There are 21 big grey dog breeds on this list. These are large breeds that can appear grey, blue, silver, or wolf-sable. Many come from working lines—sighthounds, mastiffs, Nordic sled dogs, and livestock guardians—so size, strength, or speed is common.
Below is the complete list with each breed’s scientific name, typical size (cm/kg), and origin. Use it to compare breeds by build, coat type, and background.
What care and temperament do big grey breeds commonly need?
Expect most big grey breeds to need daily exercise, secure space, and consistent training. Sighthounds need room to sprint and gentle handling. Mastiffs and livestock guardians need early socialization and firm, experienced leadership. Double-coated breeds shed heavily seasonally and need regular brushing. Short-coated breeds need less grooming but still need joint and bloat prevention checks. Consult breed clubs and veterinary sources for breed-specific health and care plans.
Big Grey Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Size (cm/kg) | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weimaraner | Canis lupus familiaris | 59-70 cm/25-40 kg | Germany — versatile hunting gundog |
| Great Dane | Canis lupus familiaris | 71-86 cm/45-90 kg | Germany — bred as boar/hunting companion |
| Alaskan Malamute | Canis lupus familiaris | 56-63 cm/34-40 kg | Arctic/Alaska — sled and freight dog |
| Irish Wolfhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 71-94 cm/40-55 kg | Ireland — ancient sighthound hunter |
| Scottish Deerhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 71-86 cm/34-45 kg | Scotland — sighthound for deer hunting |
| Borzoi | Canis lupus familiaris | 68-86 cm/25-48 kg | Russia — aristocratic sighthound |
| Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 68-76 cm/27-40 kg | Ancient breed, refined in Britain — coursing |
| German Shepherd | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-65 cm/30-40 kg | Germany — herding and working dog |
| Old English Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | 56-61 cm/27-45 kg | England — herding and droving dog |
| Doberman Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 63-72 cm/30-40 kg | Germany — guard and companion breed |
| Cane Corso | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-68 cm/40-50 kg | Italy — mastiff guardian breed |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-75 cm/50-70 kg | Italy — ancient guardian and companion |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 65-75 cm/45-100 kg | Caucasus — livestock guardian dog |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-75 cm/40-79 kg | Central Asia — livestock guardian breed |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 61-76 cm/45-72 kg | Tibet — ancient guardian and companion |
| Spanish Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 65-85 cm/40-90 kg | Spain — livestock guardian of farms |
| Czechoslovakian Wolfdog | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-70 cm/25-35 kg | Czechoslovakia — wolf-dog working experiment |
| Saarloos Wolfdog | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-65 cm/30-40 kg | Netherlands — wolf hybrid developed for working |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 60-74 cm/30-50 kg | Portugal — flock guardian from Estrela mountains |
| Sarplaninac | Canis lupus familiaris | 58-70 cm/30-45 kg | Balkans (Šar Mountains) — livestock guardian |
| English Setter | Canis lupus familiaris | 56-69 cm/20-36 kg | England — bird dog bred for setters |
Images and Descriptions
Weimaraner
Sleek silver-grey gundog known for intelligence and stamina. Highly energetic and people-focused, needs daily exercise and mental work. Short coat is low-maintenance but the breed needs firm training and plenty of socialization to prevent separation anxiety.
Great Dane
Famous “gentle giant” that can appear blue/grey. Calm, affectionate with families but needs space and moderate exercise. Short coat is easy-care; watch for bloat and joint issues. Best for experienced owners with room for a very large dog.
Alaskan Malamute
Powerful, wolf-like breed with thick grey-and-white double coat. Highly social and strong-working, needs heavy exercise and consistent training. Sheds heavily seasonally and requires regular grooming. Suited to active owners in cool climates.
Irish Wolfhound
Extremely tall and gentle sighthound that can be grey or brindled. Calm and affectionate, needs room to stretch and regular moderate exercise. Short to rough coat requires low grooming. Lifespan is shorter than many breeds.
Scottish Deerhound
Tall, graceful hound often grey or brindle with a wiry coat. Gentle and loyal, requires regular running and secure fencing. Moderate grooming keeps coat tidy. Best for active owners who appreciate a calm, dignified companion.
Borzoi
Elegant long-coated sighthound that often shows grey markings. Independent and sensitive, needs space to sprint and gentle training. Long silky coat requires regular grooming. Typically quiet indoors and affectionate with family.
Greyhound
Lean, fast sighthound with common blue/grey variants; can reach high sprint speeds. Surprisingly calm indoors (“couch potato”) but needs daily exercise and occasional sprints. Low grooming and gentle temperament make them good companions.
German Shepherd
Versatile working dog that can show wolf-grey or sable colors. Highly trainable, intelligent, and protective; needs mental stimulation and regular exercise. Moderate to high grooming due to shedding. Suited for active families and working roles.
Old English Sheepdog
Shaggy, often grey-and-white coat gives a teddy-like appearance. Good-natured and sociable, needs regular grooming and daily activity. Strong family dog that thrives on companionship; grooming and coat care are time-consuming.
Doberman Pinscher
Sleek, athletic breed that may appear blue/grey. Alert, loyal, and protective; requires firm training and ample exercise. Short coat is low-maintenance. Makes an excellent guardian and companion for experienced owners.
Cane Corso
Large, muscular mastiff that commonly comes in blue/grey. Protective and loyal, needs early socialization and consistent leadership. Moderate grooming; requires space and confident handler. Excellent guard dog when properly trained.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Massive, loose-skinned mastiff often blue/grey; calm and devoted to family. Low to moderate activity needs, heavy drooling and wrinkle care required. Best with experienced owners who can manage size and health issues.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Huge, thick-coated guardian that often appears grey. Fiercely protective and independent; requires experienced handling and early socialization. Heavy seasonal shedding and moderate grooming. Suited for property or flock protection rather than apartment life.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Sturdy guardian that frequently shows grey coloring. Independent, territorial, and protective of livestock or family. Requires firm training and space to roam. Coat care is moderate; best for experienced keepers on farms or large properties.
Tibetan Mastiff
Thick double coat often black or grey; large and independent with strong guarding instincts. Minimal day-to-day activity but needs space and firm leadership. Heavy seasonal shedding and grooming required; suited to experienced owners.
Spanish Mastiff
Large, calm guardian that can appear grey. Steady, protective, and good with livestock; moderate exercise needs. Coat care is moderate and socialization is crucial. Best for rural homes and experienced owners.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Wolf-like appearance and grey coat; energetic, intelligent, and highly social but demanding. Needs extensive exercise, training, and consistent leadership. Not ideal for novice owners; thrives with experienced handlers and active lifestyles.
Saarloos Wolfdog
Wolf-like and reserved, often grey-tinted. Independent, sensitive to handling, and requires early socialization and experienced training. High exercise needs and selective companionship; not suited for apartment living or first-time owners.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Robust guardian with coarse coat often grey; calm and loyal with family but protective of flock. Needs regular exercise, early socialization, and moderate grooming. Works best in rural or working environments.
Sarplaninac
Dense, often grey mountain guardian with strong protective instincts. Independent and devoted to flock or family; requires experienced handling, secure space, and regular grooming. Thrives in rural settings with clear leadership.
English Setter
Elegant gun dog with “blue belton” grey speckling common. Friendly, energetic, and affectionate; needs daily exercise and regular grooming to keep coat tidy. Great family pet for active owners who enjoy field activities.
