The Boston Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds all over the world. They were initially bred to be fighting dogs, but today, they’re gentle, affectionate companions with tuxedo-like markings that earned them the nickname “American Gentleman.”
The Red Boston Terrier is a “member” of the Boston Terrier dog breed, but one thing distinguishes it from its family: fur color. However, this breed is the most well-known out of all the non-traditional colors of Boston Terriers.
Do you want to know everything about this dog with its amazing fur color and unique characteristics? Continue reading. But first, let’s see what we know so far about Boston Terriers in general.
Breed Information
It’s a well-known fact that Boston Terriers were bred in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s. There are few stories about their origins. Still, the most popular is the one about a dog named Judge.
As per that story, the Red Boston Terrier descends from a canine named Judge, possibly a hybrid between the now-extinct white English Terrier and bulldog. Judge’s proprietor, Robert C. Hooper, bred him with another Burnett’s Gyp, and one of the pups was Wells’ Eph. Eph’s descendants are the forefather of today’s Boston Terriers.
In 1889, approximately 30 holders of Boston Bull Terriers constructed the American Bull Terrier Club, and they named such dogs bull terriers or Round Heads. Nonetheless, Bulldog and Bull Terrier lovers complained about the name.
As the Bulldog breeds had a lot of authority with the American Kennel Club (AKC) at that period, the Boston Bull Terrier lovers agreed to change the title of their association to the Boston Terrier Club, in homage to the motherland of the breed. People then began citing the dog breed as Boston Bulls.
The AKC understood the breed in 1893. The Boston Terrier was among one of the initial non-sporting dogs bred in the United States and was the initial of the ten made-in-America breeds presently identified by the AKC.
Even though these days, it sounds odd, Boston Terriers certainly have been bred to be vicious pit fighters. As this dog was named in the 19th century, the American Gentleman is undoubtedly a lover, not a combatant. However, males are known to exhibit their terrier lineage with a bit of posturing when they believe another dog is occupying their neighborhood.
How Big Does A Boston Terrier Get?
The Boston Terrier is a jolly, extremely intelligent, compactly built, smooth-coated, short-headed, short-tailed, nicely-balanced dog. It is a seal, brindle, or black, proportionally marked using white.
The head is in percentage to the dog’s height, and the expression implies a high degree of opinion.
This dog commonly poses 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs nearly 12 to 25 pounds.
The Red Boston Terrier must do well on a high-quality dog diet, whether manufactured commercially or home-prepared. A few dogs are inclined to be overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight level.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier’s lifespan is about 11 to 13 years. A few Boston Terriers may live for longer (nearly 15 years) or shorter based on their diet, lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
Correlated with identical-sized dog breeds, the Boston Terrier’s lifespan falls under average and barely is not long enough. The truth is that a few dogs die a lot youthful, and others at live to a ripe old age.
You can boost a Boston Terrier’s life longing with the given tips:
– Pick the correct breeder
– A decent diet (quality dog food)
– Control the dog’s weight
– Regular workout
– Health maintenance (go to the vet for standard check-ups)
Boston Terrier – Standard Colors Description
In the initial days, the breed’s hue and markings were not considered highly Significant. Besides, although the dogs being bred met the regular norms outlined by the kennel club, there was inconsistency within this breed.
After years of thorough inbreeding to establish the type, the Red Boston Terrier or other Boston terriers as we know them today were developed. In the mid-1900s, the breed’s unique markings and pigment were composed into the criterion, making them a crucial characteristic of the breed.
As per the AKC’s declarations, the following are the capable colors of the Boston terrier breed:
Black and White
Brindle and White
Black, Brindle, and White
Seal (black, with a red cast in bright sunlight) and White
White and Seal Brindle
The most recent edition of the American Kennel Club breed standard also details normal and established white markings. The most excellent places for Boston Terriers to display their signature white markings are a muzzle band, chest splash, and ablaze between the eyes. It is possible (but not exceptional) to show white markings on the legs (hocks) and collar.
