1. Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as the blue heeler, it's no surprise that the Australian Cattle dog lands on the list of best blue dog breeds. While a red coat is also possible - known as the red heeler, a blue coat on this dog may be solid, mottled, or speckled according to the breed standard. Other markings in black or tan may be present, but the overall impression of a blue heeler is well, blue. Height: 17 to 20 inches, Weight: 35 to 50 pounds. Physical Characteristics: An athletic, muscular and broad dog, smooth, hard double-coat, coat color is usually blue, blue mottled or blue speckled but may also be red.





2. Kerry Blue Terrier
As the name suggests, the Kerry blue terrier only comes in one color: blue. This breed has a unique, curly coat that ranges in shade from a deep slate to a light blue gray. While the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and feet may be darker or even black, the breed standard calls for a dog that is described as either "blue gray" or "gray blue," with either color showing more dominantly. However, the blue hue should not be missing. The most interesting thing about this blue dog breed is the fact that puppies are born black. Through a process described as "clearing," the coat of a Kerry blue terrier gradually changes to the characteristic blue coat color. Generally, a dog will have it is mature coat by the age of 18 months. Height: 17 to 19 inches, Weight: 30 to 40 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium-size breed with a short coat of curls that is soft and wavy with no undercoat, a bearded face with heavy eyebrows often conceal this breed's eyes.





3. Weimaraner
Weimaraners typically are known by their steely gray coat that is actually the dilute of the gene for a brown coat, but in some dogs a black dilute gene is present instead. This produces a dark grey colored dog, often described as a blue Weimaraner. According to the breed standard, this coat color is a disqualified, but regardless, people in search of blue dog breeds are often drawn to the athletic and striking look of the blue Weimaraner. Height: 23 to 27 inches, Weight: 55 to 90 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Sleek body, short coat, blue to gray color.





4. Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds, there is no shortage of coat colors for the Chihuahua - including a beautiful blue coat. The gene responsible for producing this rare coat color is recessive, so this is not a common blue dog breed. When it does appear, the blue may be solid, or it can appear in combination with tan, white, fawn, or brown markings. Both long-haired and short-haired chihuahuas may have a blue coat color. Height: 5 to 8 inches, Weight: Up to 6 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Prominent ears and alert expression, short or long coat in many different colors, including black, white, fawn, blue and more. Height: 20 to 22 inches, Weight: 45 to 55 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized breed with a distinctive shaggy look, long, coarse topcoat; colors include white with red, brown or brindle markings.





5. Bearded Collie
The shaggy coat of the bearded collie comes in a handful colors, including blue. Commonly seen with white markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail, the body is always solid in color from the shoulders back. Blue bearded collies may be born with a darker color coat-blue or grey and gradually lighten as they mature.





6. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier wears a little tuxedo, and while his coat is usually black-and-white in color, a red or blue coat is possible too! Like some other blue dog breeds, the blue coat color is not recognized in the AKC breed standard for Boston Terriers. Regardless, however, this recessive gene does sometimes appear. The blue coat of a Boston terrier may appear distinctly blue in color, or have a silver or grey shade. Height: 15 to 17 inches, Weight: 12 to 25 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Compact but sturdy build with round face and upright ears, smooth coat in solid colors or accented with white.





7. Italian Greyhound
The long legs and petite body of the Italian greyhound give this dog a graceful look, especially when it happens to be sporting a blue coat. While not exclusively a blue dog breed, the Italia greyhound does carry the gene for a dilute black coat, which manifests itself as a dark grey with a distinctly blue cast. Height: 13 to 15 inches, Weight: 7 to 14 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Dainty body with deep chest and long legs, thin tail, short, smooth coat in variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, and more.





8. Blue Lacy
The Blue Lacy is a rare blue dog breed, originating in the United States in the middle 1800's as a rancher's right-hand companion. While not yet AKC-recognized, the Blue Lacy is the state dog of Texas. These dogs carry the recessive gene responsible for producing a blue coat, but they may also produce puppies that are red, cream, or tricolor. Regardless of coat color, the Blue Lacy is known for having a natural aptitude for work and a high level of intelligence. Height: 18 to 21 inches, Weight: 25 to 50 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Elongated muzzle with folded ears and athletic body type, short and smooth coat in various shades of blue, such as gray, light silver, or deeper charcoal but may also be red or tricolored.





