Dog Breeds With The Prettiest Blue Eyes

I’ve always been a sucker for a well-practiced pair of puppy dog eyes, but there’s something about those baby blues that is completely irresistible.
Dogs with blue eyes aren’t as common as their brown-eyed counterparts. And while we love our pups no matter what they look like, piercing blue eyes never fail to catch our attention.
Blue eyes are only found in a handful of dog breeds.
It’s technically caused by a lack of pigmentation, called melanin, and it can sometimes be the result of a genetic abnormality, like albinism or piebald.
Albino animals can’t produce pigment and are incredibly rare. If your dog has the merle or piebald gene, it cannot consistently create pigment, which would also explain their light eyes.
Dogs with blue eyes are somewhat rare, and we want to celebrate their stunning good looks.
Here are a few gorgeous dog breeds that often get the gene for beautiful blue eyes.
dogs with blue eyes

Breeds Known For Having Blue Eyes

Siberian Husky

Out of all these blue-eyed dogs, the Siberian Husky is arguably the one most associated with lighter eye color. They possess a gene that allows for dark fur and blue eyes—something that is especially rare and stunning.
Some huskies will get a singularly blue eye when they have heterochromia, which is a melanin imbalance, causing two different color eyes.
Like the Border Collie, Huskies are popular dogs that don’t fit in with every family. They’re highly intelligent, somewhat stubborn, and they need rigorous exercise.
A lot of people bring them home because of their obvious good looks, but so many Huskies end up in shelters because their owners realize how much work they can be.
Before you fall in love with a Husky’s gorgeous blue eyes, make sure you do your research and are prepared to properly care for an active dog.
 

Australian Shepherd

Active, agile, and full of energy, the Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that is always ready to go.
To the park, the trails, or maybe the farm, it doesn’t matter where—this stunning dog is happy to go to work.
The first Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock. They have a great work ethic, and they also love people.
Today, Aussies are revered for more than their ability to work on the farm. The breed comes in many different colors and patterns, and they’re truly gorgeous dogs.
Not every Australian Shepherd has blue eyes, but many of them do.
dogs with blue eyes

Catahoula Leopard Dog

They are sometimes known as Catahoula curs, Catahoula leopard curs, or Catahoula hounds, but the name was officially changed to Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog when they became the state dog of Louisiana.
These dogs are known as leopard dogs for their spotted coats, coming in a multitude of coat and eye colors, including blue and parti-colored.
These pooches are striking with their multi-colored coats, but they are not a good choice for novice dog owners.
Catahoulas are prone to being territorial and independent, so early training is essential for these canines.
The breed’s high energy level requires a great deal of exercise and attention, so busy families should also look elsewhere. If you’re an avid jogger, however, this may be the breed for you.
 

Border Collie

Border Collies are a type of dog that needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
They’re affectionate workaholics that were once bred solely to work on farms and manage large herds of livestock. There are still Border Collies that rule modern-day farms, but the intelligent dog breed has also found a place as a pampered family member.
Whether it’s obedience, herding, or agility, Border Collies are often the stars of the show. They’re a popular breed, but they’re not for everyone. Keeping these active dogs happy takes a lot of time and effort.
The classic black and white Border Collie is probably the easiest to recognize, but there are actually 17 standard colors.
Coat colors are most often paired with brown eyes, but blue eyes are also possible. Border Collies can have blue eyes when they are blue merle coated pups.
A blue-eyed Border Collie is somewhat rare, and they’re especially beautiful.
 

Dalmatian

It’s impossible to miss a Dalmatian’s signature spots. This dog breed is one of the most recognizable in the world, and they tend to attract attention everywhere they go.
But besides their uniquely spotted coat patterns, Dalmatians are also known for their beautiful eyes.
While most Dalmatians have brown eyes, the breed also carries the gene for blue eyes. A blue-eyed Dalmatian is undoubtedly beautiful, but it’s important to point out that breeding dogs for blue eyes are usually discouraged.
Dalmatians are among the list of dog breeds that are especially prone to an auto-recessive gene that causes deafness. The gene that causes hearing issues is also linked to eye color, and many blue-eyed Dalmatians have hearing loss in one or both ears.
Of course, not every Dalmatian with blue eyes is deaf. Breeders are responsible for making ethical decisions to protect individual dogs and the breed as a whole.

