There is just something so striking about the appearance of dogs with blue eyes and that makes them highly desirable as pets. Luckily there are many options to choose from for those who would like to own a light-eyed pooch. So here are some of the top dog breeds with blue eyes and what you’ll want to know about each of these special canines.
American Staffordshire Terrier
This popular breed is also commonly called the “AmStaff,” for short. It has a stocky and muscular build which conveys power. Often functioning as a service dog, this is a true companion breed that is world-renowned for its loyalty, love for its family, and gentleness with young children. The American Staffordshire Terrier can have eyes that range in color and shade all the way from dark brown to light blue.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a sled dog that is built for both speed and endurance. Blue eyes are common in this wolf-like breed. And many fanciers of these Northern dogs prefer them. In fact, dogs that have blue eyes and all-white coats, in particular, are highly sought after. Huskies may also have brown, green, or gold eyes and it’s not uncommon for them to have eyes that are partly another color or for them to have two totally different colored eyes.
Border Collie
Border Collies are highly intelligent herding dogs. They also happened to be one of the most agile dogs breeds on the planet. These dogs come in a variety of coat colors all of which have brown eyes except merle Border collies which may have one or two blue eyes. If you do choose one of these athletic canines for a family pet, remember the breed was created to work. And if not provided with a job, it will need lots of exercise and play to satisfy its mental and physical needs.
Great Dane
This breed’s giant size and athletic build make it one of the most recognizable of all canines. Adding to its unique appearance is the fact that it’s not uncommon for them to have blue eyes. Some Danes even have pale blue known as “ice blue” eyes, or one blue eye and one that is a different color altogether such as brown. Great Danes with all-white coats in particular are known for typically having blue eyes.
And white-coated dogs with pink noses and blue eyes are often confused for albinos. And while there is a higher percentage of albinism in Great Danes when compared to other breeds, albino Danes, actually have pink eyes. Unfortunately solid white Great Danes are not always healthy.
That’s’ because the same gene which gives them their all-white coat and often gorgeous eyes(the double merle gene) can also cause health issues such as deafness, blindness, or both. It is most often the result of breeding two harlequin-coated Great Danes together. Luckily therefore these issues can be easily avoided by responsible breeding practices.
Australian Shepherd
Don’t be fooled by its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually an American breed. And these hard-working herders not only make fantastic farm dogs but also loyal companions that are totally devoted to their family. They are intelligent dogs that are known for their one-of-a-kind coat colorations and markings. The Australian Shepherd may have eyes that are blue, brown, amber (gold), or any combination of these colors.
American Bully
These are compact and muscular dogs with large heads. The American Bully was created in the 1990s using the American Pit Bull Terrier along with several other bully breeds. And is therefore quite a new breed that is not yet accepted by all kennel clubs. In fact, even when it comes to the ones that do, when it comes to an American Bully with blue eyes the standards are not always the same.
While blue eyes do occur naturally in the breed some clubs allow blue-eyed dogs to compete in the show ring while others do not, as they consider them to be a fault. Regardless of the standard, club, or rules, these bulky canines decidedly look adorable with blue eyes.
Shetland Sheepdog
This breed looks exactly like a miniature version of the more well-known Rough Collie. If you’d like one of these small, long-haired, cute dogs with blue eyes though, you’ll need to make sure to choose one that has a merle coat. That’s because it’s the merle gene that is responsible for giving the Sheltie one, two, or partially blue eyes.
In contrast, Shelties with other coat colors have dark brown eyes. Luckily, for those who decide on this gentle and affectionate canine, it is a long-lived canine often reaching up to fifteen years old.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Fans of small dogs with blue eyes may want to consider the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. However, don’t be fooled by their size, these aren’t dainty little lapdogs. They are tough, agile, and full of energy. And while many Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies are born with blue eyes they usually turn brown as they age.
Typically only those with merle coats have eyes that stay blue or pale blue as adults. Like several other breeds on this list they sometimes also have one blue eye and one brown. Some Cardigan Corgis even have “blue flecked,” eyes that are partially blue and brown in the same eye.
Cane Corso
While it isn’t acceptable in the show ring for the Cane Corso to have blue eyes or yellow eyes for that matter, they can have either. And it doesn’t make them any less of a Cane Corso. In fact, many pet owners prefer blue-eyed or yellow-eyed Cane Corso dogs.
When it comes to show dogs however darker eyes are preferred and the darkness of the eyes should correspond to the darkness of the dog’s coat. These large, loyal, and incredibly powerful dogs make ideal family protectors.
Yakutian Laika
This ancient blue-eyed dog breed is native to northeastern Russia where it was used to both hunt and pull sleds by the aboriginal Yakut people. In addition to blue eyes, the Yakutian Laika may also have brown eyes or one eye that is brown and one that is blue.
This versatile breed is full of energy. And while friendly and loving towards humans because of its history is naturally protective when it comes to defending its territory against large predators.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Different from most other dog breeds, when it comes to the Catahoula Leopard Dog there is no standard for eye color. That means the Catahoula’s eyes not only can be any color, but also any combination of colors, and that of course includes blue.
Dogs with light blue eyes, known as “glass eyes”, are particularly sought after because of just how absolutely stunning they look. Glass eyes are actually so light that they are almost white in color. In addition, glass-eyed Catahoula Leopard Dogs can also have what are known as “cracked glass,” eyes (light blue eyes that contain other colors).
Samoyed
Typically the Samoyed is a breed with dark eyes. In fact, because of their all-white coats, dark eyes, noses, and eye rims, they are often compared to looking just like polar bears. That being said, while difficult, finding one of these white fluffy dogs with blue eyes is possible.
That’s because while blue-eyed Samoyeds can occur naturally in the breed they are quite rare. Although don’t expect to be able to enter one in any dog shows as their light-colored eyes will automatically disqualify them from competing.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...