The Merle Boston Terrier is not a specific breed, but refers to a Boston Terrier with a non-standard merle coat pattern. Initially bred as fighting dogs, Boston terriers have evolved as the best companions for humans, especially kids1. These dogs have a strong but compact build and big, round friendly eyes. However, most Merle Boston Terriers that inherit two copies of the merle gene suffer from audio-visual impairment.
Merle is not a recognized color variety of the Boston Terriers, and merle-colored individuals are uncommon due to their non-standard genetics. The merle gene is not naturally present in the Boston Terrier breed, so its presence indicates outcrossing with another merle-carrying breed .You may know these dogs as “harlequin” or “dapple” for their stylish white, black, or brindle “tuxedo” coats. But it can also be grey, lilac, or blue due to non-standard color mutations.
If you want to adopt a Merle Boston Terrier, you should know its history, origin, and interesting facts to make the right choice. This guide focuses solely on this dog breed, so let’s discover everything!
The Earliest Records of the Merle Boston Terrier in History
Boston Terriers originated in 19th-century America, descending from English fighting dogs. The first crossbreed, Judge (a bulldog and white English Terrier mix), appeared in Liverpool in the 1860s. Judge was later sold to William O’Brien, then to Robert C. Hooper in Boston in 1870, earning him the name “Hooper’s Judge.” He became the first Boston Terrier and the ancestor of the breed. Judge was a muscular, 32-pound dog with a dark brindle coat, white-striped face, and square head. He was bred with Burnett’s Gyp,a smaller white female a male named Well’s Eph, continuing the Boston Terrier lineage in the United States.
As far as the Merle Boston Terriers are concerned, their appearance requires outcrossing, meaning one parent must be a Merle dog and the other a Boston Terrier. The Merle trait originates from the PMEL (Silver or M) gene, which is not naturally present in the Boston Terrier gene pool and is not recognized by breed standards.1. However because this was done outside of official breed club oversight and registration, there is no confirmed date, location, or breeder tied to the introduction of merle into Boston Terriers.
What is The Merle Gene?
The merle gene is what gives some dogs their unique, patchy coat patterns that look like spots or swirls of lighter and darker colors. It’s caused by a genetic mutation that changes how pigment is distributed in the fur, eyes, and sometimes even the skin. Dogs with one copy of the merle gene usually have that eye-catching coat and might even have one or two blue eyes. While it looks beautiful, this gene also affects pigment cells that are important for normal hearing and vision.
The real concern happens when a dog inherits two copies of the merle gene, known as a double merle. These dogs are at much higher risk of being born deaf, having vision problems, or having very light skin that’s more prone to sunburn or irritation. That’s why responsible breeders avoid breeding two merle dogs together.
How the Merle Boston Terrier Gained Popularity
The early Boston Terriers, descended from bulldog-terrier crosses, were larger and sturdier than the modern breed. One notable Boston Terrier, Sgt. Stubby, served during WWI and became the most decorated war dog of that era. Stubby was the first dog stationed overseas and is often referred to as a war hero, though he was not a Merle Boston Terrier.
Over time, the Boston Terriers went through selective breeding and transformed into compact, sweet dogs. They became more friendly and companion-oriented than the stronger and more aggressive dogs of Judge’s time.
Despite the “Terrier” in their name, Boston Terriers, including the ones with merle coats, are now classified as “non-sporting” dogs. They are specifically known for their affectionate nature, making Merle Boston Terriers the perfect pets. In fact, these dogs also make the best therapy companions for humans. They help their owners overcome depression and feel more lively with their energetic nature.
Formal Recognition of the Merle Boston Terrier
Merle Boston Terriers grew in numbers in Boston; hence, they started to be recognized by the city. In 1891, the Boston Terrier Club of America was established. After two years, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Boston Terrier as a unique dog breed.
Even decades later, Boston Terriers hold the same recognition and importance in their hometown. This dog breed has been the official identity of Boston University for 100 years. Not only that but they were also named the official dog of Massachusetts in the 1979’s State Legislature.
However, the merle gene is not naturally present in the Boston Terrier breed; its presence in “Merle Boston Terriers” confirms outcrossing with another merle-carrying breed. Merle crossbreeding is considered unethical by the Boston Terrier Club of America and not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The merle coat pattern is not recognized in the breed standard and therefore dogs with the merle coat pattern cannot be registered as purebred Boston Terriers through official registries.
Top 7 Unique Facts About the Merle Boston Terrier
Merle Boston Terriers make everyone fall in love with them with their unique tuxedo coat, friendly smile, and lively aura. But these dogs are much more than what meets the eye. Here are seven fun facts about Boston Terriers to help you know them better:
1. Merle Boston Terriers Are Not Purebred
The merle gene (PMEL/M locus) does not naturally occur in the Boston Terrier breed. Its presence indicates the dog was crossbred with a merle-carrying breed, such as a Chihuahua or French Bulldog.
