Dog coats come in a variety of colors, from solid black to tricolor and more. While many people may think of brown and black as the most common dog coat colors, there are a number of breeds that exhibit beautiful shades of grey, gray, blue, and silver throughout their fur.
The specific pigments that produce these cool undertones can range from a light pale gray to a deep charcoal. Blue-tinged fur gets its unique coloring from a dilution of the black pigment. Silver coats occur when the fur mixes black, white, and sometimes brown hairs throughout.
This diversity provides a visual treat for canine enthusiasts. In the following sections, we will explore some of the most popular dog breeds that are well-known for their stunning grey, gray, blue, and silver coats. From the noble Greyhound to the towering Great Dane and more, these pups truly stand out from the pack.
Gray Dog Breeds
1 – Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the oldest sighthound breeds, with origins tracing back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East. Selective breeding over millennia as a sighthound focused on speed, agility, and keen eyesight produced the graceful Greyhound we know today.
The Greyhound is characterized by its lean, aerodynamic build, long legs, deep chest, narrow waist, and flexible spine. This enables the lightning-fast gallop that can reach speeds up to 45 mph. Their short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colors including grey, gray, blue, silver, fawn, brindle, and black. The glossy grey and blue-grey coats are especially prized and distinctive. Their fur is fine and satiny to the touch and sheds little. White markings on the face, chest, feet and tail tip are common.
2 – Weimaraner
Of all the gray dog breeds, the Weimaraner stands out with its stunning “silver ghost” coat. This elegant hunting dog originated in the early 19th century in the German city of Weimar, where it was bred as a versatile gundog to handle big game like deer and bear.
The Weimaraner’s distinctive grayish-blue or charcoal coat color is caused by a rare dilute gene that results in muted pigment. Rather than being a single shade, the Weimaraner’s intriguing coat color has gradations and mixtures of gray hues with accents of deeper blues and tans. This lustrous short coat gives the athletic Weimaraner an aristocratic appearance befitting its heritage as a prized companion of German nobility.
While famous for their captivating gray coats, Weimaraners are also prized for their speed, agility and obedience. Their energy and hunting instincts make them wonderful sporting companions and field dogs. But with proper training and activity, the “Gray Ghost” also excels as a loyal family pet and watchdog. The noble Weimaraner in its shimmering silver coat remains a testament to its breeding as an elite German gundog.
Do be aware that these popular grey dog breeds can struggle with separation anxiety.
3 – Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region as a miniature version of the Greyhound. Their purpose was to serve as a companion dog to high society.
The Italian Greyhound has a short, blue-gray colored coat that can range from dark slate gray to silver. Their fine, satin-like coat lies flat against the body and sheds minimally, making grooming relatively easy. The blue-gray coat is one of the most iconic features of the elegant Italian Greyhound breed.
4 – Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, where it was bred to hunt small game and vermin. With its stunning coat of blue-gray waves, this dog is both a capable working terrier and a handsome companion.
The exact origins of the Kerry Blue are unknown, but the breed likely emerged in County Kerry in southwest Ireland in the late 18th or early 19th century. Kerry Blue Terriers were bred as all-purpose farm dogs that could hunt rodents, provide companionship to farmers, and even herd cattle and sheep. Their medium size and alert, energetic nature made them well-suited for these tasks.
The hallmark feature of the Kerry Blue is its soft, wavy coat of blue-gray fur. Puppies are born black, then the coat begins to “clear” to gray, a process that can take up to 3 years. The fur does not shed much, making the Kerry Blue a relatively hypoallergenic breed. Show dogs require extensive grooming to maintain the proper wavy, silky texture and to prevent the coat from becoming too gray or brown. Pet Kerry Blues often sport a shorter, more manageable coat.
Originally called the Irish Blue Terrier, the Kerry Blue has been known by its current name since 1922, a reference to its homeland in County Kerry. These versatile working terriers remain one of Ireland’s most beloved native dog breeds. The Kerry Blue continues to excel as a loyal companion, watchdog, and vermin hunter extraordinaire.