9. Neapolitan Mastiff
For a BIG blue dog breed, look no further than the Neapolitan mastiff. This large breed is recognized by its imposing frame and loose skin, which often wrinkles around the head. A blue coat is relatively common, along with black, mahogany, and tawny coat colors. No matter what color coat they have, these dogs are large and in charge! Height: 24 to 31 inches, Weight: 110 to 150 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Large, heavy boned dog with an abundance of loose skin across the body, short coat that comes in black, blue, mahogany, and tawny colors.





10. Chinese Shar-Pei
Most people know the Shar-Pei for their folds of skin and wrinkled appearance. However, you may not realize that this dog breed carries the capacity for a variety of coat colors, including blue. The breed standard allows for a Shar-Pei coat to be any color as long as it is solid. Blue Shar-Peis can range from a lighter hue of grey blue to a deeper slate color. Some of these dogs have shading along the back and ears, but it must be of the same color as the rest of the coat. Interestingly, this blue dog breed has a blue-black tongue, regardless of coat color! Height: 18 to 20 inches, Weight: 45 to 60 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Compact, medium-sized dog known for distinctive appearance; wrinkled faces with loose skin, a blue-black tongue, small, round eyes, and very small, triangular ears, coats are very short and bristly, coming in black, brown, cream, and blue.








A D V E R T I S E M E N T










11. Irish Wolfhound
The gene responsible for diluting a black coat into a blue one is present in Irish wolfhounds as well. It is believed that this trait was inherited from another blue dog breed, the Great Dane. While many blue Irish wolfhounds may appear somewhat gray at first glance, those with a blue coat have a distinctive blue tint to their coat and might also have liver-colored paw pads, nose, and eye rims. Height: 30 inches and up, Weight: 105 to 120 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Tall, long body, rough coat, colors include black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, and more.





12. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of many colors, but is included on the list of blue dog breeds for its steel grey coat that often is described as blue. It generally appears in combination with white patches. Regardless of coat color, these dogs have short, coarse hair. Height: 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder, Weight: 40 to 70 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium to large dog with a muscular build and square head, short, smooth coat in many different colors.





13. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback traces its history to the mid-17th century in eastern Thailand. Given the relative isolation of eastern Thailand and primitive transportation options, limited cross breeding allowed the Thai Ridgeback to remain pure for centuries. This hunting dog and watchdog is still little known outside Thailand. The Thai Ridgeback name refers to the ridge line of hair growing in the opposite direction of the main coat - creating a ridge, or crest, behind the ears. This muscular large breed has a natural hunting instinct and must be well trained at an early age. The Thai Ridgeback was an independent breed and most likely survived on the spoils of the hunt and small barn animals. This would have been nutritionally insufficient should the Thai Ridgeback been suffering from sensitive stomach issues.





14. Great Dane
Blue Great Dane puppy's coat color is a standard Great Dane breed color. The blue puppy Danes are favored generally and would develop into dog show acceptable dogs. They are also regarded as a tainted variant of a black Great Dane coat color. Both these coat colors are revered as standard Great Dane coat colors. The Blue Great Danes are standard Danes. As, the Blue Great Dane puppy is born with the recessive blue gene in its genetic makeup. Transforming the coat color of a Black Dane into its dilute coat bearing Blue color. A Blue Great Dane puppy require particular feed and exercise alike Great Dane dogs. This beautiful coat colored dog is joyful, faithful, appeasing, and friendly indeed.





15. Chow Chow
The blue Chow Chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds on Earth and also one of the noblest. Even today, to see a blue Chow Chow walk past is like watching history itself walk by. With this dog's lion-like head ruff and dignified bearing, there is no mistaking a Chow Chow when you meet one!





16. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt vermin the Bedlington Terrier has since been used in dog racing, numerous dog sports, as well as in conformation shows and as a companion dog.





17. Doberman
Most of us are familiar with the Doberman dog breed - the attractive black and tan dogs known for making great guardians. But not many of us may be familiar with the blue doberman, a color variation of this breed. No, these dogs are not blue in the real sense of the word, so don't imagine them as being Smurf blue or electric blue. The word blue in this case refers to the dilution of the black coat color, which gives these dogs an attractive grayish hue that draws the attention of many people in search of an unusual looking Doberman. Dobermans are known to come in several coat colors. The American Kennel Club lists four coat colors for this breed: black and rust, blue and rust, fawn (isabella) and rust, and red and rust. The rust markings are typically found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat and fore chest, on all legs and feet, and below the tail. While Dobermans can also come in a white color, this coat color is not accepted as standard.





18. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glens are scruffy, sturdy, low-slung terriers standing no more than 14 inches at the shoulder. There is nothing fancy or fussed-over about Glens. Rather, their wiry no-frills coat, broad head, and bowed front legs suggest a working farm dog from a time and place where substance was more important than style. And yet, they are also ridiculously cute. It takes a heart of stone to resist reaching down to give a Glen a scratch behind the ear and a pat on the well-muscled rump.





19. Havanese
​Distinctive features of the Havanese include a curled-over tail and a gorgeous silky coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Some owners enjoy cording the coat, in the manner of a Puli, and others clip it short to reduce grooming time. Happily, Havenese are just as cute no matter what hairdo you give them. Their small but sturdy bodies, adaptable nature, and social skills make Havanese an ideal city dog, but they are content to be anywhere that they can command the attention of admirers young and old alike. Havanese, smart and trainable extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown, are natural trick dogs. Havanese are also excellent watchdogs and take the job seriously, but will usually keep the barking to a minimum. Height: 8.5-11.5 inches, Weight: 7-13 pounds.





20. Lakeland Terrier
A bold, zesty "big dog in a small package," the Lakeland Terrier, named for the Lake District of his native England, was once a farmer's dog bred to work in packs on sheep-stealing foxes. The Lakeland's coat is hard, wiry, and low-shedding. Square and sturdy Lakelands, standing less than 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 17 pounds, are small dogs. But don't tell them that. With their cock of the walk swagger, Lakelands personify the old dog-lover's cliche "a big dog in a small package." They come in several colors, some have a sporty saddle mark on the back. With folded V-shaped ears, straight front, rectangular head, and a mischievous twinkle in their eye, Lakelands are the blueprint of a long-legged British terrier. Height: 14-15 inches (male), slightly smaller (female), Weight: 17 pounds (male), slightly smaller (female).





21. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is the archetypical shaggy dog, famous for his profuse coat and peak-a-boo hair, a distinctive bear-like gait, and a mellow, agreeable nature. The OES is a big, agile dog who enjoys exploring and a good romp. Beneath the Old English Sheepdog's profuse double coat is a muscular and compact drover, with plenty of bone and a big rump, standing 21 or 22 inches at the shoulder. Their eyes, when you can see them, are dark brown, or blue, or one of each. The OES breed standard says the skull is capacious and rather squarely formed, giving plenty of room for brain power. OES move with a bear-like shuffle but are famous for their nimbleness afoot. Regular exercise is required for these strong, able-bodied workers. Equally famed are their many fine housedog qualities: watchfulness, courage, kindliness, and intelligence. Great with children, OES make patient, protective playmates. They are sensible watchdogs known for a loud, ringing bark. Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female), Weight: 60-100 pounds.





22. Plott Hound
The Plott Hound, a hound with a curious name and a unique history, is a rugged, relentless hunting dog who is a mellow gentleman at home but fearless, implacable, and bold at work. This eye-catching scenthound is North Carolina's state dog. The hound with the curious name and unique history is a streamlined, long-tailed, light-footed hunter standing as high as 25 inches at the shoulder. The flashy coat comes in an array of brindle-stripe patterns, from black flecked with gold to flaming orange and russet, in addition to some solid colors. The medium-length ears hang gracefully, and the leather of the nose, lips, and eye rims are black, setting off an inquisitive and confident expression. Height: 20-25 inches (male), 20-23 inches (female), Weight: 50-60 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female).





