Boston Terrier Colors

There is quite a debate regarding Boston Terrier colors. The colors that are recognized by the AKC and Boston Terrier Club of America are: Black & White, Brindle & White and Seal & White. Just those 3 standard colors can produce a surprisingly beautiful rainbow and variety. Our philosophy over the years has changed and we only breed the colors that are included in the breed standard and can be shown in conformation.

There are non-standard colors that cannot be shown in an AKC conformation show, but can be registered AKC. These colors come from a questionable history, so we prefer to stick with the colors approved over the history of the breed.

Since there are quite a few non-standard colors and patterns in Boston Terriers, as well as the standard, let’s discuss some of them. (For more pictures of some Boston Terrier Puppies of various colors, CLICK HERE)

Our Brindle and White puppy Esme competing in an AKC Conformation Show

Standard Boston Terrier Colors

Black and White Boston Terrier

The most recognizable Boston Terrier is the Black and white Boston Terrier, They have a cute little tuxedo, and a bi-lateral mask. Black and white Boston Terrier have black noses, and black/dark brown eyes. Having an even white collar, white front socks and a full white belly are desirable. Some have tiny black freckles that show up under their fur and darken as they get older. While visible ticking is not desirable on show dogs, there is nothing wrong with it. Many develop it, especially on the belly as they age.

Brindle and White Boston Terrier

Brindle is actually a pattern and not a color. Most Bostons have at least some brindling in their coats, it is rare to get a coat completely free from brindle anymore, but some will use the terms Black and White, Brindle and White, and Black Brindle and White interchangeably.

Seal and White Boston Terrier

Many Boston Terriers are mislabeled as a Seal and White Boston Terrier on their AKC paperwork. Some confuse Seal Bostons with a Red/Brown and White Boston Terrier. Seal Boston terriers have banded hairs. The base of the hair is black and the tips of the hairs are Mohogany/Red. This means that the dog is Black in regular light, but shines red in the sun. A close look at the hairs will show the banding. Their noses are black unlike red/brown Bostons.

Non-Standard Boston Colors - Colored Boston Terriers

Brown and White Boston Terrier

Brown and White Boston Terriers, Liver Boston Terriers, Red Boston Terriers, Chocolate Boston Terriers, these are all words used to describe Bostons with brown genetics. The variety of shades are beautiful. If a breeder calls them any of the names above, don’t be confused, or think one is more valuable than another. They are all genetically the same color. Brown and White Boston Terrier noses are brown and they usually have eyes of varied shades of brown and hazel.

Blue Boston Terrier - Grey/Gray Boston Terrier

In this breed, Gray Boston Terriers are called “Blue”. Blue Boston Terriers carry a dilute gene. This means that the normal Black pigment has been diluted to grey. Blue Boston Terriers have a grey nose, grey fur, and although they are born with blue eyes, their eyes at adulthood will likely be shades of hazel, grey or green. Most web searches for Boston Terriers include those looking for pictures of a full grown Blue Boston Terrier. We have included one here and you can look at our gallery for even more full grown Boston Terrier pictures, or contact us and we are happy to direct you to the social media accounts of several of our grown puppies.

Lilac Boston Terrier (Champagne Boston Terrier?)

Lilac Boston terriers also carry a dilute gene. They are Brown Bostons where the Brown has been diluted to a tan color by this gene. This color includes a range of tan hues (some that even have a purple cast, thus the “lilac” term) and can be confusing because in many other breeds, this color is called “Champagne” but in Bostons, the title “Champagne” has been given to a much more complicated color. If a breeder is selling a tan-colored Boston Terrier and using the term Champagne, they are using an old-school term that no longer applies to this color. But that’s ok! As long as you are aware of the difference.

Fawn Boston Terrier

Fawn Boston Terriers are easiest described as having the coloring of a Fawn Boxer. Most people can call that image to mind. The body is a shade of yellow based red. Fawn Bostons have a black nose, black/dark brown eyes and black masking, as well as most have a dorsal stripe and black tipped ears. Just to make it more confusing, we are now seeing Blue Fawns and Red Fawns with the typically black parts of the fawn being blue or red.

Cream Boston Terriers and True Champagne Boston Terriers

Cream Boston Terriers have very light yellow/cream in the places the black would be on the typical Boston tuxedo. Many creams are born looking solid white, but darken as they get older. Creams have Black noses and black/dark brown eyes.

True Champagne Boston Terriers are a diluted form of Cream. They can be even lighter than a cream and have blue noses and lighter brown/hazel or grey/green eyes.

Bostons with excess white

While it is not desireable to have excess white on the face if you plan to show your Boston Terrier, it is normal and can be seen in all the colors. They can be called mismarks or high-white Bostons. Some call them “clown-faced” Bostons. Many of these can have blue eyes on the side with more white, and they can have white ears. Some believe that white ears and blue eyes could indicate deafness, so it is important that all pups are BAER tested. Also, to be safe, we prefer not to breed a dog with excess white on the face.

While people disagree about white on the face causing deafness, the white hairs on the inner ear are proven to cause deafness. We recommend all Bostons receive Baer testing for deafness as this is the only real way to know for sure if a dog is deaf. For more info on BAER testing CLICK HERE.

There are also Bostons with excess white on the body and these are called Splash Boston Terriers. This can be seen in all colors so you could say “Blue Splash Boston” meaning a Blue and white Boston with excessive white on the body. They may even look cow-spotted.