There are some breeders out there that would go so far as develop a new crossbreed in order to achieve their ideal dog. They carefully study the physical traits and temperament of various purebreds to figure out which among them is suitable for their goal.
One of these breeders is named Vicki Spencer. She has devoted 20 years of her life to creating the Blue Bay Shepherd, a dog that has the beauty of a wolf but can serve as a loyal family companion.
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a cross between a blue German Shepherd and a wolfdog. They are quite striking because of their light eyes and blue coat color.
Currently, they are still under development because Spencer wanted to produce litters with more lupine appearance. Only a few people own them, and their testimonials are all positive.
Since the Blue Bay Shepherd is a relatively new hybrid, there is minimal information about them on the internet.
My goal in this article is to share useful facts about this dog through the breeder’s writings and help you decide whether this dog is worth buying.
What Is a Blue Bay Shepherd?
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a hybrid initially created by crossing a blue European German Shepherd and a wolfdog. This is not a very well known cross because Vicki Spencer only recently developed it. It got its name from its German Shepherd origin and the place where it was first bred, which is in Palm Bay, Florida.
Generally, this mixed breed possesses the physical features of a wolf and the temperament of a companion dog. This is because Spencer has intended to make them that way since the beginning.
She is very passionate about developing a hybrid that will not carry the stigma of being tagged as a “wolf,” and she succeeded because the Blue Bay Shepherd’s parents are five generations away from the pure wolf lineage.
3 Interesting Facts About Blue Bay Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd is quite intriguing. In fact, this hybrid is a common subject in online dog forums because of their uniqueness.
In this section, I have compiled some of the reasons why I find this breed interesting among other dogs. Keep your eyes glued to this article if you want to learn more.
They are a rare mixed breed
When I say that Blue Bay Shepherds are rare, I don’t mean it lightly. There is only one breeder of this dog as of today, and that is none other than the founder herself, Vicki Spencer.
This canine companion is still in the developmental stages, and selling them commercially is not possible as of this time.
The owner almost gave up on finding a blue German Shepherd
Spencer already knew that she would like to cross a German Shepherd with a wolfdog. However, she specifically wanted the litter to be blue in color.
She had a hard time finding a blue German Shepherd because they are pretty rare, that’s why she almost gave up in her pursuit.
To her surprise, just when she was about to accept that her goal is impossible, a breeder contacted her and presented a gorgeous litter of what she was looking for.
They aren’t really blue in color
Like other blue-colored dogs, this hybrid is not blue in color but slate grey or silvery grey. If you are expecting a Blue Bay Shepherd with a navy or sky blue tint, you are in for a disappointment.
You can check out the pictures uploaded on Spencer’s website to check this dog’s actual color or you can view some of the Blue Bays she sold that I included in the latter part of this article.
History and Origin: What Breeds Make a Blue Bay Shepherd?
Since Spencer wants to develop a dog that is willing to please its owner, trainable, loyal, healthy, and has the physical features of a wolf, she dedicated 20 years in studying and breeding them.
When she came across a blue wolfdog, she realized that it’s the perfect parent for her breed project. However, finding the other parent, which is the blue German Shepherd, almost pushed her to quit.
In March 2011, she finally had her first litter. She wrote that the foundation dog used is a European German Shepherd she imported in France and the blue-colored wolfdogs she has been breeding.
Her first two pups are named Jordan and Passion, and they have the ideal personality, temperament, and coat color she desires.
As of the writing of this article, she is still working on the development of these dogs. She is planning to breed Blue Bays to Blue Bays for the next several years and eventually have some major kennel clubs recognize them.
Do Blue Bay Shepherds Have Wolf in Them?
Because Blue Bays are bred with a wolfdog parent, they can have as much as 30% wolf DNA. However, Spencer clarified that the wolfdogs she used in creating her first Blue Bays are five generations away from the pure wolf line.
This means that this breed’s wolf blood is not that dominant and will probably be lessened more throughout the years because Vicki plans to breed Blue Bays to Blue Bays exclusively.
She is also determined not to add any more wolf blood in the further development of this hybrid, so she plans to create a target standard that future breeders can use.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Blue Bay Shepherd?
The Blue Bay Shepherd is still not recognized by any kennel club because the founder is still working on perfecting them. As you must know, major kennel clubs don’t just give out recognition for anyone who wants to register a new dog breed.
