A Blue Boston Terrier?!
Yep… you heard me right!
Just when you thought you knew about every Boston Terrier color…
It’s probably not what you’re thinking— Blue dogs are more of a silver-ish grey color than sky-blue.
Read on to learn all about the different types of Blue Boston Terriers, their health problems, how much they cost, and more!
Blue is not an official Boston Terrier color…
The AKC only recognizes 5 colors for Boston Terriers.
While Blue isn’t one of the AKC’s 5 official Boston Terrier colors, it’s definitely one of the most desired— and it’s probably not as “blue” as you’d first imagine…
Not all colors are equal
Some colors are prone to certain health issues— unfortunately, Blue is one of these colors.
Blue dogs (not just Boston Terriers) are prone to a skin condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia.
What does a Blue Boston Terrier look like?
Check out this video of these Blue Boston Terrier puppies…
What makes Blue Boston Terriers Blue?
A mutation in the melanophillin gene (MLPH) causes pigments intended to be black to take on a silver/gray appearance. This is also known as a dilution gene. There are multiple variants for the color dilution gene that can give the Blue apperance.
Blue Boston Terrier Variations
There’s more than just plain “blue” Boston Terriers— some other variations of the Blue Boston Terrier include…
- Blue
- Blue Pied
- Blue Fawn
- Blue Merle
- Blue Sable
- Blue & Tan
How much is a Blue Boston Terrier?
The average Boston Terrier costs ~$1,200— a Blue Boston Terrier should cost about the same as any other Boston Terrier…
Blue Boston Terriers are rare!
You don’t see Blue Boston Terriers every day!
Considering the rarity of Blue Boston Terriers, some breeders will charge more than the average Boston Terrier for their Blue puppies— but others will charge the same as any other color… it depends on the breeder.
Not without controversy
Some consider these unofficial Boston Terrier colors to be “fad” colors— some breeders even mix their Boston Terriers with other breeds to create these “rare” colors.
This practice can sometimes result in certain health issues that would not be present in a purebred Boston Terrier.
For example, a 100% White Boston Terrier would be at a much higher risk of deafness than another color.
Blue Boston Terrier Health Problems
While Blue Boston Terriers are prone to all the same issues as every other Boston Terrier, they are uniquely affected by a condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia.
Not every Blue Boston Terrier suffers from Color Dilution Alopecia, however, it is not uncommon.
What is Color Dilution Alopecia?
Color dilution alopecia is a hereditary skin disease that causes dry skin, flaky & itchy skin, and hair thinning & loss.
There is no cure for Color Dilution Alopecia, but its symptoms can be managed by avoiding things that irritate the skin and treating any skin infections that arise.
Color Dilution Alopecia at a Glance
- Diagnosis involves ruling out other issues
- A genetic condition— more common in Blue dogs
- Age of onset is between 6 months to 2-3 years of age
- Most common in Blue dogs but also seen in Fawn dogs
- No cure— but it can be managed with moisturizers, dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, etc.
Symptoms of Color Dilution Alopecia include…
- Thin hair
- A dry & dull coat
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hair loss that progressively gets worse— it starts out as patches of hair loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Blue Boston Terriers Purebred?
It depends. Some Blue Boston Terriers are purebred— but lots aren’t (they get their Blue color by being mixed with another breed that carries the gene).
Are Blue Boston Terriers recognized by the AKC?
No. Blue is not one of the 5 official Boston Terrier colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The colors recognized by the AKC are: Black & White, Black Brindle & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White, and Seal Brindle & White.
Official AKC Boston Terrier Colors
- Black & White
- Black Brindle & White
- Brindle & White
- Seal & White
- Seal Brindle & White
Can you register a Blue Boston Terrier with the AKC?
No. According to the AKC’s Boston Terrier Breed Standard, a Boston Terrier with any color not described in the standard is subject to disqualification— Blue is not one of the colors described in the breed standard.
Disqualifications: Eyes blue in color or any trace of blue. Dudley nose. Docked tail. Solid black, solid brindle, or solid seal without required white markings. Any color not described in the standard
AKC Boston Terrier Breed Standard
Cheryl Hernandez
Sunday 26th of March 2023
I have a blue Boston who will be one at the end of April , 2023. He has had no problems at all. His tcoat is beautiful and so so smart. I taught him to ring the bells on the door to go out in 3 days. This was the best thing he has done for me!!! We are now trying the skateboard!!! I am in love with my Tuckerππ
frenchiewiki
Sunday 26th of March 2023
Hi Cheryl,
So glad to hear that you've got yourself a wonderful Blue Boston Terrier. Sounds like you've got a smart one too!
I can't believe you were able to train him to ring the bell to go out β I wish my Frenchie would; she doesn't even bark lol.
We'd love to see him skateboarding! If he learns and you'd like to share a video with us, you can send it to us at contact@frenchiewiki.com
Best wishes to you and Tucker, FrenchieWiki