In the given section, we shall take a closer look at the most typical Boston Terrier colors:
Black and White coat color – This fur color presents the Boston Terrier with a dignified “tuxedo” eye, accountable for the dg’s nickname, “American Gentleman.” With this fur color, black rules and white is an accent hue. In order to be authentic Boston Terrier colors of white and black, the nose will be black,, and the eyes will be dark brown.
Brindle and White – The brindle color is technically a design of markings instead of a solid (self) coat color. Brindle may differ from dark to light, and its base can be dilute or dominant.
A dilute hue is a recessive trait of a dominant color like black or brown. For instance, a dilute black may appear to be lilac or blue while a dilute brown may just seem like red. It is crucial to know that authentic Boston Terrier colors are brindle and white, and will also possess dark brown eyes with a black nose.
Seal and White – The white and seal coat color is usually referred to as white and brown. This is a pleasing Boston Terrier coat shade if you desire to show your dog a breed to American Kennel Club standards in the future.
The seal can be a challenging color to identify for those who are highly new to this Boston Terrier breed. This color appears solid black till the light strikes it in a particular way to obtain red undertones. A right seal-and-white Boston Terrier dog will also have to reveal brown eyes with a black nose.
When most individuals consider Boston Terrier colors, they automatically imagine the ones we just noted. So, it can be an astonishment to discover that there are more Boston Terrier fur colors! For now, let us focus on the red Boston terrier first.
Red Boston Terrier – Basic Info
The red Boston Terrier originated from the deviation of Boston Terriers. It outlines its origin in 1865, which is a cross between an English terrier and an English bulldog. The first thing you witness about these canines is their diverse color coat; red fur color, which is believed non-standard for its breed and causes them to become distinct from the remaining Boston Terriers.
Let’s review the table with Red Boston Terrier essential information:
Height
15–17 in
Weight
12–25 lbs
Average Lifespan
11–13 years
Coat Colors
Red and white
Fit for
Active families having older children or experienced pet owners
Temperament
Entertaining, people-oriented, and attractive
The red coat of this dog showcases a liver-toned shade. Mot non-reputable breeders gain hefty amounts by declaring that this shade is ‘rare.’ This kind of colored Boston terrier is really not that infrequent and, in fact, is famous with Boston Terrier lovers as well!
The name “Red Boston Terrier” is mainly used as a marketing scheme to let breeders charge an additional amount for their dogs, even though this red pigment is not any rarer than the standard black-and-white coloration.
However, many organizations do not acknowledge this color (also expressed as liver color). We will talk more about it later in this article.
Red Boston Terriers are precisely similar to regular Boston Terriers, and only they hold a red coloration. They are not indeed a different breed and are remarkably similar in character. The only distinction is their coloration.
These adorable puppies are fond of human relations, too. That being said, they form an excellent match for anyone willing to buy a dog.
The red Boston Terrier might be unique to its kind, but it is still perplexed by the similarly-appearing Boxer and French Bulldog. Let’s witness what we understand about this dog’s physical build.
Red Boston Terrier – Physical Appearance
The Red Boston Terrier is quite compactly-built. It is 12 to 25 pounds in weight and 15 to 17 inches in height. This canine is from a lineage of brachycephalic dogs ( a few other examples include English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Boxers, and others), dogs with snipped snouts.
Here is what the red Boston Terrier seems like in physical appearance:
• Facial design: It holds a flat skull structure, a square jaw, and a short head. The head is in balance with its size.
• Coat: It has an attractive red-carpet-ready face, an appreciation for its tuxedo-like fur. There is an irregular shade of copper-red to a vivid red in this shade. White markings are on the chest, around the muzzle, and between the eyes.
• Nose: The nose of a true red Boston Terrier seems reddish-brown, and it is quite the same as its paw color.
• Eyes: The big, almost-pleading stunning eyes are positioned widely apart. Red Boston canines can have blue eyes, but this generally transforms into amber when they get four to six months old.
• Ears: Their huge cat-like ears are erect. They are little in size and positioned on the corners of their skull, inherently making the figure of the head as square as attainable.
