Dogs with blue eyes have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people finding them irresistible. While all dogs are unique and special in their own way, something about a blue-eyed pup makes them incredibly captivating.
Perhaps it is their striking appearance or their piercing gaze. Or maybe it is simply the fact that they are relatively rare. Whatever the reason, blue-eyed dogs have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
There are quite a few breeds of dogs with blue eyes, and each breed has its own distinct personality and set of characteristics. However, they all share one common trait: they are sure to steal your heart. So, if you are looking for a furry friend that will add some excitement to your life, consider adopting a puppy with blue eyes. So keep reading to learn about the various breeds that have blue eyes.
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have Blue Eyes?
Blue eyes in dogs are caused by a lack of color in the eyes. The eyes appear to be blue due to how the light reflects off of them. This is similar to why the sky appears blue but isn’t. Because of the reflection of light, the sky only seems blue. It’s called the Tyndall effect!
Two genes influence whether a dog has blue eyes. The gene that controls the merle coat is the first (known as the M-locus or merle gene). The second is the gene that influences piebald markings (the S-locus gene). Dogs with a patterned coat color have a greater chance of having a dominant blue eye gene that gives them those gorgeous baby blue eyes.
Those two genes, on the other hand, only go so far. Those genes don’t explain why dogs with non-patterned coats can have blue eyes. For example, Siberian Huskies and Tri-colored Australian Shepherds can have blue eyes despite lacking the M-locus or S-locus mutations.
However, recent research by dog DNA firm Embark (*) looked at eye color by comparing genetic diversity to trait variation. The study provided further insights into why dogs without the M-locus or S-locus gene can still have blue eyes.
The long and short of it is that the study discovered a genetic sequence near the ALX4 gene, which disrupts pigment development in the eyes. According to Embark, 75 percent of blue-eyed dogs in its database are explained by the M-locus and S-locus genes and the identified duplication near the ALX4 gene.
Dog Breeds With Baby Blues
#1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why. They are beautiful dogs, with their thick fur coats and a blue-eyed trait that gives them those striking blue eyes.
As such, they are considered a natural blue-eyed dog breed. But they are also famously friendly and good-natured, making them great family pets.
Siberian Huskies were originally bred as working dogs, and they still retain some of those instincts. They are high-energy dogs who love to run and play, and they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. But with the right amount of activity, a Siberian Husky can make an excellent companion for anyone looking for an active, loving dog.
Because they are strong-willed, they should begin training early and obtain mental stimulation daily to prevent problems.
#2. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is one of the few dog breeds that can have blue eyes. However, this is a recessive trait, so not all Weimaraners will have blue eyes. If you’re looking for a dog with this unique eye color, you’ll want to know more about the Weimaraner breed and its temperament.
The Weimaraner is a hunting dog that was originally bred in Germany. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. However, they do require a lot of exercise and training. They are also known for being very stubborn!
If you’re considering adding a blue-eyed Weimaraner to your family, be prepared for an energetic and determined pup. But with the proper training and plenty of exercise, they can be loving and obedient dogs.
#3. Australian Cattle Dog
A blue-eyed Australian Cattle Dog is a natural beauty. But there’s more to this pup than just good looks. The ACD is an intelligent, active breed that makes a great companion for a busy family.
The pup is a medium-sized breed with a muscular build. Males typically weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, while females weigh slightly less, between 30 and 40 pounds.
This breed has a short, dense coat that comes in two colors: red or blue. Red ACDs have a base color of red with various shades of red and tan markings. Blue ACDs have a blue-gray base color with darker blue markings.
Both colors of Australian Cattle Dogs can have either brown or blue eyes. But it’s not uncommon for this breed to have one brown eye and one blue eye, a condition known as heterochromia.
The ACD is an intelligent breed that quickly learns new things. They are also very active and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
ACDs make great family pets, but they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners. This breed requires firm, consistent training from an early age to prevent problem behaviors from developing.
#4. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are one of the most recognizable breeds due to their unique appearance. They are best known for their black spots on a white coat, but did you know they can also have blue eyes?
While most Dalmatians have brown eyes, about 10-20% of the population has blue eyes. This results from a genetic mutation that causes the breed to produce less melanin, the pigment that gives color to the eyes.
