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If you are looking for a complete guide to the Blue Bay Shepherd, you have come to the right place. Because these dogs are a newer designer breed and quite rare, people have many unanswered questions about them.
This post will cover everything from the dog’s history, what they look like, their maintenance requirements, their temperament, and more.
We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this breed.
So, whether you are thinking about getting a Blue Bay Shepherd or just want to learn more about them, read on to discover all you need to know about these dogs.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is a Blue Bay Shepherd?
A Blue Bay Shepherd is a new designer breed that was created by crossing a German Shepherd with a wolfdog.
These dogs were designed by a woman named Vicki Spencer.
She wanted the loyalty and trainability of a German Shepherd, with the strength, athleticism, and beauty of a wolf.
The result is a dog that is not only beautiful but also incredibly intelligent and athletic.
She has been developing Blue Bay Shepherds for over 20 years, but their first litters were produced in 2011.
Vicki is located in Palm Bay, Florida, which is how they got their official name. They have the blue coat she wanted from the wolfdog and German Shepherd.
Which is how they got their name, the Blue Bay Shepherd.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Purebred?
No, Blue Bay Shepherds are not purebred.
They are a cross between a German Shepherd and an Eastern Timber Wolf-Dog, so they are technically considered to be a designer breed.
Designer breeds are created when two different purebred dogs are crossed in an effort to produce offspring that have the best traits of both parents.
Brief Blue Bay Shepherd History
Vicki Spencer has been working on developing this breed for over 20 years. The creation of the Blue Bay Shepherd had to be done carefully in order to get the look and temperament she wanted.
It was quite challenging for her to find a blue German Shepherd to pair with a blue-coated wolfdog. But after starting her search in the late 1990s/early 2000s, she finally had her first Blue Bay Shepherd litter in 2011.
She came up with the name by combining their beautiful blue coat, the German Shepherd’s dominance in the mix, and producing them in Palm Bay, Florida. Blue, Bay, Shepherd.
Since that first litter, she has been breeding German Shepherds with the Blue Bay offspring to ensure the dogs are as far removed from their wolf heritage as possible. While maintaining their striking appearance.
Which means the first “true” Blue Bay Shepherds, meaning ones that are closest to being an official breed, are 5 generations away from a pure wolf bloodline.
How Much Wolf Is In Blue Bay Shepherds?
As Blue Bay Shepherds get further and further away from their wolf parentage, the percentage of wolf in their bloodline decreases.
The very first Blue Bay offspring would have been 50% wolf dog and 50%, German Shepherd.
But, as previously mentioned, after that first litter, Spencer is only breeding German Shepherds with Blue Bay Shepherds.
This way, the percentage of wolf in them continues to decrease. Which helps ensure they are trainable and loving companions while maintaining some of the wolf’s appearance.
In the current generation of Bay Blue Shepherds, there is roughly 6% wolf in them.
Spencer is closely monitoring this amount of wolf in her Blue Bays to ensure they have the temperament she’s looking for. Before establishing them as the standard Blue Bay.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Aggressive?
No, Blue Bay Shepherds are not aggressive.
They were specifically bred to have the loyalty and trainability of German Shepherds with the strength and athleticism of a wolf, which means they are actually quite gentle and loving dogs.
This is one of the reasons Vicki Spencer has been so careful about breeding them over the years. She wanted to make sure the Blue Bay Shepherd retained the best traits of both parent breeds while minimizing any aggression that might be present in a purebred wolfdog.
The current generation of Blue Bays is about as far removed from their wolf ancestry as possible while retaining some of a wolf’s physical characteristics.
You can also verify their loving nature and fun personalities by taking a look at some of the testimonials people share having adopted a Blue Bay.
Blue Bay Shepherd Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The average Blue Bay Shepherd’s weight is between 70-105 pounds.
Males average between 85-105 pounds, but some have gotten up to as much as 130 pounds. Females average between 70-85 pounds, but some have gotten up to as much as 100 pounds.
