What Dog Breeds Have Blue Eyes?
You might have been wondering what dog breeds have blue eyes if you have seen this rare color on a canine in your travels. Blue eyes in a dog are actually completely possible due to a rare genetic sequence being present in the breeding process. Today, we are going to talk all about this gene and how it leads to blue eyes plus give you a few examples of breeds that commonly feature this color.
Dog Breeds with Blue Eyes
In this section, we are going to provide you with a few examples of dog breeds with blue eyes. We hope that it leads to you finding the perfect canine companion.
- Border collie
A really popular herding breed native to the British Isles, Collies are known for their high level of intelligence. They make a perfect best friend for farmers and pretty much anyone who loves an active breed.
- Weimaraner
A native German breed that is known for its silvery coat and excellent hunting capabilities, Weimaraners are also noted for being highly active and energetic in conjunction with often having greyish blue eyes.
- Australian shepherd
Despite the name, this breed is actually found commonly in the USA and is frequently seen on ranches as a herding dog thanks to its high energy levels. You will often find this breed with a blueish coat to match its blue-hued eyes.
- Dalmatian
As one of the most popular blue eyes dogs, Dalmatians are known for their white coat with black spots and playful nature. They are a hugely energetic and loving breed that makes for perfect family pets.
- Husky
Well known in the colder areas of the world for their loyalty and immense stamina, Huskies are also very loving as well as being especially practical and reliable working dogs.
Why Dogs Can Have Blue Eyes and Could It Affect Their Health?
When it comes to determining what dog breeds have blue eyes, we are often so concerned with trying to choose a lovable canine companion that we overlook the reason behind the color occurring. The reason why some dogs have blue eyes is because of a pigmentation imbalance where a gene known as “merle” overpowers the other genes being thrown into the mix when it comes to forming a dog.
This gene is dominant and usually overpowers any other genes being used following the mating process. As a result, its properties are primarily expressed. Typically, blue eyes are not an indication of future blindness or vision issues especially when the merle gene is present. However, regular health checks will detect any potential issues with your dog’s sight as it ages.
Conclusion
In summary, you might once have seen a dog with blue eyes and simply thought it looked adorable without ever realizing why they were colored this way. If you prefer blue-eyed breeds, you also now have a list of viable options to choose from going forward. We wish you luck in your blue-eyed dog-hunting journey.