5 – Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a striking breed known for their wolf-like looks and athletic abilities. Among the many colors and shades of this breed, Siberian Huskies also come in hues of gray/silver. The gray coat can range from a light, almost silvery hue to a dark and rich salt-and-pepper shade.
These canines exhibit a dense, double-layer coat designed to withstand the harsh Siberian winters. This thick coat in varying gray shades lends them a unique and captivating look enhancing their stunning blue or multicolored eyes. Despite their fierce appearance, Siberian Huskies are well-known for their friendly and gentle temperament. They are agile, full of energy, and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and content. Their loyalty and friendliness make them an excellent companion for families. However, their intelligence and independence can lead to stubbornness, requiring consistent and patient training from their owners.
6 – Thai Ridgebacks
Thai Ridgebacks are an ancient breed rich in heritage and renown for its distinct ridge of hair running along its back. Often exuding coat colors from blue to light chestnut, Thai Ridgebacks can indeed present a ‘blue’ coat. This blue coat is more of a gunmetal gray shade, enhancing their muscular, streamlined appearance. The Ridgeback’s sleek, short coat combined with this unique color, exudes an echelon of sophistication and elegance. These dogs are known for their agility and strength, originally bred to hunt and guard. The Thai Ridgeback is an energetic, loyal but fiercely independent breed, making them suitable for experienced owners who exhibit dedication and consistency in training. Endowed with a strong prey drive and initially bred for hunting, the Ridgebacks require a securely enclosed space for running and playing.
7 – Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound, often described as ‘a royal dog in rags,’ is known for its rough-coat texture contributing to its casual and rustic appearance. Bred for hunting red deer, they can come in shades of blue-gray, that perfectly balance their overall rugged outlook while adding to their grandeur.
This large sighthound breed—taller than the average greyhound—displays an exemplary framework of elegance combined with raw strength. Their blue-gray wiry and harsh coat contrasts beautifully with their softer beard and eyebrows, enhancing the Deerhound’s dignified and gentle expression. While they possess the agility and speed to chase after prey, the Scottish Deerhounds are laid-back and prefer a cozy spot indoors. They exhibit a unique blend of nobility and friendliness, which makes them excellent family pets.
9 – Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the ancient Northern Spitz-type breed of dogs, primarily used for hunting elk in Scandinavia. They showcase a dense, silver-gray coat that is weather-resistant, designed to withstand the cold Nordic climate. The double coat varies in shades of silver-gray, with a darker hue across the saddle and lighter silver tones around their belly, legs, and under the tail. Their robust, muscular body paired with their wolf-like silver-gray coat gives them a majestic appearance, echoing their millennia-old heritage as Viking dogs. The Elkhounds’ thick coat requires regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain its luster. Beyond their striking looks, Norwegian Elkhounds are known for their agility, loyalty, and bravery. They are determined and independent creatures, epitomizing resilience.
9 – Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle has a long and distinguished history as a hunting water retriever and companion dog. Originating in Germany, the Standard Poodle was bred to be an excellent swimmer and energetic working dog.
Poodles have a distinctive curly coat that requires regular grooming and clipping. One of the most recognizable Poodle coat colours is silver, ranging from dark silvery grey to shimmery platinum. The silver Poodle has a dark gray coat as a puppy that gradually turns into an elegant silvery gray or white shade as the dog matures, usually by the age of 2. This is caused by the progressive loss of dark hairs in the coat over time, revealing the glimmering silver underneath.
Silver and gray Poodles have captivating and unique coats that set them apart. Their elegantly shaded and curly fur has made silver and gray Standard Poodles a popular choice among many owners. A silver or gray Poodle maintains a regal and sophisticated look throughout its life and make wonderful service dogs.
10 – Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an ancient sighthound breed originating in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. While called the “Afghan Hound” in the West, natives to Afghanistan may refer to the breed as Tāžī Spay or Sag-e Tāzī. The dogs likely existed as hunting companions and guard dogs in the early first millennium CE.
