10 Gray and White Dog Breeds (With Pictures!)
Personally, I think gray dogs are some of the most beautiful. There’s the stunning Weimaraner (or a Weimaraner mix) and even the Silver Labrador. But many dog breeds can have a gray coat with beautiful white markings.
Some are small, and others are large. Some are meant for outdoor work, and others are happy sitting on your lap all day. There really is a dog for everyone!
In this article, we will look at some of our favorite breeds with this coat coloring. Which one will be the right gray and white dog for your family?
Adopting a Gray and White Dog
Before you head to your local shelter or breeder, it’s essential to do some research. All breeds have different requirements, and you need to be able to provide for them.
Do you have a large enough backyard? Can you give them two hours of exercise a day? Are you experienced enough to deal with a stubborn pup? These are all things you need to think about when adopting a furry friend – not just their color.
Also, try to get your pooch from an American Kennel Club (or another kennel club) accredited breeder. This will ensure that the breeder is breeding for the welfare of the pup and not just for coat color. Breeding for a specific color can result in health problems.
10 Amazing Gray and White Dogs
Some of these dogs are well-known, and others may be new to you. Read on to see the temperament of each breed and whether they’re the correct one for you to adopt.
Australian Shepherd
According to the Australian Shepherd Club of America, one of the breed standard colors for Aussies is blue merle. This wonderful coat color is not actually blue but a beautiful gray color with white patches. They may also have blue eyes and spots of red or black!
Aussies are incredible herding dogs. Even if they’re not born onto an active farm, they’ll still keep some of their herding instincts. They need lots of daily exercise and will enjoy having space to play in. They’re excellent jogging companions and get on well with children and other canines.
Chinese Crested Dog
You’ll easily recognize a Chinese Crested dog in the puppy park if you see one. These pups are usually bald with lots of tufty hair on their heads and ears!
But these small dogs can also be coated. Both slate and blue are accepted coat colors, and both can have white markings.
These small dogs are adorable, playful, affectionate and loyal to their owners. They don’t need huge amounts of exercise (in comparison to the Australian Shepherd), but lots of play sessions and short walks are a good idea.
A big bonus of the hairless variety is that they’re hypoallergenic!
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are one of the sweetest dogs around. These mini Greyhounds are very alert dogs and love to spend time with their humans. They’re charming and get along really well with other dogs – they’re constantly looking for new friends.
Just like their bigger cousins, Italian Greyhounds have a large prey instinct. So much so that you should always keep them on a leash when out and about. The moment they see something interesting, they’ll bolt off.
And at their speed, you don’t want to be running after them. It’s also important that you keep skinny pups warm in winter with a puppy coat.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are loved pups – and not only in England. These adorable dogs, with their shaggy coats and long fringes, are surprisingly agile and robust.
They can be several different shades of gray and white, including blue gray and white; blue and white; blue, merle and white; gray and white; and grizzle and white.
These herding pups are very alert and make great watchdogs too. They have a loud bark which they only use when they need to. They’re very patient and love playing with children (and protecting them).
Because they’re working dogs, they need space to play in and regular exercise.
Siberian Husky
These are some of the most famous gray and white dogs.
Huskies are loveable pups known for their sled-pulling abilities, incredible eye colors, and very fluffy coats. As well as being hard-working pooches, Huskies are also great companions dogs. They love to be part of a pack and will enjoy sharing the home with other dogs and kids.
Huskies can be a little mischievous, so lots of training from puppyhood is recommended. They also need a lot of exercise to keep their brains and bodies fit.
These pups have a thick double coat which helps them stay warm in winter, but they don’t do well in the warmer months. Always make sure they have plenty of shade and water to keep cool.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small spitz breed that looks like a Husky and an Alaskan Malamute. These pups are very energetic, alert, and agile. Thanks to their pack nature, they get on well with other dogs, but they can be reserved around people they don’t know. They can also be nervous in new situations.
It’s important to socialize an Alaskan Klee Kai early on, so they don’t become too nervous or skittish. Like most spitz breeds, these dogs have a dense double coat. You can expect to groom them regularly – especially twice a year when they blow their coats.
Pitbull
Pitbulls are very popular dogs across America. They come in a number of different coat colors and patterns, one of which is gray and white. These strong and robust dogs may have an intimidating exterior, but they’re softies at heart. In fact, they even have the nickname ‘nanny dog’ because they’re so caring around children.
Pitbulls need a good amount of physical and mental exercise a day to keep them happy. Early socialization and training are also essential.
Unfortunately, Pitbulls are still used in underground dog fighting. It’s really important you adopt your pup from a reputable breeder that doesn’t breed for aggression.
Schnauzer
There are three varieties of Schnauzer – giant, standard, and miniature. All are equally as cute, thanks to their bushy eyebrows and iconic beards. Salt and pepper is one of the most common and popular colors for this breed.
Schnauzers are courageous dogs that were bred to be ratters on farms. They’re confident and love to investigate everything that’s happening around them.
Although self-assured, these dogs are very rarely aggressive. All three Schnauzer varieties have a wiry outer coat that may need stripping. Most pup parents decide to have their Schnauzer professionally groomed to give them the Schnauzer look!
Whippet
Whippets are very fast dogs with a gentle nature. They’re sweet, dignified, and very graceful.
Watching a Whippet run is really something! These pups are smaller than a Greyhound but larger than an Italian Greyhound. Just like the other two breeds, Whippets can be sensitive. They respond well to positive reinforcement, lots of treats, and cuddles.
Whippets are a good choice for city dwellers. Time outdoors is important to keep them stimulated, but they don’t actually need that much exercise. They rarely bark and are happy to curl up on the couch or at your feet.
A Gray and White Crossed Dog
If you’re looking for a gray and white dog, there are plenty of mixed breeds to choose from too! Many mixed breeds are more likely to end up in a shelter, so you could also be giving a dog a second home.
A couple of our favorite mixed gray and white dogs are:
Which Gray and White Dog Is Right for You?
All of these dogs make wonderful pets for the right owner. You need to consider whether they would fit in with your lifestyle before adopting a pup.
Having a furry friend in your family is a privilege, and there are a lot more important things to think about than coat color.
As long as you get your dog from a credited breeder or shelter and you can give them what they need, then a gray and white dog could be an excellent addition!
I’m Charlotte, a content and copywriter from the North of England and currently living in Berlin. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so writing about dogs is a total pleasure! I love all kinds of dogs and their cheeky personalities, but I’d have to say Weimaraners are my favourite!
