Is blue your favorite color, and have you ever dreamed of having a furry friend with a blue coat? Then there is some good news for you. Your dream can become a reality, as there are certain blue dog breeds available.
Technically, blue dogs don’t have a blue coat. Instead, they’re more of a grey-silver color. Many blue dog breeds also have blue eyes and noses, contributing to their silvery appearance.
The dog’s blue color is a result of various genetic factors. For instance, from their parents, blue dog breeds carry the recessive genes for blue coat coloration. Moreover, some other dog breeds have diluted black genes, leading to the blue-silver color.
We have compiled a list of the top 10 blue dog breeds. Keep reading this guide to pick the one.
Blue Dog Breeds
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Red Heeler or Blue Heeler are nicknames of the Australian Cattle Dog. The second nickname, i.e., Blue Heeler, defines its blue-mottled or blue-speckled coat. The overall impression is blue or red, but these dogs also have some true black or tan markings as well.
Australian Cattle Dog not only possesses good looks but also has intelligence and a resilient nature. They were originally bred to be employed in herding livestock.
As a working dog, the Australian cattle dog has a lot of energy. They also need a lot of mental stimulation. Therefore, for the average dog owner, they aren’t always the easiest dogs.
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier only comes in one color, that is blue, as the name suggests. Curly coat that ranges in shade from a steel gray coat to a pale blue gray is a unique trait of this breed.
The dominant colors of this breed are “blue gray” or “gray blue,” while the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and feet may be of a darker color, that is, black.
The Kerry Blue Terrier needs a lot of grooming due to their medium-length fur and gorgeous, curly blue coat. Because their coat is soft and dense and sheds a bit.
They are usually born with black color. Around 18 months, via the “clearing” process, their coat gradually turns into the characteristic blue coat color.
3. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are popularly known as the “Gray Ghost” of Germany. It is a silver or gray shade hunting dog with a dilute brown or black coat.
However, blue-coated Weimaraners are disqualified, according to the breed standard. But people looking for blue dog breeds are often attracted to the athletic and gorgeous looks of a blue Weimaraner.
Alongside a dark blue coat, they also have amber or blue eyes, which is another prominent feature of this breed. Pet parents worldwide love them for their friendliness, intelligence, and devotion.
4. Australian Shepherd
Among the most popular dogs in the U.S., the Australian Shepherd stands out for its beauty and nature. They appear blue in color due to their popular blue merle coat.
A combination of blue, gray, black, and white in the fur is usually possessed by the blue merle Australian Shepherd. Blue merle Aussies may have stunning blue eyes, brown eyes, amber eyes, or even one blue eye and one that is brown, making them stunning merle dog breeds.
Australian Shepherd dogs are sweet and affectionate pooches. Moreover, as they’re herding dogs, they have a lot of energy. They also happen to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds around.
5. Great Dane
The Great Dane is an affectionate and lively dog breed. They appear to have a harlequin blue coat pattern or a solid blue coat color.
Harlequin looks like a white base onto which there are solid splotches of blue color present. However, it’s easily confused with merle coats, but harlequins tend to be just two colors or shades, and the large patches of color are a bit more distinct.
Only two purebred dogs display harlequin coats: Great Danes and Beaucerons. According to Purina, Great Danes, known to be giant dogs, get along with children and other pets and show gentle behavior with anyone around.
Moreover, they don’t need as much exercise as high-energy dogs, because they have a moderate energy level. But the biggest stumbling block to adopting a Great Dane is its colossal size. These dogs take up a lot of room.
So, pet parents must have enough space for them to sprawl out, which is often impossible in a smaller home or apartment.
6. Irish Wolfhound
They’re gigantic dogs with rough, blue coats that usually have white or grey mixed in. They are one of the tallest dog breeds.
It’s a widespread assumption that the Irish Wolfhound’s beautiful blue coat was inherited from another giant blue dog breed, that is Great Dane. Moreover, the gene responsible for diluting a black coat and making it appear blue is also present in Irish wolfhounds.
Alongside the coat having a distinctive blue tint, they might also have liver-colored paw pads, nose, and eye rims. According to PDSA, Irish Wolfhounds are often described as gentle giants and can make wonderful pets in the right home.
However, their massive size and strength mean they aren’t ideal for everyone. While they may appear calm and laid-back, they still require plenty of exercise and ample space to move and stretch comfortably.
7. Italian Greyhound
In comparison with the regular greyhound, the Italian Greyhound is a much smaller dog breed. This blue dog breed has a beautiful blue short and smooth coat, which hardly sheds. Due to having a blue coat color, along with long legs and a petite body give this dog a graceful look.
Like practically all dog breeds with blue coats, this breed carries the genes for a dilute black coat. Of course, when you dilute black, you get grey.
They don’t like being alone, as these blue-coated dogs are sensitive and crave being around people. Moreover, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. This blue dog breed can live comfortably in an apartment or small house, because of their small size.
8. Blue Lacy
Blue Lacy is a rare blue dog breed in the UK and originates from Texas. This breed is Texas’s state dog, while not yet AKC-recognized.
They are medium-sized canines with short blue hair. These dogs carry the recessive gene responsible for producing a blue coat and may also produce red, cream, or tricolor puppies.
Although Lacys are wonderful family dogs and do well with children, they need consistent daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. They need plenty of exercise to burn off their excess energy, as these blue dogs are working dogs.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff
If you are looking for a giant blue dog breed, then the Neapolitan Mastiff is a good option. As per Purina, the Neapolitan Mastiff is recognized by droopy eyes, wrinkled skin, and a huge body, covered in a blue coat. This dog breed is usually one color all over, blue being one of the most popular shades.
The Neapolitan mastiff weighs about as much as a Great Dane. However, they have much more muscle and aren’t quite as tall. They’re a solid block of tissue, thanks to their past as guard dogs.
These canines take up a lot of room. Usually, they tend to be rug dogs, spending much of their day lying around.
As they are loyal and protective dogs, they can be good guardians for your family. Moreover, this dog breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise, because this blue dog breed is a low-energy breed. However, their wrinkles need to be kept clean.
10. Whippet
Whippets have a blue smooth coat, very similar to that of the Italian Greyhound. They are usually low-maintenance pups.
Their short coat comes in virtually every color and combination, such as blue, black, fawn, red, white, brindle, and a blend of those colors. If you do see a whippet with unique blue coat markings such as merle, tricolor, or harlequin, then they are not a purebred whippet.
This blue coat breed can live comfortably in an apartment and is known for getting along with kids and other pets. If they are left alone for too long, though, they can become destructive. And they have the instinct to chase animals.
Conclusion
Blue dogs come in all sizes. Some breeds are popular for their blue coat, while others carry the blue coat gene outside the breed standard. Due to their good looks and unique blue coat markings, many blue dog breeds are sought after and highly prized.
So, if you are looking for a unique furry friend, and cost is not an issue, then go for blue dog breeds. The blue dog breeds are one of the most gorgeous-looking pups out there.
