14 Blue Dog Breeds: Pictures, Facts & History

Introduction

When you picture a dog in your mind, you probably imagine common colors like black, brown, white, and red. But did you know that many dog breeds can also come in stunning shades of blue? From pale silvery-gray to deep steel blue, these unique coat colors make blue dog breeds stand out from the crowd.

Blue coats in dogs are caused by a recessive gene that dilutes black pigment to various shades of blue-gray. For a dog to have a blue coat, it must inherit the gene from both parents. In some breeds, blue is a standard color, while in others it occurs more rarely but is growing in popularity.

Let‘s meet 14 of the most intriguing blue dog breeds and learn what makes each one special beyond their beautiful blue coats. Whether you‘re already a fan of blue dogs or just curious to learn more, you‘ll enjoy discovering the history, personality, and unique features of these amazing canines.

1. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

Also known as the Blue Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed down under in the 1800s for the job of herding cattle on huge ranches. This hard-working herding breed is highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal, thriving when given a job to do and plenty of exercise.

The Blue Heeler‘s name comes from the common blue coat patterns of blue mottling or speckling, often with black, tan, or red markings. The mottling helps camouflage them in the shadows as they stealthily approach livestock, giving them an advantage for their herding work. This sturdy, compact breed has boundless energy and stamina and forms very strong bonds with their owners.

2. Kerry Blue Terrier

If you‘re looking for a dog breed with a truly blue coat, the Kerry Blue Terrier is it. Hailing from County Kerry, Ireland, this medium-to-large terrier breed was originally used for hunting small game and as an all-around farm dog. They are known for being loyal, alert, and intelligent with strong guarding instincts.

The Kerry Blue is famous for its unique soft, dense, wavy blue-gray coat. Puppies are born black and their coat gradually lightens to blue-gray as they mature. Regular grooming is a must to maintain their coat and beard. This breed‘s working background gives them a strong drive to chase and dig – they need plenty of exercise and activity to stay happy.

3. Weimaraner

Originally bred in Germany as an all-purpose hunting dog, the Weimaraner is a striking large breed dog known for its regal appearance, elegance, and athletic abilities. Nicknamed the "Gray Ghost" for their unique short silver-gray to blue-gray coats, Weimaraners are prized not just for their looks but for their friendly, obedient, fearless personalities.

As a sporting breed, the Weimaraner needs lots of daily exercise. Their short, smooth coat is very low maintenance, requiring just occasional baths and brushing. With their strong prey drive, they may not do well in homes with small pets. But for active owners wanting a devoted, trainable companion to jog or hike with, the Weimaraner can be an excellent choice.

4. Chihuahua

The tiny but mighty Chihuahua, national dog of Mexico, is one of the world‘s smallest breeds. But did you know they can come in blue? Long or short blue coats are possible thanks to a relatively rare recessive gene. The blue is often paired with tan, white, or fawn markings for an even more eye-catching look.

Chihuahuas are known for their oversized confidence, charm, and loyalty. They often bond very strongly with one special person. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have big personalities and can be quite bold and feisty. With proper socialization they can do well with older kids and other pets. These portable little charmers are great city dogs.

5. Bearded Collie

Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, the Bearded Collie or "Beardie" was bred to herd cattle and sheep in harsh climates. Instantly recognizable by their shaggy coat and charming smile, this medium-sized breed is all about working hard and playing hard. Beardies are intelligent, active, outgoing, and adaptable companions.

The Bearded Collie‘s distinctive long, shaggy blue coat is usually paired with white markings on the face, chest, legs and tail tip. Interestingly, their coats often lighten as they mature from puppyhood to adulthood. As you might imagine, their luxurious double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

6. Boston Terrier

Nicknamed "The American Gentleman" for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers were first bred in Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1800s. These compact, muscular little dogs are known for being friendly, bright, and comically entertaining. Their gentle disposition and adaptability make them a popular city dog.

While blue and white is not an official color accepted by breed standards, blue Boston Terriers are becoming increasingly sought after by pet owners who love their unique look. Blue Bostons have all the same wonderful traits as their officially colored counterparts in a flashy blue and white tuxedo pattern. Their short, sleek coats make grooming a breeze.

7. Italian Greyhound

An ancient companion breed from the Mediterranean, the fine-boned, elegantly athletic Italian Greyhound looks like a shrunken version of its larger Greyhound cousin. Built for speed, Italian Greyhounds were used for hunting small game but nowadays they are prized for their affectionate, playful, sensitive nature as companion dogs.

The Italian Greyhound‘s very short, smooth coat carries a dilute gene that can produce shades ranging from dark blue to a light silvery gray color. This glossy, low-maintenance coat shows off their sleek lines beautifully. With their slender build, Italian Greyhounds can be prone to teeth chattering and shivering when cold or anxious.

8. Blue Lacy

A rare breed that isn‘t recognized by major kennel clubs, the Blue Lacy was developed in Texas in the mid-1800s as an all-around working dog – they herded livestock, hunted game, and served as ranch hands, guard dogs, and loyal family companions. Lacy Dogs are known for being highly energetic, intelligent, trainable, and having a strong prey drive.

