Grey Dog Breeds - 10 Breeds With Grey Coats, Including Photos

While most of us pick the dogs we want to bring home based on their breeds, some of us like to choose the dogs on the basis of their coat colours.

Typically, we can find dogs in black and shades of brown, but if there’s one unique shade that quite a lot of people look out for, it’s grey!

Grey is otherwise known to be a dull colour, but on the right dogs, it looks resplendent!

The grey coat shimmers in the sunlight, adding to the beauty of grey-coloured dog breeds.

There are quite a few dog breeds associated with the colour grey, and we’ll be listing the most popular ones.

So, if you’ve been yearning to have a lovely grey dog in your home, read along to find out more.

1. Siberian Husky

Originally bred in Siberia, this grey dog breed is now a favourite across the world. The strikingly charming looks of the huskies make them a crowd favourite among pet owners.

Huskies have been bred to pull sledges over long distances to assist the Chukchi people in Siberia. But now, you’ll find them in many homes as loving, affectionate, and mischievous pets.

Huskies' coats are unique—they’re thick (to keep them protected from the cold) and come in different shades. The most common colour scheme is grey and white, although brown, red, and black huskies also exist.

If you're interested in more intelligent dog breeds, Huskies are a great choice.

2. Greyhound

There’s grey in the name of this breed! The blue-grey coat of greyhounds has fetched them the name, but they also come in other colours, such as black, red, and white.

Also known as the fastest dog in the world, greyhounds can reach the speed of almost 45 miles per hour! They have a lot of energy packed in them and do require regular exercise, but the common misconception is that these dogs are hyper.

But in reality, they’re not! Greyhounds have a super calm temperament, are docile, and are easy to train. All you have to do is ensure they get their daily exercise, and you’ll be good to go.

To maintain their calm temperament, Greyhounds benefit from consistent puppy training.

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

Huge in size, but gentle giants, Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their unique, wrinkled skin.

Their distinct size and features make them look pretty scary, but again, they’re just sweet dogs!

They can weigh up to 150 pounds and come either in a dark grey or light-bluish grey shade.

They tend to bond amazingly well with one person, displaying all affection towards them.

Bred as guard dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiffs are very suspicious of strangers and need proper training and positive reinforcement in order to accept strangers with a happy face and licks!

4. Poodles

For those looking for tiny dogs with a grey coat, Poodles are the perfect breed for you! Poodles may appear all cute, but they were originally bred for a task - to retrieve fowl fallen in the water!

They have a soft, fluffy coat and come in four different sizes - standard, medium, miniature, and toy.

They also come in a wide range of colours - grey, black, brown, cream, silver, beige, white, red, and dark blue (quite a wide colour palette!).

Poodles are intelligent and active and would make a great addition to your family. They are also great for novice owners, having the perfect temperament and energy level for even the busiest of people.

For comprehensive grooming guides, Poodles require regular maintenance to keep their coats in top condition.

5. Irish Wolfhound

This breed is massive and can appear intimidating, but they are very calm and gentle.

A cross between British and Middle Eastern hounds, Irish Wolfhounds have a unique, grizzly appearance, which makes them a popular pick among grey dog breeds.

Wolfhounds aren’t plain grey - they have a distinct coat peppered with different shades of grey. Apart from this, you’ll also find Irish Wolfhounds in cream, red or brown. Super calm and affectionate, these giants are a perfect choice for families.

6. Alaskan Malamute

Known to be descendants of domesticated wolves, Alaskan Malamutes are a large, powerful breed.

They look just like huskies and have been bred for the same purpose as huskies - to pull sledges through snowy regions.

They have a thick double coat and come in different colour schemes, such as grey, silver, red, sable, seal, and dark blue. Alaskan Malamutes are a great pick for prospective owners looking for grey dogs, as they are commonly found in this shade.

Their exercise needs are substantial, requiring regular outdoor activities to stay healthy and happy.

7. Old English Sheepdog

This breed has existed since the 18th century and has been bred for two main purposes: herding and driving sheep!

