Whether in city parks or on country trails, unusual coat colors catch the eye and start conversations among owners and breeders. Blue-tinted small dogs often stand out at the dog run, in photos, and on breed pages because their color is both distinctive and easy to spot.
There are 14 small blue dog breeds, ranging from Australian Terrier to Yorkshire Terrier. For each breed, the Scientific name, Height (cm), and Blue variety are listed—you’ll find below.
How can I tell if a dog’s coat is a true blue variety or just faded?
Compare the dog to the breed standard and pedigree photos, ask the breeder or shelter about parent colors, and look for a consistent steel-gray tone rather than sun-bleached brown; a vet or genetic test can confirm dilution genes if you need certainty.
Are there health or grooming concerns specific to small blue breeds?
Some blue coat types are linked to color dilution alopecia or skin sensitivity, so regular grooming, sun protection, and periodic vet checks are wise; otherwise care needs (exercise, diet, dental) follow the same guidance as other small breeds.
Small Blue Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Height (cm) | Blue variety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 32–38 | Dilute black (“blue”) accepted |
| French Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | 28–33 | Dilute blue coats common but CDA risk |
| Dachshund | Canis lupus familiaris | 13–27 | Blue and blue dapple (merle) present |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–23 | Steel-blue with tan markings typical |
| Chihuahua | Canis lupus familiaris | 15–23 | Blue (dilute black) occurs |
| Pomeranian | Canis lupus familiaris | 18–30 | Blue dilute and blue-sable varieties |
| Miniature Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–30 | Blue and tan dilute recognized |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–33 | Blue merle documented in standards |
| Toy Poodle | Canis lupus familiaris | 24–28 | Blue dilute appears in varieties |
| Miniature Poodle | Canis lupus familiaris | 28–38 | Blue dilute and rare merles seen |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 35–40 | Blue and blue brindle occur |
| Australian Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 23–25 | Blue and blue-and-tan recorded |
| Shih Tzu | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–28 | Blue and blue-and-white seen |
| Silky Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 23–26 | Blue-and-tan commonly accepted |
Images and Descriptions
Italian Greyhound
Tiny Italian sighthound, elegant and affectionate, common across Europe and North America. Playful and sensitive, needs regular short runs and gentle handling. Blue is a true dilute; typical care includes dental attention and monitoring for fragile skin and patellar issues.
French Bulldog
Compact companion from France, friendly and low-exercise, popular worldwide. Sturdy but brachycephalic: watch breathing, heat intolerance, and joint issues. Blue variants are dilute blacks; some lines risk color dilution alopecia and related skin problems.
Dachshund
German hunting breed with long body and big personality, kept as pet globally. Bold, curious and stubborn; needs back-friendly handling and moderate exercise. Blue (dilute) and blue dapple varieties occur; be mindful of merle-associated health checks.
Yorkshire Terrier
Small British toy dog, lively and affectionate, popular in urban homes. Spirited and bold; regular grooming required for long coat. Standard color is steel-blue and tan; delicate teeth and dental care, plus watch for luxating patella and hypoglycemia.
Chihuahua
Tiny companion breed from Mexico, often bold and devoted to owners. Alert and sometimes yappy; minimal exercise needs but sensitive to cold. Blue dilute coats appear; dental care and hypoglycemia prevention are key health considerations.
Pomeranian
Small Spitz-type from Pomerania, fluffy and extroverted, common as a show and pet dog. Energetic and confident; grooming-intensive double coat. Blue dilute color appears in some lines; monitor for color dilution alopecia and dental issues.
Miniature Pinscher
Energetic little hound-type from Germany, spirited and fearless, often called a “big dog in a small body.” Needs consistent training and active play. Blue dilute (blue-and-tan) occurs; routine joint and dental checks recommended.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Historic Welsh herding breed with long body and short legs, friendly and loyal. Intelligent and active, needs mental stimulation and exercise. Blue merle is a recognized dilute merle pattern; screen for merle-related ocular and auditory issues.
Toy Poodle
Small elegant companion from France/Europe, highly intelligent and trainable, popular worldwide. Hypoallergenic coat needs frequent grooming. Blue is a dilute black color seen in toy poodles; watch for skin sensitivity and maintain regular coat care.
Miniature Poodle
Versatile, smart companion and working dog, common globally. Energetic, highly trainable and needs mental exercise; grooming essential. Blue dilute is a documented color in miniature lines; regular skin and coat monitoring advised for dilution issues.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
British companion and terrier breed, affectionate and people-focused, often good with families. Muscular and energetic; needs socialization and exercise. Blue dilute coats are common and documented; breeding lines should be health-screened for skin and joint issues.
Australian Terrier
Small Australian working terrier, alert and bold, suited to active households. Low-maintenance coat but needs stimulation. Blue and blue-and-tan dilutes are documented in breed history; routine dental and patella checks recommended.
Shih Tzu
Ancient companion dog from Tibet/China, affectionate and good-natured, common worldwide. Requires regular grooming and dental care. Blue dilute shades occur in some lines; watch for brachycephalic breathing issues and possible color-dilution skin concerns.
Silky Terrier
Small Australian toy terrier with silky coat, lively and affectionate, suits apartment life. Energetic, requires grooming and training. Blue-and-tan is a common dilute variety; monitor skin and dental health and provide consistent exercise.