23. Pomeranian
The tiny Pomeranian, long a favorite of royals and commoners alike, has been called the ideal companion. The glorious coat, smiling, foxy face, and vivacious personality have helped make the Pom one of the world's most popular toy breeds, The Pomeranian combines a tiny body (no more than seven pounds) and a commanding big-dog demeanor. The abundant double coat, with its frill extending over the chest and shoulders, comes in almost two dozen colors, and various patterns and markings, but is most commonly seen in orange or red. Alert and intelligent, Pomeranians are easily trained and make fine watchdogs and perky pets for families with children old enough to know the difference between a toy dog and a toy. Poms are active but can be exercised with indoor play and short walks, so they are content in both the city and suburbs. They will master tricks and games with ease, though their favorite activity is providing laughs and companionship to their special human.





24. Pyrenean Sheepdog
Enthusiastic, mischievous, and whip-smart, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an indefatigable herder descended from ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains. Tough and sinewy Pyr Sheps come in "rough-faced" and "smooth-faced" coat varieties. These tough, lean, and lively herders, famous for their vigorous and free-flowing movement, come in two coat varieties: rough-faced and smooth-faced. Roughs have profuse, "windswept" hair above the muzzle and a generally harsh coat, smooths have short facial hair, a finer-textured coat, and a slightly longer, pointier muzzle. Both varieties of this sinewy, rectangular breed come in many colors and patterns. Pyr Sheps see the world through dark almond-shaped eyes conveying an alert and cunning expression. Height: 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced), Weight: 15-30 pounds.





25. Bluetick Coonhound
The sleekly beautiful Bluetick Coonhound is a sweet and affectionate charmer who might enjoy snoozing in the shade, but in pursuit of quarry he is relentless, bold, and single-minded. His off the charts prey drive must be channeled. Blueticks are speedy and compact nocturnal hunters named for the mottled or "ticked" black-and-blue pattern of the glossy coat. A large male can top out at 27 inches and 80 pounds, females are smaller. Blueticks are well-muscled but sleek and racy, never chunky or clumsy. The baying, bawling, and chopping bark of Blueticks might be cacophonous to some, but to coon hunters it's the music of the night. The droopy-eared charm of Blueticks is irresistible. They crave affection and are deeply devoted to those who provide it. Blueticks have tremendous prey drive. Neglected, underemployed coonhounds with no outlet for their hardwired impulses can develop problem behaviors, like serenading the neighbors with loud, mournful "music."





26. Grand Blue de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France and used for hunting in packs. Today's breed is the descendant of a very old type of large hunting dog, and is an important breed in the ancestry of many other hounds. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of the original bloodhound breeds in Europe. In the Middle Ages, noblemen often kept a pack of these fine dogs to use in their favourite pursuit, hunting. Their melodious howls would often be heard as they chased deer and other large game through the countryside. However, the breed lost much of its popularity in France between the 18th and 20th centuries. Instead, the mantle of preserving the breed fell to the United States where they had been exported to French colonies. Here the breed successfully managed to make it into the modern age. Grand Bleu are extremely active dogs who are still most suited to a working environment or at least a rural setting. They are pack animals who would prefer to spend as much time as possible with their families. Any alone time will probably be spent practising their howling. However, with the right amount of exercise and companionship, a Grand Bleu will prove to be a friendly hunting companion who is always ready to follow a scent and set off on another adventure. Height: Male: 65-72 cm, Female: 62-68 cm, Weight: Male: 35-39 kg, Female: 35-39 kg.





