Blue Bay Shepherd: Complete Guide [UPDATED]

For centuries, dogs were crossbred to create a diverse variety of dog breeds of different sizes, shapes, and temperaments. Every so often, a new breed appears that fascinates us with its unique appearance and distinct personality, which is the case with the Blue Bay Shepherd.

Since this breed is relatively new, you’ve probably heard about it but don’t know much about it just yet. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this strikingly gorgeous wolf hybrid.

You might also like: Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix (Complete Guide)

What is a Blue Bay Shepherd?

The American Blue Bay Shepherd dog is a relatively new dog breed getting increasingly popular due to its giant size, mystical blue color, and wolf-like appearance. These dogs have only one recognized breeder: their creator Vicki Spencer. 

Bred by mixing the Old German Shepherd with several wolf-descendant dog species, it took Vicki two decades to produce this breed. The Blue Bay Shepherd combines the appearance of a wolf with the intelligence, loyalty, and trainability of a German Shepherd.

Also known as a Blue Bay German Shepherd or a Blue Wolf German Shepherd, this dog is still relatively unknown to many.

But we have compiled all there is to know about these lovely blue dogs in this article.

Blue Bay Shepherd Dogs 101

Are Blue Bay Shepherds wolf dogs?

The breed is called Blue Bay Wolf Dogs not just for their appearance; they really do carry wolf DNA. However, don’t let that scare you.

The Blue Bay Shepherd Wolf Dog is five generations away from pure wolves, and their wolf-like qualities end with their physical appearance.

Vicki tries to keep the wolf DNA down to about 6% to ensure no feral tendencies arise in her dogs. However, it isn’t a precise science, and a Blue Bay Shepherd may share up to 40% DNA with wolves.

Are Blue Bay Shepherd really blue?

Although the coat color is called “blue,” it doesn’t mean the dog is sharp blue colored. Blue in dogs refers to a diluted version of black, and a Blue Bay Shepherd has a hint of bluish color in an otherwise black coat.

Blue Bay Shepherds also have blue skins, noses, paw pads, lips, and eye rims. Sometimes, they even have blue eyes. Although they may have other shades on their coat, they are blue dogs as long as their skins are blue.

Blue Bay Shepherd: How old is this breed?

Although many breeders have tried reproducing a Blue Shepherd Dog to cash on its demand, the Vicki Spencer Blue Bay Shepherd is the only genuine article.

She is the only authentic breeder of Blue Bay Shepherds, and only she knows the exact method of producing these dogs.

Vicki put two decades of hard work into creating Blue Bay Shepherds, and her first true Blue Bay Shepherd was born in 2012. It means the breed is a little over a decade old.

According to Vicki Spencer’s Southern Breeze Ranch page, she noted that:

“The Blue Bay Shepherd is still in its developmental stages and will be for several more years. There are NO breeders of The American Blue Bay Shepherd other than the founder in Palm Bay, Florida. If your pup does not come from this source, it is not a Blue Bay Shepherd. All Blue Bay Shepherds are registered
with a certificate and a number, hand signed by the founder.”

You might also like: Blue Nose Pitbull – Complete Guide

Are Blue Bay Shepherds rare?

Blue Bay Shepherds are indeed a rare breed. With their striking wolf-like appearance and majestic blue coats, these dogs have captured the hearts of many.

However, their rarity comes from the fact that there is only one recognized breeder, Vicki Spencer, who has dedicated over two decades to perfecting this breed.

As a result, if you’re looking to bring a Blue Bay Shepherd into your family, it’s essential to do your research and ensure you’re getting a genuine Blue Bay Shepherd.

Blue Bay Shepherd physical appearance

As the name “Blue Bay Shepherd” implies, the dog is blue and belongs to the Shepherd family. But their most striking feature is their uncanny resemblance to the largest wild canine in the world: the grey wolf. 

Blue Bay Shepherds are a new breed and have no set breed characteristics. Furthermore, Vicki prefers consistent health over physical traits. Nevertheless, their wolf-like appearance is similar in all Blue Bay Shepherds produced so far.

Vicki also wanted to eliminate the sloped back we see in pure German Shepherds, so she used the non-AKC compliant Old German Shepherd for breeding her Blue Bay Shepherds.

As a result, you get a tall and long wolf-like dog with a straight back and low hanging tail.

Blue Bay Shepherd size, height, and weight

Blue Bay Shepherds are gigantic dogs. They have lean bodies, but their thick and long fur gives them a bear-like fullness.

Although we can’t say for sure about the maximum size of these dogs, the answer to “how big are Blue Bay Shepherds?” is in the table below.

