If you’re a devotee of the German Shepherd or have a passion for wolfdogs, prepare for an exciting journey into the creation of an exceptional breed. I have the pleasure of guiding you through the discovery of the Blue Bay Shepherd, a rarity among canines that you’re unlikely to encounter on your daily walks.
While delving into the history of this breed, I discovered a tale of tenacity and vision. A story of one woman’s unwavering dedication to crafting the epitome of the German Shepherd Dog, a mission imbued with exclusivity and marked by a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest. Join me as we uncover the allure of the Blue Bay Shepherd.
Key Takeaways
- The Blue Bay Shepherd is a distinguished breed, seldom seen in everyday settings.
- A single individual’s commitment led to the development of this unique version of the German Shepherd.
- Discovering the Blue Bay Shepherd offers an air of excitement and a sense of rarity within the canine world.
Enthusiasm for Breeders of the Unique Blue Bay Shepherd
The Exclusive Breeding Grounds at Southern Breeze
I’ve come across an extraordinary tale of a singular visionary who has graced the canine world with an entirely novel breed. The Blue Bay Shepherd, an innovative breed devised by Vicki Spencer, is uniquely rooted at Southern Breeze Ranch. No other breeder worldwide has been involved in the genesis of the Blue Bay Shepherd, making it an unrivaled gem in canine circles.
Florida’s very own breeding trailblazer set out to redefine the German Shepherd breed, introducing the American Blue Bay Shepherd—an exclusive creation within the U.S. Vicki’s ambition brought forth a breed that stands as a statement of innovation, blending the distinctive blue tint of their coats with the name of her home town—making a seismic splash in the world of breeding.
The laborious path to perfection for the Blue Bay Shepherd involved fusing a five-generation wolf lineage with the commendable characteristics of the German Shepherd. Vicki’s efforts have tempered the wolf’s wild streak while enhancing the best of German Shepherd demeanor, aiming for a line that exudes both the wild spirit and the capacity for companionship.
A Quick Glance into Canine Lineages:
- Wolf DNA and German Shepherd Heritage
- Striking a Balance: Fostering Calmness Without Sacrificing Majestic Aura
- The Commitment: A 20-Year Journey to Canine Elegance
I can certainly attest to the intrigue that these dogs inspire. With their wolf-like presence, they seem to express various degrees of wilderness, ranging from subtle hints to more pronounced characteristics.
Insightful Details from the Breeder
When it comes to Blue Bay Shepherds, Southern Breeze Ranch is the only authentic point of origin. Vicki affirms the need for vigilance against deceptive claims, insisting that true Blue Bay Shepherds are accompanied by her personal certification.
The breed is still emerging, which means you won’t find them acknowledged by the American Kennel Club as of yet—further underscoring their exclusivity. And if you’re wondering about the cost for such unique companionship, it’s best to contact the ranch directly although you might anticipate a figure around the $3,500 mark; after all, rarity does have its price.
Reach Out Directly for Genuine Blue Bay Shepherd Information:
- Location: Palm Bay, Florida
- Contact: +1 561-248-4610
- Email Correspondence: [email protected]
- Explore More: Southern Breeze Ranch: Home of the Blue Bay Shepherds
The Blue Bay Shepherd journey is a testament to the wonder born from dedication and innovation. With Southern Breeze Ranch as this breed’s sole birthplace and guardian, each Blue Bay Shepherd is a living representation of Vicki’s unwavering passion—a truly marvelous achievement I’m thrilled to share.
Blue Bay Shepherds: A Comprehensive Overview
A New Chapter in German Shepherd Evolution
I’m thrilled to discuss a striking addition to the canine world, born from a blend of German shepherd heritage and wolf-like aesthetics. The inception of the Blue Bay Shepherd marks a momentous leap forward from the traditional German shepherd, initiated through a rare Blue German shepherd lineage. These dogs have inherited the blue hue in their coats due to a specific genetic trait and possess a medium-length fur that echoes the wild ancestry of wolves.