27. Petit Blue de Gascogne
The dark brown eyes, slate blue coat and pendulous ears of the Petit Bleu de Gascogne will be very familiar to any fans of the original Grand Bleu de Gascogne dog. Indeed, the two share many physical and character traits, differing only by their size and the prey that they are best suited to hunt. The Petit Bleu de Gascogne breed was deliberately bred by those French hunters who wanted to hunt rabbits and hares rather than boar and deer. Though commonly kept as a pet nowadays, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne retains its hunting instincts and still has superb scenting abilities and the endurance to track for miles. Despite this, they can make wonderful and affectionate family members, as long as their owner dedicates plenty of time to keeping them entertained and are strict with their training.





28. Petit Griffon de Gascogne
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, Is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France, and is a versatile hunting dog, used on small and large game, in packs or individually. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a speckled, rough coat. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is descended from crosses between the Bleu de Gascogne and the Griffon Nivernais, and possibly the Grand Griffon Vendeen as well. The breed declined for many years, but is now experiencing a revival. The breed has a good nose and a good voice, and is a good and very alert hunting dog for all kinds of hunting, not just as a pack hound for large game. Examples of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne have been exported to other countries, where they are promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-large dog, 50 to 57 cm (10.5-22.4 ins) at the withers, with a distinctive rough (shaggy) blue speckled coat, drop ears that are not as long as those on other hounds, and a tail carried up and in a slight curve.





29. Basset Blue de Gascogne
Often confused with its cousin, the Basset Hound, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a much rarer breed, with only a handful being registered by the Kennel Club. Like the Basset Hound, it originated in France as a slow-and-steady type of hunting dog with which hunters could keep pace on foot. True to its origin, today's Basset Bleu retains a strong prey drive and an incredible sense of smell, with which it can track scent trails that are several days old. As a working dog, it is generally kept in packs, and it is extremely sociable and easy-going with other dogs. It develops a strong bond with its owners, and makes a playful and good-natured pet for people of all ages. While it is not built for speed, it does need a good deal of exercise, and is an ideal walking or hiking companion for active owners. Like many hounds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a musical voice that it is fond of using, which can create tensions with neighbours in urban areas, especially if the dog is left alone for periods during the day. Its coat is easy to care for, but it sheds steadily throughout the year, and often has a strong "doggy" odour that some owners may find off-putting. It is generally a healthy breed, but prospective owners do need to do their research before buying a pup, especially given that there are currently no UK-registered breeders, and so the few dogs that are imported each year are often not viewed in the flesh before being bought. The average life expectancy for the breed is 12 to 14 years.





30. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog from the United States. The name of the breed is technically a misnomer, as it was developed in California in the 19th century. The Australian Shepherd has a unique merle coat pattern that comes in a variety of colors, including a mix of gray shades that appear blue. The blue merle Australian Shepherd typically has a combination of black, blue, gray, and white colors. Some blue merle Aussies have blue eyes or even one blue eye, though most have brown or amber eyes.





31. Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
The Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog originates from Australia, and is also sometimes known as a "Heeler". Their tail is short and some carry the gene for a Natural Bob Tail, and it is this that gives them their adorable name. Their coats are a mixture of many colours including blue, white, and tan.





32. Poodle
True blue Poodles are an ashy blue, lighter than black but darker than grey. It is easy to confuse poodles with black coats for blue coats, as the black fades as they get older. You will be able to tell if they are a black-coated pup as they are born completely black!





33. Beagle
Beagles commonly have a black, tan and white tricolour coat. Blue, tan and white is a less common coat colouration. Their coats are short and sheer, which makes them easy to groom and maintain.





34. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Also known as a "Staffy", the Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes in many different coat colours including a beautiful blue, to cover their powerful muscles. With proper training and early socialisation they can make a suitable pet, and everyone can enjoy looking at their stunning blue coats.





35. Whippet
The Whippet is a wily little pup that comes in a variety of colors, including a blue coat that has white accents. It very closely resembles the Greyhound, just in miniature stature. These are high-energy pups, though, and love to stay busy, so you can bet you will spend some time outdoors walking or playing games with your furry friend. The Whippet has a high prey drive, so be sure you train and socialize it early if you plan to have it in a home with other animals.





