25 Gray Dog Breeds

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Gray dog breeds are often some of the most beautiful and striking out there, but that should not be the only reason for adopting them. A dog’s character and connection with you, as well as your personal situation in caring for it, are more important when picking a pup.

In this article, we break down 25 gray dog breeds in no particular order to help you understand which may be the pup for you.

The 25 Gray Dog Breeds

1. Neapolitan Mastiff

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Italy
• Height: 24-32 inches
• Weight: 100-155 pounds
• Activity level: Low
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hip dysplasia, heart disease, cherry eye, musculoskeletal disorders

With its massive size made even more imposing by its ample loose skin and dewlap, the Neapolitan Mastiff may have the most startling appearance of any dog. Some experts believe this look was purposefully bred in order to scare away intruders without the dog having to guard.

Although, when it’s time to guard, this dog can spring into action with startling speed. Its massive, muscular body can take down almost any trespasser.

Its huge head, with short, powerful jaws and large teeth, is able to hold down almost anyone or anything. This dog’s skin is tough and hanging, which adds to the imposing impression of size as well as the intimidating expression.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was bred for centuries to guard and protect its family. Today, it is still incredibly loyal and devoted to its family, as well as watchful and suspicious of strangers and tolerant of acquaintances.

It is loving toward children and can support healthy learning but it may not get along well with other dogs, especially alpha male type dogs. Because of its size, it should be carefully socialized at an early age and supervised around small children.

2. Weimaraner

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 23-28 inches
• Weight: 55-95 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Moderate to high
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hemophilia, Von Willebrand’s disease, musculoskeletal disorders

The Weimaraner is built to hunt with great speed and endurance. It combines grace, stamina, raciness, and an alert demeanor. It has fine aristocratic features and a kind expression. The gait is smooth and effortless, while its short, sleek coat is known for its unique gray color.

The Weimaraner is bold and rambunctious, and even at times too much for small children. It loves to run and hunt and can become frustrated and destructive if not given proper exercise. It can be stubborn or headstrong and functions best with an active owner who enjoys outdoor activities and wants a fun-loving pup.

3. American Pitbull Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United States
• Height: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 35-70 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $-$$
• Potential health issues: Cerebellar ataxia, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders, Elbow and Hip Dysplasia

The American Pit Bull has a brick-like head, which is especially broad between the cheeks (to house the powerful jaws), and is carried on a thickly muscled, well-defined neck.

This breed is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog that is extremely strong for its size. The tail tapers to a point, while the coat is made up of thick, short, shiny hair. Shades of gray with a matching gray nose are referred to as blue-nose Pit Bulls.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please, overflowing with enthusiasm, makes an excellent family companion, and is known for their love of children. Because most of these dogs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of their powerful physique, they require socialization and obedience training.

4. Whippet

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 18-22 inches
• Weight: 15-42 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Low to Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Heart Murmur, Cryptorchidic/cryptotorchidism, Epilepsy, Pancreatitis

The Whippet is a miniature greyhound and is among the sleekest of dogs, with a curvaceous, streamlined silhouette, long legs, and a lean physique. It is an optimal sprinter, with an ability to accelerate to top speed and to twist and turn with unequaled agility over any other breed.

The whippet is a lightweight version of the greyhound, with an especially limber top-line and powerful hindquarters that allow it to execute the excessive double-suspension gallop. It is square-shaped, or slightly longer than it is tall.

The whippet makes an ideal pet for people who want a quiet house dog and an absolutely devoted companion who is also very obedient.

The whippet is very gentle with children and can make an excellent companion for them. It is calm indoors but loves to run and play outdoors and prefers exercising daily. It is extremely physically and mentally sensitive and does not respond well to rough treatment or harsh corrections.

5. American Bulldog

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United States
• Height: 20-28 inches
• Weight: 60-130 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), cherry eye

The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic, short-coated dog, strongly muscled, and well-boned breed. The body is just slightly longer than tall, and the head is large and broad, with a wide muzzle. 

Gender differences are well expressed in this breed, with males typically larger and more muscular than females. The American Bulldog makes good working dogs and is intelligent. The American Bulldog comes in solid colors like gray, white with colored patches, and brindle.

The required traits of the American Bulldog are those that enable it to work as a cattle and hog-catching dog, as well as a protector of personal property.

This job requires a powerful, agile, and confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face everything from an angry bull to a human interloper.  American Bulldog pups may be somewhat standoffish with strangers and should be socialized from a young age.