They have long, shaggy coats, which makes their appearance distinct.

They aren’t too big in size -the Old English Sheepdogs have a compact yet muscular body, making them apt for sheep herding and driving.

They are a gentle yet protective breed and will fit in well in a family.

These dogs usually come in a mixed colour scheme of grey and white or grey and dark blue.

For more on shepherd dogs, consider the Old English Sheepdog's temperament and training needs.

8. Whippet

Another unique breed, Whippets, are known for their agility and quickness.

Originally a hunting breed, they are now known for their easy-to-train and obedient nature. They have a lovely short-haired coat, which comes in a variety of colours, including grey.

These sleek, beautiful dogs are known for their gentle and loving natures. They also get along well with other animals and people.

You just have to ensure they are exposed to different animals, people, and sounds in the puppy stage itself. Playful and mischievous with children, Whippets are undemanding dogs, making them another great family pet.

9. Weimaraner

The intriguing eye colour and absolutely stunning silver-grey coat of Weimaraners have fetched them the name of ‘silver ghosts’.

Originally bred for hunting grounds, these stunning dogs have high energy levels and prey drive. The Weimaraners need plenty of exercise and this uber active breed requires consistent training as well.

They love their family and do not like to be left alone - you’ll find them everywhere you are - following you through your home, resting right near your feet or in close proximity to you.

Weimaraners are intelligent and mischievous, but training and socialising from an early age helps!

For insights on managing a dog's overall health, food can be a factor so please refer to the Ultimate Guide to Fresh Dog Food to learn more.

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

A beautiful name, isn’t it? The Lagotto Romagnolo is just as cute too! The name literally translates into ‘a lake dog from Romagna’.

The Lagotto Romagnolo was bred to hunt waterfowl, but now it’s a popular pet and found in many homes. The dogs have a sharp sense of smell and are super intelligent, requiring a good amount of mental stimulation.

They have beautiful, fluffy water-resistant coats in different shades of grey. The coat needs a lot of regular maintenance, so you need to be prepared to groom them often with daily brushing.

We hope this list helps you pick the perfect popular breeds of grey dog for your family - it helps to read up on the breed and their requirements (training, intelligence, bonding, grooming) a lot before you decide on the dog that best fits your lifestyle.

Also, if you’re getting a dog home, you need to get it insured as well. And if you’re looking for dog insurance, Waggel is just the perfect place!

We’re a pet insurance company and offer some excellent Lifetime pet insurance plans for your furry friends.

Apart from insurance plans, we also offer 24/7 veterinarian advice from our partners at Joii Petcare.

Seems like a perfect deal? Reach out to us today for an insurance quote and protect your pet and your peace of mind with Waggel.

Do shepherd dogs come in grey coats?

Yes! Many shepherd dogs, like the Carpathian Shepherd Dog, can have beautiful grey coats. They’re known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent working dogs and family pets.

What are some other popular grey dog breeds?

Some popular grey dog breeds include the Kerry Blue Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Blue Lacy, and the Scottish Terrier, which is often referred to as the "Dog of Scotland."

Each of these breeds features gorgeous grey coats and comes in various shades of grey, showcasing the unique traits and coat colours of any dog.

They are among the most beautiful breeds in the world, captivating dog lovers with their stunning appearance.

Do shepherd dogs come in grey coats?

Yes! Many shepherd dogs, including the German Shepherd dog and the Carpathian Shepherd dog, can have beautiful grey coats.

These canine breeds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent working dogs and family pets.

Their short coat often features markings that enhance their striking appearance, and they are highly active dogs that need plenty of dog exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Are there any small grey dog breeds?

Yes! There are some adorable small grey breeds. The Chinese Crested dog is a fantastic example of a small grey dog. This breed, which can have a blue or grey hue, is not just cute; it also possesses a distinct personality and loves to be around its humans.

As one grey dog breed may suggest, small dogs can also come in a grey coat, proving that beauty and charm are not limited to larger canine companions.