Their average height is approximately 26 inches, but they can range anywhere from 25-32 inches tall.
Coat Colors & Texture
The Blue Bay Shepherd coat is one of their most distinct and defining physical characteristics.
As the name suggests, they have a beautiful blue coat that can range in shade from light blue to dark blue.
However, as with other breeds with “blue” coats, it’s more of a dark gray appearance.
They also have a thick double coat that helps protect them from the elements and keeps them warm in the winter. The outer coat is coarse and medium length, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
Shedding & Grooming
The Blue Bay Shepherd sheds a moderate to high amount and will require regular brushing to help control the shedding.
They have a thick double coat that will surely shed year-round and considerably more when the seasons change (spring and fall).
Brushing them a few times per week should be enough to help control the shedding, but you may need to brush them more often during high-shedding periods.
*Sidenote: Something people with high shedding dogs are using more and more are robot vacuums. They help keep the floors of your home looking half-decent until you have more time to do a proper cleaning.
When it comes to the other aspects of grooming, they will need a similar amount of attention.
This includes things like nails, teeth, ears, and so forth. For example, you should check their nails roughly once per month and trim them as needed.
You should also brush their teeth at least two to three times per week to help control plaque and tartar buildup. Lastly, you’ll want to clean their ears out on a monthly basis to help prevent infection.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
No, Blue Bay Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They have a thick double coat that sheds moderately to heavily year-round, which means they are not a good choice for people with allergies.
Ears & Tail
One of the most distinguishing physical characteristics of the Blue Bay Shepherd is their ears.
They have pointed, erect ears that are set high on their head and give them a very alert and attentive appearance.
Their tail is also relatively long and thick and usually hangs down to their hock (back of the leg).
Eye Color
The Blue Bay Shepherd has very striking eyes and is one of their most defining physical features.
They have large, almond-shaped eyes that are set fairly wide apart on their head.
And while they can come in a variety of colors, the most common seems to be brown, green, and blue.
Lifespan
Because they are a newer breed, there’s little information on the average lifespan of the Blue Bay Shepherd.
However, considering the lifespan of their parent breeds,’ they have the potential to live for 12-15 years, which is about average for a dog of their size.
Common Health Issues
Again, because Blue Bay Shepherds are so new, there is no information about their common health issues (that we could find).
However, when looking at the testimonials from current Blue Bay Shepherd owners, none mention anything about serious health issues with their dog.
But we can assume that because they are large dogs, they will be more likely to have health conditions that other large dogs are more prone to.
Things like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and bloat, to name a few.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, and it’s a very common problem in large dogs.
Arthritis is also a common issue in larger dogs as they age. It’s a degenerative disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
Lastly, bloat is a condition that can affect any dog, but it’s especially dangerous for large breeds. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists, which can happen very quickly.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a very intelligent breed and based on what few owners have shared, they are quick learners.
They need to be socialized well as puppies. Because they get big and have a wolf-like appearance, they can be intimidating for many people.
This is why it’s crucial they get exposed to many different people from a young age and are trained to be well-behaved in new situations.
When it comes to the nitty gritty of training, positive reinforcement methods work best with these dogs.
Because they have a lot of German Shepherd in them, Blue Bay Shepherds are working dogs by nature, so they have a strong work ethic and enjoy having a job to do.
However, because of their high energy levels, they will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Blue Bay Shepherds are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Ideally, they should get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of walks, runs, hikes, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving and burns off some energy.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become restless, anxious, and destructive.
They can still enjoy time lounging around lying next to you, but it’s important they also get their physical exercise.
Mental stimulation is also important for these dogs. Like most other active dogs, they do best with their mind kept busy with things like puzzle toys, training sessions, and learning new tricks.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Blue Bay Shepherds Bark A Lot?
From what we saw in how Vicki explained their barking and what the testimonials shared, Blue Bay Shepherds aren’t known for barking.
