10 Dog Breeds With Eyes So Blue You Will be Awestruck for Days
Quick: Name one other thing more strikingly gorgeous than a blue-eyed dog breed. Yeah, we guessed you’d remain silent.
While there’s no disputing that every dog is breathtaking in its own way (we see you, brown and golden-eyed dogs), most of us often do a double-take when we spot a dog with enchanting blue eyes. I mean, dogs with blue eyes often exude a special aura that’s hard not to obsess over. Ever wondered what’s the reason behind blue eyes in dogs? Turns out, a gene mutation is responsible for this remarkable eye color.
Generally speaking, dog breeds with blue eyes have either of these two unique coat patterns: a Merle coat or a Piebald coat. The Merle gene is responsible for a Merle coat, while the S-Locus (Spotting Locus) gene is responsible for — you guessed it right — a Piebald coat. These two genes dilute the color pigmentation of a dog’s eyes, coat, and even paw pads (but don’t necessarily cause health problems).
In the simplest terms, a Merle coat is characterized by irregular markings of darker and lighter color shades on a dog’s coat. A Piebald coat, on the other hand, is defined by random color patches or “white spotting” on the coat.
Since having blue eyes is a rare trait mostly associated with Merle and Piebald-coated breeds, it’s considered a “flaw” in other non-merle or non-piebald breeds. This explains why some blue-eyed dogs may be disqualified from the show ring by the American Kennel Club (AKC); they are neither Merle nor Piebald, meaning their unusual eye color isn’t in line with the AKC’s breed standard.
It’s worth noting that Merle and Piebald-coated breeds can also be heterochromatic, that is, dogs with one blue eye and one brown eye. Interestingly, dogs with heterochromia can also have a mix of two different colors within the same eye.
Some unscrupulous breeders often breed two blue-eyed dogs with the goal of achieving an entire litter of blue-eyed puppies. It’s not advisable to breed two merle gene carriers since the outcome is often puppies with life-changing health issues such as deafness and blindness. Double merle dogs have inherited two copies of the merle gene. While one copy of the merle gene can give a dog a beautiful multi-colored coat, two copies of the gene can cause serious health problems. Double merles are often born fully deaf and blind and may experience other health issues that shorten their lifespan. Double merle Pitbulls also don’t get the signature merle coat and usually come out completely white. Double merle is different from albino and is so serious that breeding two merle dogs together is considered unethical in the world of dog breeding.
Double merle Pitbulls are dogs who have inherited two copies of the merle gene. While one copy of the merle gene can give a dog a beautiful multi-colored coat, two copies of the gene can cause serious health problems. Double merles are often born fully deaf and blind and may experience other health issues that shorten their lifespan. Double merle Pitbulls also don’t get the signature merle coat and usually come out completely white. Double merle is different from albino and is so serious that breeding two merle dogs together is considered unethical in the world of dog breeding.
Now, without further ado, here are the top 10 dog breeds that are more likely to have blue eyes compared to other breeds:
1. Siberian Husky
Everything about the Siberian Husky is captivating at first glance: their wolf-like appearance, fluffy coat with various color markings, cute triangular ears, and piercing blue eyes.
Like most other puppy breeds, all Husky puppies are born with baby blue eyes. As they grow older, their eye color may remain the same (as dictated by the Merle gene) or morph into another color.
Interestingly, research reveals that a majority of these iconic sled dogs are born with a rare gene known as canine chromosome 18, or ALX4 gene, which is strongly linked to the Husky’s all-blue eyes and hypnotizing stare.
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2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds — or Aussies as they’re affectionately called — are one of the most breathtaking-to-look-at dogs out there. The icing on the cake? Their blue eye color.
Australian Shepherds are well known for their Merle coats. In other words, most Aussies have the Merle gene, which is responsible for their remarkable eye color. A blue Merle Australian Shepherd may have two blue eyes or one blue eye (with the other eye having a different color).
The Australian Shepherd is a high-energy, intelligent breed that makes an excellent family pet and gets along with kids. This herding breed requires lots of physical and mental stimulation and thus thrives best when paired with active owners.
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3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Admired for its adorably short legs, foxy face, oversized ears, long body, and multicolored coat, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s blue eyes may also be the first thing you notice in this loveable breed. The Merle gene is present in Merle-coated Cardigan Welsh Corgis, hence their blue eye color.
