Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, different coat colors, different eyes and ears, and most probably with brown eyes. Even if the eyes of dogs often change from puppy to adulthood, many breeds have brown or hazel eyes, and another majority having blue eyes. Green eyes however are a rarity.
There are two categories of dogs with green eyes; pure breeds like the American pit bull terrier and the Pomsky, or they have to be carriers of the merle gene. This is a genetic characteristic that affects the color of the eyes and coat. For most blue-eyed dogs such as the Huskies and a few terriers, their eyes can easily change to green, a blend of blue-greenish, or one eye blue and the other green.
While it’s not a common occurrence, it does exist. All the breeds that have it are likely to have green eyes and have been reviewed in the sections below in great detail.
Why Do Dogs Have Green Eyes?
The eye color of a dog points straight towards genetics. Just like any other physical characteristic of a canine, the color of the eyes differs according to the breed, the genes associated with the gene, plus probably other few factors such as underlying eye conditions.
Nonetheless, the most obvious reason a dog has green eyes is that they are carriers of the Merle gene. This particular gene is what changes the color of your dog’s eyes as well and its coat.
The gene has a reduced amount of eumelanin, hence it will cause the eyes to be blue, green, or a blend of both.
First, most of the dogs you will read about below, they have little to no pigment in their eyes, hence, the sparkling green eyes.
Green-Eyed Dog Breeds
In the section below, there are two types of breeds;
- Pure breeds
- Crossbreeds
There are only two pure breeds that have purely green eyes. These are American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pomsky, short for Pomeranian Husky.
Other breeds that have the green eyes are cross breeds from different types of other breeds that have no guarantee that the eyes will turn green. For example, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a subtype of the Pit Bull.
Other crossbreeds and carriers of the merle gene likely to have green eyes include;
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachsund
- Great Dane
- Retrievers – Labrador and Golden
American Pitbull Terrier
This is one of the most common types of terriers that features subtypes of Pitbulls. The American Pitbull Terrier is uniquely known for its green eyes. Just as the American Staffordshire pitbull is known for its huge body and large head.
This particular breed has height 18 to 23 inches and a weight of approximately 70 to look pounds. They are intelligent hard workers as with other breeds in the Terrier family. Being working dogs, they require a good amount of training and exercise daily to keep it fit.
Pomeranian Husky
From the toy breed family, the Pomeranian Husky or otherwise known as the Pomsky is one of the toughest yet smallest breeds there is.
They measure 12 inches in height and about 50 pounds in weight. With teddy like features, they are one of the best companions you can have.
A sweet temperament, loyal and loving to its family. They also play a great accessory to its owners as you see many people dress and groom their dog. They enjoy adventures and outdoor activities. Very curious creatures with a bold and lively character.
Australian Sheepdogs
The Aussie, also known as the little blue dog is yet another small dog breed with a medium’s sized body. Besides its intriguing blue eyes, their body is also longer than its taller, much like a Bassett Hound or a Dachshund.
The Australian Sheepdog has a weight of 40 to 55 pounds depending on the gender as females have a smaller body.
With its pendant eyes, medium-sized head, a rounded nose, and blue almond eyes, they are one of the most beautifully built dogs. The Aussie is very lively and agile, an active companion to children and the family in general.
By nature, they are guard dogs very devoted to protecting their family and owners. Intelligent and very easy to train, and since they are working dogs as well, they enjoy a little exercise here and there.
Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds measuring as small as just 10 to 13 inches tall. Their weight is also between 30 to 50 pounds. They have a very long lifespan of 18 years, which makes them one of the best home additions you could ask for.
They come in multiple coat colors and types, as well as different eye colors from amber, hazel, blue, ruby, and green, as seen in the picture above.
They are agile and obedient dogs with amazing personalities. Their love for play, outdoor adventures, and enjoying each other companies is incomparable with other dog breeds. They are loyal, loving, loving, very playful.
Cocker Spaniels
The Cocker Spaniels is yet another merle gene carrier with their eyes subject to change anywhere between five to ten weeks after birth.
Spaniels are mostly known to have brown or amber eyes, which is why the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t yet recognize merle or blue eyes as acceptable in either breed, it is nonetheless a popular trait and in high demand.
Both types of the Cocker Spaniel – English and American, are hunting dogs, have been since the 1900s. They have excellent instincts and work resilience.
That’s not all, they also have a very cheerful temperament. Always playing around, socializing, and playing with the family. They are very affectionate and a perfect choice for a family dog.
Dachshunds
Very similar to the Aussie above, the dachshunds also have a brown coating with slight patches of white. Being a merle gene carrier, they don’t really have coat changes, which means even with blue or green eyes, their coating is the same.
