REAL Guide to Blue Bay Shepherds: What You Need to Know

Allie Christoff -

Blue Bay Shepherds are a rare and extraordinary breed created with the aim of developing a dog with wolf-like looks and characteristics that is also friendly as a pet. This breed is known for its beautiful look, intelligence, and loyalty that comes from the state of Florida. Blue bay shepherd is highly different in terms of ancestry compared to popular breeds like German shepherds and Alaskan malamute.

Vicki Spencer, who hails from Palm Bay in Florida developed the blue bay shepherd. The breeder wanted a breed which possessed gracefulness and beauty of wolf but was more predictable and friendlier to be able to fit well in family life. The term “blue bay” came about due to the location of the breeder’s business; Palm Bay and the characteristic blue coat of the breed. The Blue Bay Shepherd originated by mixing European German Shepherds with hybrid offspring’s from wolfdogs across Europe. This deliberate mix aimed at enhancing certain physical traits such as wolf-like look whilst minimizing on behavioral challenges usually associated with high content wolfdogs.

The only place to get a Blue Bay Shepherd is Vicki Spencer's Southern Breeze Ranch. Southern Breeze Ranch only produces a few litters a year, and the club is always full of people wishing for the puppies. If anyone claims to be selling a Blue Bay Shepherd Puppy, they are actually a scammer!

The Blue Bay Shepherd Dog was the brainchild of Vicki Spencer, who intended to make a dog that would show “willingness to please, the loyal nature and trainability of a well-bred German Shepherd with the excellent health, loving nature and awesome beauty of their wolf ancestry.”

However, even after more than two decades since the foundation litter of puppies for this breed were produced, it is still being perfected with only a handful meeting an ideal standard. We want to introduce some Blue Bay Shepherds who were close enough that they could be given away to their forever families. When you look into these amazing dogs, notice how beautiful their fur is colored deep blue, their light eyes as well as those features about them which are somewhat like those found in German shepherds but are certainly wolfy too.

Conway & Jericho 

Conway in the Right & Jericho in the left side - Source: @blue_bay_shepherd_life

Meet these two Sweetheart brothers ~ “Conway & Jericho”, who living together in Florida. Their humans say they snuggle bugs through-and-through but they also likes howling around, playing and going out on long hikes together!

Thor

Source: thor_the_bluebayshepherd

Meet Thor, an adult American Blue Bay Shepherd looking awesome that turns from an adorable pup. He is an adventurous and energetic companion that thrives in outdoor activities. His great love for the outdoors makes him a great companion for his human family who enjoy nature and adventure. Thor’s parents are Connor(father) & Night(mother) bred by Vicki Spencer. 

Arsene

Source: @kholkairo

Meet handsome Arsene, Blue Bay Shepherd who is a perfect example how versatile designer mixed breeds can be. Wesley and Channing are the parents of Arsene and this stunning Vicki Spencer’s breed after 6 months attain weight of 68 lbs, a healthy point.

Ruka

Source: @novathebluebay

Meet the Ruka at 8 weeks age, a lovable and cherished Blue Bay Shepherd dog. Ruka loves AC rides and his playful nature, stunning Nova coat is a perfect point of attraction for many dog lover’s.

Hera

Source: @raisinghades

Hera, a stunning Blue Bay Shepherd of about 5 years is 26” at the shoulder and 66 lbs but she looks like she’s 80 lbs due to dense floof. She born on 02/07/2019 and living in Virginia with a human family and a male dog of the same breed AKA- Hades. Her floofy coat isn't just fur—it's an expression of her unique character, a source of endless cuddles, and a feature that never fails to draw admiration from dog lovers everywhere.

Blue Bay Shepherd Breed Basic Information

Vicki Spencer, however, created the Blue Bay Shepherd breed in order to get a dog that combined the desirable attributes of both wolves and German Shepherds. This project started in Florida where she spent at least twenty years selecting and breeding wolfdogs with German Shepherds as well as other dogs bearing similarities with the wolf to obtain the resultant features she had anticipated.

However, Vicki Spencer aimed to create a dog having all traits of an intelligent, loyal and trainable German Shepherd but appearing like a wolf with gentle temperament. The breed was named after Blue Bay Shepherd Project that Spencer initiated. It has striking blue coat, calm disposition and high level intelligence.

The intention behind her meticulous breeding work was to develop a dog that still looked somewhat like a wolf but would be more suitable for families than typical wolfdogs. Through careful selection and breeding practices, Spencer ended up producing an exceptional hybrid breed that is visually stunning and well-tempered; hence, making Blue Bay Shepherds sought-after hybrids among dog lovers.

