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Blue-Eyed Dog Breeds – Profiles, Genetics, FAQ

Written by Larese
Larese is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Thursday 3 December 2020
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
stunning blue-eyed dog breeds
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We know how adorable it is to look at those blue-eyed dogs. It leaves an enigmatic and mysterious, yet charming impression that anyone would love. Genetic abnormalities like Albinism are causes of blue-eyed dog breeds, which are often rare. Regardless, these canines are fun to have and play with at home.

Dogs with blue eyes are beautiful and unique, especially those that have one blue and brown optics. The infrequent features happen in different breeds. All pooches are attractive in their ways, but if you plan to adopt a pet with blue eyes, here are some blue-eyed breeds.

Top 15 Stunning Blue-Eyed Dog Breeds

There are many reasons why dogs have blue eyes; it could be because of genes, Albinism, and merle breeds. The latter can cause color variances in both the coat and the eyes. Sometimes, it could also be a sign of eye condition, which you don’t want to happen. Some pet owners are looking for blue-eyed dogs for sale, so let us look at some breeds that may carry dominant blue eyes genes.

1. Siberian Husky

One of the most popular blue-eyed dogs is the Siberian Husky. If you are looking for those canines with dominant blue eye genes, this is the breed you want to adopt. Despite having that “domineering” look, Huskies are highly sociable, mischievous, and devoted to their owners. It is common for this dog breed to have blue eyes on its blood, but some also have brown and ice-blue ice or the lighter-colored ones. The question is, why does it have prominent blue eyes?

According to studies, the gene mutation is the main reason behind Siberian Huskies’ beautiful blue eyes. It is what they call the ALX4 on chromosome 18 that links with the development of stunning color blue eyes on dogs. These blue eyes reflect its root to northern Russia’s frozen lands full of snow and cold winter winds.

2. Australian Shepherd

Most Australian Shepherds have beautiful merle coats, and some breeds have their blue eyes due to the extension of the merle patterns. On the other hand, some of them inherit a blue-eyed gene. This mix gives them the feeling of being free-spirited extraordinarily and a little on the wild side. Most of these canines have almond-shaped eyes that can come in different hues like brown, amber, blue, or a combination of any color. Intelligent, cheerful, and diligent are some traits that you will love about Aussie Shepherds.

Moreover, its rich history of herding dogs makes these canines remain loyal to its friends and owners. A great companion that is always ready to learn and full of energy, with some beautiful blue eyes; what’s not to like with this dog?

3. Border Collie

You may not have heard of it yet often, but Border Collie may also be one of those blue-eyed dogs. These extremely loyal, energetic, and smart breeds also have colored eyes due to merle patterning. Pigment dilution in their coat means there’s a risk the eye pigment will come out lighter. The more dilution of the pigments, the more likely we would find blue-eyed among its puppies.

Just like Australian Shepherds, Border Collie historically originated from the British Isles, where they became herding dogs. Until the locals in the area have successfully bred one of the most intelligent dogs in the entire canine world. If you want to adopt Border Collie, regardless of the color of their eyes, you have to know this breed requires plenty of physical and mental exercise. These breeds are so smart that a lazy lifestyle is not suitable.

4. Dachshund

Most Dachshunds are brown dogs, but some of them may also have blue eyes. These small dogs with blue eyes have a dapple or merle pattern expressed as lighter-colored areas against its darker base color. Some dapples cause blue-tinted eyes with the canine’s partial or whole optics. Regardless of the eye color, Dachshunds are fierce, loving, and always curious. Do you know why this breed has such a cute elongated body?

According to its history, Dachshunds were bred for hunting badgers and vermin in Germany. Since they have to work underground, breeders made a unique body shape. As a result, Dachshunds have elongated rib-cage allowing them to process air efficiently. On the other hand, short legs are always ready to make natural movements for hunting. Nowadays, we know that Dachshunds are not for hunting anymore because they are more likely to sit and get lazy with their human parents.

5.Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The coat of Cardigan Welsh Corgis come in different shades like red, brown, brindle, black, and blue merle. Just like most blue-eyed canines, this breed has its eye coloring tied to its merle coating. On rare occasions, Corgis can also develop blue-tinted eyes due to their genes. If you love playful, loyal, and smart pooches, these dogs never fail. Plus, some of them have pretty blue eyes.

Initially, Cardigan Welsh Corgi is for handling livestock and overall farm duties because of its innate strong work drive. Moreover, it can excel well in various dog sports. With its evolution, you can train these dogs well because they’ve become so intelligent. You can also bring this pooch for different exercises and playing activities because their shorter bodies also offer plenty of power and agility.