Blue Bay Shepherd Size

	Male	Female
Size group	Giant	Giant
Height	Over 30 inches	Up to 30 inches
Weight	85-105 pounds	70-85 pounds

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Check out How Big Is A Blue Bay Shepherd?

Blue Bay Shepherd coat colors

Although Blue Bay Shepherds are all blue or diluted black, you can expect to see other colors in their coat too. Trying to breed only one color narrows the genetic variation due to every offspring belonging to one parent. 

To avoid that, Vicki is open to introducing more colors in the Blue Bay Shepherd line. Since they’re related to German Shepherds and wolfdogs, don’t be surprised to come across a tan, cream, black, tan, beige, or white Blue Bay Shepherd. Their malamute and husky ancestry can also play a role in their coat color.

So, for a Blue Bay Shepherd, white, grey, and red coats are also possible.

Blue Bay Shepherd temperament and personality

Young Blue Bay Shepherds are energetic, hyperactive, friendly, and curious. As they grow more mature, their hyperactivity turns down a notch, and they become more composed.

However, their friendliness and curiosity stay the same.

Blue Bay Shepherds love and are comfortable around strangers. But they can sometimes act timid around strangers as well.

They’re sensitive and cautious, which is why they don’t make capable guard dogs. However, their caring attitude makes them excellent companions, and their owners claim to have formed unique bonds with them.

Here’s what a reddit site member has to say about the male Blue Bay Shepherd dog (29% wolf) he or she owns:

“His temperament is fantastic. He’s a very sweet lovable boy that loves cuddles and giving kisses. He loves other dogs and people, even strangers. Loves to play, will listen to you. They’re bred to be family dogs and easy to control.”

Are Blue Bay Shepherds aggressive?

Aggression was one of the qualities Vicki made sure to eliminate when breeding Blue Bay Shepherds, and so far, there have been no reports of a misdemeanor from the few people who’ve owned them.

However, you can never be 100% sure about a dog’s temper. Dogs learn aggression from irresponsible owners, which is why proper training is crucial.

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Check out Are Blue Bay Shepherds Aggressive?

Do Blue Bay Shepherds get along with other pets?

Blue Bay Shepherds have a strong pack mentality and play along nicely with dogs they’ve grown up with.

However, male Blue Bay Shepherd tend to get more dominant upon maturing and realizing they’re bigger than other dogs.

With small dogs and puppies, they are much more even-tempered and patient.

The Blue Bay Shepherd has a high prey drive, urging them to chase after smaller pets. Although they may do it just for fun, your cat or other pet won’t appreciate being chased around by a wolf-like monstrosity.

You might also like: 5 Best Dog Bones – Reviews and Comparison

Is a Blue Bay Shepherd good with kids?

Blue Bay Shepherds are sweet, intelligent, and playful dogs. The little wolf DNA they carry doesn’t make them a danger to children—Vicki ensures this in every dog she produces.

Their size can be dangerous for toddlers, though, as these dogs may inadvertently hurt them. Nevertheless, the few people who’ve owned this dog feel safe having their Blue Bay Shepherds around their kids.

Still, there’s a lot we don’t know about this dog breed at this point. When it comes to households with kids, it’s better to go with a tried and tested dog breed rather than a breed you know little about.

Blue Bay Shepherd  working qualities

The Blue Bay Shepherd works best as a companion and emotional support dog. No one has tested their working capability so far, so there’s no telling what these dogs are best suited for.

Blue Bay Shepherds can also be pretty timid around people. Although they are curious and friendly, they generally tend to avoid strangers. These qualities mean they don’t do well as watchdogs or guard dogs.

Blue Bay Shepherd training

Easy trainability was one of the goals behind breeding this dog. Training a Blue Bay Shepherd is as easy as training a German Shepherd—a dog famous for its trainability, intelligence, and ability to perform various jobs efficiently.

Although they are big, they tend to be pretty sensitive. Harsh training methods won’t work well, and you’d need lots of positive reinforcement, reward treats, and consistency to make them ideal household pets.

Blue Bay Shepherd exercise requirement

Blue Bay Shepherds can be very active during puppyhood and early adulthood, and you need to give them lots of exercise every day.

Subjecting them to a sedentary lifestyle will only worsen their hyperactivity, something that drives their owners insane.

As the dog matures, he or she becomes more laid back and relaxed. But you will still need to take your Blue Bay Shepherd for a walk or light jog every day. 

Taking them to dog parks will help them socialize and play with other dogs during their puppy years. When they’re fully grown and become more aware of their size, they may try to boss around other dogs. Stick to solo walks or hikes if that happens.

