since your dog may get gassy.
Feed your dog high-quality, protein-rich kibble to help alleviate this condition. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times each day, while older dogs should be fed twice per day. The serving size for dogs of various weights is summarized in the table below.
Exercise
According to the American Kennel Club, Boston Terriers don’t require a lot of exercise due to their tiny stature and moderate activity level. They are perfectly capable of surviving in a little enclosed place.
Nonetheless, researchers and breeders feel that exercise, whether in the form of walks or any other activity your dog likes, should be integrated into their daily routine.
Two brisk walks would suffice for the required 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day. If you’re tired of walks, take your dog swimming, play fetch, or hide and seek, or whatever else will keep him entertained.
Although pet owners may be happy that they do not require much exercise, they must include some physical activity in their daily regimen.
Grooming the Blue Boston Terrier
This lovely little dog has a lustrous coat that has to be cleaned and groomed on a regular basis. Its coat sheds, but it isn’t a major deal. When they are shedding, you can use a grooming glove to remove the extra hair. You may need to cut their nails on a regular basis, since long nails can be harmful.
You may also wash your dog once a week. Blow-dry them before bathing them to remove any dirt. It’s also important to inspect your puppy’s teeth, since tarter (a sticky film layer) can build up quickly. This should be done once a week to avoid tartar and poor breath.
Finally, don’t forget about your dog’s eyes, which can tear and gather muck. When this happens, wipe it away with a warm towel. The Blue Boston Terrier, as you can see, is a low-maintenance puppy that doesn’t require much.
Health problems of blue Boston Terrier due to its color
Apart from the concerns that a regular Boston Terrier may have, the blue Boston Terrier has its own set of issues owing to its unique hue. His coat is the result of a genetic mutation and bad breeding procedures, therefore it’s quite improbable that it won’t cause problems.
Blue Boston Terriers suffer from “Blue Doberman Syndrome,” a medical ailment that affects dog breeds with diluted coats. The issue is exacerbated by the diluted color gene.
It causes a skin ailment known as Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA), which causes their hair to break easily and cause them to lose a lot of hair in the form of dry, itchy patches or an overall hair fall.
The dog may appear normal at first, but problems may emerge after the first six months. Despite the name, this ailment has been identified in other breeds as well; as a result, it is connected with practically all dogs with diluted coat colors.
Don’t let this deter you from bringing these lovely creatures into your home; despite a skin ailment, they are in excellent health. All of their problems might be skin-related, necessitating treatment.
However, despite the fact that this condition is incurable due to the fact that it is a hereditary disorder, you should be grateful. With the help of a qualified veterinarian, it is reasonably simple to maintain.
There’s also a study that confirms dog with light coat colors has a very high risk of going deaf. Dogs that are the most affected have the following coat colors:
- white
- piebald or white with spotting
- roan or white and grey mixed through the coat
- merle or also desaturated colors, so when black become greys or blues
Most common health conditions
Despite the fact that the blue Boston Terrier breed canines are active and lively, they are prone to a few health issues. Breathing and vision difficulties are the most obvious, but there are other hereditary abnormalities as well.
The Boston Terrier, like other small dogs, is vulnerable to bacterial and viral diseases such as Provo, rabies, and distemper. However, effective vaccines can greatly reduce the risk of illness.
All of these issues, however, are frequent in Boston Terriers. With its distinctive hue, the blue Boston Terrier has its own set of issues. Let’s start with some of the issues that your dog could experience, regardless of its color.
Here are some of the health issues that your dog may face; keep in mind that these hazards may or may not impact your dog depending on your location, the age of the dog, and other variables.
Either way, most of them are healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.
Breathing problems
Your dog’s continuous snoring, snorting, and difficulty breathing might be a symptom of a medical condition. Boston Terriers are prone to Brachycephalic Syndrome.
An abnormality in the upper respiratory system causes resistance in the nose and larynx, which leads to this condition. Lesser issues include Satanic nares, extended soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules, which are subclasses of this condition.
This is a hereditary condition that affects dogs with a lot of overlaying tissues. Don’t worry; there are several effective therapies available.
Typically, veterinarians recommend administering medicine to the dog in the form of food or providing guidance on how to feed the dog a healthy diet.
Obesity problems
This is a common canine condition, but for a Boston Terrier, it is quite dangerous. This mostly damages the dog’s joints while also causing metabolic, digestive, and cardiovascular disorders.