6. Weimaraner

The most exciting thing about Weimaraners is that although most of these breeds appear to have blue eyes at birth, it can still change soon as they start producing more melanin. Some may maintain a blue-gray look throughout their lives; others may eventually go into warmer colors like amber or gold. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that this magnificent and highly intelligent undervalued breed deserves greater recognition.

Most Weimaraners have a leek, bright coloring, and lithe body, which are the reasons others call it the “Gray Ghost.” Still, these are confident, affectionate, and friendly canines that can level with you in exercising and playing at home. If you are lucky, some of them can maintain dominant blue-eye pigments on their genes.

stunning blue-eyed dog breeds
Weimaraners are also called “gray ghosts”.

7. German Shepherd

In rare conditions, a genetic variation can cause German Shepherds to have blue eyes. In a Shepherd, blue eyes would often result when mixed to Husky. To be honest, looking for blue-eyed German Shepherds can be tough and challenging. It is because the vast majority of this breed comes with brown eyes. However, we believe that it deserves a spot on this list because some may still exhibit one blue and brown eyes, which is more interesting.

A great combination is the blue coloring, along with its regal and stern style. Most breeders already find this trait to be a fault due to most German Shepherds’ natural coat and coloring. Whether blue or brown eyes, it shouldn’t stand the way if you want to have a German Shepherd companion.

8. Shetland Sheepdog

Most herding dogs tend to acquire blue eyes, and Shetland Sheepdog is no exception. This bright, active, and fluffy breed can have blue eye pigments due to its merle gene. It only means that dappled Shetland Sheepdogs have higher chances of having lighter eyes. Being herding dogs, expect that these breeds are highly intelligent and always want to play with their human parents.

As much as possible, don’t leave Shetland Sheepdogs at home alone because they could get easily stressed and develop anxiety. It only means that they are companion dogs and best suited for large and outgoing families. Moreover, you wouldn’t have any problems when it comes to dealing with other dogs and pets.

9. Dalmatian

We’ve seen Dalmatians in a popular movie, and some of its breeds can have color blue eyes. However, unlike other blue-eyed dog breeds, Dalmatians with this condition may develop deafness as they grow older. A study for Dalmatians suggests that almost 30% of this breed may suffer hearing loss in both ears. It is because the blue pigments can be connected with the auto-recessive gene that also affects the iris color.

Breeders won’t specifically breed blue-eyed Dalmatians, but it can still happen sometimes due to its coat coloring. So, be reminded of these conditions when looking for dogs with blue eyes. Still, Dalmatians are great companions because of their friendliness, smartness, and, of course, its beautiful spots. It means flaws can also turn into something positive and beautiful.

10. American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier is one of those small dogs with beautiful blue eyes. It happens on rare occasions, but some Pit Bulls can develop stunning blue eyes in its genes, just like other eye pigments like brown, yellow, and even green. Unfortunately, blue eyes are not common for Pit Bulls, but it still can happen for mix breeds.

The AKC barred any blue-eyed Pit Bull from dog shows. These “macho” dog breeds are still one of the most caring, confident, and friendly canines that you can adopt. Did you know that there are different types of Pit Bulls? Check them out here.

11. Alaskan Malamute

It looks like its cousins with Huskies, but Alaskan Malamutes have their distinct traits and looks. This loyal, playful, and friendly breed may tend to inherit dark amber brown, ice-blue, or blue eyes. Some breeders claim that blue-eyed Alaskan Malamutes are not real purebred, but a Malamute Husky mix. While it is still plausible, there are no distinct proofs since there is no enough genetic data to prove this theory.

Regardless, Alaskan Malamutes are great-looking breeds that are excellent companions as well. However, due to its thick coating, it requires sleeping and staying in cold places; but air-conditioned rooms will work.

alaskan malamute eyes
Some Alaskan Malamutes have blue eyes!

12. Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais are smaller cousins of Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, which, in some cases, may look nearly identical to each other. Its dominant genes can make blue, light sky blue, or darker ocean blue optics. You’ll love that most breeds have blue eyes, but some may also develop brown eyes or two-colored eyes. If you want to have an intelligent and energetic companion at home with an exotic and mysterious look, you can always look and adopt this breed.

Compared to its cousins with blue-eyed dogs, you don’t have to deal with big bodies. However, take note that Alaskan Klee Kai requires plenty of exercises and playtime. These canines are not the best lap dogs. With its high energy and excitation, this tenacious spitz took the agility world by storm. Due to its high prey drive, you can never let it off its leash when going outside.