Several criteria should be met before a dog can be granted a full breed recognition and it varies depending on the club.
If you are interested to know what are the criteria of some major kennel clubs, check out the links below:
- American Kennel Club
- United Kennel Club
- Canadian Kennel Club
- The Kennel Club
- Australian National Kennel Council
- East Africa Kennel Club
- Kennel Union of Southern Africa
What Does the Blue Bay Shepherd Look Like?
Generally speaking, a Blue Bay Shepherd almost resembles a wolf because Spencer intended them to look that way. She even imported a rare blue German Shepherd from France to ensure that she’ll get the physical features she wants to see in this mixed breed.
Here is a detailed description of how a Blue Bay Shepherd looks like:
- Blue Bay Shepherds have a long, deep blue coat inherited from both their parents.
- They either have brown eyes or light-colored blue eyes that match their coat.
- The shape of their head is almost similar to that of a German Shepherd.
- They appear to be lanky, but they are actually powerful.
- They have upright triangular ears which are proportional to their face.
- They have a straight back.
- They are well-muscled.
Are Blue Bay Shepherd as blue as they look in photos? Let’s find out in this video.
How Big Do Blue Bay Shepherds Get When Fully Grown?
The size of the Blue Bay Shepherd may vary because they are still in the developmental stages. However, the claim that they are huge dogs is entirely accurate. Males can weigh between 85 to 105 pounds while females can weigh 70 to 85 pounds.
In terms of height, female pups can grow up to 30 inches tall, but most of them fall below that limit. On the other hand, male Blue Bays have an approximate height of 30 inches, but some of them grow even higher, unlike females.
Blue Bay Shepherd Examples (With Pictures)
Currently, the Blue Bay Shepherds that are being bred by Vicki Spencer only has one color. They are blue coated with a gorgeous icy sheen. However, it is essential to add that they aren’t blue but more stale or silvery grey.
Here are some of the pictures of Blue Bay Shepherds from Instagram:
Note that there may be a slight difference in the coat shade of the dogs above because of the lighting and the quality of the camera used to capture them.
Blue Bay Shepherd Temperament: Do Blue Bay Shepherds Make Good Family Dogs?
The Blue Bay’s temperament is probably one of the most interesting things to learn about; that’s why you kept poring over this guide.
You don’t have to worry because I dedicated this whole section to discussing every single aspect of its behavior to help you decide whether you should already contact Vicki Spencer and reserve a pup.
To give you a general idea, Blue Bay Shepherds make good family dogs because they have a stable temperament. For a more detailed review of their personality and behavior, you may refer to the list below:
- Blue Bay Shepherds are sweet and affectionate.
- They aren’t aggressive towards small animals or livestock.
- They are very trainable, just like their German Shepherd origin.
- They aren’t shy or timid toward humans.
- They may be a little bit of a couch potato, but they have a ton of energy.
- They are clever. They can learn how to unlatch and open doors quickly.
- They are powerful chewers.
- They sometimes resort to destructive behavior if they weren’t given enough exercise.
Even though Blue Bay Shepherds seem like an ideal pet, I would still like to remind you that a dog’s temperament can also be shaped by how they were raised. You should train them and give them enough time to socialize so they won’t develop aggression as they mature.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds good with other dogs? Let’s find out on this video made by a Blue Bay Shepherd owner.
Blue Bay Shepherd Health Issues
I researched intensively about the Blue Bay Shepherd’s health and even consulted the testimonies of those who already own them, but it seems like they are not prone to congenital diseases and ailments.
This proves that Spencer bred them not only focusing on appearance but their health as well. Despite this positive news, I still want to discuss two of the most common hybrid health issues in this section in case they may arise:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia may affect a dog’s quality of life because their joints did not correctly develop. Since Blue Bay Shepherds are large dogs, they can be more prone to this illness.
- Bloating: Large-chested dogs may experience bloating or sudden sealing of the stomach. This can be prevented by not engaging your pup in strenuous activities after eating.
How to Care for Your Blue Bay Shepherd’s Basic Needs?
Blue Bays are high maintenance because they are huge dogs. If you really want to own them, you should first study how you can effectively cater to their needs.
Expect that you will be devoting a lot of time and energy, not to mention some hard-earned cash, to make them a more ideal pet companion.
