20 gray dog breeds (with pictures)

Gray is one of the most beautiful colors for a dog. Although there are other more common colors for dogs, many breeds can have a totally gray coat, a more blue-gray one, or have gray in their fur as part of a pattern.

Gray dog breeds are ridiculously beautiful and striking, but it’s worth mentioning that a dog’s color shouldn’t be the reason you get or adopt a particular pup. Your experience, the dog’s general and individual character, and your personal situation are much more important contributing factors than their color. 

So, without further ado, here they are!

Weimaraner

I defy anyone to tell me there’s a more elegant dog than the Weimaraner! Just look at it! This stunning gray-blue dog breed is also born with bright blue eyes that fade to amber, blue or gray. They’re just so pretty!

Originally bred to hunt all day, they need a lot of exercise and a strong leader. They’re headstrong dogs, which when trained correctly, are incredibly loyal, fun, and the perfect family pet. They need companionship and a way to burn off steam, so not a dog that can be left alone at home for a lot of the day.

Great Dane

These enormous and incredibly impressive dogs come in many different colors, but perhaps the most stunning is the gray-blue. Although they look pretty (or very) intimidating, they’re actually total gentle giants. They’re affectionate, great with children, and learn quickly. You want to have some experience with dog training though, as they grow quickly and can be very clumsy!

Their size can obviously be a little bit of an issue but Great Danes don’t actually need that much exercise compared to other gray dog breeds.

Siberian Husky

When you see these beautiful gray dogs on the street, it’s almost impossible not to stand and stare. Mainly because they look so wolflike, but also because their appearance is just so striking! These dogs are very playful, athletic, and full of energy, meaning they need a lot of exercise, especially in cold weather.

They were bred to work in the snow, so keeping these dogs mentally occupied is very important. Bored Huskies have a tendency to try to escape, potentially be destructive and howl.

Poodle

These are one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds. Poodles come in three different sizes, standard, miniature, and toy and many of them have a full or partial gray coat. They’re really loving and affectionate dogs and make wonderful family pets. They’re playful, lively and, because they’re so intelligent, learn quickly.

Their gorgeous gray coats do take a little bit of grooming, which might not suit everyone!

American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bulls have made a bit of a name for themselves as being dangerous. Where this may be true for some individual dogs, the same can’t be said for the breed as a whole. They’re striking gray dogs, that with the right training and breeding can be very caring and good companions for children.

Extensive research is needed to make sure you’re getting a responsibly bred dog as aggressive fighting genes will mean you’ll get an incredibly aggressive dog. You’ll also need to check that having a Pit Bull is legal as they’re banned in some areas.

It’s recommended that owners have experience and a deep understanding of the breed. 

Pumi

These wonderfully expressive gray dogs are easily recognizable by their corkscrew curls and half-pointy ears. From their cuddly appearance, it’s hard to believe that they were originally bred as Hungarian sheepdogs. Pumis come in a few different colors, including silver-gray, gray and white, and black.

These pups can be pretty vocal and bark a lot. They love to play, can have bold personalities, and occasionally be a little naughty.

They’re definitely a breed of dog to make you laugh!

Keeshond

Keeshonds are just one big ball of fluffiness. Their coat is often a mixture of shades of gray, varying from almost white to black. They’re not in the least bit aggressive and love to play and mess about, especially with kids! 

They learn tricks really quickly and love intelligence games — although sometimes they can be a little mischievous and know how to get what they want. Make sure you notice their smile too! Some mistake it as a snarl, but when they bare all their teeth it’s them giving you a friendly smile!

Miniature Schnauzer

When it comes to small gray and white dog breeds, miniature schnauzers might just be the cutest. Their beards are adorable! They make great additions to most families, are loyal, and can be a real character!

They do have a bit of a tendency to chase, be that another dog in the park or the neighbor’s cat. So keep an eye on them!

Whippet

Often mistaken for a small Italian Greyhound, this smaller gray dog breed is very intelligent and learns quickly. They’re very timid and don’t bark a lot, so not the ideal pet if you’re looking for a watchdog. 

Like most sighthounds, Whippets are incredibly quick — you only have to see one dashing across the park to know that. They have high energy levels and need regular exercise. They can be quite nervous and skittish, but learn well and respond to positive reinforcement.