While blue-eyed Dalmatians are just as healthy as their brown-eyed counterparts, breeders often consider them less desirable. This is because the blue eye color is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and therefore does not conform to the breed standard.
Despite this, many people find blue-eyed Dalmatians just as beautiful as their brown-eyed counterparts.
#5. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed of sheepdog known for its high intelligence and working ability. This breed is one of the most popular herding dogs in the world and has also been successful in other dog sports such as agility and obedience.
The dog’s coat is typically black and white, but it can also be brindle, merle, or tricolored. In addition, they have a medium-length coat that can be either smooth or rough.
This breed is known for its high energy level and intense work ethic. Border Collies need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are not the best choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a low-maintenance pet.
While most Border Collies have brown eyes, about 8-10% of the population has blue eyes. This is caused by a recessive gene that leads to a reduction in melanin production. Blue-eyed Collies are just as healthy and intelligent as their brown-eyed counterparts and make great family pets.
#6. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small breed of dog known for its long body and short legs. This breed comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They also come in a variety of coat types, including smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired.
Dachshunds are typically brown or black with tan markings. However, they can also be red, cream, blue, or fawn. They have a medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
This breed is known for being very stubborn! So if you’re considering adding a Dachshund to your family, be prepared for a determined pup. But with the proper training and plenty of patience, they can be well-mannered dogs.
Although most Dachshunds have brown eyes, they can have light blue eyes if they are merle or dappled.
#7. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are beautiful animals often sought after for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. But did you know that some German Shepherds have blue eyes?
While blue eyes in dogs are relatively rare, they’re even more uncommon in a German Shepherd dog. In fact, the vast majority of German Shepherds have brown eyes. So if you see a German Shepherd with blue eyes, you’re definitely seeing something special!
German Shepherds are known for being loyal and protective of their families. They are also intelligent and quick to learn. But what many people don’t realize is that these dogs also have a sweet and gentle side.
#8. Great Dane
The Great Dane, often known as the “gentle giant,” is one of the largest dog breeds with a history of blue eyes.
At first glance, the modest giants stand out for their stature alone, but a Great Dane with lovely blue eyes is a standout. Most Great Dane puppies have blue eyes that change to brown as they get older. So dapple-coated harlequin and merle Great Danes have baby blues for the duration of their lives.
Blue eyes are most common in black-and-white Great Danes with Heterochromia or Great Danes with Merle coats.
These enormous dogs are protective, loving watchdogs that are surprisingly adaptable to homes of all sizes.
Because of his quiet, inactive nature, the giant breed is apartment-friendly, but consider how you would get him in and out if he was injured or sick and unable to manage them independently before moving him into a home with steps.
#8. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a bright and high-energy dog. They are not “hyper,” as their name implies. They’re highly trainable and make excellent watchdogs, unlike many husky breeds. Furthermore, they are wary of strangers, unlike their relatives. They need to be fed, watered, and cared for on a regular basis.
They are most often found at their owner’s side. They can “talk back” and “howl,” but they are not excessive barkers. However, a Klee Kai may be people-shy from time to time. This behavior is considered undesirable, and dogs displaying it are neutered.
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in a variety of eye colors. Brown is the most prevalent eye color for dogs, although many Alaskan Klee Kai have stunning blue eyes. They can also have various types of brown, hazel, and green eyes.
The Klee kai requires a reasonable amount of exercise. They can become escape artists as a result of their intellect. The Klee Kai may scale fences to get away from them if they are annoyed. The Klee kai has a sense of humor and may play pranks on its owner. In dog agility, they shine.
#10. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is not from Australia, but Basque shepherds created him in the United States. Unfortunately, the confusion over his origins is just one of many things people get wrong about this talented and hard-working herding dog.
The Australian Shepherd is a breed of dog originally bred to herd livestock. The Aussie’s blue-eyed gene comes naturally; it was initially bred as a herding dog.
The Aussie, which is high-energy and active, is treasured for its unique coat pattern, including everything from eyes to toes. Merle, red Merle, Blue Merle, black, black tricolor, red tricolor, and other coat colors are common.
Aussies are an excellent breed for agility, as their energy and intellect are challenging to beat. However, future owners must understand that Aussies require daily exercise with that in mind.
Aussies are eager to please, and once they get to know you, their amiable dispositions make them popular household members.
11. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are intelligent, playful, and highly adaptable (and, of course, skilled at “splooting”), making them the ideal companion for active families — with or without children or other furry companions.
Cardigans are the ideal partners since they’re just as content to sit beside you watching your favorite shows as playing fetch in the park. On the other hand, Cardis tend to be wary of strangers, so don’t be alarmed when their adorable face barks non-stop when the doorbell rings.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a small breed with tiny bodies, short legs, and a stocky build that can deceive potential buyers. However, these pint-sized dynamos can sprint with remarkable agility and speed. With alert foxlike faces and bushy, low-set tails that shoot up when intrigued, they look attentive and pleasant, with a brave bark that could make much larger dogs jealous.
Each Cardigan is unique because coat hues range from reds, brindles (subtle tiger stripes), sables, and black or blue merles (mottled colors) to black or blue merles with white markings, multi-colored patterns, and geometric forms.
The Cardigan Welsh corgi may have bright blue eyes to complement their unusual appearance. A Cardigan can have two blue eyes, one blue and one brown, or even both colors in the same eye.
#12. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a powerful, self-reliant dog that requires strong leadership. The breed’s activity level varies from person to person, but it’s a good idea to anticipate he’ll need a lot of exercise.
Always walk him on a leash to prevent him from practicing his aggressive driving skills on other animals. The Catahoula Leopard pup may live indoors or outside, but he requires a securely fenced yard with human company.
The Catahoula Leopard is a great watchdog. While unemotional towards strangers he doesn’t know, the Catahoula Leopard Dog should never be bashful or aggressive. The Catahoula is a clown at heart, pleasant, loyal, and devoted when with his family.
This canine breed is medium-sized. It has a spotted coat that may be any color, including blue, red, gray, black, cream, or chocolate. Their eyes can also be blue, amber, green, brown, or any combination thereof. Most Catahoulas have merle patterns or leopard-like spots of several colors on their coats.
#13. American Pit Bull Terrier
Another dog born with blue eyes that changes color as it grows up is the pit bull. Blue-eyed adult pit bulls exist, but they’re more often found with blue, gray, or brindle-coated pits.
Pit bulls make wonderful family pets and can be gentle and patient with all of their family members (with the exception of other pit bulls). There are exceptions to every rule.
Pit bulls are fearless, tenacious, and obstinate. They were bred to be brave and game in the face of adversity, with these traits giving them stubbornness, tenacity, and fearlessness. As with any big dog, pit bulls require close monitoring when around youngsters.
Living with a Pitbull is always an adventure. These are lively dogs that are constantly up for a game. They must have a rigorous exercise session every day to maintain their health. Despite their reputation, they are not cold weather dogs and should be kept away from the elements.
Because it is a wonderful bonding technique, obedience training should be conducted with pit bulls. When they are not friendly with other dogs, they should be kept on a leash.
Is There a Risk of Deafness in Dogs With Blue Eyes?
If you have a blue-eyed dog, you might be wondering if they’re at risk of going deaf in one or both ears. The answer is yes, blue-eyed dogs are more likely to be affected by deafness than dogs with other eye colors.
This is because the gene that gives rise to blue eyes also increases the risk of deafness. However, it’s important to note that not all blue-eyed dogs will go deaf; it’s estimated that only around 10% of blue-eyed dogs will develop deafness in one or both ears.
So, if you have a blue-eyed dog, there’s no need to panic – just be aware that they may be more susceptible to deafness and take any necessary precautions.
Stay Away from These Breeds if you Want a Dog With Blue Eyes
If you’re looking for dog breeds with blue eyes, the majority of breeds should be avoided. The most frequent eye color in dogs is dark brown. Golden retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, GSDs, Beagles, Dobermans, Poodles, and many other types of purebreds are most resistant to having light-colored eyes.
If any of these breeds are bred with dogs with light eyes, the puppies have a higher chance of having blue eyes.
Final Thoughts
There are many blue-eyed dog breeds, but the ones we’ve selected here are among the most popular. Whether you’re looking to adopt a mixed breed puppy or a purebred, any dog with blue eyes is going to attract attention wherever you go. Prepare to stop and engage with strangers while they inquire about your dog’s breed and history! Get ready for a lot of attention and compliments on your dog’s gorgeous baby blues!
References
(1) Embark
*photo by KrisColea-depositphotos