Feeding and Diet
Large dogs usually have a large appetite, and Blue Bay Shepherds are not an exemption. They can consume at least 5 cups of food a day, and some even have sensitive tummies. You need to find a premium kibble for them to snack on.
Cleaning and Grooming
Although Blue Bays may look unruly and rugged, they still need constant cleaning and grooming. Their deep blue coat should be brushed from time to time to remove dirt, and you should also clean their ears and eyes just like you will do with other dogs.
If you aren’t knowledgeable about everything I have mentioned, you can always bring them to a grooming professional near you.
Exercise
Blue bays become destructive if not given enough exercise. This is because they are trying hard to release all their pent up energy.
You should engage them in outdoor activities for one to two hours every day to make sure they won’t develop unwanted behaviors.
Training
A lot of people get intimidated by Blue Bays, and that is normal because of their size. They should be trained early to socialize with humans and other pets so they won’t get shy or be aggressive towards them.
Positive reinforcements always work for them but make sure that you only reward good behavior.
Healthcare
Blue Bays should receive the shots needed in their first year of life. To ensure that they did not inherit any illnesses from their parents or are not developing severe diseases as they mature, you should bring them to a trusted veterinarian occasionally or annually.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Blue Bay Shepherd
Still weighing whether the Blue Bay Shepherds is the right pet for you? Below is an objective list of the pros and cons of having one.
Pros
- They look striking with their deep blue coat.
- They are sweet and affectionate when trained well.
- They are perfect outdoor companions.
- There isn’t any stigma involving them, unlike the wolfdog.
- They are easy to train.
- They can easily be mistaken as a wolf because of their appearance, so if you are like Vicki Spencer, you would be proud of owning them.
Cons
- They are very active, so they need a lot of exercises. If you aren’t outdoorsy, this is a big problem.
- They are expensive to buy and maintain.
- They become destructive when bored.
- There is limited literature about their health so you might get surprised with a certain disease or disorder that may afflict them.
- They eat a lot so you have to spend a significant amount on high-quality kibble.
Where to Find Blue Bay Shepherd Puppies for Sale?
Don’t go ahead searching dog advertising websites for a Blue Bay Shepherd because you will only get disappointed. There is only one breeder of this dog, and it is none other than the founder, Vicki Spencer.
She is located in Palm Bay, Florida, and still trying to perfect this hybrid according to her goal.
If you are interested in talking to her about purchasing this dog, you can go check out the website of Southern Breeze Ranch: Blue Bay Shepherds. They have every information you need about the litters available, which is written by Spencer herself.
Blue Bay Shepherd Puppy Price & Expenses: Can You Afford a Blue Bay Shepherd?
Spencer did not publicly state the price of Blue Bay Shepherds in the Southern Breeze Ranch website but according to some pet owners who purchased them, they may cost around $3,000 to $3,200.
I know this is somehow expensive but remember that this has been the life’s work of its sole breeder. You are also assured that the quality of the Blue Bays are not compromised because there are no questionable breeds added in developing them.
Aside from the initial cost of buying the pup, there are also some additional expenses that a Blue Bay Shepherd owner should expect. They are the following:
Type of Expense | Average Cost |
Leash and Collar | $50 |
Dog Food | $40 |
Food and Water Bowl | $35 |
Chew Toys | $40 |
Dog Crate | $40 |
Dog Bed | $30 |
Brush | $15 |
Shampoo | $10 |
Poop Scooper | $15 |
Urine Cleaner | $25 |
Training Treats | $25 |
Total | $325 |
The estimated total initial amount that you need to spend in buying a Blue Bay Shepherd and maintaining them is $3,325 to $3,525. Note that this still doesn’t include vaccination and health check-up fees.
Should You Adopt or Buy Your Blue Bay Shepherd? Tips on How to Find a Healthy Blue Bay Shepherd
Unfortunately, there are no shelters or rescue facilities that currently offer Blue Bays for adoption because this dog is very rare. Your only option is to buy them from the founder through a reservation application on the Southern Breeze Ranch website.
You can also view the announcement of upcoming litters and learn about the breeding pairs they are using if you decide to visit their page.
For you to be sure that you will get a healthy pup from Spencer, you may ask to visit the ranch and check the litter personally.
Here’s what you should look for in a Blue Bay Shepherd:
- The pup has a sturdy and compact body.
- The coat is shiny and clean without any signs of allergies or irritations.
- The eyes, nose, and ears are clean.
