If a Boston Terrier is white is that a mutation or unknown mix breed?

Question

I am getting a brindle colored boston terrier pup with white over one eye. He is for a pet and family member, not for breeding or show. His mother is White (well, really, really light liver - you have to look hard) with all the right tuxedo markings and his dad is brown and white with all the right tuxedo markings. I have since read a lot of controversy about boston's "true" colors. I understand his parents wouldn't qualify for "show", but is there any reason to be concerned about his health or temperament based on his parents color???

Answer 1

The white is limited,, because there is a link to too much white and DEAF puppies,, This is why the standard limits, white. There is a specific reason!! This is Many breeds limit white,, this includes, white boxers, Dalmations ,Australian shepherds to name a few..

I would stay away from any breeder that bred dogs that did not meet the standard, for color..or as you describe such a white dog,, Just because that is one of the simple things to see and select propper dogs for breeding on,, If they cared so little about such a obvious fault,, then what about all the other health concerns? ones that take additional testing/pedigree reaserch on?

Your puppy is a pet, and sold as such,,,than a color foault is not a big deal,, but be aware,, If the white extends over your puppies ear or ears,, It will be possible that your puppy is deaf in the ear that is entirely white,, but normal in the ear that has color, the only way to know for sure to have BEAR testing,, done,, but if the puppy is a normal acting puppy should not have any major problems if he has a deficit on one side.. and can make a nice pet,, But,, as I said,, If the breeder cares very little,, OR even is not aware why excessive white is a problem.. I would perhaps find another breeder.. because you could have a bunch of other problems in the future,, reguarless of your dogs markings..

color is the simplest thing to select for in a breeding program,, Disreguard for the standard, or breeding dogs with colors that are not allowed.. generally is a sign of a breeding program with questionable motives,, Rare and unsuall always sells, or convience of dogs avalible reguardless if thoes dog have the nessicary qualites for a breeding dog in the first place..
I guess the question is,, they are selling you a BOSTON.. then why are they breeding dogs that do not fit the standard? What other things are they not checking, or screening for?
good luck

Answer 2

Well, you are right to be concerned.

You should check out the ckc or akc website and see what the breed standard is for boston terriers. That is who will have the correct answer. The reason that it is important to know, is that a breeder who is breeding dogs that do not conform to the breed standard are not reputable breeders. If, as you said, the parent's wouldn't qualify for show, than that would be your answer right there, and I would definately walk away now, and find someone who breeds dogs that not only conform to the standard to the untrained eye, but that have specifically shown in the show ring and judged to be so, by the akc or ckc.

This is the only way that the breeder can know whether or not the dogs that they are breeding are of breeding quality, and will produce pups that conform to the breed standard. Reputable breeders do not want to breed non conforming dogs because if they do they are "tainting" the breed, and if they all did this in 15-20 years who knows what bostons would look like or act like, or what their health would be like.

This is a very summed up answer, but it's true, so while your dog is only a pet and it's colours don't really matter, you should be concerned about wether or not the breeder has done any genetic health testing to make sure that the dogs she's breeding do not have defects that are common to boston terriers. But since you've already said that the parents are not of show quality, than that means that they are absolutely not of breeding quality regardless of what they tell you. Do not be fooled by them saying that some dog somewhere in the pups lineage was a champion or whatever, they lie, and being ckc registered doesn't really mean anything unfortunatlely it is very easy to register any dog as they dont' actually do dna testing or anything to verify that the pups actually come from the parents the breeder says they do. It's a whole other long story.

Anyhow, you are being very smart by questioning this situation, most people don't. So, do some more research and check out some other boston breeders websites, and you should start to get a sense of who is legitimate and who isn't after a while. Just remember, an irresponsible breeder will never admit that they are, you just have to go with your gut, and that in the end a dog from a bad breeder could end up with any type of behavioural or health problem down the road, so it's a big gamble.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

Just FYI, correct coat colors in Boston Terriers are Black, Seal or Brindle with white marking. No responsible breeder would breed an incorrect coat, (i.e. WHITE), so I'd be wary of the breeder you're dealing with. Secondly, Amanda is correct, the gene which carries white coat color can carry other genetic defects with it in some breeds, such as deafness. I think you should look into getting a dog from a truly responsible breeder. Try the breeder referral contact at the Breed's Parent Club:
http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/

Answer 4

The color shouldn't cause any health or temperament problems.

The controversy is that there just shouldn't be any other colors besides what is written in the breeds standard.

I know in other breeds that limit coloration some breeders are so adamant about this issue they will euthanize any puppies born in a litter that do not conform to the breed standard color limits.

Answer 5

As long as you're not breeding, his light color shouldn't matter. However, since he is still a pup, his colors may intensify. For example, a silver poodle is born black but changes to silver gradually until they're about 2 yrs old. What I have found with white or light colored dogs (I have 3 white toy poodles), you'll need to watch for sunburn on the back & face. But it doesn't affect their health or temperament.

Answer 6

check out AKC website they have each and every of the canines p.c.. on there. desire it helps. Bostons are not all white. they are black and white or brindle. Boston terriers breed replaced into made via taking a English bulldog and a white terrier.

Answer 7

If its just for a pet who cares..but Pure Bred Boston Terriers according to the AKC are Brindle, seal, or black with white markings. Brindle is preferred ONLY if all other qualities are equal. (Note: SEAL DEFINED. Seal appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light.) Disqualify: Gray or liver colors, Solid black, solid brindle or solid seal without required white markings.

There shouldn't be any health problems...Those colors just arent recognized by the AKC so if they try to say they have papers for him/her they are lying... if its for a pet it will be fine just don't pay out the nose for it...Hope this helped..

Answer 8

It is unlikely that the color of his fur will affect his health.