2. Double Merles Are at Risk for Serious Health Problems
Dogs that inherit two copies of the merle gene are at increased risk of congenital deafness, ocular abnormalities (like microphthalmia and colobomas), and skin depigmentation, which can lead to UV sensitivity and secondary issues.
3. Merle Boston Terriers Size Can Vary Widely
Because they are the result of outcrossing, Merle Boston Terriers often deviate from the breed standard in size, coat, and structure, and their traits are less predictable than those of purebred Boston Terriers.
4. They Require Lots of Playtime
Since Merle Boston Terriers are energetic dogs, they need a good amount of playtime or exercise with their owner. They love to play frisbee and walk in the neighborhood.
5. They Are Brachycephalic
Merle Boston Terriers are brachycephalic, meaning they have a broad nose, small jaw, and short coats. As a result, they are less tolerant of freezing cold temperatures and more vulnerable to overheating in hot weather.
6. They Can Be the Best Entertainers
A Merle Boston Terrier is a friendly, lively, and entertaining dog breed. If not their nature, the tuxedo coats of these dogs are enough to give off the vibe of an entertainer!
7. They Are Nicknamed Harlequin, Dapple, or American Gentleman
The dogs got the nicknames because of their stylish looks, cool tuxedo coat, gentle nature, and breeding history in the US.
Does the Merle Boston Terrier Make a Good Pet?
Every dog breed needs proper care to stay happy and healthy. When keeping these dogs as pets, you’ll find them quite energetic and alert to their environment. They need to go for a walk every day to stay fit.
These dogs also need proper nutrition to be fit and energetic. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of every dog owner to care for all their pet’s needs adequately. Here is what it feels like to own a Merle Boston Terrier:
Health
The beautiful, lively eyes of Boston Terriers require special attention. You should regularly check them for irritation or inflammation. Gently wipe discharge and watch for signs of redness or squinting.
You should also take your Merle Boston Terrier for regular checkups for serious eye issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal ulcers. Boston Terriers are also vulnerable to patellar luxation, breathing difficulties, deafness, and visual impairment. Some of these risks may be increased in dogs with the merle gene, especially double merles.
The National Breed Club recommends the following tests for Boston Terriers to ensure their optimal health:
- Patella Evaluation
- BAER Testing
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
If you are looking for a Merle variation, it would also be recommended to ask for genetic test results confirming the dog is not a double merle (M/M genotype).
Grooming
Although short, the Merle Boston Terrier’s coat does shed a little. You’d have to brush your pet weekly with a soft brush, grooming mitt, or a hound glove to remove excess hair from their body. Brushing also encourages hair growth and distributes the skin oils throughout the dog’s coat. Keep in mind that light skin may suffer from sunburn more easily and can also be more sensitive, so it is important to avoid excessive pressure during grooming.
Merle Boston Terriers require occasional bathing, except if they become really dirty in the mud. Merle dogs may have more sensitive skin, especially in lightly pigmented areas. Choose mild, veterinary-approved shampoos to avoid irritation.
If your Merle Boston Terrier has pink or white skin around the nose or ears, consider limiting sun exposure or using pet-safe sunscreen.
Besides, you should also trim their nails regularly, as long nails can cause difficulties with walking.
Exercise
The Merle Boston Terrier’s exercise needs vary from one dog to another. Some are good with brisk walking once a day, while others need playtime daily to stay energetic.
However, these dogs don’t exercise on their own. They may just sit at a place. Remember, prolonged alone time may make Boston Terriers bored, anxious, or prone to exhibit undesirable behaviors. So, play with your pet and help them practice obedience exercises. You can also make your dog participate in canine sports, such as flyball, agility, and obedience, to keep it active.
Training
Like every dog breed, the Merle Boston Terrier requires early socialization and puppy training. Introduce your puppy to different places, people, and environments to help them develop adaptability and manners. You can also include delicious dog treats in your Boston Terrier’s training.
Never be harsh with your Boston Terrier. These dogs are sensitive, so always be gentle and keep praising them.
Nutrition
Merle Boston Terriers happily eat high-quality dog food, no matter if it’s homemade or commercially made. But it’s recommended to consult a vet before giving anything to your dog. The professional will also suggest you the ideal diet for your pet’s age.
Some Merle Boston Terriers can become overweight, so you should check your pet’s daily calorie consumption and weight. Don’t give too many treats to your terrier, as it can cause obesity. Always stay in touch with your vet to determine the best diet plan for your Merle Boston Terrier.
Conclusion
Merle Boston Terriers are outcrossed dogs and one of the least common coat variations mixed into the Boston Terrier breed. They have a “tuxedo” coat, round eyes, and a square head. In the early 80s and 90s, an American named William O’Brien brought a Boston Terrier, “Judge,” from England to America.
Merle Boston Terriers are happy-to-go, friendly dogs but may have special health considerations due to the merle gene. Make sure to visit a vet frequently to keep your pet healthy!
Featured Image Credit: JStaley401, Shutterstock
The Earliest Records of the Merle Boston Terrier in History
