Blue is an uncommon coat color for mastiffs, as most mastiffs have fawn, apricot, brindle, or black coats. However, there are a few mastiff breeds that can have blue coats, including the Neapolitan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, and Cane Corso. The blue coat color is produced by a dilute gene that causes black hair to become a slate blue or gray color. This gene is recessive, so both parents must carry it for blue puppies to be produced.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an Italian breed known for its loose skin and wrinkles. This massive breed was originally used as a guard and war dog by the Roman legions. Neapolitan Mastiffs come in several coat colors, including blue:
| Coat Colors | Black, Blue, Mahogany, Tawny |
The blue Neapolitan Mastiff has a distinctive slate blue or gray coat. It is not as common as the black, mahogany, or tawny coats, but it does regularly occur in Neapolitan Mastiff litters. Both the sire and dam must carry the dilute gene for blue puppies to be produced.
Some key facts about blue Neapolitan Mastiffs:
– Originated in Italy as a guard dog. One of the oldest mastiff breeds.
– Massive in size with abundant skin and wrinkles. Males 150-200 lbs, females 110-150 lbs.
– Requires minimal grooming and moderate exercise. Calm temperament. Makes a loyal watchdog.
– Prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and skin fold infections. Lifespan of 7-9 years.
– Blue coat color caused by a dilute gene. Less common than black, mahogany or tawny coats.
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is an ancient livestock guardian breed from Spain. It has a powerful, muscular body covered in a coarse, woolly coat. The Spanish Mastiff can have a blue-gray coat color:
| Coat Colors | Yellow, Red, Brown, Wolf-Gray, Blue |
The blue Spanish Mastiff has a unique blue-gray coat. Both parents must carry the dilute gene for blue puppies to be produced. The blue coat is less common than the more typical yellow, red, brown, or wolf-gray coats seen in the breed.
Here are some quick facts about blue Spanish Mastiffs:
– Originated in Spain to guard flocks from wolves and other predators.
– Large and powerful with a muscular build. Males 140-220 lbs, females 110-170 lbs.
– Low exercise needs but requires space. Calm, dignified temperament. Wary of strangers.
– Coat is coarse and woolly. Moderate shedding.
– Prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia. Lifespan of 10-11 years.
– Blue-gray coat caused by a dilute gene. Uncommon compared to other coat colors.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff breed developed to hunt big game and guard property. It has a short, stiff coat that can come in blue:
| Coat Colors | Black, Gray, Red, Fawn, Brindle, Blue |
The blue Cane Corso has a unique blue-gray coat. It is an allowable coat color in the breed standard but is less common than black, fawn, red, or brindle coats.
Here are some quick facts on blue Cane Corsos:
– Developed in Italy to hunt wild boar and serve as a guard dog.
– Large, muscular build with a short, stiff coat. Males 90-120 lbs, females 80-100 lbs.
– Needs regular exercise and training. Alert, confident temperament.
– Low maintenance grooming. Seasonal moderate shedding.
– Prone to hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Lifespan of 10-12 years.
– Blue-gray coat caused by a recessive dilute gene. Not as common as other colors.
Other Blue Mastiff Breeds
A few other mastiff breeds may occasionally have blue coat puppies, even if it is not listed as an allowable color in the breed standard:
– Bullmastiff – Common colors are fawn, brindle, or red. Rarely blue.
– Mastiff – Fawn, apricot or brindle are standard. Blue is possible but very rare.
– Dogue de Bordeaux – Standard colors are various shades of red. Blue is a rare occurrence.
These breeds do not commonly produce blue puppies, but it can happen if both parents are carriers of the dilute gene. However, blue coats are generally not considered acceptable for showing or breeding these mastiff breeds.
Genetics of the Blue Coat
The genetic basis of the blue or gray coat color in mastiffs is a recessive dilute gene. Here is an explanation of how this coat color is inherited:
| Gene | Dilute (d) |
| Function | Dilutes black pigment to gray/blue |
| Inheritance | Autosomal Recessive – both parents must carry gene |
– The dilute gene (d) dilutes black pigment to blue/gray when two recessive copies are present (dd).
– Puppies inherit one copy of the gene from each parent.
– If a puppy inherits the dominant regular color gene (D) from either parent, the coat will NOT be blue.
– For blue puppies, both parents must be carriers of the dilute gene (Dd).
Therefore, two carrier parents can produce a litter with black puppies and blue puppies depending on inherited gene combinations. But two non-carriers cannot produce any blues.
Blue Coat Controversy
The blue coat color is controversial among some mastiff breeders and fanciers. Here are some of the debates around blue mastiffs:
Arguments Against Blue
– Not considered acceptable coat color in many breed standards.
– Associated with skin problems and alopecia (hair loss).
– Some claim it indicates inbreeding or mixed ancestry.
– Purists argue it goes against tradition and breed purity.
Arguments Supporting Blue
– Blue has long naturally occurred in mastiff breeds.
– No scientific evidence it causes health issues when responsibly bred.
– Adds diversity of color with no other downsides.
– Breed standards slowly change over time.
– Judge dogs based on health and temperament rather than coat color.
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue. Responsible breeding for health is most important for any coat color.
Finding a Blue Mastiff Puppy
Here are some tips for finding a responsible blue mastiff breeder:
– Research breed clubs and talk to breed experts to find recommended breeders.
– Ensure the breeder screens for health issues common to the breed.
– Ask about the temperament and genetic health of the parents.
– Seek breeders who focus on health and temperament over color.
– Be prepared to join a waitlist, as blue litters are infrequent.
– Expect to pay a premium price for a rare blue mastiff puppy.
Take time finding a breeder who breeds for excellent health and conformation regardless of coat color. Be wary of breeders who charge exorbitant prices for blue puppies alone.
Caring for a Blue Coated Mastiff
Caring for a blue mastiff is similar to caring for mastiffs of other coat colors but here are a few tips:
– Brush regularly using a slicker brush to control loose hair.
– Check skin folds for infections; clean and dry thoroughly.
– Limit sun exposure to prevent sunburn on light pigmented skin.
– Provide joint supplements to support bone health.
– Adhere to regular vet visits and recommended health screens.
– Provide early socialization and training.
– Be prepared for a shorter lifespan of 7-10 years.
– Otherwise feed a high quality diet and provide plenty of exercise.
With proper care and health screening, a blue mastiff can be a wonderful, loving companion like any mastiff. Take extra steps to ensure their skin and joints stay healthy.
Conclusion
In summary, blue is an uncommon dilute coat color in some mastiff breeds like the Neapolitan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff and Cane Corso. It is caused by a recessive gene that dilutes black pigment. Blue mastiffs are controversial, but can make loyal companions with responsible health screening. Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when seeking the rare blue coat. With proper care, a blue mastiff has the same endearing mastiff temperament despite its unusual color.