6. French Bulldog

Breed Overview:

• Height: 11-12 inches
• Weight: 24-27 pounds
• Activity Level:  Low
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to Bark: Moderate
• Kid Friendliness: High
• Typical Price Range: $$$
• Potential health issues: Eye problems, skin problems, musculoskeletal diseases

The French Bulldog shares many of the traits that made its bulldog ancestors notoriety in the bulldog arena. It has a  low center of gravity, a wide body, heavy bones, a muscular build, and large, square head. It has soft loose skin forming wrinkles about the head and shoulders, as well as an alert, curious expression, which is aided by its bar ears. Unlike the bulldog, its movement is unrestrained and free, with reach and drive.

The French bulldog is a lap dog that loves to goof around. It enjoys playing and entertaining its family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with its favorite human. It is friendly, sweet, companionable and willing to please.

7. Great Dane

 

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 21-36 inches
• Weight: 100-180 pounds
• Activity level: Low to moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $-$$$
• Potential health issues: Heart disease, cancer, hip dysplasia, Wobbler’s syndrome, hypothyroidism

This regal breed combines great size with power and elegance. It is square-proportioned and well-balanced. Its gait is strong and powerful, with long, easy strides.

This is helpful when a dog is required to overtake and then overpower relatively swift but daunting prey. Its coat is short, thick, and glossy and comes in gorgeous shades of gray. The Great Dane is most noteworthy for its majestic carriage and appearance.

The Great Dane is gentle, loving, easygoing, and sensitive. It is usually good with children but may be overly excitable, and usually friendly toward other dogs and pets. It is powerful but sensitive and responsive to training. It makes a nice, well-mannered family companion.

8. Old English Sheepdog

Breed Overview:

• Origin: England
• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 55-95 pounds
• Activity level: Low to moderate
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hip dysplasia, eye disease, hearing impairment

The Old English Sheepdog is a square-proportioned, compact, thick-set dog, combining agility with strength. A distinguishing characteristic is the top line, which is lower at the front than the back.

Its gait is free, powerful, and ground-covering, yet it gives the appearance of being effortless as a slow speed. Its pace and stride are sometimes described as a “bearlike” roll or shuffle. The coat is abundant, but not excessive.

It consists of a waterproof undercoat and a hard, shaggy outer coat that is neither straight nor curly and is usually shades of gray and white.

A typical trait of the Old English sheepdog is never being nervous or aggressive, and they are known for being couch potatoes. This breed’s temperament can be described as intelligent, social and adaptable.

This dog may try to herd people, children, or other objects. This breed is a natural fit in a rural setting with wide open spaces, like working on a farm.

However, with proper exercise and training, they are perfectly comfortable with a suburban or urban lifestyle. Their remarkable, inherent herding instincts, sense of duty, and sense of property boundaries may be nurtured and encouraged accordingly or subdued by their owners, but in return, they need a lot of attention and love.

9. Greyhound

 

Breed Overview:

• Height: 27-30 inches
• Weight: 57-88 pounds
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to Bark: Low
• Kid Friendliness: Moderate to High
• Typical Price Range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: bone cancer, bloating, heart problems

The Greyhound is built for speed and is a typical running dog. Its long legs and arched back enable it to contract and stretch maximally while executing the double-suspension gallop.

It has tremendous muscle mass and light legs, further enhancing speed. Their feet are long and narrow, giving maximum leverage, while the long tail serves as a rudder and brake when running at high speed. The coat is short and smooth and comes in gorgeous shades of gray, among other colors.

The Greyhound is known as the world’s fastest couch potato. They are quiet, calm, and extremely well-mannered when indoors.

They are good with other dogs and with other pets if raised with them, and while outdoors, they tend to chase any small thing that moves. They are reserved with strangers, very sensitive, and sometimes even timid. Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please.

10. Irish Wolfhound

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Ireland
• Height: 30-33 inches
• Weight: 105-130 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate to high
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Musculoskeletal disorders, eye disease, heart disease

The Irish wolfhound resembles a rough-coated greyhound, with a more powerful build and being the tallest of the sight hounds. The combination of speed, power, and size enables the Irish wolfhound to run down and overpower large prey. Despite its size, the breed is gracefully built, its gait is easy and active, and its head is held proudly.

The rough coat provides protection against the cold and damp, as well as its opponents’ teeth, while it is especially wet and long over the eyes and under the jaw.

Known as the gentle giant, the Irish wolfhound is a soft-natured, easygoing breed. Around the house, it is calm, sensitive, patient, easygoing, and sweet. Despite its large size, it is good with children, pets and other dogs. This breed is reserved with strangers and courageous when the need arises.

