A blue canine breed will not be really blue, however extra of a silvery-gray or icy coloration. Blue-coated canines have noses that seem to have a bluish shine, and plenty of have blue eyes that emphasize their blue coat sheen. The blue coloration can range from gentle, pale blue to a deeper, steely shade of blue.
Blue canines are available in all sizes. Some breeds are identified for his or her blue coat, whereas others carry the blue coat gene outdoors the breed customary. Many blue canine breeds are wanted and extremely prized for his or her beauty and distinctive blue coat markings, together with blue tick, blue merle, blue harlequin, and blue brindle.
Listed below are the highest 20 breeds identified for carrying the blue coat gene.
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Australian Cattle Canine
Also referred to as the blue heeler, it’s no shock that the Australian cattle canine lands on the listing of finest blue canine breeds. Whereas a purple coat can also be attainable (referred to as the purple heeler), a blue coat on this canine could also be strong, mottled, or speckled in line with the breed customary. Different markings in black or tan could also be current, however the general impression of a blue heeler is a blue solid.
American cattle canines are referred to as “shadow canines” as a result of thy are dedicated to their household and wish to be round you as a lot as attainable. Additionally, this hardworking herding canine does finest in energetic households that can provide them the psychological stimulation and bodily train they want daily.
Honorable point out: a associated hybrid breed with related colours is the Texas heeler.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding (AKC)
Peak: 17 to twenty inches
Weight: 35 to 50 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Energetic, loyal, clever
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Clean, arduous double-coat; blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, however may additionally be purple
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Kerry Blue Terrier
![Kerry Blue Terrier]()
Because the identify suggests, the Kerry blue terrier solely is available in one coloration: blue. This breed has a singular, curly coat that ranges in shade from a deep slate to a lightweight blue-gray.
Whereas the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and ft could also be darker (and even black), the breed customary requires a canine that’s described as both “blue-gray” or “gray-blue,” with both coloration displaying extra dominantly. Nevertheless, the blue hue shouldn’t be lacking.
All Kerry blue puppies are born black. Via a course of known as “clearing,” the coat of a Kerry blue terrier progressively adjustments to the attribute blue coat coloration by about 18 months.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier (AKC)
Peak: 17 to 19 inches
Weight: 30 to 40 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Vibrant, attentive, loyal
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick coat of curls; smooth and wavy; no undercoat; blue-gray
Life Span: 12 to fifteen years
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Weimaraner
![Blue weimaraner]()
Weimaraners are sometimes steely grey, exhibiting their dilute brown coat gene. In some Weimaraners, a black dilute gene happens as a substitute, producing a darkish gray-colored canine or blue Weimaraner.
Based on the breed customary, blue-coated Weimaraners are disqualified. Canine reveals apart, folks trying to find blue canine breeds are sometimes drawn to the athletic and putting look of a blue Weimaraner.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Peak: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Regular, aloof, clever
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick coat; blue to grey coloration
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Chihuahua
![Blue longhair chihuahua]()
One of many smallest canine breeds, there isn’t a scarcity of coat colours for the Chihuahua—together with a fantastic blue coat. The recessive blue gene in Chihuahuas is comparatively uncommon. When it seems, the blue could also be strong or seem together with tan, white, fawn, or brown markings. A blue coat can flip up in long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas.
These petite pups are identified for being sassy, and they’re small and straightforward to take with you wherever you go. Nevertheless, they aren’t the only option for households with babies who might not know work together with them gently.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC)
Peak: 5 to eight inches
Weight: As much as 6 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Vigorous, companionable, alert
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick or lengthy coat; black, white, fawn, blue, and extra
Life Span: 12 to twenty years
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Bearded Collie
![Blue bearded collie outside]()
The shaggy coat of the bearded collie is available in a handful of colours, together with blue. Generally seen with white markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail, the physique is at all times strong in coloration from the shoulders again. Blue bearded collies could also be born with a darker coloration coat—blue or grey—that progressively lightens as they mature.
