Lilac Boston Terriers are cute, small-sized, and lively dogs that resemble the Boston terrier except for their beautiful diluted brown coat. This differentiating feature results in a beautiful lilac-colored coat. Additionally, lilac is a combination of diluted black and brown. Hence, these canines can be produced only when a puppy has a double copy of the recessive diluted black and a double copy of the brown color. Consequently, they are pretty challenging to be bred and are a rarity. In addition, their striking, captivating coat, sturdiness coupled with portability, and outgoing personality, make them a popular pet choice amongst pet parents.
Other names: Boston Bull, American Gentlemen, Terrier Boxwood
Boston Terrier vs. Lilac Boston Terrier: Comparison
Features
Boston Terrier
Lilac Boston Terrier
Image
Origin
Boston
Boston
Height
12 – 15 inches
12 – 15 inches
Weight
10 – 25 pounds
10 – 25 pounds
Size
Small to medium
Small to medium
Group
Companion dogs
Companion dogs
Children Compatibility
High
High
Family Compatibility
Low to high
Low to high
Pets Compatibility
High
High
Barking Level
Medium
Medium
Shedding Level
Low to medium
Low to medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
High
High
Overall Health
Medium to high
Medium to high
Energy
Medium to high
Medium to high
Exercise Needs
Medium to high
Medium to high
Trainability
Medium
Medium
Activities
Companion dogs, family dogs, fighting dogs
Companion dogs, family dogs, fighting dogs
Complication in Breeding
Yes
Yes
Litter Size
3 – 4 puppies
3 – 4 puppies
Lifespan
13 – 15 years
13 – 15 years
Other Names
Boston Bull, American Gentlemen, Terrier Boxwood
Boston Bull, American Gentlemen, Terrier Boxwood
Lilac Boston Terrier Personality
Lilac Boston terriers are short, square-headed, brachycephalic dogs. In compliance with the brachycephalic dogs, they have a lower jaw proportionate to their body and a short upper jaw that gives their face a ‘pushed in’ appearance. Their broad face is devoid of wrinkles and accommodates small, erect ears and large, round, black eyes with a characteristic diluted brown nose. They have an arched neckline that leads to their broad chest and sloping shoulders. Despite their compact size, these dogs have a sturdy and muscular body with a leveled topline, and strong thighs help them take confident steps. A lustrous, straight purple coat adorns them with patterns of crisp white markings resembling a tuxedo. This is why they are called the American gentleman. In addition, they are endowed with a short tail that is either curled or straight.
The male and female dogs differ in terms of weight and height. This difference leads to a different structure in the female dogs. In addition, their muscles and bones are in proportion to their size and weight. These canines are well-balanced as the length of their legs is in proportion to their body’s length.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
Medium to High
Kid-friendly
High
Pet-friendly
High
Stranger -friendly
Medium to High
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good to new owners
Medium to High
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Medium
Cold-tolerance
Medium
Heat-tolerance
Low
Lilac Boston Terrier Temperament
Lilac Boston terriers are known for their intelligent, enthusiastic, and devoted nature. They get along well with people and enjoy drawing their attention with silly pranks. This makes them more pleasant. In addition, their loving nature makes them great family pets. These canines have a calm and kind disposition. At the same time, they inherit a spunky attitude from their Terrier ancestors. While they are not aggressive, the male dogs can become pugnacious when other dogs conquer their territory. They are fond of chasing balls and involved in seeking companionship.
Lilac Boston Terrier Training
Lilac Boston terriers are smart, which makes them great learners. However, their stubbornness can be challenging while training. In addition, these dogs are pretty wary of their trainer’s mood. Hence, they require low-key motivational training with positive reinforcements such as food rewards, praise, and play. Their training will be fruitful if you can start as soon as you bring them from the breeders.
Lilac Boston terriers are indoor dogs who don’t demand much exercise. Hence, they are easy to handle with just a walkout for an hour every day. In addition, they can be involved in other exercise routines like playing hide and seek, fetch, frisbee, or swimming.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium to High
Exercise needs
Medium to High
Intensity
High
Playfulness
High
Lilac Boston Terrier Grooming
Lilac Boston Terrier’s smooth coat demands a regular cleaning routine. Therefore, you need to brush their coat once a week using a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. In addition, you have to bathe them twice a week using shampoo and a damp cloth. However, you have to wash their faces daily to protect their large and prominent eyes.
Tartar buildup and bacteria are a cause of concern for your little dog. Therefore, you need to brush him at least twice or thrice a week. In addition, you can also avoid the prevalence of gum disease and bad breath in your pet.