The visual pleasure of the Blue Bay’s coat contrasts beautifully with its piercing green eyes. As puppies, their eyes sparkle with a light blue color that matures into the green shade I find so enchanting. Physically, males can stand over thirty inches tall, with females trailing just slightly smaller. The breed’s silhouette is reminiscent of the wolf, complete with an athletic build, imposing paws for those endearing embraces, and a narrow chest.
Temperamentally, Blue Bay Shepherds exhibit a balanced, moderate disposition. Without a hint of unnecessary aggression found in some shepherd lines, they exude a protective instinct and are impressively trainable. The serenity often associated with husky breeds shines through as well, thanks to some Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky influence. Yet, they do harbor a streak of independence, a small tribute to their wolfish lineage.
The Vigor and Vitality of Blue Bays
The youthful state of Blue Bay Shepherd’s health records is something I view with optimism. It suggests that the meticulous breeding has potentially mitigated common ailments, although hip dysplasia and bloat are not unheard of in large breeds. While wild wolves generally have shorter lifespans, domesticated canines, including wolfdog hybrids, can expect lifetimes on par with that of large domestic dogs—about nine to twelve years.
Blue Bays As Companions: An Honest Look
Let’s address whether Blue Bay Shepherds fit the role of family pets. Unequivocally, yes—however, they’re not for the passive owner. The Blue Bay is a companion for the active, for those who thrive in the great outdoors and can provide the structured life these dogs crave. When it comes to being alone, they may display their dissatisfaction creatively if left to their own devices for too long.
As with their German shepherd cousins, Blue Bays need a firm, yet loving hand from someone who leads with authority. They respond well but only truly adhere to the family member they view as the pack leader. They’ll be great with kids, protective and moderately playful, insisting on a structured hierarchy within the family.
Grooming their double coat is a commitment—not a chore I mind, considering their majestic looks. Yet, for those with allergies or aversion to frequent vacuuming, it may be a downside due to their heavy shedding. As for their diet, Blue Bays have hearty appetites, and ensuring their nutritional needs are met is imperative. While your garden variety dog food might not cut it, seeking tailored dietary advice from the breed’s creator or a current owner could serve well to meet their needs and yours.
In conclusion, owning a Blue Bay Shepherd is a journey filled with joy, framed by the stunning elegance of their unique appearance and the rewarding depth of their companionship. For those with the space in their hearts and homes, as well as the energy and leadership they require, a Blue Bay could very well be the perfect new member of the family.
This Blue My Mind
Discovering that a breeder in Florida was crafting a new kind of canine, the Blue Bay Shepherd, truly piqued my interest. The meticulous care and dedication behind its creation are commendable and set a high bar for responsible breeding practices.
- Location of Breeding: Florida
- Breeder’s Vision: A blend of the finest traits from German Shepherds (GSD) and wolfdog lines
- Resulting Canine: Blue Bay Shepherd, with a wolf-like appearance and desirable temperaments
For those considering the Blue Bay Shepherd, it represents a unique addition to the family— a dog with a majestic wolfish look without compromising on temperament. If you’re thinking about bringing one of these remarkable dogs into your life, definitely proceed, but with a well-thought-out strategy.
More on the German Shepherd – Facts, Photos And All The Info You Need
he German Shepherd is an even-tempered, loyal, intelligent family dog
It’s no wonder that German Shepherds are consistently one of the most popular dogs. With their even-temperament, unwavering loyalty and extreme intelligence, they do make fantastic dogs to own.
Provided they are socialized properly from an early age, this breed will get on with other household cats and dogs although due to their herding roots, they can have a strong chase drive.
Personality And Temperament
They make great family dogs and form a close bond with their owners especially those who are looking for a sensible, obedient dog.
A few decades ago they were rather unfairly portrayed as more aggressive than they really are and received a bit of bad press; but thankfully people seem to be realizing that those images were not the true German Shepherd.
They require a great deal of exercise though, so are not suitable for apartments or for the frail and elderly who cannot get out to exercise much.
Due to their high intelligence, this breed needs to have mental as well as physical stimulation or they will become disruptive and will bark excessively.
