Depending on the genes, Boston terriers can have a wide range of coat colors, such as all-white, pale yellow, or cream. The following guide helps you know what a Blonde Boston terrier is called, what causes the unique coat colors, and whether the AKC recognizes the dog.
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What Do You Call a Blonde Boston Terrier?
A Blonde Boston terrier is commonly called a white and tan Boston terrier or white and cream Boston terrier. Blonde Bostons are like normal Bostons, only that they are born with a cream or pale yellow color, which makes them look unique.
However, as the dog ages, the cream or pale yellow color might start darkening, giving the dog a tan-like cream coat. Sometimes the puppy can be born with an all-white coat, making it look like an albino. The following guide details the causes of blonde coats in Bostons and their implications in dog shows.
Causes of Blonde Coats
The wide range of colors in Bostons is determined by the pheomelanin (red) and eumelanin (black) pigments. The melanocyte cells in the dog’s hair follicles determine the basic color by adding melanin to the growing hair, which darkens the hair.
Although pheomelanin is black by default and eumelanin red by default, they can produce a wide range of colors depending on the manipulation of genes. For instance, pheomelanin can create tan, yellow, gold, cream, and orange color variations.
In Blonde Bostons, the E (extension) locus creates the red or yellow coats as well as the black facial mask. This gene’s manipulation of the pheomelanin pigment is responsible for the pale yellow or cream coat color in Bostons.
Boston Colors Recognized by the American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club has strict rules and policies on the dogs it registers and officially recognizes in dog shows and competitions. In most cases, the dog needs to be purebred with specific coat colors. For instance, the following are the coat colors the AKC recognizes for purebred Boston terriers:
- Seal brindle and white
- Brindle and white
- Black brindle and white
- Seal and white
- Black and white
Keeping in mind that the Blonde variations don’t match the above color specifications, they are not officially recognized by the AKC.
How the AKC Treats Blonde Bostons
Although the AKC doesn’t officially recognize the Blonde variations as they don’t meet the color specifications of a purebred dog, it has some considerations if both parents are purebred. Generally, this is because the puppy is also purebred, only that there are gene mutations that result in unrecognized colors.
As a result, the AKC tends to register these dogs. However, the dogs are not allowed to participate in official dog shows such as the Conformation shows. However, the dog might be allowed to participate in other AKC venues such as agility, rally, and obedience shows.
Behavioral and Physical Attributes of a Blonde Boston Terrier
Although the Blonde versions have different coat colors that can make you think they are a mixed breed or a different breed altogether, they are like the standard Boston terriers with the following behavioral and physical attributes.
Physical Appearance
Like the standard Bostons, Blonde Bostons have three weight categories: miniature, medium, and large. The miniature versions usually weigh under 15 pounds, the medium versions weigh around 15 to 20 pounds, and the larger versions weigh 20 to 25 pounds.
Generally, males are larger than females, with males having a standing height of around 17 inches and females having a standing height of about 16 inches. These dogs have broad chests and well-proportioned and muscular bodies, which makes them look compact.
Boston has square heads that look flat from the top and small erect ears. However, some dogs might have floppy ears, which are usually cropped to erect. The muzzles are short, broad, and square-shaped, which makes the dogs prone to Brachycephalic health issues.
Grooming
The grooming requirements of the Blonde versions are the same as that of the standard versions. Simply brush the Boston at least once a week using a bristle brush. Bathe the dog once per two weeks to six weeks, depending on the weather and exercise levels.
You can trim the nails after two weeks or after a bath when the nails are soft. Since these dogs’ eyes are large and prominent, they are prone to dirt and debris. It’s, therefore, advisable to wash the dog’s face daily to reduce the chances of eye irritations.
Temperament
Boston terriers were developed in the 1800s by crossing the English White Terrier and the bulldog. The dogs were initially bred to participate in dog-fighting sports. As a result, Bostons tend to inherit their parents’ territorial and overprotective nature.
Their territorial instincts make them unfriendly towards strangers and other pets. Keeping in mind that these dogs can be aggressive when provoked, it’s not advisable to leave them with children unsupervised. However, you can prevent excessive aggression through early training and socialization.
Even with these instincts, Boston terriers are affectionate and loving towards their family members. Combined with their protective nature, they can be great watchdogs. However, their affectionate nature makes them prone to stress and separation anxiety if you leave them alone for an extended time.
Training
The dominating nature of the Blonde Boston makes them stubborn and challenging to train. Using punitive measures to force the dog to follow the commands tends to provoke it and make it aggressive and more stubborn. It’s therefore advisable to use reward-based training to encourage the dog to obey.
Related Questions
Can the Boston Terrier Coat Color Cause Health Issues?
Yes, the coat color can cause health issues. For instance, all-white Bostons are prone to skin issues such as allergies and irritations. Usually, these dogs require extra care, such as providing the dog with sunscreen, when going out into the sun.
What Are the Rare Boston Coat Colors?
The rare Boston colors are the unique colors not common in purebred Boston terriers. Usually, these colors are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. These colors include platinum, lavender, lilac, and merle.
Final Thoughts
Since Blonde dogs are rare, knowing what a Blonde Boston terrier is called and the common coat colors of the Blonde version can help you identify it when adopting. Although the AKC can register these dogs, they are not officially recognized in dog shows.
