Dogs have been crossed for generations to produce a wide range of dog breeds with various body types, personalities, and sizes. The Blue Bay Shepherd is one of those rare new breeds that impresses us with its distinctive beauty and remarkable nature.
You’ve probably heard of this breed, but since it’s still new, you don’t know much about it. All you need to discover about this stunningly beautiful wolf hybrid will be covered in this post.
Blue Bay Shepherd
The American Blue Bay Shepherd is a comparatively new breed of dog that is becoming increasingly well-liked because of its wolf-like appearance, mystical blue, and enormous size. However, only Vicki Spencer, the pups’ creator, is recognized as the breeder of these canines.
It took Vicki twenty years to create this breed, which she started by crossing several wolf-related canine species with the Old German Shepherd. The German Shepherd’s intellect, devotion, and trainability are combined with the wolf-like look of the Blue Bay Shepherd.
This dog also referred to as a Blue Bay German Shepherd or a Blue Wolf German Shepherd, is still not well-known to many people.
Are They Wolf Dogs?
This breed of dog is called “Blue Bay Wolf Dogs” for more than just their appearance; they carry wolf DNA. However, don’t let that scare you! They are five generations away from it (and even then, there will only be about 6% wolf DNA).
These dogs have recognizable traits, such as shaggy coats and high intelligence. However, these similarities end with physical appearances. The rest remain friendly towards humans yet still retain many hunt instincts if left unchecked in a territory or in prey preference training sessions where specific tasks must be accomplished through teamwork between humans and Blue Bay.
Blue Bay Shepherds are NOT for first-time dog owners as they will require a great deal of patience, training, and socialization to become the dog you want them to be without any accidents or problems. However, this can be a wonderful breed if you invest the time.
Are They Really Blue?
Blue Bay Shepherds are often called blue dogs, but this does not mean they have an intense color. Instead, the coat of these canines is primarily black with a hint from another shade, giving it its distinctive bluish tinge.
Additionally, the skin, nose, paw pads, lips, and eye rims of Blue Bay Shepherds are all blue. They occasionally even have blue eyes. So even if their coats are different colors, they are still blue dogs as long as their skin is blue.
Physical Appearance of Blue Bay Shepherd
The name “Blue Bay Shepherd” tells you that the dog is blue and is a Shepherd. But what stands out is how much they resemble the grey wolf, the world’s giant wild dog.
Since they are a relatively new breed, Blue Bay Shepherds lack established breed traits. Vicki also values consistent health over physical characteristics. Nevertheless, all Blue Bay Shepherds born so far have a wolf-like appearance.
Vicki chose the non-AKC compatible Old German Shepherd to breed her Blue Bay Shepherds because she also wanted to get rid of the sloped back we find in pure German Shepherds.
As a result, you get a dog with a straight back and a low-hanging tail that looks like a wolf.
Size, Height, and Weight of Blue Bay Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a big dog. Despite having thin bodies, they have a bear-like fullness thanks to their thick and lengthy fur.
- Size: Both males and females are giant.
- Height: Male can be over 30 inches, while the female can be up to 30 inches.
- Weight: A male can be 85 to 105 pounds, while a female can be 70 to 85.
Coat Colors of Blue Bay Shepherd
Although Blue Bay Shepherds are entirely blue or somewhat black, you can also anticipate seeing various colors in their coat. Due to each offspring only having one parent, attempting to breed only one color reduces genetic variety.
Vicki is open to adding more hues to the Blue Bay Shepherd line in order to prevent that. However, you shouldn’t be shocked to see a Blue Bay Shepherd in white, cream, black, tan, or beige since they are related to German Shepherds and wolfdogs. Their malamute and husky ancestors may also influence their coat color.
So it’s also possible for a Blue Bay Shepherd to have a red, white, or grey coat.
Blue Bay Shepherd’s Temperament and Personality
Temperament
Blue Bay Shepherds are known for being intelligent, loyal, and reliable dogs. They make great family pets as they do well with children and other animals. However, they are also very active dogs that need a lot of exercise, so they may not be the best choice for pet owners who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Personality
Blue Bay Shepherds are also known for being amiable and outgoing dogs. They love meeting new people and often try to make friends with everyone they meet. This friendly personality makes them great dogs for families with young children, as they will often try to play with the kids rather than bark or bite. Blue Bay Shepherds also have a lot of energy and need plenty of opportunities to run around and burn off steam.