The Blue Lacy‘s short, smooth coat comes in shades of blue, red, or tri-color (blue with red markings). The blue shade can range from a pale silver to dark charcoal gray. This low-maintenance coat sheds seasonally and requires just occasional baths and brushing. The Lacy‘s strong work ethic means they need a job to do and plenty of exercise to thrive.

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

A massive and imposing ancient guard dog breed from Italy, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a loyal, protective, and calm companion. Heavily wrinkled with an abundance of loose skin, the Mastino has an instantly recognizable appearance that conveys power and confidence. They can be stubborn but respond well to patient, consistent training.

The Neapolitan Mastiff‘s short, dense coat comes in blue as well as black, mahogany, and tawny shades, sometimes with brindle striping. Grooming is simple, with just occasional baths and brushing needed. As a giant breed, the Mastino is prone to joint problems and drooling. These gentle giants are devoted family guardians but may not be the best choice for novice owners.

10. Chinese Shar-Pei

With its deeply wrinkled skin, blue-black tongue, and scowling expression, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a truly unique looking breed. Originally from China, they were bred for many purposes including guarding, hunting, herding, and fighting. Shar-Pei are known for being independent, loyal, and reserved with strangers.

The Shar-Pei‘s bristly short coat comes in many colors including solid blue shades ranging from pale silver to dark slate gray. Grooming is minimal, but those wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin fold infections. With their guardian nature and tendency to be aloof with strangers, plenty of socialization is a must for this confident breed.

11. Irish Wolfhound

An ancient sighthound breed from Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound was originally used for hunting wolves and guarding homes and livestock. Today they are the tallest of the AKC breeds, standing up to a massive 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their great size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being gentle, dignified, and calmly sweet-tempered.

The Irish Wolfhound‘s coat is a wiry, medium-length gray color that often has a distinct blue cast ranging from light silver to darker blue-gray shades. Minimal grooming with a brush or hound glove is all that‘s typically needed. As a giant breed, they have a tragically short lifespan of just 6-8 years. These majestic but sensitive hounds need lots of space and do best with experienced owners.

12. American Staffordshire Terrier

Developed in the United States from Pit Bull Terriers brought over from England, the American Staffordshire Terrier or AmStaff is a confident, smart, hard-working companion. With their muscular medium-sized build, they have a powerful presence. AmStaffs are known for being loyal, courageous, and highly trainable.

AmStaffs have a short, stiff coat that comes in a variety of colors including blue, sometimes in brindle striped patterns. Their blue coats can have white, black, or tan markings as well. This low-maintenance coat just needs occasional baths and brushing. AmStaffs have high exercise needs and a strong prey drive, so a securely fenced yard and canine sport training are recommended.

13. Bluetick Coonhound

Named for its striking mottled or "ticked" blue and black coat, the Bluetick Coonhound was developed in the American South for hunting raccoons and other small game. These muscular but sleek hounds are known for having a friendly, easy-going nature while also being tireless workers with the stamina to hunt all night long.

The Bluetick‘s distinctive coat has a dark blue mottled pattern on a white background with tan markings on the face, ears, and legs. Their shiny close-lying coat just needs occasional baths and brushing. Like most coonhounds, Blueticks have a loud bay and a strong nose for following scents, traits that can get them into trouble if not channeled into constructive exercise and activities.

14. Australian Shepherd

Despite their name, Australian Shepherds or Aussies were actually developed in the western United States as herding dogs for ranches and farms. Prized for their intelligence, energy, loyalty, and protective nature, Aussies excel at herding, agility, obedience, and other canine sports. They thrive with a job to do and plenty of exercise.

Australian Shepherds are famous for their beautiful blue merle coats, which feature mottled patches of black, gray, blue, and white. Their medium-length coat can be straight or wavy and sheds heavily, requiring regular brushing. Some blue merle Aussies may have blue eyes or even one blue and one brown eye, an unusual trait that only adds to their striking appearance.

Conclusion

As we‘ve seen, blue dog breeds come in a remarkable variety of sizes, shapes, and personalities. From tiny blue Chihuahuas to towering blue-gray Irish Wolfhounds, there is a blue dog out there to suit many different lifestyles and activity levels. Some like the Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd are intense working dogs, while others like the Weimaraner and Boston Terrier are more easygoing companions.

When choosing any dog, it‘s important to look beyond coat color alone to find a breed whose temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements are a good fit for your home. Blue coats may be beautiful, but they don‘t tell you everything about what it‘s like to live with that breed. Take the time to research all aspects of blue dog breeds that interest you before making a commitment.

For owners who choose their canine companion carefully, blue dogs can be wonderful, eye-catching pets. Their unique coat color makes them stand out from the crowd, sparking conversations and attracting admiration wherever you go. With their diverse backgrounds and characteristics, blue dog breeds each have something special to offer the right home. One thing they all have in common is a blue coat that‘s sure to brighten your day.