Rare and mysterious the gaze of a blue-eyed dog. Tends to make an impression however a few breeds display this unique trait and even with those breeds blue eyes can be hard to come by. The reasons for a dog having blue eyes are all up to their genes. However different breeds will have different genes that coat for blue eyes. Some inherit them as a recessive trait and others as a mutation of other genes, in honor of this unique trait. Here we've listed "Top 10 Blue Eyed Dog Breeds".
Siberian Husky Dog :
While far away from the only blue-eyed dog breed. Siberian Huskys are likely the first that comes to anyone's mind, though they can also have brown eyes. The ones with ice blue eyes are unforgettable and then there are some that have one brown eye and one blue. According to researchers a gene mutation is the culprit for these iconic blue colored eyes and Siberian Huskys.
Specifically a gene known as the AL x4 on chromosome 18, is linked with a development of the stunning blue eyes. Bred in the frozen lands of northern Russia by the Chukchi people, that is saw that you can see their paths reflected in their eyes. Full of snow and winter winds, if there were an ambassador for blue eyed dog breeds it would be the Siberian Husky (1).
Australian Shepherd Dog :
This breed receives its blue eyes as a package deal. With the same gene that results in a Merle that is splotchy coat. This combination gives them an air of being free-spirited and a little on the wild side in a good way of course. However Aussie Shepherds are incredibly clever and are much more likely to impose order rather than chaos. Their history as herding dogs gives them a penchant for keeping their friends and owners in line. But they still make great companions with all readiness to learn that is unrivaled among dog breeds (2).
Border Collie Dog :
Another herding breed, Border Collies deserve a mention on this list. Like Australian Shepherds their blue eyes are tied to their moral patterning. The dilution of pigment in their coats means that there is a chance that eye pigment will turn out wider as well. This breed has a history that goes back to the British Isles, where they served as herding dogs. Over the years successful breeding has led them to become one of the most intelligent dog breeds around (3).
Dachshund Dog :
Whether blue or brown Dachshunds have undeniable puppy eyes. They can melt your heart with a single look you know the one we're talking about and if they have dappled or Murrell patterning. There is also a chance that they'll be looking up at you with blue tinted eyes. This short yet long dog was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their unique shape makes them perfect for following their quarry down holes (4).
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog :
At first glance a Welsh Corgi almost looks comic with their short legs and long body. But you might be surprised at how agile and athletic they can be. What's even more surprising is how intelligent these dogs really are. Like most blue-eyed dogs their eye coloring is tied to Merle coloring specifically blue Merle. It's also worth noting that even some Pembroke Welsh Corgis can develop blue eyes on very rare occasions (5).
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Weimaraner Dog :
Though the Weimaraner isn't a breed that usually comes up in casual conversation or Instagram photos. They are a gorgeous breed with a history of serving alongside royalty on hunts for boar, deer, and even bears. Its sleek silvery coloring and why body has apparently earned it the nickname gray ghost. Though plenty of Weimaraner honors may appear blue-eyed at Birth as they age, they will begin to produce more melanin. The pigment which joins color to their eyes, while some may retain a be gray appearance throughout their life. Others will slowly meld into warmer colors such as amber or gold (6).
Dalmatian Dog :
We've included this breed on the list partly because of how impressive they were. And partly as a warning while yes a blue-eyed Dalmatian looks spectacular. It is important to know that this can be a warning sign for deafness. Dalmatians are already more prone to deafness than other breeds, with 30% suffering from hearing loss in one or both ears. This appears to be connected to the same auto recessive gene. Which affects the colouring of the iris, so we won't advise one way or another but this tendency is something that should be taken into consideration (7).
Shetland Sheepdog :
It seems herding dogs have a tendency towards blue eyes. The Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is a fourth herding breed on this list after all. Like other breeds blue eyes occur in Shelties along with the Merle genes or if they are dapple. They are more likely to have lighter eyes being a herding dog they are known for their intelligence and readiness to please. There are very people-oriented and feel best when raced in homes where there are plenty of people around (8).
Alaskan Malamute Dog :
Most Alaskan Malamutes have dark amber brown eyes. However like their husky cousin they can also come in light blue eyes, some have even seen Malamutes with one blue and one brown eye. There are people that claim that Alaskan Malamutes for blue eyes aren't real purebred Alaskan Malamutes. Rather they're more likely to be a melon husky mix, because the Malamute Husky Mix are so popular. The Malamutes with blue eyes may have inherited it from a husky somewhere along their bloodline (9).
Alaskan Klee Kai Dog :
The Alaskan Klee Kai is the much smaller cousin of the Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky. In some cases they look nearly identical to their larger cousins. Everything from the fluffiness to the erect ears coat colors and of course the blue eyes are the same. The Alaskan Klee Kai can range in the color blue from a light sky-blue to a deeper ocean blue. Most Klee Kai eyes are blue, however they can also be brown or two colors brown and blue (10).