Afghan Hounds are most recognizable for their long, silky coats and narrow, elegant heads. Coat colors vary widely, though blue, gray, and silver coats are quite striking and desired. The blue Afghan Hound has an even, single-colored blue-gray coat. This dilute shade results from a recessive gene that modifies black hair to blue-gray. The gray Afghan Hound has black-tipped hairs interspersed throughout its coat, lending a salt-and-pepper appearance. True silver Afghan Hounds have a pure silver coat without dark tips. All three colors produce an eye-catching, shimmery effect.
The Afghan Hound was first brought to Europe in the 1920s by British soldiers returning from India. The breed grew in popularity as a glamorous, aristocratic show dog and companion. While the Afghan is most at home racing across open terrain, its grace and beauty have earned it a special place lounging on the sofas of the elite. With its noble heritage and dash of exoticism, the blue, gray, and silver Afghan Hound remains a breed apart.
11 – German Shepherd
This excellent guard dog comes in a “silver Sable” that’s rather handsome, as well as a “blue bay”.The German Shepherd dog breed originated in Germany in the late 1800s as a herding dog. Their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility quickly made them popular across the world as working dogs in many roles. While most German Shepherds have the iconic black and tan coat, blue is an accepted color variation too.
The blue coloration in German Shepherds comes from a recessive gene that dilutes the usual black pigment. This results in a slate blue or gray color instead of black. Their tan markings remain unchanged. Blue German Shepherds have the same double-coat as their black and tan counterparts. The topcoat is medium in length, dense, and straight. Their undercoat is thick but soft for insulation.
Blue German Shepherds make excellent pets and working dogs just like any color German Shepherd. However, some breeders initially considered the dilute blue color to be a fault. Thanks to dedicated enthusiasts, the blue coloration became accepted by major kennel clubs in the late 1990s. Today, blue German Shepherds are prized for their unique coloration while maintaining all the desirable traits of the breed.
12 – Great Dane
The Great Dane is a large German breed known for its imposing stature and noble appearance. Though Great Danes come in a variety of colors, the blue Great Dane stands out for its striking grayish-blue coat.
The blue coloration of the Great Dane has ancient roots tracing back to the breed’s origins in Germany. Records from the early 18th century describe a German boarhound breed called the Deutsche Dogge that came in a bluish color. The modern Great Dane breed emerged when German breeders crossed the Deutsche Dogge with English Mastiffs and other large hounds. The infusion of the blue Deutsche Dogge bloodlines gave rise to the regal blue Great Dane.
The blue coat of the Great Dane ranges from a light silvery gray to a deeper slate gray. The coat features black skin pigmentation and sometimes a black mask. To achieve the blue color, the Great Dane carries a genetic dilution that dilutes the black pigment to grayish-blue. Responsible breeding is required to produce Great Danes with the prized blue coat while maintaining the breed’s sweet temperament and structural soundness.
With its imposing height and muscular frame wrapped in a distinguished blue coat, the blue Great Dane is a sight to behold. Though massive in stature, the Great Dane retains a graceful, elegant appearance in line with its noble heritage as one of Germany’s most treasured breeds. The blue Great Dane embodies the breed’s combination of grandeur, dignity, and devotion that has earned the Great Dane the epithet of “Apollo of Dogs.”
13 – Bedlington Terrier
Named after a small town in England, Bedlington Terriers are renowned for their lamb-like appearance. One remarkable feature of these agile and intelligent dogs is their distinctive gray coat. The coloring starts as dark or sandy in puppies, which evolves into slate or blue-gray as they mature, emphasizing their graceful shape and arched back.
14 – Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Hailing originally from Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an adept hunter and a loyal family dog. Some Chesapeakes exhibit a fascinating coat color called ‘deadgrass’—a dull, straw-gray color. Other specimens may have a slate blue tone which is cherished amongst its enthusiasts.
15 – Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs, also known as “Bobtail”, are recognized for their distinct blue, gray, or silver, and white shaggy coats and their good-natured personalities.
