| Colored Boston Terriers : Outrage and Debate Origins of Non-standard Boston Terrier Colors There is intense, heated controversy over non-standard colored Boston Terriers. Emotions run high, judgements and generalizations abound. This is natural and to be expected when people go against the tide. The Boston Terrier, "The American Gentleman", is an American breed created here in the USA in the mid 1800's by combining English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and English White Toy Terrier (extinct). We can certainly see Bulldog influence, especially the French, in many present day Bostons. Bulldogs come in many colors so obviously those genes were in the original Boston "pool". Some of the earliest reputable breed information speaks of cream and white, or fawn and white, and also of a prominent blue and white Scottish import; individual dogs that featured significantly in founding the breed. Some people have actually denied the fact of this color heritage and origin in spite of the early photos and writings that document it.{for more info click here} It may come as a surprise, but at one time, black and white was the most undesirable color ("black" as well as "white" aren't technically a color), just as the reds, chocolates, blues and fawns are now. Times changed and the standard was eventually written to include black with changes disqualifying the "colored" Bostons. Breeders then gradually tried to eliminate all but the present three recognized colors. Now black and white is "normal" and colors that were acceptable prior to 1934 are now unacceptable. Evolution of Modern Day Breed Standards/Breed Type Over time, we see that this tends to be the way the purebred dog fancy evolves, just as our society does. Fashion trends, customers needs, advertising, doggy politics, the top winners in each breed, awareness of health problems, and multiple other influences, cause breeds that were originally created structurally for a historically specific, often archaic, purpose, to gradually morph, as breeders emphasize and exaggerate different features, intentionally or unintentionally. Creative flourish, competition for show wins, puppy buyers demands, breeders' rank and reputation, all influence and alter purebreds over time. Show breeders tend to be the ones setting breed appearance and style from top of the pyramid downward. Eventually we see the effects filter down to the pet, "backyard" and commercial breeders. An example most of us "over 30" folks can relate to is the transformation of the American Cocker Spaniel, the modernized version of which bears little resemblance to the original hunting dog Cocker. German Shepherds and Irish Setters are hardly recognizable as the breeds they once were, captivated as we are by the pursuit of glamour, "presence" and flash. As a trend becomes more stable and set over years, eventually the breed standard may be modified accordingly. The world of purebreds and show breeding is never static, especially in America, even though many wish otherwise. Standards, however vital to the existence and preservation of a breed, were not written on Moses' tablets. It is not unusual for breed standards to be tweaked and modified over the years when preferences change. Color Breeding: Against the AKC Boston Terrier Standard People who prefer the non-standard colors and hope to see them flourish and maybe even be incorporated into the AKC standard some day, are saddened by the outraged dismay among most show breeders towards the idea of reviving these colors. Fans of colored Bostons, see no harm in raising or promoting them, provided they aren't just raised in the service of greed, and are not misrepresented as accepted by the parent club and the Boston standard for AKC shows, (although many fanciers hope someday they will be). Standards for any breed that exclude colors, rarely cause all breeders to stop breeding them. If they have color appeal, are pleasing to look at, someone will breed them, sometimes for bad reasons, sometimes for simply love of the colors! "Ag'iners" There oughtta be a law against...." There are unified groups against absolutely everything, and many of them are aggressively promoting their agenda. Some are against raising pet quality dogs, only show dogs should be bred. Some are against raising cross bred dogs but pet quality purebreds are Ok. There are people against raising purebreds of any kind, viewing them as weak and inferior. Many are campaigning (for or against), breed specific bans, aimed at Pits, Dobies, Rotties and the like. There are also those against raising dogs at all..There are even people against raising or having any kind of animal, period.This must be incredibly confusing to the person wanting simply to buy a healthy, happy pet puppy. See: The "No dogs but show dogs" viewpoint, is appearing now in purebred dog magazines and books. 'Buy your pet only from a show breeder, and one with Champions as well as breed club membership', There is growing belief that only respectable show breeders have worthy dogs, California is even on the verge of legislating this! This opinion is right alongside the equally popular and contradictory belief that "designer dogs" (crossbreds) are healthier than "inbred purebreds" and one should never buy a purebred. The so called, "designer dog" fad has been promoted by the media and even many veterinarians support cross breeds as healthier than purebreds. Top show, wannabe show, no show (pun intended), pet, commercial, and "backyard" breeders are the various groups raising dogs. People in each group tend to look with scorn on other groups as unworthy, often with highly persuasive arguments to support their view. We may wish it weren't so, but there are no absolute white hats and black hats to tell us who the bad guys really are, there are people of good character to be found everywhere and vice versa. Even commercial breeders and pet shops aren't 100% all "bad". General cautions of "don't buy from pet shops" or "never deal with commercial breeders" steer buyers in a wise direction, but that doesn't mean hobby/show breeders will necessarily be pleasant or honest. Customers are Kings Sometimes the very thing we so dislike, "commercialism", (the bottom of the dog breeder pyramid) implies the focus is on pleasing and catering to the buyer, giving the buyer what they want. Whereas show breeders/ethical breeders so often snobbishly proclaim, "we breed only for ourselves!" which establishes them as the "ethical ideal" by the prevailing "good breeder" standard. This is the top of the pyramid. Show breeders (speaking from experiencing both sides of the fence) more often than not, treat potential customers with disdain and intimidation, grilling them to a greater degree sometimes than if they were adopting a child. . Much of this stems from contrasting beliefs of the "educated, informed" culture of the world of dog shows vs. all that is "ignorant" and non-show. Most people care nothing about standards as long as the dog is clearly recognizable as its breed. Some of these viewpoints are born from good intentions, some from ignorance (show people can occasionally be ignorant too, ignorant of the value of respect, courtesy and kindness), others are simply from a need to feel superior and righteous. "Better" really is both subjective and relative, not written in stone. Being well informed, with clear breeding purpose, with courtesy toward others, being responsive towards clients' wishes and priorities, offering gentle education,and caring and respect for human and animal beings; that seems like a "better" worth pursuing. For the moment, we are still free to keep and raise dogs, and even do things not approved of by the breed standard. People should be able to make choices, with or without approval, even with or without good judgement. That is freedom. Factual information, (without emotional hype) representing various viewpoints,and opinions presented as just that, opinions, should all be readily available preferably at no cost* and in one place to help buyers be informed Then they can make an educated (if they choose!) choice, their own choice. My Position Over my 40 plus years "in dogs", I have changed my position in several areas. Whenever I encounter conflicting viewpoints, I learn about the opposing view, not just reject it. After all, it's always possible "the opposition" has knowledge I don't! I try to get out of my set position, my bias, separating facts from opinions, and be as objective as possible. So, with colored Bostons, with an understanding of the various opposing views, with conviction that I am doing the right thing, I choose to enjoy loving and raising my "colorful" Bostons without apology, until laws, not individuals, say we can no longer do so. [Okay, okay, now I'll put my soapbox away!]. *(yes, this is being done to an extent but still slanted greatly to promote one viewpoint). |
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| Controversies.... small & LARGE |