13. Great Dane

Affectionate, patient, and stable – Great Danes can also have blue eyes depending on its coat color. Some can develop blue eyes, while others have brown. Like Weimaraners, this breed can start with blue eyes, but it can disappear and be left only with its brown pigments. It is only on rare occasions that the blue-eyed dogs stay once the pooch reaches its adulthood. Whether blue or brown, you can enjoy playing and adopting Great Danes.

According to the AKC, the black-and-white coat can cause blue eyes on this breed, referred to as “harlequin.” It is also worth noting that most of these dogs may experience specific health problems relating to eyes, such as partial blindness. Hence, it is essential to follow best practices in breeding Danes.

14. Boxer

Boxers may not be famous for having blue eyes, but it is possible to happen in rare cases, especially on white breeds. It is because most white Boxers have small amounts of color or spots, markings, and patches on the skin. Moreover, experts believe that this color of the breed has pigment in their eyes, familiar to those with blue colored eyes.

The only ones mentioned on the AKC norm are dark eyes, but the blue eyes occasionally occur in boxers. One blue eye and one brown eye are both apparent. Still, it’s an energetic yet bouncy pet, so make sure you set up ways to prevent a tall, jumpy dog early on.

15. Rottweiler

With their black and tan coat and brown eyes, Rottweilers have an iconic look, but there are also blue-eyed dogs. It rarely happens, but some of these breeds have either two blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. However, the American Kennel Club does not recognize this eye color for this breed for other show competitions.

It is because there’s a good chance that Rottweilers with blue eyes aren’t 100% purebred due to the rarity of this trait. They may have had some mixes back into their bloodline, possibly with a Husky. Still, blue-eyed Rottweilers are stunning. You can adapt it if you only want a companion with remarkable blue-eyed dogs.

About Blue-Eyed Dog Breeds

Blue-eyed dogs are cute and will always be beautiful, but most breeds don’t have it. However, it doesn’t mean that these brown, green, or black-eyed dogs are no longer good companions. Regardless of the color of the dog’s eyes, we, as pet parents, should always be affectionate towards canines as they are to us.

What breeds of dogs have blue eyes?

Siberian Huskies are one of the most admired breeds with blue eyes. It is natural for these breeds to have blue eyes because of its not common genes to almost any breed. There are so many factors that help determine the appearance of a dog. All it takes is one mutation or a change in their genes. Other blue-eyed dogs are Alaskan Malamute, Alaskan Klee Kai, and Weimaraners.

Are blue eyes in dogs bad?

Blue-eyed dogs are due to genes, merle coats, and, worst, it can also be a sign of illness. Certain eye conditions for dogs can make their eyes appear blue, just like the case in some Dalmatians. According to Washington State University, dogs with genetically blue eyes are more prone to having hearing impairments. One common condition is Cataract. This disorder causes the cornea to cloud, which may give the eyes a brown, milky, or bluish appearance.

Cataracts usually seen in older dogs are because of aging, injury, or illness, and can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma, Corneal Dystrophy, Nuclear Sclerosis, and Anterior Uveitis are other conditions that may affect blue-eyed dogs. Hence, you must know its family tree and regular consultation with a veterinarian to prevent it.

Do blue dogs have blue eyes?

Sometimes, dogs have blue eyes are because of the blue coloring of the coat called merle. It features irregularly shaped patches of diluted pigment and solid color. This condition is prevalent in most dog breeds, but it can also be harmful. For example, breeding two merle-colored dogs can lead to puppies having auditory and visual problems. Often dogs may have two different colored eyes, one blue or partly blue, and experts call it heterochromia, which may also imply health issues.

Scientists also found that blue-eyed dogs can also be because of genetic mutation passed down through recessive genes. It only means that both of the parent dogs have the gene passed onto their offspring. In some cases, dogs with blue eyes are a result of decreased pigmentation. It appears to be blue pigments, but it is not.

What causes a dog to have blue eyes?

Blue eyes on dogs are because of the lack of pigment in the skin. Canines inherit the eyes’ color, which is why certain breeds, unlike huskies, also have blue eyes. On the other hand, the Merle gene is a hereditary pattern that influences the dog’s skin, resulting in shades of white, blue, red, and more.

Finally, a dog may have blue eyes due to Albinism. This gene mutation results in a completely white dog that lacks pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Albinos always have blue eyes, and their skin has an intense pink coloring that’s more obvious around the eyes. It can lead to blindness and deafness.

Overall, Siberian Huskies are the most popular blue-eyed dogs. Regardless of the eye color, whether it is brown, green, or blue, dogs are all the same. They will love you unconditionally despite its eye pigments, coat colors, shapes, and sizes. They all want two things from us – love and appreciation. Once you adopt your pooch, here are some cute blue-eyed dog names.

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