• Muzzle: The muzzle is deep and short, wrinkle-free, and square-shaped. On top of its matte cheeks, this provides a pushed-in facial impression.
• Body: The body is short but muscular and sturdy. It has a wide chest, a short tail and limbs, and a typically pugnacious stance.
As you can notice, besides its color, the red Boston Terrier is not significantly different from the different Boston Terriers. It is only different due to its build. Usually, the traditional Boston Terrier holds dark-colored eyes, but the red one has gold or amber.
We already cited the disparity in fur coloring. But, if we are speaking regarding a purebred red Boston dog, it must possess the same proper white markings and possess similar traits as the different Boston pups.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Red Boston Terriers?
Unfortunately, the Boston Club of America and the American Kennel Club do not remember the red-coated Boston as a breed average.
The American Kennel Club has some criteria based on which a dog is recorded with the club. This club selects an original Boston Terrier as per a set of attributes, including the known appearance, presentation, and individual body parts.
The red Boston Terrier falls short in a few classes. It does not fit right under the black-colored nose and dark-colored eyes criteria; hence, it could not partake in AKC dog shows.
Quite unjust, we understand! So, what does this signify? This simply means that you cannot go to American Kennel Club- (or another kennel club) supported events or contests with your dog. As they cannot be recorded with the AKC, this does not mean that red Boston Terriers are not outstanding dogs!
Red Boston Terrier Genetics
What fur color a dog will possess dramatically is based on its genetics. Two primary pigments pick the coat color:
• eumelanin (or black tint), and
• phaeomelanin (or yellow/red tint)
The genes regulate each of these two fur colors. It decides how much of the pigments are generated and where they are created.
The red dog coat is created when the gene (e) stops the exhibition of the black pigment till what’s left is the display of the red pigment. A canine with two replicas of the gene (e) will hand it on to 100% of its progeny. Since the red Boston Terrier delineates its forefathers to the white English terrier and Bulldog, its red coloration can be connected to the Bulldog heritage.
As the red hue of these small dogs is a creation of genetic mutation, many individuals believe that these canines are more inclined to health issues simply because they seem different. But, this is only a myth that has been debunked over the years.
On the other hand, there is a concern about hair loss, allergies, skin problems, and even deafness in Blue Boston Terriers and different rare-colored Bostons. Albino Boston Terriers, for example, can have more increased cases of irritations and skin allergies. Also, their chance of sunburn seems to be more elevated.
However, this is not the issue with the Red Boston Terrier – there are minor known behavioral and health defects related to its color.
Red Boston Terrier Puppies – How Much Do They Cost?
Red Boston Terriers must not be more costly than a standard Boston Terrier. A few breeders might try to trade them at a heightened cost and claim that these dogs are “rare,” but never fall for that.
These canines can be anywhere between $600 to $1,200 (the moderate price is $989).
The average cost of Boston Terriers varies from $350 to $4,000. The cost increases significantly more increased for a top-quality dog with impressive lineage. Other elements such as the gender, health, and age of a dog and the breeder’s certificate are also expense indicators.
Red Boston Terrier’s Personality
Red Boston Terriers are highly adaptable and can reside in homes and apartments if they are saved from extreme cold or heat. They love being around people, whether they are familiar with the person or not.
You can bring them for a walk and foresee them interested in everyone, like individuals moving, walking past, sitting beside, etc. They are a highly people-oriented dog breed.
These dogs are gentle but might not necessarily be fantastic with small children as they can be readily injured. They are sometimes defensive of their owner and sometimes grow to gluey with the owner.
Red Boston Terriers are incredibly intelligent, caring, and have an excellent character. However, they can evolve stubbornly without appropriate training, so perseverance and consistency are undeniably musts when training.
Most Red Boston Terrier owners also compliment the dog’s easy-to-train mindset, but each canine is unique. Some are additionally amenable to training than others. If your dog appears unwilling to get with the schedule, try to reason out what inspires it. Usually, food works, but credit or a favorite toy might also be the key to thriving training.