Your canine’s nails can wear out quickly on their own. However, if not, it can lead to painful tearing of his nails. Therefore, it is best to clip your dog’s nails once or twice a month. Additionally, ensure you don’t cut too far into the skin to prevent bleeding while you trim. This also encourages your dog to cooperate another time.
Your dogs are prone to develop ear infections which begin with symptoms such as redness or a foul odor. Therefore, check for these signs to rule out an ear infection. Additionally, you can clean your dog’s ear with a cotton ball dipped in pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent infections.
In general, Lilac Boston terriers are pretty healthy. However, they may develop some health conditions.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium to High
Weight gain tendencies
Low to Medium
Size
Small
Lilac Boston Terrier specific health conditions
Cataracts
When your dog’s lens thickens, it results in cloudy vision. This condition occurs due to their age and is treatable either through medications or surgery.
Cherry eye
When your dog’s third eyelid gland bulges, it leads to redness at the corner of his eyes. However, you can treat this condition through surgery.
Patellar Luxation
Small dog breeds are genetically predisposed to this condition. It occurs when the kneecap is dislocated or moved out of its original position. However, this condition occurs in different degrees with no visible sign of exact pain. You may notice your dog exhibiting a slight lameness when he walks with his four legs and kicks the dormant leg to relocate the patella or the kneecap back to its position. Once this happens, your canine resumes his normal walking. However, leaving the patellar luxation to progress leads to arthritis in dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to get your buddy checked with a vet.
Heart Murmur
When your dog’s blood flow to the heart is turbulent, it causes an abnormal heart sound. This condition can be due to a structural defect within the heart.
Deafness
Deafness is a heritable condition that may be present unilaterally (deafness in one ear) or bilaterally (deafness in both the ears). Bilaterally deaf dogs require some special considerations. To get to know your pet better, you can adopt a reliable scientific test called the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response), which helps you detect deafness in dogs.
Brain tumors
Abnormal growth of the brain cells can result in brain tumors. These tumorous growths are often found in the pituitary gland, skull, cranial nerves, and brain envelopes called meninges. Some of the causes of brain tumors include:
Food-based allergies: This can be treated by following an elimination diet that involves removing suspected ingredients to which the dog may be allergic.
Contact allergies: These allergies are caused due to the adverse reaction of a dog’s immune system when it comes in contact with a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals. Removing the cause of the allergy reduces the symptoms.
Inhalant allergies are caused when your canine accidentally inhales airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment for these allergies depends upon their severity. Often, these allergies are accompanied by ear infections.
Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is a disorder that results when your dog’s esophagus dilates and loses its ability to transport food. As a result, the food cannot reach the stomach with ease. The most common symptom of the megaesophagus is regurgitation.
Reverse sneezing
Reverse sneezing happens when a dog continuously inhales air instead of exhaling. This condition always accompanies a honking sound. It is during this time usually the pet parents approach a veterinarian.
Lilac Boston Terrier Diet and Nutrition
Lilac Boston terriers require high-quality dry food with the right combination of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. An adult Lilac Boston Terrier has to be fed 0.5 to 1.5 cups of dry food, split into two daily meals. On the other hand, you must feed a puppy at least 3 to 5 times a day. However, confirm with your vet if this is appropriate for your dog’s size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Additionally, if you buy a commercial food for your pet, choose one with high protein content and low sugar and salt. This will curb excess weight gain and prevent heart issues. In addition, the consumption of high-quality food helps combat flatulence.
Lilac Boston terriers are prone to heat stress. This is because their short noses don’t cool the inhaled air efficiently. On the contrary, their short coat disallows them from withstanding the cold weather. They must also be kept indoors, even in a temperate climate. These canines constantly snore, drool and snore due to their smaller noses. They are highly adaptable, making them the most suitable for apartment life. They are excellent companion dogs who get along well with the elderly and children.
Adding a Lilac Boston Terrier to Your Family
Things to Remember Before adding a Lilac Boston Terrier to Your Family
Lilac Boston terrier mothers have a challenging whelping process due to their smaller pelvis. In addition, the puppies are born with large heads. Because of these reasons, the Lilac Boston Terriers often undergo a cesarean section. Therefore, getting a good quality Boston terrier puppy is difficult as they are generally not larger.
Cost of a Lilac Boston Terrier Puppy
The cost of a Boston terrier falls between $500 and $1,200. However, when you include the cost of training, vet fee, and other expenses annually, you need around $1,500 for their maintenance.