Blue Bay Shepherd grooming and cleaning

These giant dogs are constant shedders, and you may need to brush them multiple times a week to keep their fur free from tangles, loose hair, dirt, and other debris they collect outdoors.

They shed more heavily in autumn and spring, and you may need to increase their grooming frequency to daily.

Bathing your Blue Bay Shepherd isn’t necessary until you feel them getting stinky. Dogs don’t need all that washing, and overdoing that can subject them to skin issues.

When bathing, use a mild shampoo made specifically for long-haired dogs. Avoid using soaps as they’d be too intense for your pooch.

Handy Hint: Proper hygiene habit in between grooming appointments is crucial to a healthy and happy dog. Check out Dog Grooming For Beginners At Home to learn the Dos and Don’ts!

Is a Blue Bay Shepherd hypoallergenic?

No, Blue Bay Shepherd is not hypoallergenic. Blue Bay Shepherds shed all year round and leave their fur everywhere. The hair often carries dead skin bits or dander, which irritates people allergic to dogs.

This dog breed also likes to use their mouth to discover things. Doing so leaves behind saliva, another irritant for people with dog allergies. 

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Check out Are Blue Bay Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Blue Bay Shepherd food and diet

Blue Bay Shepherds are big dogs that need lots of sustenance to nourish their huge bodies.

A fully grown Blue Bay Shepherd may need about 5 cups of dog food daily.

This quantity can vary depending on the dog’s age, health, size, and activity level, so consult your vet for a precise diet plan.

Many Blue Bay Shepherd owners recommend the Ollie Fresh Dog Food because every meal is tailored to their dog’s unique nutritional needs.

Made with real, fresh, healthy, and human-grade ingredients, Ollie Dog Food is delivered straight to your doorstep.

Many dog owners have noticed that their pup’s health improved after just one meal. In no time, your K9 friends will be begging you for more!

Bloat is a prevalent risk among large dogs, and it happens when the dog crams down too much food in a short time.

To avoid that, split their food into two meals a day.

Blue Bay Shepherd common health issues

Blue Bay Shepherds come from Old German Shepherds, a non-AKC recognized breed that is much healthier than the standard German Shepherd. They also carry wolf, husky, malamute, and other wolfdog DNA, which gives them adequate genetic diversity and fewer health issues.

Nevertheless, the following six diseases are prevalent among wolfdogs and German Shepherds.

1. Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the dog’s hip socket fails to house the leg joint properly, leading to friction and bone degeneration. Although Blue Bay Shepherds are supposed to have fewer hip joint issues than German Shepherds, you cannot ignore the risk.

So far, no Blue Bay Shepherd has come forward with this disease. 

2. Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a term used to refer to several diseases that affect the dog’s elbow joint. The dog would feel reluctant to do physical activities due to the pain, which would advance into lameness and loss of functionality. 

3. Bloat

Bloat and gastric torsion are prevalent dangers among large dog breeds. Voracious eating habits and strenuous activity after a meal can cause this condition. 

Feed your dog multiple times a day instead of all at once. Also, keep a half-hour gap between meals and playtime.

4. Epilepsy

German Shepherds have reported more cases of epilepsy than any other dog breed. Although the genetic diversity in these dogs is much higher, we cannot rule out genetic issues like epilepsy completely.

5. Pituitary dwarfism

Pituitary dwarfism occurs due to a growth hormone deficiency and is prevalent among German Shepherd dogs. Although there’s a slight chance your Blue Bay Shepherd will contract this disease, there are wolf dogs with known cases of this condition.

Pituitary dwarfism causes disproportionate physical features and growth issues.

6. Degenerative myelopathy

Canine degenerative myelopathy causes the dog to lose functionality in its hind limbs due to nerve degeneration in its spine. Although losing functionality in half its body is inconvenient, the condition isn’t painful. Old German Shepherds sometimes have this disease.

Blue Bay Shepherd lifespan

This dog breed has only been around for less than a decade, and we haven’t had a Blue Bay Shepherd dying of old age yet. Their actual life expectancy should be around or above 12 years, considering these dogs are healthier than their parent breeds.

However, with the limited information we have so far, all these figures are rough estimates.

Blue Bay Shepherd breeder

So far, there is only one authentic breeder that produces these dogs. All other Blue Shepherd breeders are only producing blue-colored wolfdogs.

The only Blue Bay Shepherd breeder USA has is Vicki Spencer from Southern Breeze Ranch in Florida, meaning there are no Blue Bay Shepherd Australian breeders or those in any other part of the world.