These loyal canines wish to make associates with folks and different animals, making them good for properties with youngsters and different pets. Additionally they take pleasure in quite a lot of bodily actions, so they’re a sensible choice for energetic households.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding (AKC)
Peak: 20 to 22 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, brilliant, clever
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium to excessive
Coat and Colour: Shaggy, lengthy, coarse topcoat; blue, black, fawn, brown
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Boston Terrier
![Blue Boston terrier puppy]()
The Boston terrier wears a bit tuxedo, and whereas their coat is often black-and-white in coloration, a recessive purple or blue coat generally happens. The blue coat variation isn’t acceptable in line with the AKC breed customary. The blue coat of a Boston terrier might seem distinctly blue or have a silver or grey shade.
These comical canines take pleasure in enjoying, and may get together with everybody as a result of they’re pleasant and affectionate. Additionally they have a whole lot of power, so you may have a lot of enjoyable with them by getting them concerned in canine sports activities and different athletic actions.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Peak: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, playful, pleasant
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Clean coat; strong colours or accented with white; black, white, blue, and purple
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Italian Greyhound
![Blue Italian greyhound]()
The Italian greyhound’s lengthy legs and petite physique give this canine a swish look—particularly when they’re sporting a blue coat. Whereas not completely a blue canine breed, the Italian greyhound does carry the gene for a dilute black coat, wanting like a darkish grey coat with a distinctly blue solid.
These canines are delicate, crave being round folks, and don’t like being alone. They reply effectively to constructive reinforcement coaching. And due to their small measurement, they will reside comfortably in an house or small home. Plus, they don’t have sophisticated grooming necessities.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC)
Peak: 13 to fifteen inches
Weight: 7 to 14 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Playful, companionable, affectionate
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Quick, easy coat; black, blue, fawn, and extra
Life Span: 14 to fifteen years
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Blue Lacy
![Blue Lacy dog]()
The blue Lacy is a uncommon blue canine breed, developed by the Lacy brothers as a rancher’s right-hand companion and herding canine in Texas within the mid-1800s. Whereas not but AKC-recognized, this breed is Texas’ state canine.
These canines carry the recessive gene answerable for producing a blue coat and may additionally produce purple, cream, or tricolor puppies. The blue Lacy is thought for having a pure aptitude for work and a excessive stage of intelligence.
Breed Overview
Group: Not acknowledged by the AKC
Peak: 18 to 21 inches
Weight: 25 to 50 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Devoted, energetic, daring
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick and easy coat; varied shades of blue, resembling grey, gentle silver, or deeper charcoal; may additionally be purple or tricolored
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Neapolitan Mastiff
![Blue Neapolitan mastiff]()
For a large blue canine breed, look no additional than the Neapolitan mastiff. This huge breed is acknowledged by their imposing body and unfastened pores and skin, which regularly wrinkles across the head.
A blue coat is comparatively frequent, together with black, mahogany, and tawny, they usually might have a brindled or striped look. Blue is an accepted coloration within the AKC breed customary.
These loyal and protecting canines will be good guardians for your loved ones, and they’re additionally a sensible choice for those who’d favor a low-energy breed that doesn’t want a whole lot of train. Nevertheless, their wrinkles have to be saved clear.
Breed Overview
Group: Working (AKC)
Peak: 24 to 31 inches
Weight: 110 to 150 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Fearless, loyal, companionable
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
Coat and Colour: Quick coat; black, blue, mahogany, and tawny
Life Span: 7 to 9 years
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Shar-Pei
![Blue Shar-Pei dog]()
Most individuals know the Chinese language shar-pei for his or her folds of pores and skin and wrinkled look. This canine breed is available in quite a lot of coat colours, together with blue. The breed customary permits for a shar-pei coat to be any coloration—so long as it’s strong or sable.
Blue shar-peis can vary from a lighter hue of gray-blue to a deeper slate coloration. A few of these canines have shading alongside the again and ears, but it surely should be of the identical coloration as the remainder of the coat. Curiously, this blue canine breed has a blue-black tongue no matter coat coloration.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Peak: 18 to twenty inches
Weight: 45 to 60 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Unbiased, devoted, affectionate
ENERGY LEVEL: Low
Coat and Colour: Quick and bristly; black, brown, cream, and blue
Life Span: 8 to 12 years
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Irish Wolfhound
![Blue Irish wolfhound]()
The gene answerable for diluting a black coat and making it seem blue additionally happens in Irish wolfhounds. It’s believed that this trait was inherited from one other large blue canine breed, the Nice Dane.
