Dogs with bluish coats look special but may develop problems

Small Labradors with shiny fur are very much in demand. But behind this look could be a dangerous pigmentation of the coat hairs. — Andrea Warnecke/dpa

They stand out from the crowd, and can look great. But puppies with Blue Dog Syndrome will suffer from painful skin problems as they grow up – and there’s no cure.

The coat of a Doberman might shine in a wonderful blue-black, while sweet little Labrador pups can have a silvery shimmer. But animal rights activists warn real animal lovers to steer clear of buying a dog with such a coat.