Last updated on August 2nd, 2022 at 11:13 am

The Blue Bay Shepherd: The Wolf-Like New Breed Explained

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Many people dream of owning a rare breed of dog. There are several reasons for this. Some people feel that owning a unique dog will make them stand out from the crowd. Others may feel that having a rare breed of dog confers some sort of status or privilege. And still, others may simply be drawn to the beauty and uniqueness of these dogs.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @raven_the_blue_bay_shepherd

In this article, we’ll be talking about the blue bay shepherd, a rare breed of dog that is quickly gaining in popularity. If you’re thinking of adding a Blue Bay Shepherd to your family, there are a few things you should know about this rare breed of dog. Here is some information on the history, personality, and care of the Blue Bay Shepherd.

What makes this dog so unique? Let’s find out!

History of the American Blue Bay Shepherd: How old is this breed?

This is a very young breed. Vicki Spencer, the breeder, has been working on developing the Blue Bay Shepherd for over 20 years. The first litter of pups was born in March of 2011.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @raven_the_blue_bay_shepherd

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a cross between wolf dogs and blue Old German Shepherds. The goal was to create a large dog with a lupine appearance and the trainability of the German Shepherd Dog. The breed should also have robust health, a gentle and affectionate temperament, and deep blue coloration.

So far, the Blue Bay Shepherd seems to be living up to its purpose. They are highly intelligent and easily trained. They make great family dogs and are excellent with children. They are also very loyal and protective of their families.

Are Blue Bay Shepherds Rare?

The Blue Bay Shepherd is still a very rare breed. There are only a few hundred of these dogs in the world. If you’re thinking of adding one to your family, be prepared to pay a high price. Puppies can cost anywhere from $2000 to $4000.

How Much Wolf Is in a Blue Bay Shepherd?

Although the percentage of wolf DNA can vary slightly from one Blue Bay Shepherd to another, on average, they are about 6% wolf. This is the ideal amount in order for them to behave more like dogs and less like wolves. The original wolf-dogs that produced the first generation of Blue Bay Shepherds were about 50-60% wolf, but over time, this percentage has been reduced through selective breeding.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @sabrewoof

While the 6% wolf content in Blue Bay Shepherds makes them generally friendly and sociable animals, it is important to remember that they still have some wolf instincts and behaviors. For example, they may be timid and suspicious of strangers, and they may also be protective of their family and home.

The higher percentage of wolf in the early generations made them timider and potentially aggressive towards strangers. As the percentage of wolf has decreased, they have become more socialized and less aggressive. 

Blue Bay Shepherd physical appearance

This dog breed is a medium to large size dog. They are slightly lanky in appearance with upright ears. They have a long, deep blue coat and their eyes can be light green, blue, or brown. They are athletic and well-muscled. Males are typically larger than females. Males typically weigh 85 – 105 pounds and females weigh 70-85 pounds. They are about 30 inches tall.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @sabrewoof

Blue Bay Shepherd size, height, and weight

table with Physical Features of Blue Bay Shepherd

How Big Will a Blue Bay Shepherd Be? When Do Blue Bay Shepherds Stop Growing?

A Blue Bay Shepherd will be between 70-85 pounds for females and 85-105 pounds for males. They will be 30 inches tall. Blue Bay Shepherds stop growing around 18-24 months old.

Defining the Blue Bay Shepherd color. Do They Come In Any Other Colors?

Vicki is open to introducing more colors in the Blue Bay Shepherd line, as they are related to German Shepherds and wolfdogs. This means that white, grey, and red coats are also possible for these dogs. Blue Bay Shepherd coats may also contain other colors such as tan, cream, black, tan, beige, or white due to their malamute and husky ancestry. Therefore, Blue Bay Shepherds come in a variety of colors. However, the most common and defining color is blue.

What is the American Blue Bay Shepherd’s Life Expectancy?

The average life expectancy of an American Blue Bay Shepherd is around 12 years. However, this number is still preliminary as the breed has only been around for less than a decade. Blue Bay Shepherds are generally healthy dogs with no known health issues. Therefore, their life expectancy is likely to be on the higher end

Health problems

Although Blue Bay Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, there are a few health problems that are more common in this breed. These include:

  • Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, resulting in pain and lameness. It is more common in larger breeds of dogs, such as the Blue Bay Shepherd.
  • Elbow dysplasia: This is a condition where the elbow joint does not form properly, resulting in pain and lameness.
  • Eye problems: Blue Bay Shepherds are prone to a number of eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy.
  • Bloat and gastric torsion: This is a condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing severe pain. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
  • Epilepsy: This is a condition where the dog has seizures. It can be controlled with medication, but there is no cure.
  • Pituitary dwarfism: This is a condition where the dog’s pituitary gland does not function properly, resulting in a small stature.
  • Degenerative myelopathy: This is a condition where the spinal cord deteriorates, causing paralysis.

