Breed: Colored Boston Terrier

  History suggests the Colored Boston Terrier originated in the United States around the year 1865.  The breed was initially bred for it's wonderful capacity as a devoted companion. Various breeds were used to create the early sought-after appearance and type. The principle breeds used were the same as that of the Boston Terrier.  Many colors and patterns were known to exist within those foundation breeds, so they were passed on within the genetic makeup of the Colored Boston Terrier.

Brindle was definitely the preferred color among early fanciers of the breed, in particular seal brindle. Breeders tried to maintain this color by an apparently reasonable method: breeding seal brindle, to seal brindle. But they eventually discovered to their disappointment this did not produce the desired results, but in fact intensified the dark genes. The common color brindle was gradually being replaced by black.

Experienced breeders began to realize that in order to continue to produce brindle, they needed to lighten and introduce color. A breeding scheme was developed of what colors were needed, combined with studying specific dog’s ancestries in their efforts.

  Few breeders were aware of how to keep from producing the ever-darkening color, resulting in a steady increase in the number of black and whites.  Because black was becoming so hopelessly prevalent, the former attitude considering black as undesirable was replaced with gradual acceptance. Breeders soon used black extensively in their programs and ultimately many of the colors all but disappeared.

In spite of the widespread intent to eliminate the rare and unique colors since those early days, there have been a few dedicated non-traditional breeders focused on preserving them. Today’s Colored Boston Terrier is different in type than it’s early ancestors, having become gradually more refined over time. However, thanks to those breeders who were undeterred by discrimination, the beautiful colors of the early days are as present today as they were in the creation of the breed.

The Colored Boston Terrier is unsurpassed as a family pet. Patient with children, always ready to play, Colored Bostons have lively, fun-loving personalities, generally making friends with everyone. They are highly entertaining, intelligent, and  occasionally silly.  There is a distinctly endearing charm to their chubby faces, made all the more irresistible by their flat muzzles and large expressive eyes. Although Colored Bostons enjoy playmates and often thrive on another creature’s company, they can be quarrelsome with other dogs of the same sex. As with all breeds, there are variations from the norm among individuals, but in regard to personality and character, Colored Boston Terriers tend to consistently live up to their reputation as an all time great family companion.

Breed Standard: Colored Boston Terrier

General Impression
 The Colored Boston Terrier is a breed of its own.  It should look and act neither like a Bulldog nor a Terrier.  It’s character is resilient, affectionate, loyal and playful. It’s purpose is solely to offer the very best in companionship.

The Colored Boston is lively, alert and inquisitive, giving an impression of intelligence and responsiveness.  The body and structure is upstanding, collected, compact, with a clean, handsome outline and carriage.

Head
The head should be square being proportionate to the overall size of the body.

Skull not domed. Muzzle considerably shorter than skull.

Muzzle
Broad, square and short. Stop, pronounced and deep. Roman (nose pointing downward) a serious fault. Parallel planes of muzzle and skull.


Jaws
The jaw should be as broad as the muzzle and provide a square appearance.  Lips should be clean and not be too pendulous or hanging.  Must entirely cover front teeth when mouth is closed.

Bite
A slight under bite is preferred to create an evenly squared muzzle, to add to the square appearance of the head.

Exceedingly undershot bite, wry jaw, teeth showing, are serious faults. 

Nose
All colors are acceptable.  The nose should be a solid color.  Nostrils are not to be pinched or overly wide. 

A solid unpigmented nose, butterfly nose or spotted nose that lacks pigment is a major fault.

Ears
The ears should be set high whether cropped or natural. Medium to small, well formed and strong, ear leather not thick and heavy. 

Falling, bent over (tulip), or broken ears that are unable to stand when dog is alert, are a major fault.

Eyes
The eyes should be round and expressive, set fairly wide apart and facing toward the front, not on the side of the head.  Any color is acceptable except blue.

Odd colored eyes (one dark, one light) eyes are a significant fault.  Eyes showing either too much white or haw are a minor fault.  Eyes should not be be bulging or protruding.

Neck
Neck should have the appearance of being sleek, without excess loose skin or throatiness, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders and topline without overly prominent dips or bumps.

A short, overly thick, bully neck is a fault. From shoulders to hip, topline level without arch or sway back, croup from hip to tail slightly angled downward.


Chest
The chest should be deep, extend well back and down to elbow, of adequate width, but never so wide as to look bully. Muscles smooth, not loaded and bunchy.



Color
Any color or patterns are acceptable with the exception of merle.



Coat
The coat is to be short, smooth, and glossy.



Size

10 - 25 lbs  Over 25 lbs is a fault, losing the character and appearance of the breed.
 

Forequarters
Shoulders should be strong and laid back sufficiently to allow good front reach when gaiting. Weak, long pasterns are faulted.  The forelegs straight and parallel viewed from front. Elbows turned neither in nor out, but in line with straight front legs from shoulder to ground.  Front feet pointing straight forward.  Width of chest giving neither impression of narrow spindliness or bulliness.  Chest area filled in between front legs down to elbows. 

Hindquarters
The hindquarters should be smoothly muscled without bunchiness.  Stifles moderately well bent with short hocks.  Hock joint should be well defined with hocks straight up and down at right angles to ground from any angle.

Straight rear from hip to foot viewed from side (under angulated) resulting in stilted, poor movement, is faulted.  Any turning of the hock outward or inward is a fault.   


Feet
Feet should be round with pasterns being short, strong, and tight.  Dew claws may be left natural or removed.

Gait
The Colored Boston Terrier's trot is collected and together, smooth, efficient, with balanced reach and drive, covering ground well and without wasted motion.  The CBT can single track at a faster trot or may double track at slower speeds.