Definitely not a dog to be left shut indoors alone all day – that’s just too unfair.
Breed at a Glance
Traits | Rating |
---|---|
Playfulness | |
Affection Level | |
Friendliness Towards Strangers | |
Good with Children | |
Good with Other Dogs | |
Exercise Needed | |
Ease of Training | |
Watch Dog Ability | |
Grooming | |
Shedding | |
Cold Tolerant | |
Heat Tolerant |
Understanding the Breeds at a Glance
Dog Breed Ratings Got You a Little Confused?
Here’s a little help in understanding them
- Playfulness: Most Playful = 5 Least Playful = 1
- Affection: Most Affectionate = 5 Least Affectionate = 1
- Friendliness Towards Strangers: Most Friendly = 5 Least = 1
- Good With Children: Great= 5 Not Good = 1
- Good With Dogs: Great = 5 Not Good Around Dogs = 1
- Exercise Required: Extensive Daily Exercise = 1 Minimal = 1
- Ease of Training: Very Easy = 5 Difficult = 1
- Watch Dog: Excellent Watch Dog = 5 Minimal = 1
- Grooming: Time Consuming = 5 Minimal = 1
- Shedding: Heavy Shedder = 5 Minimal = 1
- Cold Tolerance: Well Tolerated = 5 Poor Tolerance = 1
- Heat Tolerance: Well Tolerated = 5 Poor Tolerance = 1
Breed History
The German Shepherd originated in Germany as a herding dog and was used to herd and guard sheep, but has since gone on to be one of the most recognizable breeds in the World.
They date from around 1899 when they were first shown in the show ring and were introduced into the UK and the USA just after World War I.
Because of World War I and the immediate years afterwards, there were concerns that the dog’s popularity would suffer due to having the word “German” in their name, so a decision was taken by the UK Kennel Club to instead call them an “Alsatian Wolf Dog” and this name was soon adopted by other international kennel clubs although the “Wolf Dog” part eventually got dropped, leaving the word Alsatian.
Lovers of the breed campaigned to have the name returned to “German Shepherd” and they finally got their wish in 1977. In 2010, the word “Alsatian” was finally removed completely from the formal breed’s name in the UK.
At one point, most guide dogs for the blind were German Shepherd dogs due to their willingness, sense of loyalty and intelligence however this has now been overtaken by the Labrador and Golden Retriever, although they are still used.
They are also still used a military dogs and have even been taught to parachute out of aircraft!
This breed has an excellent sense of smell and are frequently used in search and rescue missions, as drug sniffer dogs and as bomb/landmine detection dogs. What a dog!
Vital StatisticsHeight: 56 – 66 cm (22 – 26 in)Weight 34 – 43 kg ( 75 – 95 lb)Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 yrsAvailable as both long and short-haired but only short-haired are allowed in the show ring |
Colors
- All black
- Black and Gold
- Grey
- Gold sable
- Bi-Colour (mostly black with gold on legs)
- White, Albino, Blues and Livers are not accepted breed standard in the UK
- Whites are common in North America where they are recognized as a separate distinct breed known as the White Shepherd
Ease Of Training
Scoring third in the “Intelligence Of Dogs” Test (behind Border Collies and Poodles), German Shepherds are highly intelligent and pick up new commends quickly.
They excel in competitive obedience trails and in agility. They are very responsive.
This athletic companion requires a considerable amount of exercise and cannot be left indoors all day.
At least one long walk a day coupled with ample time to run safely off lead and play is what this beautiful dog requires.
Some people like to use a dog harness as they feel it’s more comfortable for their dog than having something around their necks.
Protection
If it’s good enough for the Police Force and Military, then it’s good enough for us!
These guys have been used for decades as guard dogs. They are courageous, protective and loyal without being overly aggressive, although the all-white varieties tend to show a bit more aggression than the other colors.
Grooming
German Shepherd dogs have a double coat. The outer layer is straight, harsh and waterproof and the undercoat is soft and dense. The outer coat sheds throughout the year.
