If you are exploring the world of Boston Terriers, you may have noticed a variety of colors, including the unique Blue Boston Terrier, beyond the typical black and white. If you are like me you saw a Blue Boston Terrier and said hmm that is an interesting color. However, when delving into the breed standards on AKC, you might have realized that the Blue Boston Terrier color is not officially recognized.
The Blue Boston Terrier indeed exists but is not recognized in the AKC breed standard due to its unique coat color. On the other hand, the color is recognized in other Kennel clubs including the CKC. If you find a blue Boston Terrier whose parents are AKC registered you will be able to register the puppy with the AKC.
If you’re curious about how the Blue Boston Terrier was developed and how they differ from the standard Boston Terrier, please continue reading. We will discuss how they were made, health issues, and any other differences between the Blue Boston Terrier and every other Boston Terrier.
Understanding the Unique Traits of Blue Boston Terriers
Blue Boston Terriers are not just captivating because of their unusual coat color; they are a testament to the fascinating world of canine genetics and breed development. Here’s what sets them apart:
Genetic Origin and Coloration
The hallmark of a Blue Boston Terrier is its striking blue-grey coat, a result of a rare genetic mutation in the MLPH gene. This mutation dilutes the standard black coat pigment, giving them a range from silvery blue to dark steel blue. While visually appealing, it’s important to note that this coloration is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) due to its deviation from the breed standard, which includes black, brindle, and seal colors.
Health Considerations Unique to the Blue Coat
While Blue Boston Terriers share the same lovable traits as their traditionally colored counterparts, potential health implications linked to their coat color cannot be ignored. The blue coat is sometimes associated with Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA), a condition that can cause hair loss and skin issues. Therefore, choosing a responsible breeder who prioritizes health over color is crucial. Regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure that any signs of CDA or other health issues are addressed promptly.
Care and Maintenance
Despite their unique coat color, the care requirements for Blue Boston Terriers align closely with other Boston Terriers. Their short, smooth coat demands minimal grooming, although regular brushing is recommended to maintain coat health. Being an active breed, they thrive on daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent socialization.
As for specific health considerations related to Boston Terriers, including those with blue coats, the AKC’s main page on the Boston Terrier breed offers general information about the breed’s characteristics and care. While this page does not focus exclusively on Blue Boston Terriers, it provides an overview of the breed’s temperament and needs: Boston Terrier Dog Breed Information – AKC
How did the Blue Boston Terrier get started and proof that they are real
Dog breeding is all about breeding qualities that people and the kennel clubs find appealing in a breed. Usually, these traits will be based on the breed standard but sometimes this is not the case. There are times when breeders will find and breed a quality that is not aligned with the standard.
Some examples of this are finding the meanest and biggest of a breed and breeding it with a similar dog. Then litter and letter the breeder would infuse more dogs with the same quality. Over a long time, the breeder would have bred a new standard in the bloodline.
In general, the reason that Boston Terriers have a blue coat is originally due to a dilution of their coat.
The distinctive blue in a Blue Boston Terrier results from a dilution of the traditional black coat found in standard Boston Terriers. This is due to a mutation in the chromosome pool of the Blue Boston Terrier. So instead of being a black coat, a Blue Boston comes out with a grey, silver, or blue coat.
https://www.bostonterriersociety.com/
Over time breeders have found a demand for the blue coat on their Boston Terrier puppies and have started breading them on purpose. These puppies will be marketed as rare colored blue or some other phrase. In the end, the breeder is able to increase the price 20% or more when they are selling Blue Boston Terriers.
When you read about it online you will see there are two sides to the Blue Boston Terrier conversation. On the traditional side people who are breeding their dogs to align with the standard, will point out how a Blue is not the standard and should not be bred on purpose.
The other side of the coin is the people who just like the way they look and are not worried so much about sticking to the standard. I can say that it obviously works since our first Boston Terrier Ruby is a blue.
I didn’t even know that it wasn’t part of the AKC standard until I was already in love and about to purchase her. It didn’t change my mind and I recommend you get what you want. If you are planning to breed them maybe you should stick with the standard colors but if it’s a family dog don’t worry about it.
Do Blue Boston Terriers have any extra health issues
I was concerned with if my Blue Boston Terrier would be more susceptible to health issues than a standard color Boston Terrier. I have been told in the past they solid white colors in specific breeds have more issues.
So being that a Blue Boston Terrier is caused because of a slight mutation which makes their coat lighter, I was concerned with what other issues they could have. So I did what anyone should do when they have a health question about a dog….. I read through everything on Google.
I’m just kidding, I did read up on the topic based on what I could find on Google but that is not where I ended the research. I did like everyone should do and I asked my vet. She did a full assessment of Ruby our Blue Boston Terrier and said she is fit as a fiddle.
She did point out that there are cases of breeders breeding too many close relatives together in order to get a specific color or trait. In that case, it would be more likely that health conditions could pop up. This has nothing really to do with being a Blue Boston Terrier and everything to do with getting your new puppy from a good breeder.
Conclusion
In conclusion the Blue Boston Terrier is a real color and we love ours very much. The AKC doesn’t recognize it as a breed standard but if you buy it from two AKC parents you will be able to register the puppy.
As far as how the Blue Boston Terrier was originated, it is actually a diluted or faded black due to a defect or flaw. I say that but for me it is a very cute flaw. We love our Blue Boston Terrier and she is a great dog.
If you are looking to buy a Boston Terrer for shows or breeding purposes, you may want to stay away from a Blue one. If on the other hand you are just looking for a pet and you are in love with the color like we are, well go get one.
I have read rumors on the web about the health issues that Blue Bostons have and I can say I have seen nothing different from my Blue Boston as my Black and white Boston. I have asked my Vet to take a look at my Blue Boston Terrier and she has found no issues. She also told me that I should not expect any more issues from having a Blue Boston Terrer than any other Boston Terrier.
The breed has its own problems just like any other pure breed dog. For Bostons it has a lot to do with their flat face. This causes respitory type issues and they don’t do well in extreme temperatures. All in all as long as you keep them in a comfortable environment and don’t let them get to fat, they will have a good full life.
I hope you enjoyed this post and if you get a new Blue Boston Terrier congratulations I hope you love yours as much as we love our Ruby.