French Bulldog

This small gray dog breed is incredibly friendly with everyone and makes a wonderful companion. Gray is just one of the colors that these little pups come in. Frenchies don’t need much exercise but are always happy to be chasing a ball around and playing with other dogs. 

They’re pretty easy to care for, especially with their coat. Due to breeding, however, and with their short face, they do suffer from some respiratory and other problems. You can expect quite a lot of snorting, snuffling, and flatulence with a French Bulldog!

Thai Ridgeback Dog

The Thai Ridgeback dog is a medium-sized and very muscular dog. He is a gray dog with short hair that can also be red, black, blue, and very light fawn.

He is also a hunting and companion dog who loves his family and needs a lot of physical exercises.

Small Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a gray short-haired dog. It is a very old breed that has existed since 3000 BC.

His coat is always unicolor and can be black, gray, or isabelline (beige). As for his personality, he is a very affectionate and active dog but a reserved one. He will never be aggressive towards strangers, but he will not jump on them either (unlike a Golden Retriever).

Yorkshire Terrier

Although never 100% gray, this beautiful little dog's coat is often partly gray. He is the perfect companion dog and is ideal if you live in an apartment.

The Yorkshire Terrier is very lively, active, and affectionate towards its owners. In addition, despite his small size, he is a very good guard dog.

He will not attack intruders, but he will bark at them without backing down to warn you of impending danger.

His beautiful gray and tan coat requires regular maintenance and a professional groomer is needed from time to time.

American Staffordshire Terrier

According to the standard of the American Staffordshire Terrier, all the colors are admitted as long as white does not cover more than 80% of his dress. So you may very well find one that has gray hair mixed with other colors.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an independent, very intelligent, and stubborn dog. You will have to train him from his youngest age to get him used to other dogs and human beings.

Despite his reputation as an aggressive dog, this is a very gentle pet that loves children. As with any other breed of dog, you should always supervise your children to prevent them from making any sudden movements that might frighten your dog.

Cane Corso

Did you know that the Cane Corso is a descendant of a war dog used by the Romans? Even if he is less aggressive than his ancestor, he is a guard dog par excellence who will not back down in front of any danger.

However, he will very rarely be aggressive and is generally a very calm and affectionate dog.

His coat can be of several colors, from black to fawn, through gray.

Irish Wolfhound

This beautiful gray dog from Ireland is very affectionate, loves his family, and is generally calm. However, if he senses that danger is approaching, his hunting and protective side will awaken, and he will defend his family without hesitation.

The Irish Wolfhound‘s coat is available in many colors and can vary from gray, suede, white, red, brindle, and black.

Australian Shepherd

Although never entirely gray, the Australian Shepherd can be blue merle (without tan or white), which is very similar to gray.

This breed is very popular in the United States. Why? It is the shepherd dog par excellence: he loves his family, is very sociable and tolerant, is excellent for children and, of course, the Australian Shepherd is a beautiful dog.

In addition to gray, the Australian Shepherd is available in black, red, merle, etc.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Despite his appearance of large molossus, the Neapolitan Mastiff is soft, calm, and adores children. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and was even used by the Roman legions.

In addition to gray, this dog is available in several colors: lead, black, fawn, or mahogany.

Old English Sheepdog

Look at all that hair! A fluffy dog par excellence, the Bobtail is an excellent shepherd and guard dog. He is also loyal, affectionate, and very sociable.

His coat is usually gray or blue with some white under the belly and neck.

This dog is very old, but its origins are uncertain. Some say that his ancestor was brought to England by Julius Caesar, others that he was introduced during the Hundred Years’ War.

A grey crossed dog!

Dog breeds are beautiful, but don't forget that there are many shelters filled with dogs waiting for a family. Before you decide on a particular breed, we recommend that you visit a shelter near you.

This way, you can give a second life to a dog that is less fortunate than others. In addition, crossbred dogs have many advantages such as a longer life expectancy and fewer diseases. Win-win!

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There really are a lot of different gray dogs in all different sizes to choose from. As shown here, they all have different needs when it comes to training, exercise, and their individual personalities. It’s important to think about these aspects when looking for a new addition to your family — not just what a beautiful coat color they have!