A Boston Terrier with what is regarded as traditional markings – a white collar, white socks, and muzzle mask, has what is called an Irish Spotting pattern. There is another pattern in the breed known as the Splash pattern (though it’s also called “pied,” some say incorrectly). Splash Boston Terriers are mostly white, and have “degrees” of the pattern: Extreme, moderate, and minimal; all are undesired in a show ring, and as breeding stock. “Splash,” a recessive allele on the spotting locus, is believed to be a throwback to an earlier time in the breed before markings were stabilized (we found one source that reported that one of the first champion Boston terriers was a splash). While “splash” can crop up in litters bred by responsible breeders, it’s not a pattern that is specifically bred for because it’s unaccepted in a show ring. That said, buyer beware: The pattern can be found in Boston Terriers being sold on the Internet by breeders promoting the pattern as a “rare” revival of a color that was accepted long ago, breeders not intent on improving the breed, and solely for profit.
Some have argued that color should be the last thing a breeder should worry about, and that disallowing certain patterns (like splash) simply narrows a gene pool. Others would reply that breeding for a recessive is never a good idea, and it, too, narrows a gene pool and increases the odds that adverse recessives show up. We welcome the input of Boston Terrier breeders to opine on this.
Image: “Dog” by Andy Warhol, circa 1986
Splash Boston terriers are the best color pattern. Aesthetically.
My girl carries the splash gene and always has some splash puppies in her litters. They always sell the quickest as certain people like them because they are different . To be honest they tend to end up being the best ones in the litter.
How interesting, Carole, and how adorable! Thanks for sharing your comment and photo with us!
What DNA is the splash gene S
We’re not sure if this is helpful or not: https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/176/
I had an AKC registered beautifully tuxed Boston for 12 yrs. After he died, I didn’t want to shell out the purebred price and got this beautiful splash beast! Dug. He’s amazing.
We’re delighted you found each other, Bill, the best of everything to you and Dug!
We had a precious little Boston with traditional markings who lived to be 14 years old. She eventually went deaf and died from Cushing’s disease and seizures. We wanted another Boston, but I needed something a little different so ended up finding this sweet splash. She’s been an absolute joy. We also bought her sister (traditional markings) from another litter, and they’re a closely bonded pair. Love having 2 Bostons. Thanks for all the info on Splash pups.
Thanks for sharing your little lady’s photo!
In our 12 years together my splash girl and I have only ran into one other splash Boston terrier. She is the sweetest dog.
I have nothing but splashes, I raise and breed them to keep the line going! Both CKC and AKC Im very proud to have the Irish linage Here are my Full pure bred and welbred Splash Boston Terriers!
Maryann, they’re wonderful! Thank you for sharing their picture. Will their marks stay much the same as adults?
Maryann, do you breed splash to splash or splash to a het splash?
Hi Maryann, we had a beautiful splash that just passed in March. I didn’t know that is what he was until I started looking for a replacement for him. He was a big confident Boston. Do you have any puppies for sale or any upcoming litters?
I have 2 Boston Terriers, an Irish Spotting Pattern male at about 30 lbs, and a Splash female, who is quite large, at 33 lbs. I thought about having puppies, but then had him fixed, would have had some lovely puppies, but would have felt bad giving them up.
I am so glad I found this page! I thought my Boston had French Bulldog in her because I simple couldn’t find a Boston Terrier with cow-like markings. Now I know she’s a SPLASH!
Michelle Clerc on February 11, 2022
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I am so glad I found this page! I thought my Boston had French Bulldog in her because I simply couldn’t find a Boston Terrier with cow-like markings. Now I know she’s a SPLASH!
We’re glad you found us too! You have a darling Boston there!
My family has been in love with Boston’s for as long as I remember! My mom and dad both had Boston’s when they were kids.( 1940s) My first dog was a Boston. My mom tells me that Toro rescued me from a big dog when I was a toddler! My husband and I are now the happy parents of our 6th BT. She actually rescued us despite what some would say. ANYWAY, I had never heard of a “Splash” Boston Terrier until our precious Cora ( Corazon, due to her heart spot in her left side) joined our family in October 2021. She had been used as a breeder from a “kennel” or puppy mill in Oklahoma. They surrendered her to an Aussie rescue org here in Texas, and we were the happy, blessed recipients of this precious girl! I really had no idea that her markings had an actual name! I do know though that the “kennel” sold her babies for $1800.00. They surrendered her because apparently dogs are more adoptable at age 4 or 5. Had 8 teeth removed because this place obviously had only $$$$ signs on their minds! We lost our Noelle to cancer in July, and we know that our home is not complete unless we have one of these 4 legged family members around. It”s so interesting to read about how these colorations came about. Thanks so much for the education! BTW, Cora is the most affectionate, cuddler that we’ve ever had. She has a few quirks, but we could not have wished for a sweeter girl than she is!
Bless your heart for taking Cora in, but her story before you entered her life angers us. No one despises a substandard breeder more than the breeder doing it right: They health test, socialize carefully and lovingly, and only breed if the dog has something to offer the next generation of Bostons. We’re glad Cora has a happy ending!