Appearance
Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. They usually have a square face. Frequently, variations on the standard are seen depending on the ancestry of the individual dog. At various times, the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, English Mastiff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and French Bulldog— among other breeds— have been crossbred with Boston Terrier lines to minimize inbreeding in a small gene pool.
Size
Boston Terriers usually stand 15 to 17 inches at the withers. According to international breed standard, the dog should weigh no less than ten pounds and no more than 25 pounds.
Coat and Color
The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light. If all other qualities are identical, brindle is the preferred color according to most breed standards.
Ideally, white should cover its chest, muzzle, band around the neck, half way up the forelegs and up to the hocks on the rear legs. Theres should be a white blaze between but not touching the eyes. In show dogs, symmetrical markings are preferred. Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as the "American Gentleman." The breed is known for its gentle, alert and intelligent expression.