Your Guide To Red Boston Terriers: Issues, Price, & More


Are you in search of a Red Boston Terrier or looking to find some information about Red Boston’s and their colors?

When Emily and I started looking for a Boston Terrier back in late 2009, we had no idea of the variety of colors out there. Our goal was to find a classic Black & White Boston Terrier.

Red Boston Terrier
Red Boston Terrier

Since that time I have discovered several different types of colors and mixes. I have even found the controversies surrounding these varying types of Bostons. 

In my research, this is what I found out about Red Boston Terriers…

What You Need To Know About Red Boston Terriers

Here is everything I have learned about Colored Boston Terriers over the last few months. 

What Is A Red Boston Terrier?

A Red Boston Terrier comes in different shades of red, some darker and some lighter. Often these colored Boston’s have red noses as well as hazel eyes. The Red Boston color is also referred to as liver. The Boston Terrier Club Of America does not recognize the Red Boston Terrier as a standard color.

The Coat Of A Red Boston Terrier

According to Cypress Farms Kennel, a genuine Red Boston Terrier will have no black colored hairs or pigmentation.

The Nose Color Of A Red Boston Terrier

The nose color of an actual Red Boston Terrier is reddish-brown, not black. The nose color of a Red Boston Terrier should match its paw color as well.

Are Red Boston Terriers Rare?

No, Red Boston Terriers nor any other colored Boston Terrier are not “RARE.” Colored Boston Terriers, like Red, are often only labeled rare buy non-reputable breeders to get a higher price for their puppies.

A Red Boston Terrier is a non-standard color for the breed but is not rare.

What Is The Price Of A Red Boston Terrier?

The average cost of a Red Boston Terrier is $989.00.

However, the price range for a Red Boston Terrier can vary greatly. I had seen some not so reputable site advertise as low as $550 and as high as $2,000. 

When purchasing a Boston Terrier online be sure to find a reputable breeder. Use this article as your guide, How To Find A Reputable Boston Terrier Breeder.

There are numerous scams online, and if the price and deal sound too good to be true, it probably is. 

Also, be sure to talk to the breeder on the phone. Every reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer your questions over the phone.

Here Is A Chart Of Red Boston Terrier Prices

To help give you a better idea of Red Boston Terrier price tags here is a chart of ten puppies I found online from ten different breeders. 

This is not my endorsement of these websites, but I want to help give you an idea of what to expect if you are searching to purchase a Red Boston Terrier.

Website Found OnRed Boston’s NamePrice
Green Field PuppiesLily$875.00
Green Field PuppiesLarry$875.00
Green Field PuppiesOlaf$895.00
Green Field PuppiesOllie$895.00
Green Field PuppiesLucas$1,050.00
AKC Market PlaceBob$1,050.00
AKC Market PlaceHobbs$800.00
AKC Market PlaceScooter$950.00
Puppy FindAnnie$1,000.00
Puppy FindCinnamon$1,500.00

Average Price$989.00

Do Red Boston Terriers Have Health Issues?

There are no known health issues related to Red Boston Terriers. If you own a Red Boston your Boston will have the same health issues as a standard color Boston.

One health issue related to the color of a dog is alopecia. Alopecia is basically spot baldness in the dog’s coat.

This typically occurs in blue dogs, like the Blue Boston Terrier. It is caused by the mutation in the color gene making it appear blue rather than black.

Alopecia does not occur in all blue dogs or Blue Boston Terriers but is common in this colored variety.

Issues Surrounding Red Boston Terriers

The biggest issue surrounding Red Boston Terriers is the mixing of other dog breeds in order to get this red or liver coloration. 

Yes, you can have a registered Red Boston Terrier.

However, there could be a possibility that somewhere down the breeding line the Boston was bred with another dog breed (i.e., a Boxer) to obtain this red color.

What Are The Recognized Colors For A Boston Terrier According To The American Kennel Club?

Red Boston Terrier & Black and White Boston Terrier
Red (Non-Standard) / Black & White (Standard)

Red Boston Terriers are not recognized by the Boston Terrier Club Of America, and therefore, neither does the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognize this color. 

The only standard color of Boston Terriers by AKC are the following:

  • Black & White
  • Black Brindle & White
  • Brindle & White
  • Seal & White
  • Seal Brindle & White

However, this does not mean a Red Boston Terrier would not be a good dog to have as a pet. 

Having an AKC registered dog is not a requirement. The only reason Emily and I wanted to have Bella registered is that we thought about possibly breeding here, but we never did. 

If you have no intention of having a show dog or plan on breeding them there is no reason to worry about AKC registration.

Can A Red Boston Terrier Be Registered With The American Kennel Club?

Yes, it is possible to have a Red Boston Terrier registered with the American Kennel Club. 

Even though this is not the standard color for a Boston Terrier a Red Boston can be registered with AKC if both its parents are already registered with APK.

Why Is It Important To Follow The Breed Standard When It Comes To Boston Terrier Colors?

Since starting this website, I have met a lot of great people. I have talked to breeders who are adamant about following the breed standard. 

And I have talked to those who are trying to change the standard to allow colored Boston Terriers into the norm.

Interview With Founder Of ColoredBostonTerrierTruths.Com

Boston Terrier Society’s Interview With Jani Martin. Owner of the Colored Boston Terrier Truths.

My Personal Opinion On The Boston Terrier Color Standards

Following the breed standard is essential to preserving the Boston Terrier breed. Why? Because if there was no standard, we would not have the Boston Terrier we have today.

I, however, do think standards can change. And people who are working to change the standard I think are commendable. 

Commendable from the aspect of trying to develop something new. But based on the standard, these colored “Bostons” are not technically Bostons at all based on current standards.

(Please refrain from sending any hate mail. The Boston Terrier Society is open-minded and talks to everyone on both sides of the issue. Only through open communication and debate can understanding come about.)

Videos Of Red Boston Terriers

Red Boston Terrier Upset And Telling The Camera About It.
Red Boston Figuring Out The New Grass Potty Pad.
Red Boston Terrier Puppies Everywhere!

Final thoughts…

Red Boston Terriers are super cute. And if you are looking for a Red Boston Terrier as a pet, I think this could be a great dog to have.

However, know upfront that a Red Boston Terrier is not an acceptable color for a Boston Terrier, according to the Boston Terrier Club of America. 

This color of Boston can not participate in dog shows, nor be registered by the American Kennel Club (accept in the very rare incidents where both parents are already registered).

Want To Join A Boston Terrier Community?

Join the thousands of Boston Terrier Owners in the Boston Terrier Society Facebook Group. In the group, we share photos, thoughts, and stories. This is a fun and friendly group. Feel free to pose any question you have about your Boston Terrier.

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References

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the owner of the Boston Terrier Society. He has been raising Bella the Boston since 2010. He resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, and Bella. His favorite activities are hanging out with family, traveling, running (but has bad knees), and reading non-fiction books.

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