Whereas many blue Irish wolfhounds seem considerably grey at first look, their blue coats have a particular blue tint, they usually may also have liver-colored paw pads, nostril, and eye rims.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound (AKC)
Peak: 30 inches and up
Weight: 105 to 120 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Even-tempered, calm, brave
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Tough coat; black, blue, brindle, cream, grey, and extra
Life Span: 6 to eight years
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American Staffordshire Terrier
![American staffordshire terrier with blue coat]()
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of many colours with brief, coarse hair. Their metal grey coat is commonly described as blue and usually seems together with white patches.
Also referred to as the AmStaff, these canines are pleasant, reasonable power companions. They’re additionally very loyal and may make good watchdogs, however they are often cussed and overly protecting. Correct socialization and coaching from a younger age is vital.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier (AKC)
Peak: 17 to 19 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, brave, protecting
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Quick, easy coat; black, brindle, fawn, sable, blue, and brown
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Bluetick Coonhound
![A Bluetick Coonhound dog standing outdoors]()
The bluetick coonhound’s easy, shiny coat is darkish blue, thickly mottled or “ticked” with black spots on the again, ears, and sides. This mottling gives the look of a navy blue coloration. The top and ears are largely black, with tan markings on the face.
This blue canine breed is taken into account high-maintenance and might not be superb for first-time canine dad and mom as a result of they want a whole lot of consideration. They’ve a excessive prey drive and a excessive power stage, want loads of day by day train, and are very vocal.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound (AKC)
Peak: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Energetic, affectionate, sweet-tempered
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick, glossy, and glossy coat; darkish blue with a thickly mottled physique; black spots on again, ears, and sides; might have tan markings
Life Span: 11 to 12 years
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Australian Shepherd
![Australian Shepherd Dog]()
Australian shepherds that seem blue often have a merle coat sample, which is frequent within the breed. Their merle coat is a patchy smattering of grey shades, predominantly showing as blue.
The blue merle Australian Shepherd often has a mix of blue, grey, black, and white of their fur. Blue merle Aussies might have beautiful blue eyes, brown eyes, amber eyes, and even one blue eye and one that’s brown.
Breed Overview
Group: Herding (AKC)
Peak: 18 to 23 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Energetic, energetic, clever
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Medium to lengthy coat; blue merle, purple merle, black, or purple; might have white markings and/or tan (copper) factors
Life Span: 13 to fifteen years
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Nice Dane
![Portrait cute gray Great Dane puppy with blue eyes]()
Nice Danes can have a strong blue coat or a harlequin blue coat sample. Harlequin seems like a white base with strong splotches of blue. It’s simply confused with merle coats, however harlequins are typically simply two colours or shades, and the massive patches of coloration are a bit extra distinct. Solely two purebred canines show harlequin coats: Nice Danes and Beaucerons.
The Nice Dane is a pleasant and loving blue canine breed. They get together with youngsters and different pets and, regardless of their giant measurement, are mild. Additionally, as a result of they’ve a reasonable power stage, they don’t want as a lot train as high-energy canines.
Breed Overview
Group: Working (AKC)
Peak: 28 to 34 inches
Weight: 100 to 200 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, mild, attentive
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Quick coat; brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)
Life Span: 6 to eight years
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Greyhound
![Greyhound dog at home]()
The greyhound has a brief and easy coat that is available in quite a lot of colours, together with blue. Their coat is so brief that it does not present a lot heat within the winter or insulation in the summertime. Along with blue, greyhounds will also be black, white, fawn, brindle, purple, and any mixture of these colours.