36. Greyhound
The greyhound has a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including blue. Their coat is so short that it does not provide much warmth in the winter or insulation in the summer. In addition to blue, greyhounds can also be black, white, fawn, brindle, red, and any combination of those colors. Greyhounds are known for their speed, and they can run up to 45 miles per hour. They love their family, make great pets, and even get along with strangers. But they are sensitive and do best in peaceful homes.

A true blue friend is one that will loyally stand by your side, and this is the perfect way to describe these blue dog breeds. Each of these canine companions carries the genes for a blue coat color - maybe a light, pale blue or a deeper, steely shade of blue.

Regardless of what shade it takes, all blue-colored dogs are displaying a coat that is in reality influenced by a gene for either a diluted black coat. There are both large and small blue dog breeds. Some of these breeds are recognized within their breed standard as carrying the gene for a blue coat, while others manifest a blue coat that falls outside of the guidelines for the breed. Regardless, many of these blue dog breeds are sought after and highly prized for their good looks and unique blue coat!



There are four types of blue coats, depending on the pattern and whether or not the dog is born blue. They are all inherited differently.

TYPES OF BLUE DOG COATS

1. Blue (dilute):
a genetically black or dark brown coat becomes metallic blue-gray in appearance - blue Great Dane, blue Weimaraner. Always with a grey nose or paw pads.

2. Blue (progressive silvering):
Puppies are born black, but become blue-gray in adulthood - Kerry blue terrier. Other breeds in which progressive blue can be found: Puli, Havanese, Briard, Poodle and other breeds. Always with a black nose.

3. Blue-tick:
Black roaning on white. The blue coloring results from a black / white mottling which gives the impression of a navy blue color. Always with a black nose, e.g. Petit Blue de Gascogne, Blue Belton.

4. Blue Merle:
This is a color pattern, more than a color, which looks like marbled gray on black as in the Catahoula leopard dog and the Australian Shepherd dog. Always with a black nose, sometimes blue eyes.



THE GENETICS
The dog's coat color is determined by a substance called melanin. There are two distinct types of melanin in the dog, eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin will, in the absence of other modifying genes, give the color black or dark brown. Phaeomelanin is, in its unmodified form, red/yellow. In some dogs the coat color dilution can be accompanied by hair loss and recurrent skin inflammation, the so called color dilution alopecia (CDA) or black hair follicular dysplasia (BHFD). Dogs with coat color dilution show a characteristic pigmentation phenotype. The coat colors are lighter in shade, diluted black (eumelanin dilution) giving a silvery grey (blue) and red / yellow giving a cream color - Isabella fawn, also referred to as lilac in some breeds. Note that dark phaeomelanin can ressemble lighter forms of eumelanin and both dark phaeomelanin and brown eumelanin are likely to be considered "red" by many breeders, which only adds to the confusion.

In some breeds blue dilute is termed grey or silver, which further adds to the confusion. This is the case, for example, in the Tervueren, where a dog with diluted red hairs appearing as blue, is usually called grey. In some dog breeds the blue color variety is associated with a specific coat texture. That is the case for example in the Thai ridgeback, where the blue color is almost always associated with a velvet coat texture, while the other colored Thai ridgebacks are can have either a short, a velvet or a long coat.



Blue dilution can sometimes be associated with health issues. An affection called CDA (Color Dilution Alopecia), formerly known as Blue Balding Syndrome or Blue Doberman Syndrome, causes the melanin in the hairshaft to clump together making the hair weak and breakable. Despite its former name this affection is not limited to Dobermans, but can occur in many breeds, most notable are blue Chow Chows, Dachshunds, Whippets, Standard Poodles, and Great Danes. Though fawn (dilute brown) dogs also tend to suffer from the same affection, CDA seems less common in fawns than in blues. Dilute coats also tend to be sparser in general than non-dilutes, with fewer hairs to the inch. In collies there is another type of dilution (Grey collie syndrome) causing acyclic neutropenia, a disorder of the immune system, which renders them defenseless against infection. Puppies with this affection die within a few weeks unless kept on stringent regimens of antibiotics their whole lives.