Getting a dog can be overwhelming, with the plethora of puppy faces looking back at you. However, the dog pool becomes narrower if you have a preference set, such as a blue-colored dog breed. Making it that much easier to find your perfect canine match. In this article, we explore several factors of each blue-colored breed to help you find the right dog breed based on your specific requirements.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
- Coat: Smooth, hard double-coat
- Color: blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, but may also be red
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Willful, outgoing, playful aloof
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $400 – $1000 USD
- Origin: Australia
The Australian settlers developed Australian Cattle Dog to have a herding dog breed that is intelligent, clever, and loves to work. They go by many names, including Australian Heeler, Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler, and Halls Heeler. They were nicknamed “Heelers” for nipping at the cattle’s heels. The Australian Cattle Dog sports a weather-resistant outer coat that is short and straight. They come in blue or red speckle shades. Their blue or blue-mottled coat is speckled with black, blue, or tab markings on the head. Although the Australian Cattle Dog doesn’t shed much, they’re known to notoriously “blow” out during shedding season. Additionally, brushing often helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny. The Australian Cattle Dog is not for a passive family as they always need a job.
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 17 to 19 inches
- Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
- Coat: Short coat that is soft and wavy with no undercoat.
- Color: Blue-gray in color upon maturing
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Loyal, alert, attentive, bright
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Price: Average $2000 – $2500 USD
- Origin: Ireland
The Kerry Blue Terrier belongs to the working group of dogs. They embody the Terrier spirit in mind and body; for this, they’ve made a name for themselves in all fields, including being cherished house pets. This Terrier is alert, muscular, and ready for a good time. They’re happiest around people they love but are well-mannered with everyone. Besides their Terrier traits, the Kerry Blue Terrier is known for its distinct blue-gray shade of coat. When born, the puppies have a blue-black coat that undergoes a series of transformations until the color reaches a rich bluish-gray shade at about 18 months. This unique blue shade is wavy, soft, and dense; for the most part, it is considered non-shedding. However, grooming is challenging as the coat is high-maintenance. Daily brushing, trimming, and bathing every four to six weeks is the bare minimum for Kerry Blue to retain its healthy coat.
3. Weimaraner
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 25 to 27 inches (males); 23 to 25 inches (females)
- Weight: 70 to 90 pounds (males); 55 to 75 pounds (females)
- Coat: Short and stiff.
- Color: Blue-gray, silver Gray
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
- Temperament: Powerful, steady, intelligent, stubborn, energetic, aloof, alert
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $700 – $1500 USD
- Origin: Germany
Weimaraner, or the “Silver Ghost,” was bred to be the most handsome-looking gun dog that could handle a big game like deer, bear, and wolves effortlessly. They were developed in the Court of Weimar in Germany to have a dog with a courageous heart and an intelligent and focused mind. Besides their hunting abilities and the skill to almost mimic a human-like impression, an ability photographers have widely explored, Weimaraners’ appeal also lies in their shiny blue-gray, mouse-gray, and silver-grey coats with lighter shades on the head and ears. These are affectionate, loving, and devoted dogs. The breed is also popularly known as the Weims, Silver Ghosts, or Gray Ghosts due to their coat color and gray eyes that blend to give an eerie feel. A Weims coat can either be short, smooth, and sleek or long and silky. However, the American Kennel Club only recognizes the former coat length. Luckily for prospective owners, the Weimaraners’ coat appeal isn’t muddled by the grooming efforts, as this breed is one of the easiest to groom. Weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat looking healthy.
4. Chihuahua
- Group: Toy
- Height: 6 to 9 inches
- Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
- Coat: Chihuahuas can have smooth short coats or longer fringed coats.
- Color: Black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
- Temperament: Loyal, alert, lively, attentive, bright, companionable
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $800 – $2500 USD
- Origin: Mexico
Chihuahua’s small stature feels like an evolutionary mistake, as this breed takes a comical spin on the adage “live life king-size”. This small dog with a big personality is entitled, spicy, and doesn’t mind its size, everything that makes Chihuahua lovers madly in love with this dog. Although we should point out what the Chihuahuas didn’t get in size, they got in their wide range of coat lengths and colors. There are seven different types of Chihuahuas based on their coat length and type alone! What’s more, this breed has no shortage of colors when it comes to the coat. Featuring all shades of the rainbow, this pint-sized pup also appeals to blue dog enthusiasts. The blue color in a Chihuahua comes from a recessive blue gene and appears as a solid shade or combination with tan, white, fawn, or black markings. The breed’s grooming demands are meager, and it takes only a few minutes each to keep the Chihuahua looking neat.
5. Bearded Collie
- Group: Herding
- Height: 21 to 22 inches (males); 20 to 21 inches (females)
- Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
- Coat: Double coat with straight, coarse, shaggy outercoat and soft undercoat
- Color: Black, blue, brown, or fawn; Commonly fades to white or silver markings upon aging
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, alert, friendly, energetic, bright
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1500 – $2000 USD
- Origin: Scotland
The Bearded Collie is a vibrant, reliable, enthusiastic dog breed from Scotland. They were developed to herd sheep and cattle. Due to their alert nature, they also make skilled watchdogs. The breed’s coat is equipped to protect them from Scotland’s harsh and tough weather. They sport a touch, and shaggy overcoat and a fluffy understood. Bearded Collie come in shades of blue, black, fawn, and brown. Some Beardies’ coats fade over time, making the color look richer as they grow old. Weekly brushing is enough to keep the Beardies’ coats healthy. Additionally, this breed is a low-shedder all year round except in the shedding seasons when you’re likely to see piles of fur on the ground.