Are They Aggressive?
Vicki made it a point to breed out aggression from her Blue Bay Shepherds, and the few owners who have them to date have not reported any incidents of misbehavior.
You may never be entirely sure about a dog’s temperament, though. Because uncaring owners teach their dogs to be aggressive, practical training is essential.
Do They Get Along With Other Pets?
Blue Bay Shepherds get along well with other dogs and have a strong sense of pack loyalty. However, as they mature and become aware of their size superiority, male Blue Bay Shepherds become more dominant.
They are far more tolerant and even-tempered with little dogs and pups.
The high prey drive of the Blue Bay Shepherd compels them to pursue smaller animals. Your cat or other pet won’t enjoy being hunted around by a wolf-like beast, even though they could just be doing it for fun.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good With Kids?
Blue Bay Shepherds are affectionate, wise, and fun dogs. Vicki assures that every puppy she breeds is safe for kids despite their small wolf DNA.
However, these canines may unintentionally harm young children because of their size. However, the few owners who have had this dog feel comfortable letting their Blue Bay Shepherds be near their children.
We still have a lot to learn about this particular dog breed. Therefore, it is preferable to choose a well-established dog breed for families with children rather than a breed you are unfamiliar with.
Are They Good as Family Pets?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pet is whether it will suit children. The good news is that Blue Bay Shepherds are generally very gentle and patient with kids, making them ideal family pets. However, it is important to note that all dogs are different and some individual Blue Bay Shepherds may not do well with children depending on their personality and past experiences.
If you have small children, you should always supervise them when they are around dogs – even if the dog is usually good with kids – to ensure no accidents or injuries.
Working Qualities of Blue Bay Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd performs best when as a companion and emotional support animal. But unfortunately, there hasn’t been any testing of these canines’ working capacity. Therefore it’s impossible to say what they would be most effective at.
Additionally, Blue Bay Shepherds can be somewhat hesitant around people. Despite their friendliness and curiosity, they often steer clear of strangers. They are unsuitable as watchdogs or security dogs because of these characteristics.
Training Blue Bay Shepherd
One of the objectives of breeding this dog was easy trainability. Training a Blue Bay Shepherd is as simple as teaching a German Shepherd, a breed renowned for its intelligence, trainability, and versatility.
Despite their size, they are frequently rather sensitive. To train them to be good home pets, you’ll need to employ a lot of positive reinforcement, incentive treats, and consistency.
Exercise Requirement of Blue Bay Shepherd
You must give Blue Bay Shepherds enough exercise daily because they can be pretty energetic as puppies and in their early adulthood.
They are already hyperactive, which drives their owners crazy, and leading a sedentary lifestyle would only worsen things.
The dog becomes more comfortable and laid back as it ages. However, you would still have to walk or jog your Blue Bay Shepherd daily.
Going to dog parks will enable you to watch your puppies interact and play with other dogs as they grow older. Once fully grown and conscious of their size, they could try to dominate other dogs. If that happens, stick to solitary hikes and walks.
Grooming of Blue Bay Shepherd
Step One: Brush Their Coat
Brushing your BBS’s coat is the most crucial grooming process. You should brush their coat at least once a week, using a soft-bristled brush or comb. Start at the neck and work your way down the back, taking care to avoid any sensitive areas. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid causing any discomfort.
Step Two: Bathe Them as Needed
Your BBS should be bathed about every two weeks or as needed. Use a mild dog shampoo and warm water, and avoid getting any water in their ears or eyes. Gently massage the shampoo into their coat using your fingers or a washcloth. Rinse thoroughly until all traces of shampoo have been removed.
Step Three: Trim Their Nails as Needed
You should trim your BBS’s nails monthly, or as needed. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor when they walk, that indicates that they need to be trimmed. Use sharp nail clippers designed specifically for dogs, and be careful not to cut too close to the quick (the blood vessel in the nail). You can use a file to smooth out any rough edges after clipping.
Step Four: Clean Their Ears as Needed
You’ll need to clean your BBS’s ears about once a week or as required. Check for any redness, discharge, or odors that might indicate an infection. If their ears look healthy, you can use a cotton ball soaked in ear cleansing solution to wipe away any wax buildup gently. Avoid inserting anything inside their ear canal, as this could damage their hearing.