Greyhounds are identified for his or her pace, they usually can run as much as 45 miles per hour. They love their household, make nice pets, and even get together with strangers. However they’re delicate and do finest in peaceable properties.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound (AKC)
Peak: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 80 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Light, quiet, affectionate
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Quick and easy; black, blue, fawn, purple, white, and varied shades of brindle or a mix of any of those colours
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
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Whippet
![Whippet standing in a forest with people in the background]()
The whippet is similar to the greyhound, simply in a smaller package deal. Their easy-to-care-for brief coat is available in just about each coloration and mixture, together with blue, black, fawn, purple, white, brindle, and combos of these colours. They are going to by no means be merle, tricolor, or harlequin, so for those who do see a whippet with these patterns, they aren’t a purebred whippet.
This blue canine breed is thought for getting together with youngsters and different pets, and can even reside comfortably in an house. If they’re left alone for too lengthy, although, they will change into damaging. They usually have the intuition to chase animals.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound (AKC)
Peak: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 24 to 40 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Calm, affectionate, pleasant
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Quick and easy; black, blue, fawn, purple, white, and varied shades of brindle or a mix of any of those colours
Life Span: 12 to fifteen years
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Thai Ridgeback
![Thai Ridgeback Dog running through leaves]()
A big and muscular canine, the Thai ridgeback sports activities the signature ridge of hair on their again that grows in the other way from the opposite hair, just like the Rhodesian ridgeback. Their easy coat will be black, blue, fawn, or purple.
These are playful, athletic, and energetic canines that want to remain bodily energetic and mentally stimulated. They require minimal grooming. Coaching and socialization are vital as a result of they are often cussed.
Breed Overview
Group: Basis Inventory Service (AKC)
Peak: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, daring, impartial
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Quick and easy; black, blue, fawn, or purple
Life Span: 12 to fifteen years
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Chow Chow
![Black chow chow dog laying on grass with tongue out]()
Most likely most acknowledged for his or her blue tongues, chow chows even have a blue coat sample. Their double coats will be both tough or easy and are additionally seen in black, cinnamon, cream, and purple.
Chow chows could make good guard canines, however they require correct coaching to make sure they don’t get too aggressive or territorial, in order that they do finest with assertive canine dad and mom. As a result of they’re quiet and never high-energy, they will do effectively in flats.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Peak: 17 to twenty inches
Weight: 40 to 70 kilos
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Unbiased, calm, loyal
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
Coat and Colour: Tough or easy double coat; black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or purple
Life Span: 8 to 12 years
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Poodle
![blue miniature poodle standing in grass]()
Poodles are maybe most well-known for his or her unmistakable curly coats, generally lower into the long-lasting present fashion. Whether or not toy, miniature, or customary, poodle coats are available in blue in addition to quite a lot of different colours, together with black, brown, apricot, and white.
This blue canine breed is high-maintenance in relation to grooming, needing common haircuts. However as a result of the coat doesn’t shed a lot and is taken into account hypoallergenic, this canine will be an possibility for these with allergic reactions.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Peak: As much as 10 inches (toy); 10 to fifteen inches (miniature); over 15 inches (customary)
Weight: 4 to six kilos (toy); 10 to fifteen kilos (miniature); 40 to 70 kilos (customary)
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Energetic, affectionate, clever
ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive
Coat and Colour: Curly and lengthy; apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, grey, purple, silver, silver beige, or white
Life Span: 10 to 18 years
Breed Traits
Blue canine breeds carry the recessive genes for blue coat coloration from their dad and mom. Each father or mother canines should not have to be blue, however every may have the gene for a diluted black coat.
In case your canine has the merle gene, it could actually manifest as mottled patches of coloration. Merle-patterned canines can’t constantly create pigment, which explains the bluish coloration. Blue merle canines even have a better likelihood of getting blue eyes or heterochromia—two totally different coloured eyes.
Breeds to Keep away from
If blue canine breeds meet your fancy, then pure white canines, devoid of any coloration, would seemingly not curiosity you. The snowy coats of Arctic canines just like the Samoyed and American Eskimo canine tailored to match their frozen environment, whereas white canines just like the Komondor, with an extended, white corded coat, blended in with the sheep they might herd.
Different widespread white breeds embrace:
- Nice Pyrenees
- West Highland White Terrier
- Bichon Frise
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