6. Boston Terrier
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1000 – $2000 USD
- Origin: United States
The “American Gentleman” is popular for its tuxedo-like markings and loving, gentle, and affectionate behavior. They were originally bred to be fighting dogs, but the breed today is refined to be the gentleman his markings make of him. These intelligent dogs love to have their way with everything, which makes them quite a handful sometimes. However, mostly the dog is devoted and invested in making their owners happy. This breed’s short and smooth coat comes in shades of black, seal, gray, or brindle with markings on the face, blaze, and chest. Although rare, they sometimes feature a stunning blue and red color too. Due to the short, smooth coat, they’re easy to groom and fare well with weekly brushing and daily washing of the prominent eyes.
7. Italian Greyhound
- Group: Toy
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, companionable
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Price: Average $1400 – $2000 USD
- Origin: Italy
The Italian Greyhound is known for its elegance and impressive gait. They’re widely documented and recorded in the artworks alongside the royalty. This Greyhound cousin was developed to have the same agility as their larger counterparts. Being sighthounds possessing incredible speed, the Italian Greyhound is likely to chase anything that moves. Besides this favorite activity, this breed is incredibly family oriented and loves to snuggle with their human. Although, with strangers, they tend to be a bit reserved and shy. These dogs sport a smooth satin coat in blue, black, fawn, cream, or red. It can be either solid or accompanied by markings. The Italian Greyhound is a delight to live with due to their smooth and low-shedding coats. Brushing weekly is plenty for the breed, and bathing can be done as needed.
8. Blue Lacy
- Group: Working Group
- Height: 18 to 21 inches
- Weight: 25 to 50 pounds
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Blue (gray, light silver, charcoal), red (light cream, rust), or tri-colored
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, bold, active, devoted, alert, and intense
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $400 – $600 USD
- Origin: United States (Texas)
The Blue Lacys are quintessential working dogs that always need a job. From multiple runs during the day to engaging in herding, hunting, agility training, or acting as a watchdog—nothing is past the Blue Lacys when they need to expend pent-up energy. This need to do work is the make or break factor for this dog, for if trained well, their intelligence and stamina could be channeled in a resourceful way. However, they can be some of the most destructive and notorious dogs when this energy is not channeled well. Therefore, a strict training routine and a well-structured day are needed to make Blue Lacy the dog of everyone’s dreams. The blue shade of the dog ranges from gray to black. Blue Lacys also come in shades of red and a mixture of cream or red. Lacys do not shed much, and weekly brushing is enough to keep their coat smooth and healthy.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff
- Group: Working
- Height: 24 to 31 inches
- Weight: 110 to 150 pounds
- Coat: Short, shiny fur
- Color: Black, blue, mahogany, tawny, or brindle
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
- Temperament: Protective, stubborn, fearless, companionable, loyal
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $2500 – $4500 USD
- Origin: Italy
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a big wrinkly dog hailing from Italy, where they were bred to family and guard dogs. The striking appearance of a Neapolitan Mastiff reeks of strength in every step they take, yet because of their gentle temperament, they’re known as gentle giants. A family that can provide firm and consistent leadership is perfect for this 200- pound lap dog. Even when the Neapolitan Mastiff is relaxing, they are alert and quick to action in case of any threat making them the perfect watchdog and guardian of the family. The Mastino, a nickname they go by, has a coat that comes in solid blue, gray, black, mahogany, and tawny or tan brindle. Weekly brushing can keep the dog’s coat clean and healthy. However, the wrinkles may need extra care. Using a wet cloth to clean between the flaps works best.
10. Shar-pei
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 18 to 20 inches
- Weight: 45 to 60 pounds
- Coat: Short and bristly
- Color: Various solid color shades include black, chocolate, blue, and cream; mixed coat colors are not accepted as a breed standard
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years
- Temperament: Devoted, loving, affectionate, reserved, independent
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1000 – $1500 USD
- Origin: China
The Chinese Shar-pei was developed to hunt, chase and guard and was later modified into a fighting dog. However, the breed’s temperament today is of a calm animal that can live the apartment life with no issues. They can also act as great watchdogs and family guardians due to their alert and suspicious nature. Due to this, they also tend to be aloof and depend on strangers; however, with owners and people they love, the Shar-pei doesn’t want to leave their side. The fighting history makes this dog aggressive towards other dogs; therefore, early socialization and training are a must to mold the Shar-pei into a harmless pet. The Shar-pei’s coat is wrinkly and bristly. They come in many colors: solid black, cream, fawn, red, sable, and blue. In addition, the Shar-pei is a clean dog with no odor, making them easy to groom.