Red Boston Terriers are incredibly cuddly, sharp, and rarely aggressive. They grow to be hyperactive, too, which needs constant exercise. Besides being smaller breeds, they have a lot of stamina and are required to play and take walks every day. However, as mentioned overhead, they have an issue with overheating, so you better be sure that they do not overexert themselves while playing alone outside!
However, because they are more diminutive, they do not require as much training as more extensive dogs. They can perform in a city very well as long as you wander them regularly.
Allowing this dog out into your backyard does not count as training– it’ll probably only sit at the doorstep waiting to be allowed back in. Left alone for extended periods, a Boston will grow to become frustrated and generate undesirable behaviors. However, throw in a toy or a ball, and it will be more than delighted to play with you.
As with all dog breeds, early socialization is advised. Socialization refers to firmly exposing the canine to a wide diversity of people, places, and necessities, which will help your canine grow into a well-mannered, well-adjusted adult. Treats make a significant training incentive.
Many red Boston Terriers are susceptible; for them, mild corrections should be pursued by warmth and praise.
Grooming: Taking Proper Care Of Your Red Boston Terrier
Red Boston Terriers are generally straightforward to groom. Although they shed, it’s minimal and must be easily managed by regular brushing. Brush their fur weekly using a firm bristle brush, and provide them an occasional bath when needed.
Because terrier’s eyes are so massive and prominent, you must wash their faces each day and view their eyes for redness and irritation symptoms. Brush the dog’s teeth at least twice or thrice a week; daily brushing is even more excellent if you want to avoid gum disease issues and bad breath.
Trim your dog’s nails one or two times a month if your dog does not wear them down nicely to avoid pain and other issues. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they have become too long. If you are not experienced with trimming nails, visit a vet or a groomer for suggestions.
Red Boston Terrier ears must be checked once a week for redness or a poor odor, suggesting an infection. When you monitor your dog’s ears, clean them out using a cotton ball wetted with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to assist in preventing infections. Do not insert anything into their ear canal; just wipe the outer ear.
Start accustoming your red Boston Terrier to being examined and brushed when it’s a little pup. Make grooming a great experience filled with rewards and praise, and you will set the groundwork for effortless veterinary exams and another handling when the dog becomes an adult.
Red Boston Terrier: Food And Diet Needs
How much an adult dog consumes in a day depends on its build, age, size, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are also individuals, just like us, and they do not all need the exact amount of meals.
As a small dog, Red Boston Terrier does not eat very much. Due to this, it is more manageable to feed them high-quality food than it is a bigger-sized dog, such as a Great Dane, for instance. They consume less, so you can usually afford to feed them a bit more high-quality food than you might your large dog.
These dogs can consume any commercial dog food. Due to their common health issues, you might want to feed them exceptionally high-quality dog food. Of course, there is no assurance that the food will avoid any health problems, but it will not hurt!
Male Vs. Female Red Boston Terrier: Is There Any Difference?
Both female and male red Boston Terrier dogs are tremendous companion dogs. There is not much variation between them. Male red Boston Terriers are somewhat taller than females; they may grow up to 17 inches, whereas females grow up to 15 inches. They are also heavier. Adult males weigh nearly 10 to 25 pounds, while adult females weigh between 9 to 20 pounds.
When it arrives to temperament, there are a few differences. The female red Boston Terrier tends to mature faster than the male counterpart. Females also are inclined to be more dominant, territorial, and bossy, while males are more friendly and loving. Due to their fast maturity, females are deemed more smart and effortless to train.
On the other hand, male terriers can be childish and stubborn. They can also show a dominant nature when they feel other dogs are occupying their territory.
Are Red Boston Terriers Good Family Dogs?
Yes, the red Boston terrier is a family dog, but of course, when these dogs are appropriately socialized. They adore children and are loved by people of all ages with their cute appearance. They are perfect companions for apartment dwellers and older people.
Red Boston Terriers are ideal pets for an active family. They cherish playing fetch and are perfect at things like agility training – even if you do not plan on competing.
We have already given above that these dogs are well-known for their human-oriented nature. They are highly curious but very alert and can sometimes be a bit noisy. However, they are not half as yappy as other breeds.