Dog Breeds That Sometimes Produce Blue-Eyed Dogs

Weimaraner

Weimaraners are big dogs with distinctive good looks. Their sleek silver coats cover well-muscled and athletic bodies.
As sporting dogs, Weimaraners are both powerful and graceful. They’re also abundantly friendly and respond well to training.
Weimaraner’s faces are slightly reminiscent of a Labrador, but this German breed is often born with light blue eyes.
As they mature, their eyes can change color depending on genetics. Dogs with blue eyes are slightly less common.
The AKC breed standard allows for blue-gray eyes, though most Weims have the soulful amber eyes we’re used to seeing.
 

Great Dane

Weighing up to 200 pounds, it’s impossible to miss the real beauty of a Great Dane.
Most of these gentle giants have brown eyes, but dogs with the harlequin coat pattern can also have light blue eyes.
All Great Dane puppies are born with blue eyes, but only the harlequin Danes have a chance of keeping those ice-blue peepers. It’s because they possess the Merle gene that affects pigmentation.
As with other dog breeds, breeding specifically for blue eyes is discouraged. If a puppy inherits two Merle genes, one from its mom and one from its dad, it has a high risk of having health problems.
Double Merle dogs often have severe health issues such as blindness, deafness, or both.
When harlequin Great Danes are responsibly bred, however, there’s a decent chance they’ll keep their blue eyes past puppyhood and be completely healthy.
dogs with blue eyes

Dachshund

Blue eyes may not be desirable in show dachshunds, but they are still a beautiful trait.
Doxies with a merle coat will most often have blue-eye variations, including full blue, one blue and one brown, or even both colors in one eye.
Their short legs made them popular for hunting badgers and rabbits, these dogs are brave and boisterous and make wonderful watchdogs.
 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is descended from the same family of dogs that produced the Dachshund and the Basset Hound.
These herding dogs don’t spend much time herding cattle these days, although they still have the instinct for it. They are affectionate and loyal, making them ideal family companions.
Cardis are double-coated, with a short undercoat and a longer, thick topcoat. They shed continuously, with periods of heavier shedding at least twice a year.
Blue and parti-eyed Cardis are acceptable in merles according to the AKC, along with a host of awesome coat color combinations.
 
dogs with blue eyes

German Shepherd

While AKC standard calls for his eyes to be as dark as possible, you can occasionally find a blue-eyed or parti-eyed German shepherd dog.
These handsome large dogs have an elegant double coat, be prepared for regular grooming to remove excess hair and two heavy periods of shedding a year.
German shepherds are renowned working dogs but simultaneously make the best family dogs with a playful nature, but that energy needs an outlet with daily exercise.
Their intelligence is world-class, though he will test you if given the chance. For this reason, early training is a must.
 

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels sporting the merle pattern can have blue eyes.
Though the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t yet recognize merle or blue eyes as acceptable in either breed, it is nonetheless a popular trait.
The Cocker Spaniel is an old breed that developed as an offshoot of the Spaniel-type dogs who were used for hunting as far back as the 1300s.
Often described as cheerful and merry, today’s Cocker Spaniels are playful and devoted, though they can be somewhat sensitive or timid when not properly socialized.
These smart, affectionate dogs are as excellent in the role of family companion as they are in the field working alongside a hunter.
 

Pitbull

The name “pit bull” is a general term for breeds that include the American Staffordshire terrier and the American pit bull terrier. These “bully breeds” can make a very loving addition to an active family.
They are often born with blue eyes that change color as they mature. However, blue-eyed mature pit bulls do exist, often accompanying blue-, gray-, or brindle-coated pits.
This dog’s coat is short and easy to care for, though his regular shedding may dust your furniture with spiky hairs. He is prone to allergies, however, so keep an eye out for red ears or feet for signs of trouble.

Shetland Sheepdog

Blue eyes are rare in Shelties but are allowed by the AKC in blue merles.
Similar in appearance to Collies, though much smaller, Shetland Sheepdogs excel in numerous dog sports including agility and herding trials.
Their luscious coat requires frequent brushing to avoid tangles, and he sheds regularly, leaving tumbleweeds around the house. The hard work is worth the effort, however, as the Sheltie is a wonderful family companion.
Source: American Kennel Club

 

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