They are prone to dietary allergies, therefore they must carefully monitor and balance their daily intake. The patent ductus arteriosus and the mitral valve are two common conditions.
Orthopedic problems
The owner of a Boston Terrier should be aware of this critical health concern. A patellar luxation is a knee dislocation. If left untreated, it can lead to serious issues such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture and Arthritis.
Pain, limping, difficulty extending the legs, and lethargy are common symptoms. If you suspect any of the symptoms, you should see a veterinarian. Hemivertebra and hip dysplasia are two more disorders.
Skin issues
Dogs, like people, suffer from allergies. However, rather than sneezing, allergens damage their skin. Atopy is the term for skin allergies in Boston Terriers. Pyoderma, demodectic mange, and mast cell cancers can all result from this.
The skins, feet, and paws are usually diseased. It’s easy to spot if your dog’s skin is itchier than usual and if they have regular ear infections. This condition can be treated in a variety of ways.
Boston Terriers, like other dogs, are prone to hair loss. Their skin becomes dry as a result of this.
Hearing problems
Constant itching, a terrible odor emanating from the ear, and strange head shaking are all signs that your dog is becoming deaf. The sooner you see a veterinarian, the more likely your dog will be spared from deafness.
Eye issues
Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems. As they become older, their chances of being blind increase. It may, however, be avoided with adequate care.
If the dog’s eyes are scratched often, a corneal ulcer can develop. Corneal dystrophy develops as a result, which can be extremely painful and lead to complete blindness.
Cataracts affect the eyes of older dogs, causing them to become hazy. It can potentially lead to diabetes. Cherry eye, dry eye, glaucoma, and entropion are the other eye illnesses.
What Does A Blue Blue Boston Terrier Cost?
These cool puppies come at a cost, which isn’t inexpensive to begin with.
A purebred blue Boston Terrier can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200. Puppies that aren’t purebred Boston Terriers are less expensive.
The higher the price, the more likely you are to acquire a high-quality blue Boston Terrier puppy.
Their snacks and meals might be a little price too. Depending on the quality of the cuisine, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $700 a month.
Additionally, if you have no prior expertise grooming dogs, you will need to set aside money for a groomer. Depending on the services you desire, it might cost anywhere from $30 to $500.
The cost of caring for a blue Boston Terrier is fairly high, especially given their medical issues. Vet bills may be highly expensive, up to $1,100!
Where can I buy Blue Boston Terrier puppies?
Purchasing a blue Boston Terrier isn’t as difficult as it appears. You may easily discover folks sailing it or giving it up for adoption if you search online. People frequently look for it on Pinterest since there are so many possibilities to choose from.
There are a few internet farms where individuals look after pets in exchange for money. The American Kennel Club is a well-known website that offers Boston Terriers in return for money.
The Boston Terrier is taken up for adoption by Dog Rescue Groups, Public Animal Shelters, and Humane Societies, and it is also given up for adoption.
It may be purchased from a show breeder. Usually, they breed the dogs and then sell them. The trick to buying a blue Boston Terrier is to be as cautious as possible
Scammers abound on the internet, ready to deceive you at any time. So, if you’re one of those people who can’t trust anyone online, go to a pet store.
As a result, it will not be difficult for you to find it in local pet stores. The most essential thing to remember when purchasing this dog is to determine if the breed can or cannot survive in the living circumstances in which you intend to keep him.
A competent professional breeder will provide you with a certificate of eye registry dated within a year as well as an orthopedic certificate from a local institution for both parents of the Boston Terrier you are having.
Conclusion
The Blue Boston Terrier is a beautiful and rare dog. They have all the best traits of a Boston Terrier but with a unique color. So, if you’re only looking for that, then they are the dog for you.
But, we would never encourage you to get one. First of all because of the price. They can cost up to 2500 dollars. And secondly, because these dogs can be very sick.
Because of their color and the rare gene they carry they are more susceptible to certain health problems. Of course, your breeder won’t tell you this. They only want your money, they don’t care what will happen to the dog.
We don’t want to scare you, but the grey or blue color is beautiful. But it’s not worth it. You should go for a healthy dog, choose a breed by its characteristics. And not only looks.
So, you should do a lot of research on Blue Boston Terriers and all the risks that come with them. Know that it’s a big responsibility and a lot of work. After that, you can decide if they are really the dog for you.