Are They Hypoallergenic?
No, Blue Bay Shepherd isn’t good for people with allergies. All year long, Blue Bay Shepherds shed, leaving their fur all around. Dog allergy sufferers may become irritated by the hair since it frequently contains dead skin cells or dander.
This dog breed enjoys using its mouth to explore new things. But unfortunately, saliva is left behind, which irritates those with dog allergies.
Food and Diet of Blue Bay Shepherd
Raw Diet
One of the most popular diets for Blue Bay Shepherds is a raw diet. This diet consists of meat, bones, veggies, and organs that are all fed in their raw, natural state. Proponents of this diet argue that it is the closest thing to what these dogs would eat in the wild and provides them with all the nutrients they need to be healthy and thrive.
Remember a few things to remember if you feed your Blue Bay Shepherd a raw diet.
- First, ensure that you only purchase meat from a reputable source.
- Second, remember that this diet can be expensive; meat is not cheap!
- Third, talk to your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pup’s diet, as they will be able to provide you with tailored advice based on your dog’s individual needs.
Kibble Diet
Another popular option for feeding your Blue Bay Shepherd is a kibble diet. Kibble is a type of dry food that is made specifically for dogs and can be found at most pet stores. Many people feed their dogs kibble because it is more convenient than other options and is typically less expensive than a raw diet. Additionally, kibble has been formulated to contain all the nutrients your pup needs to be healthy.
Before switching your Blue Bay Shepherd to a kibble diet, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
- First, not all kibble is created equal! There are many different brands and formulas on the market, so do your research before settling on one.
- Second, some dogs may have difficulty digesting kibble; if you notice (or your vet notices) that your pup is having stomach issues after switching to kibble, it may be necessary to switch back or find a different brand/formula.
The lifespan of Blue Bay Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd dog breed has only been around for a little over ten years, and as of yet, none of them have passed away from old age. Given that these dogs are healthier than the parent breeds they descended from, their valid life expectancy should be close to or more significant than 12 years.
All of these numbers, however, are merely approximations based on the insufficient information we currently have.
Common Health Issues of Blue Bay Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together correctly, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Hip dysplasia is genetic, so it’s important to get your Blue Bay Shepherd from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for this condition.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is another condition that affects the joints. In dogs with elbow dysplasia, the bones in the elbow joint of the dog don’t match together correctly, which can lead to pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is also genetic, so be sure to get your dog from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for this condition.
Skin Issues
Blue Bay Shepherds are prone to skin problems such as allergies and hot spots. If you notice your dog scratching excessively or developing red, raw patches of skin, take them to the vet for an evaluation. Skin problems can often be treated with medication or special shampoos and wipes.
Bloat
Bloat is a condition that occurs when the stomach expands and twists on itself. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and cause your dog much pain. If you notice that your dog’s stomach looks bloated or swollen, it may be suffering from bloat. Other symptoms include drooling, retching, pacing, and restlessness.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a condition that affects the clotting process. This means that if your dog suffers a cut or injury, it may take longer for the bleeding to stop. If you notice that your dog is bleeding more than usual after an injury, it may have von Willebrand’s disease.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This will result in severe abdominal pain and make it difficult for them to digest food properly. If you notice that your dog isn’t eating as much as usual or seems to be in pain after eating, it may have pancreatitis.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures. For example, if you notice that your dog suddenly collapses and has involuntary muscle spasms, it may have epilepsy. Other symptoms include loss of consciousness and loss of bladder control.
Blue Bay Shepherd’s Breeders
Only one legitimate breeder of these dogs has been found thus far. All other Blue Shepherd breeders produce only blue-colored wolfdogs.
There are no Blue Bay Shepherd breeders in Australia or anywhere else in the globe; Vicki Spencer from Southern Breeze Ranch in Florida is considered to be the only Blue Bay Shepherd breeder in the USA.
Where Can I Purchase A Blue Bay Shepherd?
After reading about this amazing new dog breed, you may ask, “Are there any American Blue Bay Shepherds for sale nearby?”
It should be noted that your geographic location affects how easy or difficult it is for you to purchase a Blue Bay Shepherd.
Blue Bay Shepherd Texas: The official website of Southern Breeze Ranch offers Blue Bay Shepherd for sale in Texas and throughout the United States.