The best way to prevent health problems in your Blue Bay Shepherd is to buy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. You should also have your dog checked by a veterinarian regularly and keep up to date on their vaccinations.

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, so there is still much to learn about their health. However, they are generally healthy dogs with no known major health problems.

Blue Bay Shepherd temperament and personality

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a friendly, intelligent, and loyal dog. They are great with children and other pets. They are protective of their family and home. They need plenty of exercise and should be trained early on.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @sabrewoof

Are Blue Bay Shepherds Aggressive?

The Blue Bay Shepherd is not an aggressive breed of dog. However, they are a protective breed. This means that they will defend their family and home if they feel threatened. They are not aggressive towards people, but they may be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel threatened or if they are not properly socialized. It is important to socialize your Blue Bay Shepherd from a young age so that they learn to get along with other dogs.

Blue Bay Shepherd working qualities

The Blue Bay Shepherd is an intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and are eager to please. However, they have not been extensively tested in their working ability. Therefore, it is not known what they are best suited for. They may be suitable for herding, guard work, or search and rescue. However, this is all yet to be determined.

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a new breed of dog that is not yet well-known. However, they are a friendly, intelligent, and loyal breed of dog that makes a great companion. They are still being bred and their working ability is not yet known. However, they have the potential to be great working dogs. Only time will tell what their true working abilities are.

Does American Kennel Club Recognize Blue Bay Shepherd?

The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the Blue Bay Shepherd. This is because they are still in their development phase. The Blue Bay Shepherd is a new breed of dog that is not yet well-known. They are a mix of the wolf-dog and the blue German Shepherd. The Blue Bay Shepherd is still being bred and perfected. The goal is to create a dog that has the best of both worlds- the loyalty and intelligence of the German Shepherd, and the strength and athleticism of the wolf-dog. Once the Blue Bay Shepherd is perfected, they will likely be recognized by the American Kennel Club. Until then, they are not yet a recognized breed.

References: https://www.akc.org/breeds/blue-bay-shepherd/

General Care of the American Blue Bay Shepherd

Energy

The Blue Bay Shepherd is bred as a companion dog and does well with an occasional day inside. They do need a relatively active lifestyle, however. These dogs are happiest when they are part of a pack and around people. They need plenty of exercises, ideally in a fenced-in yard.

Feeding and Diet

Keep his kibble in a sealed, airtight container to maintain its freshness. Feed him twice a day, and always have fresh water available. The Blue Bay Shepherd is an active breed, and needs at least two hours of exercise every day. A daily walk is a good way to keep him fit, and he’ll also enjoy playing

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to feed him a nutritious diet. A vet can help you pick food out based on his age, size, and other dietary requirements. If you’re not sure what kind of food to buy, ask your vet for a recommendation.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @sabrewoof

Blue Bay Shepherd grooming and cleaning

As a Blue Bay Shepherd owner, you should be prepared for some extra shedding. Aired-haired dogs shed a lot, and you’ll need to brush them often if you want their fur to be free of tangles, loose hair, dirt, and other debris.

Blue Bay Shepherds typically shed more heavily in the autumn and spring, so you may need to up their grooming frequency to daily during these times. Bathing your Blue Bay Shepherd isn’t necessary unless they start to smell bad. Dogs don’t need all that washing, and too much can cause skin problems.

If you do decide to give your dog a bath, use a mild shampoo made specifically for long-haired dogs. Avoid using soaps, as they will be too harsh for your pooch.

American Blue Bay Shepherd training

Training should be approached in the same manner as training a German Shepherd. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train for a variety of tasks. The key to successful training is to use positive reinforcement, reward treats, and be consistent with commands. Harsh training methods are not effective with this breed.

Blue Bay Shepherds are large dogs, but they are also very sensitive. This means that you will need to be patient and gentle when training them. They will respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. It is important to be consistent with commands and praise in order to successfully train your Blue Bay Shepherd.

If you are consistent with your training and use positive reinforcement, you will find that training a Blue Bay Shepherd is a rewarding experience. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners.

American Blue Bay Shepherd exercise requirement

As an active breed, the Blue Bay Shepherd will do best with regular hikes and long walks. They may also enjoy several sports such as skijoring, agility, obedience, or cani cross. The harness should be a no-pull design to prevent their larynxes from harm. They should also be securely fastened when traveling as their high prey drive might cause them to bolt after something they see.

Suitable Home: Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good Pets?

Is a Blue Bay Shepherd good with kids?

This is a question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Blue Bay Shepherds are sweet, intelligent, and playful dogs. The tiny wolf DNA they have does not make them a hazard to youngsters—Vicki makes sure of it in every dog she breeds. However, their size can pose a danger to toddlers since these dogs may accidentally hurt them.

Blue Bay Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @raven_the_blue_bay_shepherd

Still, there is much we don’t yet know about this dog breed. When it comes to families with children, it is usually preferable to choose a dog breed you are familiar with rather than one you know little about.

