The Blue-eyed Dog Breeds

When we think of dogs with blue eyes, the Siberian Husky immediately comes to mind. However, there are other breeds with the same trait. In this article we will explain to you what this peculiarity is due to and what are the risks for animals that have light eyes.

Why do some dogs have blue eyes?

Surely we are surprised to see dogs with blue eyes. They are really beautiful and out of the ordinary. Generally speaking, the fact  that they have a lighter iris than other dogs is due to four reasons:

1. Gene Merle

This is the main reason some dogs have blue eyes:  a side effect of the Merle gene, which reduces the random parts of the pigment in the nose and iris. In this case, dogs also have spots on their faces. There are also animals that have one eye that is different in color from the other, or half the hue in one and the other half in the other. Sometimes those with these abnormalities are also deaf.

2. Pigmentation problems

Another cause of having blue or light eyes is that some of the cells in some dogs’ body are unable to produce pigments. They usually have white patches around the eyes or muzzle, as well as a pink nose.

3. Series C

When a dog is affected by “Series C”, it means that he suffers from albinism. It is likely that in addition to having white skin, he has blue or light eyes and a completely pink nose.

4. Separated gene

The last of the causes is a gene that has no relation to the color of the hair. This happens in Siberian Huskies or some Border Collies. Dogs that live in cold areas and are used by Eskimos can have eyes of any color, regardless of the tone of the coat.

What are the blue-eyed dog breeds?

Regardless of genetic or skin abnormalities, here are the blue-eyed dog breeds:

1. Siberian Husky

Although it can have eyes of various colors, the blue ones are the most frequent. It is possible to see some with a different iris from the other. In this case there is no relationship with deafness, as they are not due to the Merle gene. The Siberian Husky can suffer from eye problems, cataracts, glaucoma and even go blind within a few years.

2. Australian Shepherd

Here is another case of a canine breed with blue eyes which, however, can also be of other shades. It is also known by the nickname “ghost-eyed dog”, as they are very clear. In some specimens, only one eye can have two different colors. Those with the light-eyed gene have a red, two-tone, or tricolor coat.

3. Border Collie

The color of the eyes of this breed can be brown or blue and, in some cases, when they have a polka dot coat, have heterochromia (one eye with a different color from the other).

4. Dalmatian

Blue-eyed Dalmatians in most cases are deaf or are more likely to suffer from this condition than brown-eyed specimens. The cause of the hue of the iris corresponds to an anomaly in the Merle gene.

5. Shetland Shepherd

It is similar to the Collie and, like this breed, can inherit eye malformations or diseases. In this case the color of these is related to deafness.

6. Weimaraner

It is one of the most striking blue-eyed dogs, as the hue changes as the animal grows. At birth they have them clear, and at three months they turn turquoise or green. At one year of age they are already amber.

Finally, it is worth pointing out that, although very rare, there are dog breeds that can have blue eyes due to an abnormality in a recessive gene, even if the parents do not have this characteristic.