Blue dogs are extremely rare. Their blue coloration comes from a genetic mutation that causes an abnormal accumulation of melanin in the dog’s hair follicles. This mutation occurs very infrequently in dogs, making blue dogs an unusual find. In this article, we’ll take a look at just how rare blue dogs are, what causes their unique color, and some interesting facts about these unusual pups.
The Genetics Behind Blue Dogs
In most dogs, black hair color is produced by an pigment called eumelanin. However, in blue dogs, a genetic mutation causes the hair follicles to produce too much of a melanin called pheomelanin instead. This causes the dog’s black coat to appear blue-grey or silver instead.
The gene responsible for blue color is recessive. This means a dog needs to inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, in order to have blue fur. If a dog only inherits one copy, it will be a carrier but not visually appear blue.
How Rare Are Blue Dogs?
Only a very small percentage of dogs are born blue. Blue coloration can occur in several different breeds, but is extremely uncommon. Here’s a look at the rarity among some breeds that can produce blue puppies:
| Breed | Frequency of Blue Color |
|---|---|
| Doberman Pinscher | Less than 1% of Dobermans |
| Great Dane | Less than 1% of Great Danes |
| Weimaraner | Approximately 1 in 10,000 Weimaraners |
| Pit Bull | Extremely rare, less than 1% |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | 1-2% of Catahoula litters |
As you can see, blue is exceptionally unusual even in breeds where the gene can occur. For example, millions of Labrador Retrievers exist worldwide, but blue Labs make up less than 1% of the breed.
Famous Blue Dogs
While rare, some famous blue dogs have captured public attention:
– Bluko – A blue Weimaraner who holds two world records for speed. He’s the fastest dog to run 100 meters (13.71 seconds) and the fastest dog to run 5 meters on hind legs (5.739 seconds).
– Néstor – A Spanish blue Great Dane famous for his size. At 43 inches tall, Néstor holds the record for world’s tallest living dog.
– Ghost – Jon Snow’s loyal direwolf in Game of Thrones. Ghost has white fur in the TV show, but is described as having grey fur matching Jon’s albino appearance in the books.
– Blue’s Clues – The blue animated puppy in the 1990s TV series Blue’s Clues. The show features a blue spotted dog named Blue as the main character.
Caring for a Blue Dog
Aside from their unusual looks, blue dogs have the same general care requirements as any other dog. However, there are a few unique considerations:
– Their grey coats show dirt easily, so occasional bathing is important
– Sunscreen should be applied to prevent sunburn on hairless areas like the nose and belly
– Flea prevention is essential since fleas are very visible against blue fur
– Their eyes are sensitive to glare, so sunglasses are recommended for blue dogs outdoors
With proper care, blue dogs can be just as healthy and have similar lifespans to their normally-pigmented counterparts. The blue coat is solely a cosmetic difference.
Blue Puppy Prices
Since they are so rare, blue puppies tend to cost significantly more than other colors. Here are some average sale prices:
| Breed | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Blue Doberman | $2000 – $6000 |
| Blue Weimaraner | $1000 – $3500 |
| Blue Pit Bull | $3000 – $5000 |
| Blue Great Dane | $1000 – $2500 |
| Blue Catahoula | $400 – $1000 |
Blue dogs from champion bloodlines or with intensive breeding can cost even more. However, exorbitantly priced blue puppies often come from disreputable breeders, so buyers should beware. Reputable breeders place focus on health and temperament over coat color.
Risks of Blue Dog Breeding
Breeding specifically for rare colors like blue has some risks:
– Inbreeding is common, increasing chances of inherited disorders
– Focus on color ignores other aspects of health and genetics
– Blue-blue breedings increase the likelihood of deafness and blindness in puppies
For these reasons, professional breed organizations discourage breeding for blue coats alone. Responsible blue dog breeding prioritizes genetic diversity and health clearances.
How Blue Dogs See The World
Blue dogs have vision similar to normal dogs, but their blue eyes lead to some differences:
– Increased light sensitivity – blue eyes tend to be more sensitive to sunlight
– Poorer night vision – less pigment leads to worse vision in low light
– Higher risk of blindness – blue eyes have a higher chance of inherited eye disorders
– More attractive to flies – flies are drawn to blue eyes the same way they target white dogs
So while blue dogs can see just fine, they do tend to need more eye protection than brown-eyed pups.
Blue Dog Controversy
The breeding of blue dogs is controversial in some circles. Critics believe breeding for color alone is unethical, especially using inbreeding to produce more blues. However, reputable breeders counter that blue is a naturally-occurring gene like any other trait, and breeding can focus on health as well as color. With responsible practices, blue dog breeding can avoid issues associated with indiscriminate color breeding.
Blue Coats in Other Animals
Dogs aren’t the only animals to display unusual blue coats. Here are some other species exhibiting rare blue coloration:
– Cats – The Chartreux cat breed has a blue coat. The Russian Blue is another all-grey blue breed.
– Birds – Hyacinth macaws can have a cobalt blue plumage. Some Eastern bluebird subspecies have deep blue feathers.
– Reptiles – Several species of blue-tailed skink exhibit brilliant azure coloration.
– Fish – Betta fish commonly have blue varieties, either solid or patterned with red or black.
– Cattle – Blue roan is a coat pattern in cows producing overall blue-grey coloring of the hair.
So blue coloration can appear naturally, if rarely, in diverse animal groups beyond just dogs.
Conclusion
Blue dogs are one of the rarest pet coat colors out there. Caused by a recessive gene, their blue-grey fur sets them apart. While some controversies exist around specifically breeding blue dogs, they can make lively and loyal companions with proper health testing. Going forward, it will remain unusual to come across dogs with this striking blue coloring. But when you do see a blue canine, you’ll now know just how special it is!