Blue Bay Shepherd for sale

Upon reading about this wonderful new dog breed, you’re probably wondering, “is there any American Blue Bay Shepherd for sale near me?” 

Note that your location plays a part in determining whether it’s easy or difficult for you to get a Blue Bay Shepherd.

• Blue Bay Shepherd for sale Texas: In Texas or any other part of the USA, you can find Blue Bay Shepherd sale at Southern Breeze Ranch’s official website.
• Blue Bay Shepherd for Sale UK: There are no official Blue Bay Shepherd UK sellers, but you can find a wolfdog or German Blue Shepherd for sale at dogsandpuppies, ukpets, and pets4homes.
• Blue Bay Shepherd Ontario: As with the UK, you won’t find any authentic Blue Bay Shepherds in Ontario. Nevertheless, you can look for blue shepherds from local kennels and dog breeders like shiphrashepherds. Alternatively, you may contact Southern Breeze Ranch and ask if they can deliver a pup to Ontario.

Blue Bay Shepherd price

There’s no definite answer to the question, “how much do Blue Bay Shepherds cost?” These dogs are sold only by the Southern Breeze Ranch, where Vicki Spencer sets her American Blue Bay Shepherd price as she sees fit.

Still, if you’re curious to know “how much does a Blue Bay Shepherd cost?” a rough estimate would be in the range of $3,000 to $3,200.

The Blue Bay Shepherd for sale price is only one aspect of how much a Blue Bay Shepherd will cost you.

The answer to “how much are Blue Bay Shepherds going to cost in total?” would involve factoring in their living expenses such as food, food pet bowls, toys, healthcare, and money spent on grooming.

Here’s an expense table to give you an idea:

Expense Type	Cost	Find it here:
Dog food and treats	$389-$500	Puppy and dog food
Bowls for food and water	$25-$30	Pet bowl
Dog bed	$60-$100	Doggy beds
Grooming items	$35-$70	Grooming Supplies
Toys	$20-$60	Dog toys
ID Tag	$8-$20	Dog collar
Vet visits (initial)	$50-$250
Initial shots	$75-$100
Medications (flea, heartworm, etc.)	$30-$70	Canine Dewormer
Neuter/spay procedure	$80-$470
Microchip	$25-$60
Total Cost	$797-$1,730

READ ALSO: Are Ceramic Bowls Safe For Dogs?

Blue Bay Shepherd puppy

If you need an authentic Blue Bay Shepherd anywhere in the USA—for example, you want to know about American Blue Bay Shepherd Puppies for Sale in PA—you’ll have to contact Southern Breeze Ranch in Florida. They’re the only legitimate Blue Bay Shepherd breeders.

Many places advertise Blue Bay German Shepherd puppies for sale. But those are not genuine. You can still find Blue Shepherd Puppies for Sale, but they won’t be Blue Bay Shepherds.

Blue Bay Shepherd puppy cost

Vicki Spencer is the only breeder of this dog, and she doesn’t disclose how much she sells her Blue Bay Shepherds for. She believes every dog is different and catered for a specific owner.

However, the usual rate people have reported paying for their Blue Shepherd puppy is in the range of $3,000-$3,200.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?: Check out How Much Are Blue Bay Shepherd Puppies?

Famous Blue Bay Shepherd dog: Kurgan Blue Bay Shepherd

The YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne has over 219 thousand subscribers at the time of writing. A prominent feature on that channel is a giant Blue Bay Shepherd by the name of Kurgan.

The owner claims that this dog was already 33 inches tall on its first birthday. You can see this giant Blue Bay Shepherd in action on the 1st508th Airborne YouTube channel.

Are Blue Bay shepherds legal?

Regarding the legality of Blue Bay Shepherds, it’s important to note that they are a wolf-dog hybrid, with some having up to 40% wolf DNA.

This means that the legality of owning a Blue Bay Shepherd can vary depending on local laws and regulations regarding wolf-dog hybrids.

In some areas, they may be classified as exotic pets and require special permits, while in others, they may be completely illegal.

It’s crucial to check with your local animal control or wildlife agency to understand the specific regulations in your area before bringing a Blue Bay Shepherd home.

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Check out Are Blue Bay Shepherds Legal?

Is the Blue Bay Shepherd right for me?

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a gentle giant who makes a loving companion. This dog breed is also healthier and more active than many purebred dogs. 

Fans of rare dogs often rush into the latest dog fad without proper research. If you’ve done your homework on this breed and have experience handling large dogs, you may consider getting a Blue Bay Shepherd.

However, these dogs are only bred at Palm Bay, Florida by Vicki Spencer. Don’t let anyone else claiming to have this dog fool you.

Related Questions

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.