Blue eyes and two different colored eyes are eye-catching features in many dog breeds. These rare traits can make a dog stand out and look unique compared to others. Learning about dog breeds with striking blue or mismatched eyes helps you find a pet with the special look you like.
You will discover which breeds are known for these striking eye colors and how these traits appear in certain dogs. Whether you are considering a new dog or just curious, understanding eye color can help you make an informed choice.
1. Siberian Husky
- When you think of dogs with blue eyes, Siberian Huskies might be the first breed that comes to mind. They are well-known for their striking blue eyes that stand out against their thick, often multi-colored fur.
- Some Huskies have two blue eyes, while others might have one blue and one brown eye. This trait is called heterochromia. Studies show that around 15% of Huskies have this eye condition, making it fairly common in the breed.
- The reason for their blue eyes is a unique genetic mutation. In Huskies, this comes from a different gene than the one that causes blue eyes in many other dog breeds. The gene lowers pigment production in their eyes, which leads to the famous blue color.
2. Australian Shepherd
- When you see an Australian Shepherd, one of the first things you might notice is their eye color. These dogs are well-known for having blue eyes, but that’s not their only eye color option.
- Some Australian Shepherds have one blue eye and one brown eye, or even blue mixed with green or amber. This is called heterochromia. Their unique eyes, especially in merle-coated Aussies, are a real standout feature.
- Not all Aussies with blue eyes are merle. Solid colored Aussies can also have blue or partly blue eyes because of a recessive gene in the breed.
- Their eye color can change as they grow up, but it is common for many Aussies to keep their blue or split-colored eyes as adults. Blue merle Australian Shepherds are especially known for having these striking blue or two-toned eyes.
3. Border Collie
- You might know the Border Collie for its intelligence and hardworking nature. This dog breed is very easy to train and has lots of energy. It is often seen helping on farms or competing in dog sports.
- Border Collies can sometimes have blue eyes, especially if they carry the merle gene. These blue eyes can be very bright and stand out against their coat. It is also possible for some dogs to have one blue eye and one brown eye, a condition known as heterochromia.
- Heterochromia happens because of a lack of pigment in one eye. This does not cause any health issues for your dog.
- Not every Border Collie will have blue eyes. The eye color depends on their genetics. Some dogs may have two blue eyes, some might have only one, and others will have brown eyes.
4. Great Dane
- Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Their size makes them stand out, but some of their eye colors do, too.
- Most Great Dane puppies are born with blue eyes. As your Great Dane grows, the eye color usually changes to brown. Sometimes, if your dog has a harlequin or merle coat, you might notice the blue eyes stay or that your dog may have eyes of two different colors.
- Blue-eyed Great Danes are eye-catching, especially with their steel-gray coats. The blue coat itself is less common because it comes from recessive genes. Blue eyes in Great Danes are also more likely in these rare blue or unique coat patterns.
- Harlequin Great Danes sometimes have one blue eye and one brown eye, a condition known as heterochromia. If you want a Great Dane with striking blue or two different colored eyes, looking at puppies with harlequin or merle markings gives you the best chance.
5. Weimaraner
- If you are looking for a dog with striking eyes, the Weimaraner is a great example. Many Weimaraner puppies have bright blue eyes, which makes them stand out from other breeds. As they grow, their eyes often change to shades of amber or gray.
- Weimaraners are known for their athletic build and short, sleek coat. Their eyes are soft and expressive, adding to their unique look. Sometimes, you may see a Weimaraner with two different colored eyes, though this is rare.
- The breed is famous for its solid coat color and long, velvety ears. Blue gray and amber eyes are most common as adults, but those light blue puppy eyes make a lasting impression.
6. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- When you see a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, you might notice its unique eyes. This breed often has striking blue eyes, especially if it has a blue merle coat. Blue eyes in Cardigans are easy to spot and give the dog a memorable look.
- It is also possible for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi to have two different colored eyes. This is known as heterochromia. You might find a Cardigan with one blue and one brown eye, which is uncommon but natural for the breed.
- While Pembroke Welsh Corgis rarely have blue eyes, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more likely to show this trait. This is most common in dogs with the blue merle coloring, but you may also see it in other Cardigan coat colors on occasion.
- The blue eye color is not a sign of health problems in Cardigans. It is simply part of their genetics. If you are drawn to dogs with unusual or beautiful eyes, you might enjoy sharing your home with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
7. Bull Terrier
- You may notice that Bull Terriers sometimes have blue eyes. This is not the most common eye color for the breed, but it does happen. Their blue eyes can make them stand out.
- Bull Terriers are known for their unique egg-shaped heads and playful personality. When they have blue eyes, these features can look even more striking.
- It’s important to know that Bull Terriers with blue eyes may be linked to specific health conditions, including certain skin problems and allergies. Blue eyes do not always mean health issues, but you should be aware of the possible risks.
- This breed tends to be very active and loves to play. If you choose a Bull Terrier, you will have an energetic and fun companion, regardless of their eye color. Some Bull Terriers may also have two different colored eyes, but this is rare.
8. English Setter
- When you look at an English Setter, you usually notice warm brown or hazel eyes. These are the most common eye colors for this breed. However, sometimes English Setters can have blue or even green eyes.
- Blue eyes in English Setters are considered less common. Some owners have seen blue or lighter-colored eyes in their puppies, although it’s usually rare. Eye color can sometimes be influenced by genetics.
- Most English Setters you see will have brown eye pigment that matches their nose. But if you spot an English Setter with blue eyes, it is not a cause for concern. The breed is known for its elegance and gentle personality, no matter the eye color.
- Blue or green eyes do sometimes show up, especially in some coat color patterns. Each English Setter is special, both in looks and in loyalty.
9. Dalmatian
- You may know Dalmatians for their unique spots, but some of them also have blue eyes or even two different colored eyes. This feature is called heterochromia.
- Dalmatians with blue eyes are not as common as brown-eyed ones. When you see a Dalmatian with one blue eye and one brown eye, it can be very striking and memorable.
- Blue eyes in Dalmatians can sometimes be linked to a higher chance of eye issues. This is not unique to Dalmatians and can happen in other breeds as well.
- If you are interested in unique eyes, you might find Dalmatians with heterochromia especially interesting. These dogs are talked about for their rare and beautiful look, like this Dalmatian with one blue and one darker eye.
- You should know that the main job of Dalmatians in history was as coach dogs, but today their looks and eye color can make them stand out even more.
10. Dachshund
- When you think of Dachshunds, blue eyes may not come to mind right away. However, it is possible for some dachshunds to have blue or even two different colored eyes, known as heterochromia. This unique trait is seen mostly in dapple or merle-patterned Dachshunds.
- The dapple gene changes coat and eye color in these dogs. If the dapple pattern is around the eyes, you might notice one or both eyes turning blue. Some Dachshunds may also have one blue eye and one brown eye.
- This eye color difference is more common in dachshunds with a lighter coat and distinct dapple patterns. Blue eyes are still considered rare for this breed and usually attract a lot of attention.