Just like in human beings, blue eyes in dogs are not only a rarity but a fascinating feature. This a result of genes or some disorders such as albinism.
There are a number of dog breeds with blue eyes. These breeds can be of different sizes and coat colors; grey, black , white etc. The Weimaraners is the only grey pure breed dog with blue eyes. Other breeds with bluish eye colors include the Siberian husky, border collie, dalmatian and Australian shepherd.
Below are more details including breeds that may have a potential of getting blue eyes.
Grey Dogs with Blues Eyes
To start us off, we will begin with the unique Weimaraner
Weimaraners
Occasionally called Weims or the Gray Ghost, they have a sleek silver-grey coat with blue-grey bold eyes. This aristocratic dog is very intelligent with a friendly temperament.
Very loyal and devoted to its owner, they enjoy staying in the company of humans, hence the nickname “shadow”.
They are very energetic dogs that enjoy outside works, a lot of exercises, and mental stimulation. They are hunting dogs with a great instinct for preying on others.
They require training or otherwise, they could chase or kill other pets in the home, such as the cat. On the better part of things, they can also be simple house dogs, however, they would prefer to be bred next to you rather than in a kennel or outside.
Siberian Husky
Originally from Siberia, this Husky can have numerous coat color from white, copper, black, and grey.
They are known to have blue eyes and with its merle gene, it can also have green, amber, or brown eyes. This medium-sized dog is an active and energetic dog with a willful character hence difficult to train.
Nonetheless, they are very hardworking as a sled and working dogs. They weigh an average of 35 to 50 pounds with the females weighing less, and a heigh of between 20 to 24 inches. Lastly, their calm personality has them fitting quite well in just having any family.
The Great Dane
The giant dog itself. The Great Dane is a very large dog with a very appealing color. With a variety of coat colors as well, they can be seen with a deep grey coat, rectangular head, long back, black muzzle, and equally huge eyes. They weigh between 12 to 150 pounds with an average height of 28 to 30 inches.
They have a dignified and kind personality. Very sweet and affectionate with its owners.
They are also very friendly even with children but due to its huge size its probably best to have older children handle the dog.
They are very easy to train, obedient, and resilient. Very manageable and easy to socialize with.
Black Dogs with Blue Eyes
Well, not entirely black in color but with quite a huge portion of black coating.
Australian Shepherd
First in line is the Australian Shepherd. Origin to the Pyrenees Mountains, they also have a variety of coat colors with the dominant one being black with a few tan markings. This medium-sized dog weighs between 40 to 55 pounds with a height of 11 to 15 inches.
The little blue dog is calm, non-aggressive, and moderately easy to train. They are a good dog for experienced owners, this is because they require a lot of exercise and gentle active life. Without too much maintenance. This working dog is very protective and caring to its owners.
Rottweiler
Bred to herd the cattle, this large-headed dog also has blue eyes. Because it’s a merle gene carrier, they have a change in eye color weeks after birth, if they have brown or amber eyes, they could easily turn blue.
The Rottweiler has a versatile character that allows them to be guard dogs, watchdogs, and service dogs as we see them serve in the police and military. They are very loyal and lovely with the family.
Dalmatians
The unique white dog with large black spots not patches on its coat. It’s a medium-sized body with a study body. Best athletic like the Great Dane. They enjoy running around, hunting, and playing. They measure 19 to 23 inches in height and 40 to 70 pounds in weight, males are often larger and heavier.
In terms of its temperament, they are also loving and affectionate. They crave human companionship and an urge to bond with owners and children. They are very good pets; obedient, playful, and lively. However, they can be aggressive at times.
Small Dogs with Blue Eyes
Dachshund
The number one spot goes to the dachshund, a German native dog with chocolate, brindle, or solid red coat color. Very friendly and easy to associate with, they are a nice friendly dog.
They weight anywhere between five to 16 pounds depending on whether its standard or miniature type. Their height is between five to nine inches.
Dachshunds are small hunters with a muscular body, short legs, and a greater sense of smell. They have a silky coat that aligns well with the bright blue almond eyes. Nicknamed as the sausage dog, they can be quite temperamental. Aggressive to its owner and needy for attention and affection.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Similar to the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, this Klee Kai for a small dog is a very fluffy dog with piercing blue eyes. They measure approximately 25 pounds with the males just slightly heavier, and a height of 10 to 15 inches.
They are a very energetic breed with a liking to nature and other outside adventures. They have a tolerant character and very devoted behavior. Very easy to train, the Klee Kai is a great addition to any family.
Border Collie
The Border Collie has a very beautiful appearance with lots of hair coating the body and blue eyes to compliment it further. They are very intelligent dogs, who are also easy to train. They are excellent herding dogs, bred to care and control livestock since ancient times.
The small to medium-sized dogs enjoy playing, exercising, and taking walks. They can be a good choice even for novice owners, however, they aren’t all that easy to maintain. Grooming is required, regular exercises, and loving as they can be bored easily.
Shetland Sheepdog
Last, but not least, is the Shetland Sheepdog from Scotland. With a coat color ranging from white to tan, black, blue merle and sable, they are very pleasant to look at, especially if they have those bright blue eyes.
This small dog takes work to care for with regular grooming, walking, and entertaining. Nonetheless, the are very easy to train and very friendly to their owners.
Shelties weigh approximately 18 pounds with a height of between 13 to 16 pounds. They are friendly, loving, and kind dogs. Unfortunately, for those dogs with blue eyes, most may have numerous eye problems that affect their eyesight.
Why Do Dogs Have Blue Eyes?
Dogs with blue eyes have a dominant or recessive gene called the merle gene. This is an independent gene found in numerous dog breeds which gives them the merle coloration.
Breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Great Dane, and Siberian Husky, the merle gene is easily transferred from the parent to the offspring. In this case, it doesn’t mean the dog has any other eye problem
In other cases, the Merle gene is from both parents, causing the eyes to be even more striking in color, either, blue, green, or both as with the particolored Siberian Husky or Pomeranian Husky. When both parents transfer the gene, the offspring will have blue eyes, but they will also have an eye disorder called merle ocular dysgenesis or MOD.
Lastly, the dog can have blue eyes because of acquiring a disease or an infection. Here are five diseases that may lead to blue eyes;
- Nuclear Sclerosis – also called lenticular sclerosis, this is where the dog’s eyes gradually start to change weeks after birth.
- Cataracts – this condition causes a blue cloud to form inside the capsule that holds the lens of the eyes. The condition is inherited and progresses slowly into blindness. It can also be caused by diabetes, underlying eye disease, or eye trauma.
- Glaucoma – This is where the good eye is under pressure causing fluid to build up in the eyes. It’s very painful and if left untreated it will cause the egg to enlarge and cause irreversible blindness. Its also inherited jr can be caused by underlying eye conditions, advanced cataracts, or chronic retinal detachment.
- Corneal dystrophy – another inherited eye condition that affects vision. It can be in three types; epithelial corneal dystrophy, which affects cell formation; stromal corneal dystrophy, which causes the cloudy blue appearance; and endothelial corneal dystrophy, which affects the cells of the lining of the cornea. Stromal corneal dystrophy doesn’t require any treatment.
- Anterior uveitis – this is an inflammation of the iris and the biliary body within the uvea of the eye. Also called iridocyclitis, it’s very painful and will eventually lead to loss of vision.
However, the most common reason why dogs have blue eyes is because of the dominant or recessive merle gene.
The above conditions are rare occurrences and the eyes are merely fully blue in color, moreover, the conditions affect only one eye unless it has advanced.
Further Reading