They are a small dog is an awkwardly long body and short legs. They are also hunters with a masculine body and tight skin all through the body from its head, muzzle, and legs.
There are two types of Dachshunds, the standard and miniature. They vary in weight as the standard weighs an average of 25 pounds and the miniature only 11 pounds.
Nicknamed as the sausage dog, wiener dog, or hotdogs, they have a rigorous temperament. Bold and willful making them very difficult to train as well. Nonetheless, they are affectionate to their owners and very energetic.
Great Danes
While you will see most of these dogs with blue eyes, a number of them have green eyes. The Great Danes is a very large working dog with a squarely shaped body, masculine and elegantly grey.
They weigh an average of 140 pounds with males weighing between 130 to 150 pounds and females weighing 120 to 140 pounds. Their height also lies between 28 and 30 inches.
Their personality is just as big as their bodies. Very gentle, dignified, and kind. They are loyal, loving, affectionate, playful, and very active with the children. Nonetheless, they still are giants therefore supervision is warranted.
Boston Terrier
An American dog native to the USA is the Boston Terrier. A non-sporting dog with a liking to please their owners, hence the name “American Gentleman”.
From ancient times, they have been working and hunting dogs but after some time, they degrade to just companionship dogs.
Their green eyes are not the only interesting thing about them. The color on their coat is also unique with brindle, black, or seal with a white patch around the nozzle.
They are friendly and very easy to train. Unfortunately, they prefer to be the center of attraction otherwise they get very territorial.
Golden Retriever
Originally from Scottland, the golden retriever is a sporting dog that eas bred to retrieve waterfowl like ducks during its hunting and shooting expeditions.
They have an undying love for water plus a knack for learning, therefore very easy the train.
They have a weight of 55 to 76 pounds depending on gender. Their height also lies between 20 to 24 inches. Interestingly, they are also guiding dogs. Best for blind people and even the elderly, they are trained to assigned in many things.
Labrador Retriever
Also referred to as lab, they have the same weight and height dimensions as the Golden Retriever.
They are best known as the disability assistance dog as they aid blind people, those with a hearing problem, autistic individuals, and even therapy dogs.
Their green eyes are a rare characteristic as most as seen to have brown and amber eyes.
As versatile as they are, they are still hunting and working dogs, with a specialty as fishing dogs as well. They are very obedient, loyal, and playful. They really have a lot to offer.
Lastly, they can be guard dogs as well. Not so good with the barking and easy-going with strangers, but they can easily protect the family.
Siberian Husky
The ever blue-eyed Siberian husky can also have green eyes thanks to their merle gene. This Husky is also known to have particolored eyes where its half blue, half brown, or half blue, half green.
This husky is an ancient dog breed originating from the cold areas of Siberian, precisely the Chukchi tribes. They are known to pull weights light or medium-sized over long distances at moderate speeds.
In terms of their weight, they are medium to large-sized dogs weighing anything between 35 to 60 pounds. They are also 20 to 23 inches tall, same as many other breeds in the Spitz generic family.
Besides being sled dogs, they are also excellent working dogs with brilliant intelligence and work ethics. They have an energetic and willful temperament making them a little bit difficult to train. Nonetheless, they are great home dogs.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are a unique breed. The only difference between a pure white coating and black spots. This is a medium-sized dog with an equally proportioned body right from the big head to the big nose and big eyes. A very sturdy dog weighing 40 to 70 pounds and has a height of 19 to 24 inches.
Dalmatians have a very playful temperament. They’re active, athletic, and very sturdy in the field. They enjoy time out with the family enjoying each other’s company. They’re also very friendly with children, strangers, and other pets. However, because they are working dogs, they can be aggressive as well.
FAQs
Are there Huskies with Green Eyes?
Yes, the Pomeranian and Siberian Huskies have the merle gene that gives them the ability to independently change eye color irrespective of their coat color. That’s why you will see a grey Husky with blue eyes and a white and black Husky with green eyes.
Moreover, between the weeks of five to eight, they undergo changes including a change in their eye color.
For many, the eyes will turn brown to coincide with their melanin, but others turn amber, blue, and green.
Are there Chihuahuas with Green Eyes?
Rare, but yes, chihuahuas. As you have seen from the picture above, there are Chihuahuas with a rare gene that allows their eyes to turn green or hazel. Nonetheless, it’s very rare.
Are there Cocker Spaniels with Green Eyes?
Yes, Spanish Cocker Spaniels can also have green eyes that come with their brown coat color. They’re are one of the dogs that are subject to changes weeks after birth. That means they don’t necessarily remain with their original eye color.
More especially if they have a gene from a breed that carries the merle gene. They could be born with blue eyes and after six weeks they are green in color.
Further Reading