16 – Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are instantly recognizable due to their robust build and bushy eyebrows and beard. They can sport a striking solid black or “pepper and salt” coat. The latter exhibits banded hairs, intertwining white and black strands, which can present a visual effect of being silver or gray.
17 – Irish Wolfhound
These gentle giants, one of the world’s tallest breeds, were initially bred to hunt wolves in Ireland. They have a rough and coarse coat that comes in various colors, including gray. The gray Irish Wolfhounds have an air of ancient nobility, reflecting their long, storied history.
18 – Blue Lacy
The Blue Lacy is a working breed, developed in Texas, known for its agile tracking and herding skills. As their name suggests, many Lacys boast a smoky, ‘blue’ coat caused by a dilution of the black pigment, giving them a unique and sleek appearance.
19 – Bluetick Coonhound
This American breed known for its adept tracking skills often displays a dark blue speckled coat. It’s not solid blue but predominantly black-dappled with blue-gray, creating a “blue ticking” effect. They’re wonderfully muscular and swift, their ‘blue’ coat complementing their athleticism.
20 – Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This breed, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, often has a thick double coat in shades of gray, including blue-gray. They were bred to protect livestock in the harsh Caucasus mountain region, their ‘blue’ coat lending an imposing and majestic aura.
21 – Komondor
This distinctive breed, originally from Hungary, possesses a long, dreadlock-style coat, called ‘cords.’ Often this protective and heavy coat is white, but puppies may start with a soft gray or buff coat that gradually lightens. Komondors are independent, strong-willed dogs known for their protective instincts.
22 – Cane Corso
Originally from Italy, this breed is often used as guard dogs because of their impressive strength and musculature. They exhibit a variety of coat colors, one of which includes a majestic gray, often bluish-gray. It’s technically known as ‘blue’ in breed standards, adding to the aura of these powerful and devoted dogs. Combined with their stunning eyes, the blue Cane Corsos exhibit an attractive, striking look.
23 – Australian Cattle Dog
Known as Blue Heelers, because of their blue-speckled or mottled coat, they feature a unique blend of black patches or all-black or white hairs ticking on a white background.
24 – Bearded Collie
They’re known for their long hair that comes in different shades, including gray and silver.
25 – Belgian Sheepdog
These dogs are usually black, but some come in a blue-gray hue, adding to their elegance.
26 – Boerboel
Hailing from South Africa, some Boerboels display a kind of blue or silver-toned coat, which greatly accents their solid and muscular build. This is known as a powder coat – but is disqualified by most breed standards.
27 – Chihuahua (Blue or Lilac)
Some Chihuahuas bear a blue coat—a dilute of black—making their small size even more noticeable.
28 – Chinese Crested Dog
The “Hairless” variety may often have blue skin, with a modest amount of hair on their head, ankles, and tail that does come in a gorgeous grey coloring.
29 – Cirneco Dell’Etna
With a fine and short coat, they may display a bluish shade upon it, which adds to their sleek appearance.
30 – Dalmatian (Blue-Spotted)
This breed usually has black or liver spots, but the blue-gray variant holds a unique beauty. They are a dilute variety, so do be careful.
31 – Doberman
Blue Dobermans are a dilute of black, resembling more of a gray or silver. They also possess the rust markings, adding a pleasing contrast to their silver color.
32 – Field Spaniel
Occasionally, this breed exhibits a blue roan color variant—a mix of black and white that appears as an attractive blueish gray from a distance.
33 – Finnish Lapphund
Possessor of a thick double coat that comes in shades of blue, they envelop a fluffy and plush appearance. Their grey variety is a non-standard color.
34 – Shar Pei
Blue or Lilac Shar Peis showcases a beautiful dilution of the black color, resulting in a grayish, “blue” coat that stands out.
35 – Shih Tzu
They come in grey and white, or a dilute black. Definitely cute little monsters, huh?
