
There’s something special about blue dogs.
They have a certain charm and character that other breeds don’t possess. Maybe it’s the color of their fur or the way they look at you with those soulful eyes, but one thing is for sure – people love blue dogs.
Blue dogs are not a specific breed, but rather a color variation of many breeds. There are several breeds that are only blue, such as the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Blue Lacy. However, many other breeds can come in blue as well.
Blue dogs are not truly blue but are instead silvery gray or dilute shades of black, brown, and tan. They carry a gene that makes their coat a diluted version of the black coat color, which is responsible for their light coat.
The most popular blue dog breeds include the Weimaraner, Great Dane, Greyhound, and Australian Cattle Dog, although many other breeds come in blue coats.
If you’re looking for a new furry friend, consider one of these 12 blue dog breeds.
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Blue Lacy
The Blue Lacy is a medium-sized working breed native to Texas. It has a short, smooth coat ranging in color from gray to blue-gray. The Blue Lacy is an intelligent, loyal breed with a strong work ethic and high energy level. This breed was developed as a ranch dog but can also excel in obedience and agility competitions.
The Blue Lacy loves to run, play, and explore. It needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This breed has a lifespan of 12 – 16 years and requires very little grooming.
Weimaraner

Weimaraner dog in a grass meadow on a summer day (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Weimaraner is a graceful, athletic breed with a striking blue-gray coat and piercing eyes. This energetic breed is extremely intelligent and loves to play. They require lots of attention and need plenty of exercise, making them a good choice for an active family.
The Weimaraner is also loyal and devoted, making for an excellent companion. It is a short coat breed that requires minimal grooming and has a lifespan of 11 – 13 years.
Great Dane

Great Dane (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Great Dane is one of the most majestic dog breeds, with a regal bearing and an impressive size. This gentle giant has a shorthaired blue coat ranging from steel blue to light silver.
The Great Dane has a friendly and patient disposition but requires a firm hand in training. They are good with children but can be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat. With a life expectancy of 6 – 10 years, they make excellent family pets.
American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The American Staffordshire Terrier, or Amstaff, is a muscular and energetic breed. They have a smooth blue coat that can range from slate gray to silver. Amstaffs are friendly and loyal, making them great family dogs.
However, they require plenty of exercise and are best suited to an active home. They are intelligent and responsive to training but can be assertive and require a firm hand. The Amstaff has a life expectancy of 12 – 16 years.
Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a loyal and intelligent breed with a short blue coat ranging from smoky gray to light silver. This hardy breed is known for its herding abilities and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
The Australian Cattle Dog is active, devoted, and loyal, making for an excellent family pet. They are also easy to train and have a life expectancy of 12 – 16 years.
Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Italian Greyhound is a true miniature version of the larger greyhound breed. This small breed has a slim, graceful body and comes in many colors, including blue. The Italian Greyhound is an active breed that loves to play and can get along well with other pets.
This breed is a great companion and is relatively low maintenance. It needs very little grooming and has a lifespan of 13 – 15 years.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an intelligent and active breed with a distinctly blue coat. This small terrier was initially bred in Ireland as an all-purpose farm dog and today is often used as a herding or hunting dog.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a loyal and friendly breed that loves to be around people. They are also very playful and require lots of exercise. This breed requires regular brushing and grooming, although it is a low-shedding breed. The Kerry Blue Terrier has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years.
Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog breed with a long, silvery blue coat. This breed was initially bred to hunt wolves in Ireland and is still used for hunting and as a guard dog. The Irish Wolfhound is intelligent, gentle, and loyal, with a very independent streak.
This breed loves to run and play and requires plenty of exercise. It has a 6 – 10 years lifespan and needs regular grooming to keep its coat healthy and strong. The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for novice owners or those with small children, as it can be challenging to train.
Shar-Pei

Sharpei (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a wrinkled blue coat. This breed has an ancient history, having been bred as a guard dog and hunter in China for over 2,000 years. The Shar-Pei is a loyal breed with an independent streak. It is intelligent, alert, and protective of its family.
The Shar-Pei needs an experienced owner who can provide consistent training and exercise. This breed has a life expectancy of 10 – 12 years and requires minimal grooming.
Poodle

Poodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Poodle is a highly-intelligent, loyal breed that comes in many sizes and colors. The blue variety is most often seen in the standard size, although they can also come in miniature and toy sizes. The blue Poodle has a curly coat that ranges from light silvery gray to almost black.
The Poodle is an active, energetic breed that loves to play and be with its family. This breed needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. The Poodle has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years and requires regular grooming to keep its coat neat and healthy.
Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large breed with a signature wrinkled face and blue-gray coat. This breed was developed in Italy to be a guard dog and is still used for this purpose today. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a courageous breed that loves its family and will protect them at all costs.
This breed is intelligent and is trained for various activities, such as tracking and obedience competitions. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a lifespan of 7 – 10 years and requires regular grooming to stay healthy.
Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized herding breed with a striking blue coat. This breed comes in multiple coat colors, including black, red, and blue. The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, friendly breed that is loyal to its family. It is a working breed that excels in agility, obedience, and herding competitions.
The Australian Shepherd is very active and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This breed typically has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years and requires regular brushing to keep its coat looking its best.
Final Thoughts
Blue dog breeds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. From giant Irish Wolfhounds to tiny standard Poodles, there is a blue dog breed for every type of pet owner. These breeds are loyal and loving companions that need regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy.
If you are looking for a unique pet with a beautiful blue coat, one of these breeds may be the perfect fit for your home. Research each breed thoroughly to ensure you understand the dog’s needs and personality before committing. Blue dog breeds can be wonderful companions for many years with the proper care and attenti