Sociability with Other Pets

The Blue Bay Shepherd is not typically a social butterfly. But with proper training and socialization, they can get along famously with other pets in the home.

This breed does have a high prey drive, however, so small pets may be at risk if left unsupervised. Blue Bay Shepherds should be socialized early and often to help curb this instinct. Males of this breed can also be quite dominant, so it’s important to nip any aggressive behavior in the bud. With proper care, your Blue Bay Shepherd can be a well-rounded, social member of the family.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Blue Bay Shepherd

Owning any pet comes with pros and cons, and the Blue Bay Shepherd is no different. This list of pros and cons will help you determine if this is the right breed of dog for you and your family.

Pros:

  • Blue Bay Shepherds are very striking with their deep blue coat.
  • They are sweet and affectionate when trained well.
  • They’re sociable and entertaining, but they can also be useful as hunting partners.
  • They are excellent outside companions.
  • There is no prejudice against them, as there might be with a wolfdog.
  • They are easy to train, due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.

Cons:

  • They are very active, they require a lot of activity. If you don’t like being outside, this is a big issue.
  • They are expensive to buy and maintain.
  • They become destructive when bored.
  • There isn’t much information available regarding their health, so you could receive a surprise in the form of an illness or condition.
  • Because they consume a lot, you’ll need to spend a significant amount on high-quality kibbles.

All in all, the Blue Bay Shepherd is a great breed of dog for those who can handle their high energy levels and are willing to put in the time and money to care for them properly. Do your research and talk to a professional before making your final decision.

American Blue Bay Shepherd breeder

Vicki Spencer is the only person in the world who breeds these dogs. The Southern Breeze Ranch in Florida is the only place where you can find them. There are no Blue Bay Shepherd breeders in Australia or anywhere else. So, if you want one of these dogs, you’ll have to travel to the United States to get one.

Local laws about owning wolf hybrids

Local laws about owning wolf hybrids can vary from state to state. Some states require a permit, while others have minimal requirements for wolf hybrid enclosures, and still others have severe rabies regulations that might result in your pet being destroyed if it bites someone. Make sure to check the laws in your state before owning a wolf hybrid.

Getting a Blue Bay Shepherd puppy. Tips on How to Find a Healthy Blue Bay Shepherd

When you are looking for a Blue Bay Shepherd puppy, it is important to visit the ranch and see the puppies in person. This will allow you to see the conditions that the puppies are being raised in and meet the parents of the puppies.

When you are looking at the puppies, there are a few things that you should look for to make sure that the puppy is healthy.

  • The body of the puppy should be robust and compact.
  • The coat should be sleek and free of dandruff or other allergies, and irritation.
  • The eyes, nose, and ears should be clean.
  • The puppy should be energetic and full of life.

Can You Afford American Blue Bay Shepherd? American Blue Bay Shepherd Puppy Price & Expenses

Blue Bay Shepherd for sale

in the USA can only be found at Southern Breeze Ranch. If you’re looking for Blue Shepherd Puppies for Sale, know that you won’t find any genuine Blue Bay Shepherds anywhere else in the USA. Southern Breeze Ranch is the only legitimate Blue Bay Shepherd breeder. Contact them today to learn more about their American Blue Bay Shepherd Puppies for Sale in PA!

American Blue Bay Shepherd puppy cost

Cost can vary depending on the individual dog being sold and the specific needs of the owner. However, on average, people report paying between $3,000 and $3,200 for their Blue Bay Shepherd puppy. Vicki Spencer, the only known breeder of this dog breed, does not disclose how much she charges for her puppies. She believes that every dog is unique and should be matched with a specific owner.

Blue-Bay-Shepherd
Photo from (IG) @sabrewoof

FAQ

Do American Blue Bay Shepherd Bark a Lot?

No, Blue Bay Shepherds are not big barkers. The sound they make is more of a growl or moan, which is ideal if you don’t want to disturb your neighbor or have your office at home.

Are Blue Bay Shepherds Hypoallergenic? Do Blue Bay Shepherds Shed?

The Blue Bay Shepherd is a beautiful breed of dog, but unfortunately, they are not hypoallergenic. This breed of dog sheds all year round and their fur can often carry dead skin bits or dander, which can be irritating for people who are allergic to dogs. In addition, Blue Bay Shepherds often use their mouth to explore their surroundings, which can leave behind saliva – another irritant for people with dog allergies.

Conclusion: Is the American Blue Bay Shepherd right for me?

If you’re looking for a loving and protective dog that doesn’t bark too much, the Blue Bay Shepherd may be the right breed for you. However, if you’re allergic to dogs, this breed is probably not the best choice, as they do shed and carry dander.

If you’re still undecided, the best way to know if the Blue Bay Shepherd is right for you is to visit Southern Breeze Ranch and meet the dogs in person!

Do You Have A Blue Bay Shepherd?

Tell us your experience in the comments below!

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