Blue-eyed dogs have captivated people worldwide, thanks to their irresistible charm and rarity. While every dog is unique, blue-eyed pups have a particularly striking appearance and piercing gaze that make them stand out.
Several breeds sport these beautiful blue eyes, each with its own distinct personality and traits. Regardless of the breed, these dogs are sure to steal your heart. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your life, consider adopting a blue-eyed puppy. Read on to discover the breeds that boast this eye-catching feature.
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have Blue Eyes?
Blue eyes in dogs result from a lack of pigment, similar to how the sky appears blue due to light reflection—a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect. Two primary genes influence blue eyes: the M-locus (merle gene) and the S-locus (piebald gene). These genes are more common in dogs with patterned coats, increasing their chances of having blue eyes.
However, these genes don’t explain blue eyes in all dogs. For example, Siberian Huskies and Tri-colored Australian Shepherds can have blue eyes without the M-locus or S-locus mutations. Recent research by dog DNA firm Embark revealed a genetic sequence near the ALX4 gene, which disrupts pigment development in the eyes. According to Embark, this genetic sequence, along with the M-locus and S-locus genes, explains 75% of blue-eyed dogs in their database.
Dog Breeds With Baby Blues
#1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a popular breed known for their thick fur coats and striking blue eyes. These naturally blue-eyed dogs are also famously friendly and good-natured, making them great family pets.
Originally bred as working dogs, Huskies are high-energy and love to run and play. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. With the right amount of activity, a Siberian Husky can be an excellent companion for an active, loving home.
Because they are strong-willed, early training and daily mental stimulation are essential to prevent behavioral issues.
#2. Weimaraner
Weimaraners can sometimes have blue eyes due to a recessive trait, though not all will. Known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, Weimaraners make great family pets but require ample exercise and training.
Originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, they are energetic and determined. Proper training and plenty of exercise are necessary to ensure they become loving and obedient companions.
#3. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is an intelligent and active breed, making it a great companion for busy families. This medium-sized dog has a muscular build, with males weighing 35-45 pounds and females 30-40 pounds.
ACDs have a short, dense coat that comes in red or blue. Red ACDs feature a red base color with tan markings, while blue ACDs have a blue-gray base color with darker blue markings. Both colors can have either brown or blue eyes, and heterochromia (one brown eye and one blue eye) is common.
These dogs are quick learners and require plenty of exercise. They are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide firm, consistent training from an early age to prevent problem behaviors.
#4. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are famous for their black spots on a white coat, but some can have striking blue eyes. About 10-20% of Dalmatians have blue eyes due to a genetic mutation causing reduced melanin. Although blue-eyed Dalmatians are as healthy as their brown-eyed peers, they are often less desirable to breeders because the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize this eye color. Despite this, many find blue-eyed Dalmatians just as beautiful.
#5. Border Collie
The Border Collie, a medium-sized sheepdog, is known for its intelligence and work ethic. While their coat is typically black and white, it can also be brindle, merle, or tricolored. Border Collies are high-energy and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them a challenge for first-time dog owners. About 8-10% of Border Collies have blue eyes due to a recessive gene. Blue-eyed Collies are just as healthy and intelligent as their brown-eyed counterparts and make excellent family pets.
#6. Dachshund
Dachshunds, known for their long bodies and short legs, come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, with smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats. They can be brown, black with tan markings, red, cream, blue, or fawn. Dachshunds are often stubborn but can be well-mannered with proper training and patience. Blue eyes are rare in Dachshunds but can appear in merle or dappled coats.
#7. German Shepherd
German Shepherds, known for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence, rarely boast blue eyes, making those who do quite exceptional. Typically, these dogs have brown eyes. Beyond their well-known attributes, German Shepherds also possess a gentle demeanor, often overlooked due to their protective nature.
#8. Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as the “gentle giant,” commands attention not only for its size but also for its striking blue eyes, particularly rare in adults as most puppies lose this trait as they mature. However, dapple-coated harlequin and merle Great Danes retain their blue eyes throughout their lives. These large, adaptable dogs make protective and loving companions, suitable even for apartment living with considerations for mobility in case of health issues.
#8. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai, a smaller relative of the husky, is intelligent and full of energy, making them excellent watchdogs. They are typically reserved around strangers, a trait breeders try to minimize. While predominantly brown-eyed, many Alaskan Klee Kai feature striking blue eyes, with others showing hazel or green. These dogs require regular exercise to prevent escape attempts and excel in agility challenges, reflecting their playful and cunning nature.
#10. Australian Shepherd
Originally bred in the United States by Basque settlers, not Australia, the Australian Shepherd excels in herding. Known as the Aussie, this breed often sports captivating blue eyes, a trait intertwined with its herding lineage. Aussies are adorned with diverse coat patterns ranging from Merle to tricolor. Their boundless energy and sharp intellect make them top contenders in agility sports, necessitating daily exercise. Known for their friendly nature, Aussies thrive as cherished family pets once they bond with their owners.
#11. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, small yet agile, thrives in active family environments. These dogs boast a capacity for rapid movement despite their short legs and robust build. Typically wary of strangers, they’re known for a persistent bark when the doorbell rings. Their coats display a range of colors, including brindles, sables, and merles, with potential for blue or heterochromatic eyes, adding to their distinctive appeal.
#12. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog, a medium-sized breed, demands assertive leadership and ample exercise. Best kept on a leash outdoors, Catahoulas can adapt to living inside or out, provided they have a secure area and human companionship. Although aloof with strangers, they reveal a playful and loyal demeanor among family. Characterized by a multicolored, often spotted coat and potentially blue eyes, the Catahoula excels as a vigilant watchdog.
#13. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier, often born with blue eyes, sees its eye color transform as it matures. Though rare, adult pit bulls with blue eyes are typically those with blue, gray, or brindle coats.
Pit bulls excel as family pets due to their gentle and patient nature towards family members, though they may show aggression towards other pit bulls. Despite their reputation, these dogs are brave, strong-willed, and persistent, traits developed from their breeding for courage and resilience. However, caution is necessary around children due to their size and strength.
Life with a Pitbull teems with energy; these dogs thrive on active play and require daily vigorous exercise to stay healthy. They struggle in cold climates and need protection from harsh weather.
Obedience training is crucial, enhancing bonding and ensuring control, especially since they can be aggressive towards other dogs and should always be leashed.
Risk of Deafness in Blue-Eyed Dogs
Owners of blue-eyed dogs often wonder about the risk of deafness. Indeed, the gene responsible for blue eyes also increases the likelihood of deafness, but it affects only about 10% of such dogs. Awareness and preventive care are key, although there’s no immediate cause for alarm.
Dog Breeds to Avoid for Blue Eyes
If you desire a dog with blue eyes, steer clear of breeds typically having dark brown eyes. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Dobermans, and Poodles rarely have light-colored eyes, though crossbreeding with lighter-eyed dogs can increase the chances of blue-eyed offspring.
Final Thoughts
While many breeds can have blue eyes, those mentioned here are particularly striking. Adopting a blue-eyed dog, whether mixed breed or purebred, guarantees public interest and frequent conversations about your dog’s unique appearance and origins. Ready yourself for abundant attention and admiration for your dog’s stunning blue eyes.
References
(1) Embark
*photo by KrisColea-depositphotos