It may not be possible to find a dog with a perfect blue coat (blue dog breeds) but some come very close to being categorized as blue. Blue in reference to a pup’s coat can come in any variation of silvery-grey color, probably with a conspicuously icy sheen. Thus, what you get may not be a completely “blue” shade that is comparable to the sky or navy blue.
However, the coat that is perceived as blue is most definitely cooler, making the tint stand out from your normal black or grey coats. Typically, any blue-coated dog would have its nose as the bluest part, sometimes complemented with beautiful baby blue eyes! The collies and the Australian cattle dogs fit this description perfectly! The Blue Lacy and Kerry Blue Terrier can also be exclusively blue.
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These Blue Dog Breeds Are The Most Adorable
Whether you need a small or large dog breed, a friendly or overprotective pooch, there are plenty to choose from when it comes to blue dog breeds.
1. Blue Lacy
Standing between 18 to 21 inches in height with a body weight that ranges from 25 to 50 pounds, the Blue Lacy is one of the rarest blue dog breeds which has its origins in the US as far back as the mid-1800s. The pup is distinguished by an athletic body build, folded ears, elongated muzzle, and smooth short coat in varying shades of blue like light silver, gray, and deeper charcoal.
Though they always carry the recessive gene for a blue coat, the canine may also produce a litter of red, cream, or tricolor-coated puppies. Coat color notwithstanding, the Blue Lacy is popular for its high intelligence level, as well as a natural appetite for work. While not yet AKC-recognized, this rancher’s right-hand companion is the official state dog of Texas.
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
Your typical Kerry Blue Terrier may grow from 17 to 19 inches with a body weight of 30 to 40 pounds and as suggested by the name, the pup can only come in a single color: blue, making it a typical blue dog breed. Physical attributes include a distinctive curly coat ranging from a deep slate to a light blue-grey in shade. However, there will be darker spots on the head, muzzle, tail, ears, and feet.
The breed standard calls for pups that are described as either ’ grey-blue,’ or ‘blue-grey’ with either of the colors dominant. However, the blue shade shouldn’t be absent. Interesting to note that the puppies of the Kerry Blue Terrier are born black, but their coat undergoes a gradual change through a process known as ‘clearing.’ The characteristic blue coat color will mature at 18 months of age. Other breed characteristics include a short single coat without an undercoat, the eyes are often concealed due to its bearded face with heavy eyebrows.
3. Australian Cattle Dog Or Blue Heeler
The Australian Cattle Dog is also called the Blue heeler and is considered among the blue dog breeds. Standing from 17 to 20 inches with 35 to 50 pounds body mass, the dog is characterized by a brawny build, broad body, and a smooth, hard double-coat that may come in solid blue, blue speckled, or blue mottled. A red coat may also occur. There may be the presence of other markings in tan or black, however, the overall impression is always blue.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
Pet parents who are on the lookout for a big blue dog breed might find it with the Neapolitan Mastiff. The pup is quite massive at 24 to 31 inches in height and 110 to 150 pounds in weight. The canine breed is distinguished by an imposing frame, loose skin across the body with wrinkles around the head. The coat is short with a relatively common blue color. The color can also be black, tawny, or mahogany.
5. Bluetick Coonhound
As the name implies, the Bluetick Coonhound is blue and ticked! Here, the ticking is taken to mean small flecks or spots on a base of white, tan may also be thrown in. This blue dog breed is known to be friendly, loyal, as well as intelligent. The coat is realized as short and glossy and shedding is moderate, but increases during shedding seasons; thus grooming should be increased to once a week or more.
Plenty of exercise routines would be needed as the breed is quite energetic with a strong prey drive. They can be aggressive towards smaller pets which calls for early socialization, and obedience training, and you should endeavor to practice strong recall with your Bluetick Coonhound.