- The pups are lively and active.
You should also take note of the following reminders from Southern Breeze Ranch to avoid fraud breeders:
- Vicki Spencer is located in Palm Bay, Florida. If the breeder you are transacting with claims that the pup will come from a different location, he is a fraud.
- Look for a Blue Bay Shepherd certificate bearing a registration number because every single pup Spencer breeds come with one.
- If the breeder other than Spencer is claiming that his dog is a Blue Bay, ask for the parents’ certificates. If they say they are lost, you may contact Spencer at (561)-248-4610 and report it.
- Spencer doesn’t have any partner because she wants to preserve and maintain the Blue Bay breed’s quality. She believes that partnering with anyone can possibly alter the dog’s standards. Therefore, if someone claims to be her partner, that person is lying.
Other Similar Dog Mixes and Breeds
Admittedly, the Blue Bay Shepherd is not for everyone. Aside from being expensive, they are also very high maintenance. Here are some other breeds and mixes that are great alternatives if you think Blue Bays are not for you.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is considered by the AKC as an all-purpose worker. It is very agile and muscular which makes it look courageous and confident. As of its AKC breed popularity, it ranked number two out of 196.
The male pups are usually 24 to 26 inches in height, while the female pups are 22 to 24 inches. When it comes to weight, the male ones are also relatively heavier, with 65 to 90 pounds. The female, on the other hand, has a weight range of 50 to 70 pounds.
This is a quick clip of a 10-month-old Blue Bay Shepherd and a 2-year-old German Shepherd playing in the snow.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is another heavy-duty worker. It is very affectionate and loyal to its owner; that’s why it ranked 58 in the breed popularity list of AKC.
The male pups stand at 25 inches while the female ones stand at 23 inches. In terms of weight, the male Alaskan Malamute is 10 pounds heavier than the female pups with an 85-pound body mass.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a compact medium-sized dog that works better in packs or groups. They are often used to pull light loads in snow frozen areas and they are also good watchdogs.
As compared to other dogs, they are not as heavy with only 35 to 60 pounds mature weight. However, their usefulness is on par with other working breeds.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is known for its courageous but calm appearance. They are strong game hunters who can dispatch a wolf in just one act of combat.
The AKC recognized them as among the tallest breeds with a height range of 30 to 32 inches. In terms of weight, they are 105 to 120 pounds when fully matured.
Related Questions
Do Blue Bay Shepherds Shed?
Spencer did not mention in her writings whether Blue Bay Shepherds shed. However, if we look into their parent breeds, we can conclude that they are light to moderate shedders.
Why? Because wolfdogs tend to shed slightly throughout the year, and blue German Shepherds shed continuously and even lose their undercoat.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
There are no written pieces of evidence that state whether Blue Bay Shepherds are hypoallergenic. But based on its shedding characteristic, these pups aren’t that suggested for those who have allergies.
Its German Shepherd origin is among some of the most allergy-causing breeds out there so you better be cautious.
Are Blue Bay Shepherds Aggressive?
They may look aggressive, but Blue Bay Shepherds are a total sweetheart. There are many testimonies proving this breed’s natural gentleness, so their temperament won’t really be your problem.
They are very trainable, too, so all it will take is enough socialization while they are still young and you would be rewarded with a loyal and affectionate companion.
Do Blue Bay Shepherds Bark a Lot?
Blue Bay Shepherds are not barkers, but they love to vocalize. In fact, an owner shared that you can get them howling by copying the noise they make.
They aren’t big barkers or yappers like some other dog breeds, and the sound they create is more of a growl and moan. This is ideal if you wouldn’t like to disturb your neighbor or you have your office at home.
Final Thoughts
If you do not mind spending an average initial amount of $3,525 to buy and maintain a Blue Bay Shepherd, then this dog is for you. They are not as well known as other dog breeds, but they make a remarkable companion pet.
They are gentle, affectionate, and trainable which are some of the qualities most pet owners are looking for. Also, they do not shy away from humans, and they aren’t aggressive towards other animals.
To ensure that the Blue Bay Shepherd you will buy is legitimate, purchase only from Vicki Spencer located at Palm Bay, Florida. She is the only professional breeder of this dog, and she doesn’t have any partners as of the publication of this article.
This wolf-looking crossbreed is her life’s work, and she is strict in preserving their standard. Thus, she embarked on the development of this dog on her own for several years.