11. Blue Lacy

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United States
• Height: 18-21 inches
• Weight: 35-50 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low to moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Medium to High
• Typical price range: $$$leo
• Potential health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, skin problems, hypothyroidism

The Blue Lacy is medium in size with a light, balanced, and powerful build. The Lacy’s movement shows great speed, strength, and dexterity.  There are three typical color varieties in this breed. Blues are any shade of gray, from light silver to dark charcoal. Reds range from light cream to rust.

The tri combines these colors with a blue base and distinct red markings as appropriate for trim. White can appear on the chest, stomach, and paws. Both the red and tricolored Lacys hold the name Blue Lacy due to the blue-color gene they possess.

All Blue Lacys eyes are very bright and distinctive, ranging from orange to yellow in color, which adds a unique touch to their appearance. Their coat is short and sleek.

Blue Lacy Dogs in general are intelligent, intense, active, and alert. Bred to be both hunting and herding dogs, they display great drive and determination to work with big game and control difficult livestock.

Young pups may have too much energy and drive for small children. However, they are easy to train and learn new skills quickly.

12. Alaskan Malamute

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United States
• Height: 23-25 inches
• Weight: 75-85 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: High
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Cataracts, musculoskeletal disorders

The Alaskan malamute is a powerful Nordic breed type, developed to haul heavy loads rather than race. This dog is slightly longer than it is tall.

It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. Its gait is steady, balanced, and tireless. Its coat is thick and double, with a coarse outer coat and dense, wooly, oily undercoat, providing extreme insulation and wolf-like eyes.

The Alaskan malamute is powerful, independent, strong-willed, and fun-loving. Its idea of great fun is to pull a sled or cart, but it also loves to run and roam. This bread is family-oriented, and as long as it is given daily exercise, it is well-mannered in the home.

Without proper exercise, it can become frustrating and destructive. It is friendly and sociable toward people, but it may be aggressive toward strange dogs, pets, or livestock. Some can be domineering. It tends to dig and howl.

13. Keeshond

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Netherlands
• Height: 17–18 inches
• Weight: 36–40 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate to high
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Moderate to high
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $-$$
• Potential health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, heart conditions, skin and coat problems, patellar luxatio

The Keeshond is a sturdy Northern-type dog. It has a long, straight outer coat that stands up from the body and a thick, downy undercoat that provides insulation from cold and damp. Their hair is often a mixture of shades of gray, varying from almost white to black.

The keeshond combines many traits of the best house dogs, such as being fairly energetic and playful. They can be mischievous but are known for being very attentive, loving, and ready for adventure. They are sensitive and learn easily, but prefer to just take it easy. Although they are alert watchdogs, they make great companions.

14. Chinese Crested

Breed Overview:

• Height: 9–13 inches
• Weight: 5–12 pounds
• Activity Level: Low to Moderate
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to Bark: Low to Moderate
• Kid Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical Price Range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: broken bones, dental problems, Canine ectodermal dysplasia (hairlessness), cold intolerance

The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, slender, elegant, and graceful breed. This breed has an alert, intense expression. Like most hairless dog breeds, the Chinese Crested Dog comes in two varieties, with and without hair. The skin of the hairless areas is smooth and soft. In the powder puff variety, the entire dog is covered with a soft, silky coat of moderate density and length.

The Chinese Crested is a combination of a playful, affectionate, gentle, and sensitive companion or lap dog. It is devoted to its family and willing to please them. This breed is also good with other dogs, pets, and strangers. They are not a barking type but do like to sound alarm barks to protect.

15. Cairn Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 9-13 inches
• Weight: 10-16 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate to high
• Grooming needs: Low to moderate
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $-$$
• Potential health issues: Dental diseases, infections, obesity, liver problems, and eye problems

The Cairn Terrier is among the smallest of the ground terriers and was developed to dig into cairns and rout out the critters. Its build enables it to fit into close quarters in pursuit of its prey.

Its head is shorter and wider than any other terrier, giving it good jaw strength. This breed has a weather-resistant coat that consists of a soft, close undercoat and a profuse, harsh outer coat. The hair around the face gives this dog a somewhat fox-like appearance.

The Cairn Terrier is brave, spirited, bold, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn, and scrappy like most other terriers. This dog is very sensitive but eager to please its owner.