36 – Finnish Spitz
Though a darker coat replaces the initial coat, which lightens to a golden-red or honey color, a few rare ones turn a beautiful mix of gray and black.
37 – Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli)
With hairless on one hand and coated on the other, they vary greatly in appearances. The hairless breed displays a skin that can bear a blue or gray hue.
38 – Neapolitan Mastiff
Prized for their stellar size and wrinkles, a blue or gray coat adds greatly to their majestic appeal.
39 – Yorkshire Terrier
Known as “Yorkies,” they bear a striking steel-blue and tan coat. A clever grooming style can help to enhance these colors.
40 – Miniature Schnauzer
Their unique light-gray color makes the Silver variant quite noticeable.
41 – Belgian Malinois
Although found in colors ranging from fawn to mahogany, few of them come in a gray or blue-gray shade due to a lack of pigment.
However, if you’re looking at potential dog breeds, the malinois may not be the best choice, here’s why!
42 – Collie
Although they come in different colors, the blue merle variant (a mix of gray and black) is quite striking. They’re super smart and super capable, so be ready for a challenge if you decide to bring home a collie
43 – American Pitbull Terrier
The “Blue Nose” refers to Pitbulls with a blue coat and a blue nose.
44 – Boston Terrier
Although not acknowledged in official breed standards, they often sport a unique, grayish coat thwarting their bright, kind eyes.
45 – Blue French Bulldog
Fondly known as “Blue Frenchies,” they possess a grayish coat making them increasingly popular among dog lovers.
46 – Basset Hound
Blue tri-color is a rare variant found in Basset Hounds, featuring black, diluted into blue or gray shades.
47 – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The ‘Blue’ variant, resembling a gray color, adds to the intimidating appearance of these muscular animals.
48 – Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties can come in different colors, including blue merle, intensifying their fluffiness.
They also make wonderful agility dogs by the way!
49 – Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Their unique coat, featuring blue, gray, white, and black, add significantly to the distinctive appearance of this breed.
50 – Rough Collie
Rough Collies also exhibit the blue merle color variant that makes their long, double coat more prominent.
51 – Dachshund
This breed may sport a blue coat, or even a blue dapple coat, making their elongated bodies quite unique.
52 – Clumber Spaniel
While these dogs generally have a white coat with either lemon or orange markings, some may show any other color as markings, including silver-gray tones.
53 – Alaskan Malamute
While they’re generally known for lighter and shaded sable coats, some darker coats may exhibit a unique shade of blue-gray.
54 – Tibetan Mastiff
They’re usually found in a dark gray or black & tan color, but a few rare ones can be of a blue-gray shade.
55 – Catahoula Leopard Dog
With a variety of coat colors, one incredible variation is the Blue Leopard—being spotted or marbled blue or gray. They do need plenty of exercise.
56 – Labrador Retriever
The silver lab has become more and more popular choice amongst labrador fans – whilst they can be pure-bred labs, they can also struggle with their “dilute” genetics.
Breeding For Color
Do be aware that with some of these variations it can be a case that when they’re being bred for ‘different’ or off-breed standard colours, these gorgeous gray coats can mean that they’re not being bred responsibly. So when you’re looking at these great dogs, just ensure that you’re looking for more than a grey coat.
Conclusion
It’s hard not to love grey dogs. There are many dogs that come in grey, gray, blue and silver coat colors. Some of the most common include the Greyhound, Weimaraner, Italian Greyhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Standard Poodle, Afghan Hound, German Shepherd, and Great Dane. These classic breeds are well-known for their beautiful gray coats.
However, there are also some less common breeds found in these colors. The Bedlington Terrier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Giant Schnauzer, Irish Wolfhound, and Komondor can also have gray or silver coats. Some rarer blue or slate gray breeds are the Blue Lacy, Bluetick Coonhound, and the Russian Blue dog. While not an exhaustive list, these examples show the wide variety of dogs that exhibit these unique coat colors and patterns.
Enjoyed this? Sign up for the Rebarkable Newsletter and get updates straight to your inbox!
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.
0 Comments