Although blue eyes are considered an undesirable trait by the official standard of many breeds, the truth is that, popularly, this feature is highly desired. A dog with blue eyes always looks beautiful, striking, unique. But how rare are they and why exactly? How many types of blue-eyed dog breeds are there?
Keep reading to learn about all the breeds that exhibit this characteristic, its causes, and how it can affect the dog, beyond the beautiful physical appearance.
You also won’t want to miss our selection of stunning pictures of blue-eyed dogs…
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Blue-eyed dog breeds
In general, blue eyes are not that common in the canine world; even so, this trait can be found in various breeds, especially specimens with blue, greyish, or spotted fur. From big dogs and small dogs to little-known breeds and other very popular ones, the group of dogs with blue eyes is more than fascinating to us.
The 11 dog breeds that commonly have blue eyes are:
- Siberian Husky
- Weimaraner
- Australian pastor
- Border collie
- Catahoula leopard dog
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- American pit bull terrier
- Great Dane
- Dalmatian
- Corgis
- Dachshund
Let’s find out what characterizes each of these peculiar dogs?
1. Siberian Husky
Hands down, this is the first dog we all recognize when it comes to blue eyes. The beautiful Siberian Husky is distinguished by the iconic sky blue color of his eyes, which transports us to the frozen tundras where this breed originated. It should be noted that some huskies can also have brown eyes or a combination of blue and brown.
Many think that it is a doubly special dog since, in addition to the intense blue of its eyes, the Siberian Husky is one of the dogs that look like wolves.
- Origin: Russia
- Height: 51-61cm
- Weight: 16-27kg
- Temperament: alert, friendly, gentle, intelligent, outgoing, committed
- Colors: white and agouti, black and white, white and grey, white and red, white and sable, white
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
The adorable Pomsky, a mixed breed dog obtained by crossing a Siberian Husky with a Pomeranian, can also inherit blue eyes.
It may interest you: The True Types of Husky [+Photos] – Colors, Eyes, Fur
2. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is recognized for his famous blue-gray coat, as well as his intelligent and energetic personality. Stunning eyes, which can be blue or amber, are the perfect complement to his coat color. In this case, the eyes are not a deep blue color, but rather a bluish-gray.
Weimaraners were originally bred as hunters but slowly began to gain popularity as companion dogs. They are known to be very good with children and love to get involved in family dynamics.
- Origin: Germany
Height: 56-69cm
Weight: 23-32kg
Temperament: alert, energetic, intelligent, stable, sociable, stubborn
Colors: blue, grey, silver-grey
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
3. Australian Shepherd
Typically, the Australian Shepherd has light blue eyes when their coat is merle-patterned. Some dogs may have one blue eye and one brown eye.
Bred to herd, Australian Shepherds are extremely intelligent and energetic. Since they are puppies, they always need something to do, which is why they are recommended for people with an active lifestyle. Having a job or participating in competitions will keep them happy.
Sometimes the Aussidoodle, an Australian Shepherd/Poodle mix, can have stunning blue eyes.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 46-58cm
- Weight: 18-29kg
- Temperament: energetic, affectionate, friendly, gentle, intelligent, protective
- Colors: black, blue merle, red, red merle
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
4. Border collie
Considered the smartest dog in the world, the border collie is another dog that has blue eyes, as well as gold or brown. The blue color is seen more frequently in specimens with merle (blackbird) fur.
His great intelligence and infinite energy make him one of the favorites for agility competitions. As a pet, the border collie needs a home that is capable of meeting his needs, both mentally and physically.
- Origin: United Kingdom, Ireland
- Height: 46-56cm
- Weight: 12-20kg
- Temperament: intelligent, energetic, alert, tenacious, loyal, sensitive
- Colors: black, blue merle, variegated, gold, red, sable
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Perhaps this is one of the lesser-known blue-eyed dog breeds, as it is not very common outside of its country of origin. Like coat colors, the Catahoula’s eye color can vary between different shades of blue, green, amber, brown, or a combination of these (each eye a different color).
Catahoula leopards are popularly known as the chameleons of the canine world, due to the wide variety of shades and patterns that their eyes and coat can present.