This breed can be a good house pet as long as it receives daily exercise and attention. They enjoy playing with children and can tolerate a little roughhousing. These dogs can be aggressive with other dogs and are known to chase small animals. Because of its nature, this breed loves to sniff, explore, and hunt.

16. Thai Ridgeback

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Thailand
• Height: 20-24 inches
• Weight: 35-75 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: Low to Moderate
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hip dysplasia, skin condition called a dermoid sinus

The Thai Ridgeback is a medium-sized pariah-type dog with a short, smooth coat. The length of the body from the point of the buttocks to the point of the sternum is about 10 percent longer than the height and the tail is carried vertically or curved.

This breed is characterized by a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Thai Ridgeback is one of only three breeds that has a ridge of hair that runs along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.

Until recently, the Thai Ridgeback was relatively unknown outside of eastern Thailand and was very rare anywhere else. This breed is a good watchdog, guard dog, and hunting dog, but it can also make a good companion.

They are tough, active have excellent jumping ability, and are alert, but without socialization, they can also be a bit aloof toward strangers. The Thai Ridgeback needs a dominant owner who understands the breed because they are not always easy to train.

17. Bearded Collie

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 20-22 inches
• Weight: 30-60 pounds
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to Bark: Moderate
• Kid Friendliness: High
• Typical Price Range: $-$$$
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, autoimmune hypothyroidism and Addison’s disease

The Bearded Collie is a herding breed of dog that was once used primarily by Scottish shepherds but now a popular family pet.

It is a medium-sized dog with a long, lean, strongly built body, which gives the impression of both strength and agility. This breed has the ability to make sharp turns, quick starts, and sudden stops which is helpful in a sheep-herding breed.

They have a double coat with a soft, furry undercoat. The outer coat is flat, harsh, and fairly straight, and it is sufficient to protect the dog.

The bearded collie is lively and playful, as well as full of enthusiasm and energy. This dog is smart and obedient, but it is also an independent thinker with a silly sense of humor.

This breed likes children, but it may be too rambunctious for small children and may try to herd them when playing. This dog has high energy levels and needs a lot of exercise and attention.

18. Bergamasco Shepherd

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Italy
• Height: 22-25 inches
• Weight: 55-85 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$$
• Potential health issues: Eye disease, musculoskeletal disorders

A sheepdog with a strong work ethic, the Bergamasco’s most distinctive characteristic is its coat, which contains dog hair, goat hair and wool that combine to create black or gray felt-like mats. These mats grow over the course of the dog’s life, then reach the ground at approximately 6 years of age.

This dog’s coat may actually smell like a sweater when it is wet. Regardless of its formidable appearance, the Bergamasco is really a trim, athletic sheepdog.

The Bergamasco is an alert, observant, and patient dog breed that has good self-control and balance. This breed makes a good guard dog as well as a companion dog. The Bergamasco establishes a close bond with his owner.

19. American Staffordshire Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: United States
• Height: 17-19 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low to moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical price range: $-$$
• Potential health issues: Cerebellar ataxia, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders

This breed of dog is usually stocky and muscular, all while giving the impression of great strength for its size but also of grace and agility.

It has a low center of gravity to help it stay on its feet in a fight and nimbleness to avoid its opponent’s teeth while its own jaws are strong and powerful. Its coat is short, close and glossy and may feature beautiful blue-gray colors.

Usually obedient and playful with its family, the American Staffordshire terrier is normally friendly toward strangers as long as the pet parents are around.

It is generally good with children and known for being a protective breed. This dog can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those that challenge it. It is stubborn, tenacious, and fearless, but most importantly to this breed is its owner’s fond attention.

20. Siberian Husky

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Siberia
• Height: 20-24 inches
• Weight: 35-60 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate to High
• Grooming needs: Low to moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Cataracts, musculoskeletal disorders, Hypothyroidism

The Siberian husky is made of power, speed, and endurance. This allows it to carry a light load at moderate speeds over a great distance.

It is compact, a bit longer than it is tall, and of undoubtedly Northern heritage. This dog is quick and light on its feet, with a smooth and effortless stride, while exhibiting good reach and determination. It has a double coat of medium length, with a soft, dense undercoat and a straight, somewhat flat-lying outer coat.

The Siberian husky can be described as fun-loving, adventurous, alert, independent, clever, stubborn, mischievous, and willful. This breed loves to run and will roam and wander off if unattended.

It may be aggressive toward other dogs, but it is usually fine with other live-in dogs. It is a very social dog that must have human or dog companionship but will most likely chase cats.