Furthermore, these canines are sturdy, but they are also tiny. Toddlers and small children can hurt them if kids are not used to being delicate with animals. This can result in biting and snapping.
Unfortunately, kids are not capable of interpreting the dog’s language, nor is the dog able to communicate in any other way. Therefore, nearly all dog bites are a consequence of failure on the parents’ part to identify and avoid potential problematic circumstances.
Nonetheless, this does not entirely take the blame away from the canine. Dogs are quite capable of knowing how to control their behavior and not snap or bite someone, and older children can quickly learn to ‘let the dog sit alone.’
However, if a dog bite happens, the blame must rest with the grown-ups for failing to avoid it, and the dog and child should not be granted a punishment for acting like children or dogs. A small child and a dog should never be left with each other. Even the oldest, nicest, most passive dog and the most well-behaved kid cannot entirely be trusted alone. That’s why children must constantly monitor them.
Are Red Boston Terriers Good With Other Dogs And Pets?
The Boston Terrier does not possess powerful prey instincts, and because of their instincts, they usually will not go after cats or other tiny animals. So, it’s not strange to find your Boston terrier napping with the family cat.
They are not specially very cordial to more dogs and are not highly pack-oriented. However, if they grow a bond with other canines, they start being friendly toward the dogs. If you work all day long and are bound to a hectic schedule, it can be nice to have a second Boston so that they can keep each other company.
They can be a bit protective of their owner, which you’ll need to keep in mind when introducing new dogs into your household. However, they are often not protective against the dogs they grow up with. If you socialize them with a wide variety of canines when they are young, they will normally turn out very cordial or friendly.
The Red Boston Terrier: Health Issues
No medical issues are specific to terrier dogs (just because the red Boston Terrier possesses a non-standard color does not automatically indicate it is less healthy).
These dogs are generally healthy. Also, their average lifespan is about 11 to 13 years. But, like different dogs, they are inclined to develop a few conditions. If you wish to buy a red Boston terrier pup, seek health clearances to ensure that it is free from any allergies or diseases.
The common health problems that you need to monitor your dog for are:
Brachycephalic Syndrome: This is a unique respiratory condition associated with the nose structure and short muzzle of Boston Terriers. It usually refers to the combination of the given conditions:
Elongated Soft Palate: the roof of the terrier’s mouth is highly long, and it reaches up to the airways.
Everted Laryngeal saccules: the tissues present in front of the vocal cords, known as laryngeal saccules, are pulled into their trachea.
Stenotic Nares: the nostrils are incredibly narrow.
These ailments lead to the blockage of proper airflow and thus disrupt breathing.
Cataracts – This eye disease refers to an inherited lack of vision or blindness, which can occur later or earlier in any stage of a dog’s life. It shows as a clouded film that shields the eye’s lenses, making it unable to view anything.
Patellar Luxation – The patella refers to the kneecap. Luxation refers to the dislocation of the anatomical part. Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint (usually of a hind leg) glides in and out of position, causing immense pain. This could be crippling, but many dogs may live relatively regular lives with this disorder.
Allergies – Skin and eye allergies are present in dogs. Commonly itching, excessive rubbing, and watery eyes are seen.
Deafness – This is more regular in older dogs and white Boston Terriers. Deafness can be avoided by comprehensive vet supervision.
Cherry eye- This is a prolapse of the gland of the dog’s third eyelid that is considered to be genetic in the root. It often occurs in dogs that are less than one year old. A few vets reposition the gland using surgeries to its actual site at the bottom of the third eyelid, while others dismiss the prolapsed gland completely.
The Bottom Line
Red Boston Terriers are attractive little dogs and excellent family dog candidates. They are effortless to train and get along with other animals and individuals when well-socialized. However, early socialization is required because they can be a bit defensive of their direct owner.
The coat color is the only thing that differentiates it from the remaining Boston Terriers. Other features or characteristics are pretty much the same. Therefore, bring this pet with complete faith, and never let the wrong online information about these cute canines mislead you.