Originating from Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi — the oldest of the two Corgi breeds — was historically bred to herd livestock and guard unfenced farms. The modern-day Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a family-oriented pup that bonds pretty well with its loved ones.
4. Weimaraner
Nicknamed the gray ghost because of its distinctive gray coat, spooky eyes, and sneaky hunting style that somehow reminds people of ghosts, Weimaraners are also commonly known to have blue eyes.
According to the American Kennel Club, some Weimaraners usually have a small white patch on their chest amidst the solid gray color (piebald coat). Therefore, it’s quite common for piebald-coated Weimaraners to have two blue eyes.
Beyond their sleek, majestic appearance, Weimaraners are loyal, affectionate, and active dogs who value family life. Although they make great guard dogs, this fearless breed isn’t ideal for first-time owners because of their strong-willed nature.
5. Border Collie
Prized for its outstanding herding abilities, the Border Collie has an insatiable zeal for being busy. This extremely smart, task-oriented, and obedient breed has varying eye colors, with blue being the dominant eye color for Merle-coated Border Collies.
So, if you ever come across a blue-eyed Border Collie, chances are they have different irregular color markings on their coat, indicative of the presence of the Merle gene.
6. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Originating from Louisiana, where they worked as hunting and herding dogs, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is famous for its unique leopard-like coat and supple blue eye color that further enhances its distinct look.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s iconic piebald coat — their coat has a primary base color and pigmented splotches all over — suggests this sporting breed’s blue eyes have a genetic origin.
Catahoula Leopard dogs are playful and loving toward their owners but aloof with strangers. If you’re thinking of getting this rare breed, ensure you have a lot of yard space beforehand; Catahoulas require lots of active time outdoors!
7. Dapple Dachshunds
Dachshunds trace their roots to Germany, where they were originally kept to hunt badgers.
It’s pretty common for Dapple Dachshunds — that is, Dachshunds with a merle coat — to have two, fully blue eyes or heterochromatic eyes. Doxies are lively, brave, and playful dogs well suited for apartment dwellers due to their diminutive size.
8. Dalmatian
Named after the Dalmatia region of Croatia, where they’re believed to have originated, Dalmatians are easy to recognize thanks to their solid white coats with random dark-colored splotches (piebald).
Since most Dalmatians are carriers of the piebald gene, they are likely to have two blue eyes, or one.
9. Alaskan Klee Kai
Described as high-energy dogs who look like miniature Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Klee Kai — particularly the Merle-coated ones — will stop you in your tracks with their beautiful blue eyes. Typically, the Alaskan Klee Kai is darker on the head and back but has lighter color variations on the underbelly, face, and chest (thanks to the Merle gene).
10. Great Dane
Recognized as the world’s tallest dog breed, the Great Dane will not only blow you away with its towering stature but also its stunning blue eyes.
Not all adult Great Danes have blue eyes, though. This rare eye color is more prevalent in Great Danes with a Merle or Piebald coat. Plus, blue eyes are also common among Harlequin Great Danes.
Just to add some joy to your day, here are a few real-life, blue-eyed dogs that you’ll wish you’d bumped into on the internet streets earlier:
Chase, a White Dog With Blue Eyes
Hailing from Southern California, Chase is a Pomsky — a Pomeranian-Siberian Husky Mix — that draws attention everywhere he goes thanks to its stunning icy blue eyes and all-white coat.
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Mickey, a Bulldog With Blue Eyes
While brown eyes are the standard eye color for Bulldogs, it’s not uncommon for Bulldogs with a merle or piebald coat — as with the case of Mickey, a Bulldog — to have blue eyes. He’s absolutely stunning, isn’t he?
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Sinatra, a Pit Bull Dog With Blue Eyes
Sinatra is a blue-eyed rescue Pit Bull enjoying his second chance at life with his loving family, as documented on the Instagram account @sinatra_blue_eyed_Pitbull
Greyson, a German Shepherd Dog With Blue Eyes
Greyson is a German Shepherd Mix, almost five years old. He has several amazing qualities that make him a great addition to any household: he’s intelligent, goofy, always ready to learn, and loves too hard.
Greyson’s most noticeable physical feature is his icy eye blues that wow anyone who interacts with him. If the thought of owning a brown dog with blue eyes makes your heart do a few flip-backs, then you’ll be elated to know that Greyson is up for adoption.
Blu, a Bernese Mountain Dog With Blue Eyes
Blu — a Bernese Mountain Dog from UP, Michigan — has heterochromia. One of his eyes is blue, and the other is brown.