Originally bred to work and herd, they need a home with plenty of room to run and expend their energy.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 51-58cm
- Weight: 16-37kg
- Temperament: alert, courageous, energetic, gentle, independent, intelligent, loving, protective
- Colors: black, tan and black, blue, brindle, brown, gray, red, silver, tricolor
- Life expectancy: 11-13 years
6. Alaskan Klee Kai
At first glance, the Alaskan Klee Kai looks like a miniature husky, but it is a different breed, bred not as a working dog, but as a companion. Of course, like the Siberian husky, this one is prone to having blue eyes, either one or both eyes. Other common colors are brown, green, and hazelnut.
Regardless of eye color, these furry little ones are affectionate and playful. They are considered good pets for families with older children.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 33-42cm
- Weight: 4-10kg
- Temperament: active, agile, curious, intelligent, loyal, territorial
- Colors: white, white and black, white and red, white and gray
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
7. American Pit Bull Terrier
Another dog that is often born with blue eyes is the American Pit Bull Terrier, although the color can change as it grows older. That’s not to say that adult pit bulls with blue eyes don’t exist; specimens with bluish, grayish, tabby, blackbird fur, or that are of the blue nose type (blue nose), usually have blue eyes when they are adults.
Despite their reputation as aggressive and dangerous dogs, well-trained and socialized Pit Bulls are incredibly friendly and affectionate dogs.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 35-60cm
- Weight: 10-35kg
- Temperament: affectionate, funny, brave, friendly, loyal, obedient, willful, stubborn, aggressive
- Colors: black, tan and black, blue, brown, gray, red, white, yellow, brindle
- Life expectancy: 10-14 years
8. Great Dane
Interestingly, this giant dog, considered the tallest in the world, can also have blue eyes from time to time. It is common for Great Dane puppies to be born with blue eyes and later change to brown; however, there are exceptions where the blue remains forever, for example in Great Danes with harlequin or merle coats.
For a dog of such size, the Great Dane displays amazing adaptability. It is known that it can fit well in different lifestyles and spaces. He is a friendly, calm, and eager-to-please companion.
- Origin: Germany
- Height: 71-86cm
- Weight: 45-90kg
- Temperament: sociable, trusting, devoted, intelligent, gentle, loving, reserved
- Colors: black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, mantle, merle, white
- Life expectancy: 7-10 years
9. Dalmatian
One of the most peculiar breeds of all time is, without a doubt, the wonderful Dalmatian. As if its unique coat pattern wasn’t enough, this dog often has bright blue eyes. Some specimens have different colored eyes, for example, one blue and one light brown.
Dignified in both appearance and personality, this breed can be a bit standoffish around strangers, but nothing makes him feel as comfortable as being at home with his family.
- Origin: United Kingdom, Croatia
- Height: 50-60cm
- Weight: 25kg
- Temperament: energetic, friendly, intelligent, outgoing, playful, sensitive
- Colors: black and white, liver brown and white
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
10. Corgis
Looking for a cute, relatively small dog that may have blue eyes? Both the Pembroke Welsh corgi and the Cardigan Welsh corgi can have blue eyes, especially if they have a merle coat. Sometimes blue occurs in both eyes or combined with a brown-colored eye.
What they lack in stature, they make up for in character. Corgis are cheerful, active, and affectionate little dogs; no wonder they’re so popular as family pets.
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 25-33cm
- Weight: 11-14kg
- Temperament: affectionate, cheerful, sociable, intelligent, lively, outgoing, devoted
- Colors: Pembroke (tan and black, fawn, red, sable), Cardigan (black and white, white and blue merle, white and brindle, white and red, white and sable)
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
11. Dachshunds
Blue eyes may not be the most desirable in show dachshunds, but they are still admired in companion dogs. The most common is to find dachshunds with blue eyes and merle fur. Blue can appear in both eyes or in only one; It can even appear mixed with brown in the same eye.
Bred to hunt badgers, these brave and boisterous dogs make excellent watchdogs. They can be quite stubborn at times, which makes training quite a challenge.
- Origin: Germany
- Height: 20-27 cm (standard dachshund)
- Weight: 7-15 kg (standard dachshund)
- Temperament: cunning, brave, devoted, lively, playful, headstrong
- Colors: black, black and tan, blue, brown, red, silver, white
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Other breeds that produce blue-eyed dogs
Although not as common, the following breeds can also produce puppies with blue colored eyes:
- Australian cattle dog
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Cocker spaniel
- Old English shepherd
- Boxer
- Shih Tzu
- Neapolitan mastiff
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Rottweiler
- German shepherd
- Basset hound
- The Great Pyrenees