21. Schnauzer

Breed Overview:

• Height: 17-19 inches
• Weight: 35-45 pounds
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to Bark: Moderate to high
• Kid Friendliness: Moderate to high
• Typical Price Range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Juvenile cataracts, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bleeding disorders

The Schnauzer is a heavy-set, robust, sturdy-built dog of square proportion. It is both strong and agile, enabling it to be a good guard dog and hunter. This dog’s stride is quick, powerful, and ground-covering. Its coat is hard, wiry and thick, with a soft undercoat. Its beard, mustache, and eyebrows give it a spirited expression.

They are brilliant, picking up tricks and commands quite quickly. If not given daily physical and mental exercise, this breed can be mischievous. It does best with a firm, patient owner, is a devoted family dog, and is very reliable with children. It tends to be reserved with strangers, sometimes acting suspicious and protective.

22. Pumi

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Hungary
• Height: 15-18 inches
• Weight: 17-33 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low to moderate
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hip dysplasia, Patella Luxation, Primary Lens Luxation, Degenerative Myelopathy

The Pumi is a lively, medium-sized herding dog but has Terrier characteristics. Its Terrier features are most obvious in its head, which has semi-prick ears and an elongated head. It is a square breed, with a good amount of leg and a wavy, medium coat that forms curls. The Pumi comes in a variety of solid colors, and gray is a favorite.

The Pumi is a bold, active dog with a rather restless temperament. This dog can be a little suspicious when meeting new people, but it is not considered a shy breed. The breed is constantly on the alert, looking for action, and can be rather noisy.

23. Yorkshire Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Height: 9-10 inches
• Weight: 5-8 pounds
• Activity Level: High
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to Bark: High
• Kid Friendliness: High
• Typical Price Range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Hypoglycemia, musculoskeletal disorders, eye disease, liver shunts

The Yorkshire Terrier’s appearance is similar to the well-balanced, long-coated, small terrier, and readily identified by its steel blue or gray, straight flowy coat.

The hair is parted at the muzzle and from the base of the skull all the way to the end of the tail. This breeds body is square and evenly proportioned. This dog carries his head high and in a confident way, giving the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

The Yorkshire Terrier is tolerant of older children but is not recommended for young children unless carefully supervised. The Yorkshire Terrier can occasionally be a bit too bold when coming into contact with larger dogs, but gets along fine with cats and other household pets. This breed prefers to live indoors and is not fond of cold climates.

24. Italian Greyhound

Breed Overview:

• Height: 12-15 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to Bark: Low
• Kid Friendliness: High
• Typical Price Range: $$-$$$
• Potential health issues: Autoimmune diseases, eye disease, joint disease

Basically, this dog is a slender miniature greyhound. The Italian greyhound embodies the same qualities that enable the full-sized greyhound to run at top speed using its double-suspension gallop with a curvaceous outline, a slight arch over the loin, and good rear angulation. The coat is short and glossy, like satin, and comes in a gorgeous gray as well as other shades.

A sighthound in a small package, the Italian greyhound shares its bigger relatives’ characteristics. It loves to run and chase. It is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved and often timid with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children and other dogs and pets. However, it can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs.

25. Poodle

Breed Overview:

• Height: 10-15 inches
• Weight: 14-30 pounds
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to Bark: Moderate to high
• Kid Friendliness: High
• Typical Price Range: $-$$$
• Potential health issues: Epilepsy, hypoglycemia, eye disease, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders

The poodle is the national dog of France, and the French do love poodles. Poodles come in three size varieties: standard, which stand more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; miniatures, Miniatures that are 15 inches or under; and toys, which stand no more than 10 inches tall. All three varieties have the same build and proportions.

The Standard Poodle was originally used by hunters to retrieve fowl from water. The smaller varieties of the breed were bred from the original in France, where they were once used as circus performers but have become companion dogs.

The coat is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes.

Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart dogs of remarkable versatility. The Poodle tends to be goofy, loves to play, and always up for a game of any kind.

This breed is also very fond of humans and eager to please. With this breed’s known intelligence and pleasing style, this is a dog that is highly trainable. The poodle is protective of his home and humans, and if strangers approach, he will sound a warning bark to notify you.

Final Thoughts

Gray is one of the most beautiful colors for a dog. There really are a lot of different gray dogs in all different sizes to choose from. As we have mentioned in this article, they all have different needs when it comes to care, training, exercise, and individual needs. Although there are other more common colors for dogs, many breeds can have a totally gray coat with colors such as liver, blue (gray), or Isabella, which is the effect of a pigment called eumelanin.