11. Irish Wolfhound
- Group: Hound
- Height: At least 30 inches (female), at least 32 inches (male)
- Weight: 105 pounds (female), 120 pounds (male)
- Coat: Medium-length, wiry
- Color: Black, blue, brindle, creme, gray, red, silver, white, wheaten
- Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
- Temperament: Courageous, Calm, Even-Tempered
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1500 – $2500 USD
- Origin: Ireland
Irish Wolfhounds were developed for a specific purpose—to keep robbers away from the royal chariot. They used to run alongside the road to prevent any robberies from happening. Besides this, the Irish Wolfhound also served as a war dog with the strength to defeat a wolf in single combat. Despite the ferociousness of a war dog, the Irish Wolfhounds have known for their calm, sweet and gentle temperament. Their sparkling eyes and sweet expression yearn for human companionship and are tuned to family life. The Wolfhound’s coat is rough and comes in gray, brindle, red, black, white, or fawn. They shed consistently throughout the year; hence brushing frequently is advised.
12. American Staffordshire Terrier
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 17 to 18 inches (female), 18 to 19 inches (male)
- Weight: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 55 to 70 pounds (male)
- Coat: Short, stiff fur
- Color: Various colors, including black, brown, blue, fawn, red, and liver; brindle or white markings are also possible.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Courageous, affectionate, protective
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1500 – $2500 USD
- Origin: United States
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular companion dog breed. They’re known to be loving, affectionate, and devoted to their family. The dog’s idea of a good time includes being with their family in any form, whether a vibrant play session or lounging on the couch—the Staffordshires are up for anything as long as it includes you. Due to their strong athletic build, they can be a handful to deal with when walking. Therefore, a good and firm trainer is required to make the dog easy to handle. The Staffordshire Terriers feature a short, smooth coat in various colors, including blue, fawn, white, black, and red. Sometimes they’re also found in a combination of white and other colors. The glossy coat is known to shed heavily only twice a year. Otherwise, the dogs shed minimally, making grooming an easy feat.
13. Bluetick Coonhound
- Group: Hound
- Height: 21 to 25 inches (female), 22 to 27 inches (male)
- Weight: 45 to 65 pounds (female), 55 to 80 pounds (male)
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Color: Blue ticked or blue ticked and tan, black spots
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 12 years
- Temperament: Sweet-tempered, active, affectionate
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $300 – $1200 USD
- Origin: United States
The Bluetick Coonhound is an agile, obedient, and muscular dog known for its blue freckled skin. They’re hunter dogs with bowl mouths that give them a long, drawn-out bark. Being a hound dog, this breed may be challenging; however, persistent and firm training can make these dogs into wonderful family-oriented pets. The Bluetick Coonhound has a thick and heavily mottled blue shade. The head and ears are black with tan marking over the eyes.
14. Australian Shepherd
- Group: Herding
- Height: 18 to 21 inches (female), 20 to 23 inches (male)
- Weight: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 50 to 65 pounds (male)
- Coat: Medium double coat
- Color: Blue merle, red merle, black, or red; all colors may have white markings and tan (copper) points
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, active, energetic
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1000 – $2000 USD
- Origin: United States
The Australian Shepherd dogs are the epitome of herding dog breeds. They’re clever, intelligent, and sharp and can lead the livestock with effortlessness and ease. Being a herding dog breed, they also have high energy to spend, making daily activities consequential. A failure to provide enough things to do may lead the dog to invent his own game, which typically includes herding kids and chasing cars, or other animals. Therefore, it’s important to keep the Aussies busy. These Shepherd dogs sport a weather-resistant medium-length coat that comes in many colors. These include blue merle, red merle, red, tri-color (white, black, and tan), and black. A blue merle dog has patches of black on gray background. Brushing can be done frequently in shedding season; however, weekly grooming is enough on normal days.
15. Great Dane
- Group: Working
- Height: 30 to 34 inches (males); 28 to 32 inches (females)
- Weight: 120 to 200 pounds (males); 99 to 130 pounds (females)
- Coat: Short, smooth coat
- Color: Black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, solid white, or mantle
- Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, friendly, loving, even-tempered, attentive, proud
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: Average $1000 – $2000 USD
- Origin: Germany
The Great Dane, or the “Appollo of Dogs,” is a truly great and noble breed. They’re known for their impressive muscular structure and sleek body, making them look intimidating. However, the Great Dane is far from being the mean dog; instead, they’re gentle, calm, and laid back. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are known to notoriously sneak into their owner’s lap for a good cuddle seassion. Usually, the Great Danes come in six different colors, with the coats being short and smooth. These include fawn (a golden color with a black mask), brindle (fawn and black intermixed all over the body in a tiger-stripe pattern), blue (gray steel blue), black, harlequin (white with irregular black patches over the entire body), mantle (black and white with a solid black blanket over the body). These dogs are known to shed a lot, but the coats can be kept in perfect condition by brushing regularly.
Final Thoughts
The remarkable blue color is rare in many breeds, but some dog breeds, like the Kerry Blue Terrier and Blue Lacy, are exclusively found in blue-colored coats. So, when choosing a dog breed based on its color, don’t forget to research its characteristics and temperament, which can help you determine the best breed for your home!