Blue Bay Shepherds Physical Characteristics

For the Blue Bay Shepherds, they are medium to large sized with a distinct and dramatic appearance. They weigh from about 70 to 100 pounds, wherein males are larger than females and 24 to 30 inches in height. The coat is very heavy and can vary in color but most commonly it has rich deep blue-gray as the name suggests. These dogs’ eyes are often light colored ranging from blue to amber which gives them more wolf-like appearance. 

Blue Bay Shepherds Temperament and Behavior

Despite their wolf-like looks, Blue Bay Shepherds are generally friendly, loyal and good for families. They tend also to be intelligent hence easy to train; although you need mental stimulation otherwise they become bored easily.Because these animals are social creatures they do best when allowed regular contact with family humans.

Blue Bay Shepherds Health and Lifespan

In general, Blue Bay Shepherds tend to have good health; however there may be some specific medical conditions that occur in other breeds. A responsible breeder screens his/her breeding stock for the common health issues so that their puppies come out healthy. Hip dysplasia, Back problems (e.g. degenerative myelopathy), bloat, heart diseases and elbow dysplasia are common concerns in this particular breed. This hybrid type generally has a lifespan ranging from 12 up to 14 years.

Tips on Health Management:

Regular Check-ups: Routine veterinary visits are important to identify any possible diseases at an early stage.

Diet: Properly balanced diet that suits large breeds helps to maintain optimum health.

Exercise: Regular physical activities play a crucial role in avoiding obesity and keeping muscles toned.

Genetic Testing: Consider screenings for common genetic issues.

Blue Bay Shepherds Grooming Requirements

These dogs have a thick coat that needs regular grooming to keep it healthy. Weekly brushing will help remove loose hairs and prevent matting. During shedding season, more frequent brushings may be necessary. Baths are done as required, usually every few months or when the dog becomes extremely dirty. Moreover, dental hygiene, ear cleaning as well nail clipping are other necessary things to look into when taking care of them.

Where To Find Blue Bay Shepherd Puppies for Sale

It is good to start your search by looking for reputed breeders who breed this particular breed while searching for Blue Bay Shepherd puppies for sale. Below are some suggestions on how to proceed in your search:

Vicki Spencer's Breeding Program: Vicki Spencer who is the original creator of the breed of the puppy may still be having the puppies or can direct you to a reliable breeder. Since her program is in Florida, contacting her directly through her official channels would be your first move.

Reputable Breeders: Connect with well-established breeders who have a record of breeding Blue Bay Shepherds. Ensure they place the puppies’ health, temperament, and proper upbringing at the top of their list. Be careful with such breeders who do not provide much information about the puppy’s lineage or health status.

Finding a Blue Bay Shepherd puppy requires persistence and research as this is the only way to make sure you are getting a healthy and well-bred dog from an ethical breeder

Blue Bay Shepherd FAQs

1. How much do Blue Bay Shepherds cost?

The price range of Blue Bay Shepherd puppies is usually between $2,000 and $3,500. The above factors like breeder, puppy’s lineage among others such as health certifications and coat color may change thus affecting its price.

2. Are Blue Bay Shepherds legal to own?

Yes, the Blue Bay Shepherd is a legal pet in most instances as they are a pet mixture breed. When wolfdog comes into the picture, it is vital to check local restrictions, as some parts of America have restrictions when it comes to owning wolfdogs or wolf-like breeds.

3. Do Blue Bay Shepherds shed?

Yes, Blue Bay Shepherds do shed. They have a thick coat that needs brushing to control shedding and ensure their hair looks healthy.

4. Do white Blue Bay Shepherds exist?

Yes but they are rare. Blue Bay Shepherds can be white if their parents are white, but some can also turn white over their lifetimes. Eastern Timber Wolf, one of the popular Wolf breeds often go through a special procedure known as “phasing” their coats, in which coat color lightens over upcoming years.

5. What is the main difference between a Blue Bay Shepherd and a blue German Shepherd?

The major distinction between them is in their lineage and appearance. Blue Bay Shepherds are best referred to as a wolfdog breed that was born after crossing German Shepherds with wolfdogs which resulted in a dog that has more wolf-like features and a characteristic blue coat. Blue German Shepherds are purebred German Shepherds only that they differ from the others because of their rare blue coat color but they do not have the wolf-like traits and ancestry that Blue Bay Shepherds have. Blue Bay Shepherds are mostly bigger and have a wolf-like nature that is more calm than blue German Shepherds.

Bottom Line

Blue Bay Shepherds are a very special kind of dog, made up of the best features of various breeds. They are intelligent, loyal and have an extremely lovely appearance that will make them the ideal companion for anyone who can meet all their needs. However, with proper care, training as well as socialization, they can prove to be wonderful pets for an appropriate family. Those who wish to add a Blue Bay Shepherd to their home should be prepared for a very rewarding and satisfying experience with this amazing breed.