The Greyhound, a type of sighthound, is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. The evidence suggests that they originate from the middle east.
It’s believed that the Egyptian pharaohs used these alongside Salukis (another type of sighthound) for hunting.
Them being sighthounds means they chase down prey based on sight (rather than other dogs that sneak up on prey based on scent). Interestingly, Greyhounds can run up to 45mph!
So What Are Blue Greyhounds?
The blue Greyhound is one of the 39 available colors when it comes to the Greyhound breed. However, a blue Greyhound color is considered to be very rare.
The most unique and important thing about this type of Greyhound is that it is created by a dilution gene.
This gene doesn’t always affect the color of the coat, in some cases, it may only alter the color of the eyes and skin.
Therefore, you might actually have a blue Greyhound that doesn’t have a bluish-colored coat at all, but just a blue nose.
You can find two types of “blue” Greyhounds, these include the blue fawn Greyhound and the regular blue Greyhound.
The regular blue Greyhound gives the impression of an almost metallic blue-grey sheen. Whereas the blue fawn has the same tones as a regular fawn but with an added blue tint.
Are There Any Defects Or Complications With Blue Greyhounds?
Dogs that have dilute pigments, mainly blue dogs, may develop a condition known as color dilution alopecia. It occurs in various breeds and happens with the Blue Greyhound as well.
This condition will be noticeable between 6 months and 3 years of age when the dog will begin losing hair, especially from areas that have diluted pigment.
It doesn’t always happen, of course, but you have to be ready for it when getting a Blue Greyhound.
Note: it has no effect on the well-being of your dog.
Are Blue Greyhounds Good Family Pets?
The blue Greyhound, like any Greyhound, makes an excellent family pet
Despite them being generally known for racing, they are actually very laid back and don’t require much maintenance at all. You could argue they are quite lazy dogs!
Most Greyhounds retire from racing quite early on around 3-4 years old so they have plenty of time to adapt to a relaxed family life.
A common misconception is that people believe they cannot adopt a Greyhound due to it requiring far too much exercise. But, one or two 20-minute walks per day are enough.
How Rare Are Blue Greyhounds?
Blue Greyhounds are considered to be one of the rarest. This is due to one of the parents needing to possess a unique recessive gene that really can’t be checked for beforehand.
And, even if this gene is present in at least one of the parents, it’s not always guaranteed to receive a blue color when the offspring is produced, since genes work much like the lottery.
Are Blue Greyhounds Blue Or Gray?
The “gray” Greyhound is not actually gray but is more of a deep blue color.
This makes it a bit difficult since when people speak about Blue Greyhounds, the color ranges from a deep blue (gray) which is almost black, to a pale, smoky blue.
However, true Blue Greyhounds will have a deep bluish-colored nose.
Greyhounds that are categorized as true blue, blue brindle, or blue fawn can sometimes be grouped into an overall category called “blue variant.” They are not the same as gray.
What is Blue Brindle or Blue Fawn?
Blue brindle or blue fawn greyhounds are a unique color variation of the popular greyhound breed. They are characterized by their blue coat with distinct brindle or fawn markings. These markings can appear in various patterns and are usually darker in color.
What Variations of Blue can the Coat Color of a Greyhound come in?
Greyhounds can come in various blue colors, including steel blue, powder blue, royal blue, and pale misty blue.
Steel blue greyhounds have a shiny, metallic coat that resembles a mixture of blue and silver. Powder blue greyhounds have a softer, more muted coat reminiscent of a pastel color. Royal blue greyhounds have a deep, rich coat similar to a sapphire color. Pale misty blue greyhounds have a light coat that gives off a subtle, ethereal appearance.
Additionally, Blue Fawns are another variation of blue coloration where the coat has a mix of blue and fawn colors, making it unique and striking. These blue shades can add a unique and special appearance to the sleek, slender greyhound breed.
How Much Do Blue Italian Greyhounds Cost?
A Blue Greyhound can cost anywhere from $1400, right up to $2000.
However, if the dog possesses show ability, then the prices may be considerably more. You may need to seek out a specific breeder to get your hands on one of these.
You’ll have to consider two other things to understand the costs involved in purchasing an Italian blue Greyhound:
The lineage of the dog. If your puppy’s parents are purebred show winners, then your new blue Greyhound is likely to cost more.
Results of the health check. A health check is always important before you purchase any dog. You should always ask your breeder for proof of a clean bill of health.
If your chosen puppy has any marks against their health check, then they’re likely to come a little cheaper.
What coat colors do Italian Greyhounds come in?
The Italian Greyhound coat color can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors include black, blue, cream, fawn, red, and white. They can also come in a combination of these colors, such as black and white, blue and cream, or fawn and white.
Some Italian Greyhounds also have a pattern known as “sable,” where the hair on the back is a different color than the rest of the coat. Italian Greyhounds can also come in a “merle” pattern, characterized by a mottled or marbled appearance in their coat.
I have written an entire article focusing on the colors of the Italian Greyhound which you can explore in more detail as it is much more complex than you think!
What Is The Rarest Greyhound Color?
Whilst it is a big debate, one of the rarest colors in Greyhounds is actually gray due to their strong and rare dilution gene.
Most of the other rare Greyhound colors are also linked in with the dilution, such as the Blue Greyhound we’re talking about.
Which Greyhounds Are Most Common?
Read all of this and decided a Blue Greyhound just isn’t for you? Well, don’t worry.
The Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds around, believed to be up to 8000 years old! Whilst the Blue Greyhound is one of the rarest, some are far more common. These include:
- Brindle
- Red
- Fawn
- Black variants
- Greyhounds and Fellow Pets: Canine Camaraderie - February 2, 2024
- Embracing Greyhounds as Family Dogs - January 11, 2024
- Whippet Anatomy: Complete A-Z Guide - September 2, 2023
Blue color in the Greyhound is the result of all of the following at once from both parents: (1) at least one Black allele from either parent, (2) two dilute alleles, one from each parent, (3) the absence of two piebald alleles. It is not a single hidden allele from one parent that can not be tested for, but rather a particular combination of dominant and recessive genes from both parents presenting blue in a statistically predictable manner from testable alleles in both parents. Two E/E, d/d dogs will produce all blue pups if they don’t have white genes.
Thanks for the great insights Beth. You must be an expert!