They may bark when someone comes to the door or if there’s something that startles them, but other than that, they aren’t known to be yappy dogs.
They do like to vocalize, though, whether it’s howling, moaning, or groaning. So they may communicate vocally, but it’s not usually through barking.
Do Blue Bay Shepherds Like To Cuddle?
From what I gather from the testimonials, Blue Bay Shepherds are very affectionate. If they have positive experiences cuddling when young, there’s no reason they won’t enjoy cuddling as they get older.
However, because of their thick coat, they may get too warm to cuddle in certain situations.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good With Kids?
One of Vicki’s biggest focuses is on ensuring Blue Bays have a great temperament. If it comes at the cost of them looking a little more like German Shepherds than wolves, it’s worth it to her.
With that being said, based on what people have shared about their Blue Bay Shepherd, one could assume they would be good with kids.
They have fun-loving personalities and love attention. One person mentioned how they also have small dogs in their home with their BBS, and they are very gentle when playing with the small dogs.
So it’s safe to say that if they grow up with kids in the house, they can also learn how to play nice with them.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good With Other Dogs?
From the testimonials, it seems like Blue Bay Shepherds are good with other dogs.
One person mentioned how their BBS loves playing with other dogs at the dog park.
Another said that they have a small dog and another big dog in their home, and their Blue Bay knows how to change their play style to the size of their dog friend.
Which is an excellent quality.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good With Strangers?
Most of the testimonials said that their Blue Bays were great with strangers.
A few people mentioned how their dog will bark when someone comes to the door, but once they are let in, their BBS is friendly and wants to say hello.
One person even mentioned how their dog loves meeting new people and will go up to anyone to say hello.
(and you can count on many people coming up to you and asking what breed your dog is, so odds are they’ll get used to many strangers coming by to interact with them)
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Good Apartment Dogs?
This is a tough question to answer. Blue Bay Shepherds are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise. They also like to vocalize.
So if you’re looking for a dog that will be content lying on the couch all day while you’re at work and not make a peep, a Blue Bay Shepherd is probably not the right dog for you.
If you’re willing to give them the exercise they need and have neighbors who don’t mind a little noise, they could make good apartment dogs.
Food & Diet
Like most large dogs, Blue Bay Shepherds are not picky eaters. They will pretty much eat anything you give them. However, it’s important to feed them nutritious food that will help them maintain their energy levels.
A diet that is high in protein and healthy fats is ideal for these dogs.
You can either feed them commercially prepared dog food or make your own homemade dog food.
Just make sure you’re giving them the right nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
My father, Dr. Littlejohn, and our head veterinary consultant recommend these four brands above all else:
Blue Bay Shepherd Puppy Price
If you’re looking to add a Blue Bay Shepherd to your family, you’re probably wondering how much they cost.
From what we’ve found, Vicki Spencer charges approximately $2,500 to $3,500 for a Blue Bay Shepherd puppy.
If you see someone else claiming to have a litter of Blue Bay Shepherds, know they are misleading you.
Vicki is the only breeder of these dogs at the time of writing.
Where Can You Find a Blue Bay Shepherd For Sale?
The only place you can find a Blue Bay Shepherd for sale is from Vicki Spencer.
You can contact her by reaching out to her email: southernbreeze3@gmail.com or give her a call at 561-248-4610.
Her website is bluebayshepherds.weebly.com.
Be prepared to answer some questions about yourself and your family before she agrees to sell you one of her puppies.
She wants to ensure her dogs go to good homes where they will be loved and properly cared for.
After your initial contact, she’ll give you an application to fill out and more detailed information about Blue Bay Shepherd’s pricing.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a beautiful, rare dog that is still being perfected as a breed. Though only a few people own these dogs, they appear to be extremely happy with their pups.
Vicki Spencer has dedicated her life to perfecting the breed and making sure each dog she sells goes to a good home.
If you think a Blue Bay Shepherd is the right dog for you, reach out to Vicki and start the conversation. You might just end up with a furry best friend for life.
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