Blue Bay Shepherd UK: While wolfdogs and German Blue Shepherds are available for purchase at dogs and puppies, UK pets, and pets4homes, there are no official Blue Bay Shepherd UK vendors.
Blue Bay Shepherd Ontario: Like the UK, Ontario doesn’t have any real Blue Bay Shepherds. However, you can look for blue shepherds at neighborhood kennels and breeders of dogs, such as shiphrashepherds. Alternatively, you might get in touch with Southern Breeze Ranch and inquire whether they can send a puppy to Ontario.
Blue Bay Shepherd Cost
How much Blue Bay Shepherds cost is a question that has no conclusive response. Only the Southern Breeze Ranch sells these dogs, and Vicki Spencer sets the price for her American Blue Bay Shepherds as she sees fit.
However, if you’re wondering “how much does a Blue Bay Shepherd cost,” read on. A ballpark figure would be between $3,00 and $3,200.
The cost of a Blue Bay Shepherd is not solely determined by the price at which it is offered for sale. When choosing a Blue Bay Shepherd’s total cost, one must consider all associated costs, including those for housing, food, toys, and grooming.
Blue Bay Shepherd puppy cost
The sole breeder of this dog is Vicki Spencer, who keeps the price of her Blue Bay Shepherds a secret. She thinks each dog is unique and is made for a particular person.
However, individuals often report paying between $3,200 and $3,000 for their Blue Shepherd puppy.
Do Kennel Clubs recognize Blue Bay Shepherds?
There is no timeline for whether major kennel clubs will recognize Blue Bay Shepherds. However, the Local Kennel Club (LKC) has indicated that they are closely monitoring the progress of the breed and could potentially recognize them as early as 2025.
The Process of Kennel Club Recognition
In order for a breed to be recognized by a kennel club, the species must go through a lengthy and detailed process. This process includes proving that the breed is genetically distinct from other breeds, maintaining accurate records of pedigrees, and submitting specimens of the species to be judged by experts.
Why Kennel Club Recognition Matters
Kennel club recognition matters because it means that the breed has been officially recognized by an organization that sets strict standards for things like appearance, temperament, and health. This is important for two reasons: first, it ensures that people interested in the breed know what to expect regarding appearance and character; second, it helps to weed out bad actors who might be breeding dogs that do not meet the standard.
Is Blue Bay Shepherd Right for Me?
The Blue Bay Shepherd is an affectionate and gentle giant. Compared to many purebred dogs, this dog breed is healthier and more energetic.
Rare dog enthusiasts frequently purchase the newest dog trend without doing their research. However, if you’ve researched this breed and have previous experience with large dogs, you might consider getting a Blue Bay Shepherd.
Vicki Spencer is the lone breeder of these dogs, and she does it in Florida only. Do not be duped by anyone else who claims to own this dog.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a beautiful, gentle, and rare breed of dog. If you’re thinking about getting one, make sure to do your research first and purchase your pup from the only reputable breeder, Vicki Spencer. Blue Bay Shepherds make excellent companion animals for those with previous experience owning large dogs. And although significant kennel clubs do not yet recognize them, the Blue Bay Shepherd is slowly but surely gaining popularity. Who knows, maybe one day soon they’ll be the newest addition to your local club!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blue wolfdog?
A remarkable new wolfdog breed is the American Blue Bay Shepherd. It crosses the equally uncommon blue wolfdog and the rare old-world blue German shepherd dog. Despite thriving as an active companion animal, it has a distinctly wolf-like appearance.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Rare?
Yes. Even though people out there probably advertise their puppies as Blue Bay Shepherds, the only real American Blue Bays are dogs from Southern Breeze Kennels and certified breeding dogs.
What percentage wolf is a blue bay shepherd?
About 50–60% of the original wolf-dogs that gave rise to the first breed of Blue Bay Shepherds werewolves. Currently, 6% of them are wolves. So for them to act more like dogs and less like wolves, 6% is optimum.
Can you own a Blue Bay Shepherd?
The goal of the Blue Bay Shepherd breed is to replicate some of her favorite wolf-like physical characteristics in a dog that isn’t associated with the label of the wolfdog. Although several working dogs have helped shape them, Blue Bays were created to be petted and to live contentedly in people’s homes as household pets.
