Blue-eyed dogs are striking, both because of their vivid irises and because of how rare they are. After all, even though most puppies are born with blue eyes (their irises haven’t developed melanin yet), most of them experience eye color changes around 1 month old. And while there’s almost nothing sweeter than staring into the brown eyes of an adoring pet, those dog breeds with blue eyes are, well, a sight to behold.
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a blue-eyed dog or are just curious about these gorgeous dogs, read on to discover what causes this beautiful abnormality. We’ll share which dog breeds naturally have blue eyes, why that occurs, and if blue-eyed dogs are at risk for health problems as a result.
What dog breeds have blue eyes?
Dogs with blue eyes belong to a unique club. Scientists say only 5% of dogs have the blue-eye variant in their DNA. The blue-eyed trait is recessive and most often related to coat color, specifically in those with merle (mottled patches of color) or piebald (white coat with spots of color) coats.
Dog breeds that naturally have blue eyes include:
- Siberian husky
- Border collie
- Australian shepherd
- Dachshund
- Weimaraner
- Cardigan Welsh corgi
- Great Dane
- Catahoula leopard dog
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Pit bull
Ironically, blue eyes don’t actually have any blue pigment. In fact, blue eyes indicate a lack of pigment, or melanin. Additionally, if the fur around your dog’s eyes is white, their chances of having blue eyes (along with a pink nose and skin) increase.
Why do some dogs have blue eyes?
It’s all about the melanin, or the pigment in the iris, that makes up the colored part of the eye. Brown eyes, which are the most common color, have brown pigment in both the front and back layers of the iris. Blue eyes have a small amount of melanin (or none at all) in the front layer and a small amount in the back. The dog’s DNA is the key to how much melanin is produced.
Scientists are still studying the phenomenon. While previous studies indicate that genes that determine coat color play a major role in determining a dog’s eye color, a study from 2018 discovered that another gene important in eye development might also play a role.
Do dogs with blue eyes have health problems?
Pigment isn’t just about color; it’s also a critical element in our canine friends’ development of sight and hearing. And while not all blue-eyed dogs will have problems with their sight or hearing, some are at greater risk for certain conditions. In many cases, these dogs will also have non-pigmented skin and fur, making them a bright white color.
Cochleosaccular deafness
This is a hereditary condition linked to the pigment in a dog’s coat and eyes. It’s more prevalent in white dogs with blue eyes and usually appears within 1 to 3 weeks of age in one or both ears.
Merle ocular dysgenesis
Merle ocular dysgenesis can occur when two merle-coated dogs have puppies. Common vision problems for the offspring include smaller eyes, off-center pupils, light sensitivity, generally impaired vision, and a greater risk of developing cataracts.
Albinism
This occurs when a dog can’t produce sufficient melanin and is completely devoid of color. This rare condition can cause smaller eyes, eyes sensitive to light, and deformities in the lens or iris that can cause poor vision or complete blindness. These dogs often get sunburned easily, too!
If your brown-eyed adult dog’s eyes change color, it may be a signal of eye disease or the aging process:
- Interstitial keratitis: An inflammation of the cornea that can display as a bluish-white film over the eye.
- Cataracts: Often a sign of aging, cataracts cast a cloudy and often bluish look on the eye.
- Glaucoma: A disease of the optic nerve, which can also give a bluish tint to the eye.
Any change in your dog’s vision should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Most eye diseases can be treated, and those detected early have a much better prognosis.
So, as you can see, there’s more to a blue-eyed dog than (has to be said) meets the eye. Regardless of their color, the expression in your dog’s eyes is a great way to know what they’re thinking. Round eyes that show a lot of white indicate your pup is tense. Dilated pupils may be a sign of fear — or excitement. And when your dog is relaxed, they may even look like they’re squinting.
Are all blue-eyed dogs prone to deafness?
While blue-eyed dogs have an increased risk of cochleosaccular deafness, researchers from Louisiana State University concluded this: “Blue eyes, resulting from an absence of pigment in the iris, is common with pigment-associated deafness, but is not, in and of itself, an indication of deafness or the presence of the deafness gene…”
That being said, certain breeds, such as dalmatians, bull terriers, English setters, and English cocker Sspaniels with blue eyes are likelier to be deaf. Some researchers suspect an autosomal dominant defect known as incomplete penetrance, but there’s currently no literature to support the theory.
What is heterochromia?
The only thing more striking than a dog with icy blue eyes is a dog with one brown eye and one blue eye. This unique condition is called heterochromia, and while it’s fairly rare among dogs in general, it’s not so rare among certain breeds. Siberian huskies are most commonly known for this beautiful eye difference, though it also occurs in dalmatians, Australian shepherds, and Australian cattle dogs.
Heterochromia is usually hereditary, which means it can pass down to offspring. However, it can also develop later in a dog’s life after an injury or illness. Although the condition itself isn’t associated with harmful symptoms, it’s always a smart idea to let your dog’s veterinarian know if their eyes change at all.
Here’s another fun fact about dog eyes you might like to know. Making eye contact with your dog, even for a few minutes, triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy, trust, and relationship building. A 2015 study by researchers at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan, suggests that dogs experience a 130% increase in oxytocin after making eye contact with their owners, while their owners experience a 300% increase. What does that mean? Whether brown, blue, gray, or green, looking into a dog’s eyes is a mutually beneficial way to strengthen the bond between you and your best friend!