6. Blue Bay Shepherd
A variant of the popular German Shepherd, the Blue Bay Shepherd is developed to retain the size, temperament, intelligence, and health attributes of the German Shepherd and at the same time sport a more wolf-like appearance alongside a long blue coat. The German Shepherds were working dogs, originally used as herding and farming dog, and named in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz. The breed earned the recognition of the American Kennel Club in 1907. Since the dog attained popularity by starring in movies since the year 1922, its fame has not doused one bit as it is still seen as the 2nd most popular canine breed in the US.
Their rock star appearance notwithstanding, the Blue Bay is all Shepherd – loyal, obedient, devoted, and smart. The pup’s devotion is the unflinching type and it is known to serve its master diligently. The breed lives to work, sporting a large size of 88 pounds and 26 inches height at the shoulder for males.
The Blue Bay Shepherd can serve as a guard dog, family pet, bomb-sniffing dog, as well as service dog. Whichever use you want to put your Blue Bay to, it will be almost impossible to get a more loving family member or more consummate “professional” The aim of the breeder (Vicki Spencer) was to develop an affectionate and dedicated family pet and companion with beauty and wolf-like appearance that match its brains and loyalty.
7. Thai Ridgeback
Another one of the blue dog breeds is the Thai Ridgeback, however, it may come in four standard colors but you can always get a blue coat. The breed is characterized by a short sleek coat that is prone to seasonal shedding, thus, occasional brushing should be enough to keep the coat in tip-top condition. Temperament-wise, the dog is loyal, independent, and quite athletic. They may display territorial tendencies around family members as the breed is originally developed to be guard dogs and watchdogs.
Early socialization is key with a blue-colored Thai Ridgeback, this way; you will end up with a friendly, happy, and confident pup. If you must keep the breed, then, your home must be well suited for the dog to run around and burn off pent-up energy. The pup devotes quality time to exercise and thus, must be kept physically and mentally stimulated at all times. Households that have smaller pets around might need to think twice before adopting this blue dog breed. However, they may end up as friends if raised together.
8. Bearded Collie
This may not look like a breed that belongs to the blue dog breeds, but the Scottish Bearded Collie has a blue coat as one of its standard colors. If your choice in canine companion runs to the Bearded Collie, you must be prepared to maintain its beautiful thick fluffy coat with a daily light brush in addition to a weekly full groom. The job is never a quick one, so, pet parents must be dedicated to regular grooming sessions.
The breed is known to be affable, self-sufficient, and intelligent. The dog is athletic and must be provided with active games, daily exercise, and time to run off the leash. The Scottish Bearded Collie is originally a herding dog, so may display aggression towards other household pets. This calls for early socialization if you must keep your collie in a multi-pet household.
9. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier can come in many colors – blue inclusive. The blue hue can occur in many variations, solid blue may be common with white stomach, chest, and paws. This stocky hunk of love can also come in blue brindles, generally mixing light brown, as well as blue in a ragged, striped pattern. The soft blue fawn color is also common among Staffies. The name pit bull is commonly used for the Staffies and is an umbrella term describing stocky-built pups.
The American Staffordshire is highly underappreciated as it is often misunderstood and subjected to breed-specific legislation. Truth be told, the Staffies cannot be adopted by anyone because of their natural physical strength, and any pet parent who opts for the breed must be ready to take its unique needs for early socialization into consideration. However, Staffies are known to make loving and wonderful companions when matched with responsible owners!
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10. Chow Chow
One of the powerful members of the blue dog breeds is the Chow Chow. These pups can come in fluffy blue coats and it is even more interesting to note that they are complete with matching blue tongues! Temperament-wise, your Chow Chow can be aloof, serious, and dignified. Thus, potential pet parents who are on the lookout for a loving and affectionate family dog should stay clear of the breed.
The pup was originally bred as a watchdog and must be subjected to early socialization starting from day one. Training your Chow Chow calls for a lot of patience as the dog is one of the most stubborn to train, thus, it can only thrive with an owner that is experienced in dog training.
Recap Of Blue Dog Breeds
- Blue Lacy
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Australian Cattle Dog Or Blue Heeler
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Blue Bay Shepherd
- Thai Ridgeback
- Bearded Collie
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Chow Chow