These long-haired dogs require daily brushing and grooming, with the occasional bath.
The amount of hair they remove is astounding and your pet looks like they’ve been professionally groomed afterwards. A big thumbs up from us!
But what happens when they blow their coat? It is a term used by breeders and other enthusiasts to describe a dog who looses the entire undercoat in one fell swoop.
All the hair that makes up the undercoat comes out in large clumps and this all happens in less than a week. It is basically a seasonal molt that happens in the Spring and Autumn.
During this time, brushing must be done daily until the last of the undercoat has been shed. This could take up to two weeks. All the dead hair is shed to make room for new. If you don’t brush or remove the hair, it will become matted and then you really have a big mess.
Beyond the coat care, these dogs need to have their nails clipped and their teeth brushed.
These dogs are also prone to ear infections, so check the ears every time you brush and clean if necessary.
Health Considerations
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Degenerative spinal stenosis
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Von Willebrand Disease
Famous German Shepherds
Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin – Film Stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Ace the Bat-Hound – Batman’s Dog
Charlie Barkin – All Dogs Go To Heaven
Real Life Stories from GSD Owners
Blaze
by Stepha Toth
(UK)
A six year old lad who is silent and proud. He is extremely loyal to his pack has a no bull approach to strangers.
On the flip side Blaze is a wonderful family dog. Training is every day because he is so eager to learn and please. But we must understand that the GSD is a mindful dog and as such if he does not see a purpose to your request the chances of him acting out your request is slim. So with all training there must be a beginning, a middle and an end.
Yes the WGSD is a more prey driven dog than its different colored stable mates. And as such in my opinion the best guard dog but is also the best family dog. As he will lay down his life for you.
Walter at 8 weeks
by Sonny
(Anchorage, AK)
Walter has been a really fun and entertaining pup that everyone loves to be around – except maybe our yellow Lab…sometimes 🙂
Bandit Reed
by Sharon Reed
(Hooksett NH)
Bandit is My German Shepherd, He is black and Tan.
Bandit has been with me for about 10 Years now. I can tell he is getting a little slower then before. But the thought of putting him down one day is very hard.
Bandit is great with my five children and Carlos the cat.
Yes, Carlos, the two of them are the best of friends. They clean each others ears and body! It’s funny to watch.
All put in a nut shell, Bandit takes very good care of us, and we take very good care of him. He makes sure that he lets us know when someone comes into our yard that shouldn’t be there.
He loves his car rides, pool, and yes, he loves to run after the tree rats.
Kaiser, the German Shepherd
by Shazz
(United Kingdom)
We rescued Kaiser from an abusive home and never looked back! Although he took a bit longer to take to my partner he loved me from the start. (We believe it was a male that neglected him before)
He’s a complete mummy’s boy and loves nothing more than having kisses and cuddles! He plays with my 11 month old son and is very protective of him.
Kaiser constantly makes sure he is in front of us and our child when out – We believe he likes to state “They are MY family!” He also plays with our cat!
His best friend is our friend’s border collie and will accept any other dog/person into our house as long as he sniffs them first- haha!
Kaiser is the best dog I have ever owned and he truly is amazing! He’s my best friend and so smart 🙂 He may be 5 but he still acts like a puppy :’)
STAR THE GERMAN SHEPHERD
by Danielle
(Nottingham England)
German Shepherd Dogs are just the perfect family pet/pack member.
Star is a rescue dog. She wasn’t socialized or trained in anyway when I adopted her 9 months ago. But the breed is so eager to please and quick to learn she now walks to heel by my side without a lead. She has excellent call back.
She loves to play with other dogs now and doesn’t want to eat my cat! They’re really good friends now! She is my best friend and companion.
Star is brilliant with my two children and we wouldn’t be without her. She has come out of her shell now and isn’t skitty anymore.
Star is proud and confident – the perfect balance for first and foremost pack member and part of the family and she is also a great deterrent to anyone who knocks at the door or peers through the window.
She is so loyal and she is my shadow. Can be a bit annoying when I need the loo but I wouldn’t change her for the world. 🙂