There’s no doubt that dogs with yellow eyes make quite an impression. And there are quite a few special canines that have this unique and recessive trait. So here are some of the top dog breeds with yellow eyes and what you’ll want to know about each of them.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
At a glance or to the uninitiated the Chesapeake Bay Retriever may look like a large Chocolate Labrador Retriever with a strange coat. However, these are two totally unrelated breeds. The Chesapeake originated in America where it was used to retrieve waterfowl along the Chesapeake Bay and in some of the most severe weather and water conditions.
The breed’s most well-known traits are its gorgeous yellow or amber eyes, and wavy (and oily) coat. Its waterproof double coat comes in three colors brown, sedge, or dead-grass, and each of them pairs perfectly with the breed’s light-colored eyes making for a handsome appearance.
Tamaskan Dog
For those who would like a yellow-eyed dog that looks like a wolf, the Tamaskan Dog is an ideal choice. Despite being bred to have the proportions and appearance of a wolf this breed actually has a very low percentage of wolf in its DNA. This makes them excellent family pets and companions.
These large intelligent and athletic dogs also excel at sled-pulling and many other jobs as well. The Tamaskan Dog’s almond-shaped eyes can range from yellow to amber or brown.
Labrador Retriever
This popular and highly affectionate retriever breed comes in three distinct coat colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. While black and yellow Labs typically have amber (golden yellow) to dark brown eyes, chocolate Labs generally have brown or hazel-colored eyes. Yet it is possible to have purebred Labrador Retrievers with yellow eyes as well.
One of the hallmarks of the breed is kind-looking eyes which help to portray the breed’s friendly character. And because yellow eyes, along with black eyes, are considered to make the dog look menacing, these two colors are specifically discouraged in the breed standard.
Although they would be disqualified in the show ring, that doesn’t make them any less of a Labrador. Of the three coat colors, yellow eyes seem to be more prevalent in chocolate Labs.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
When it comes to a striking appearance, there are few canines that can compete with the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This rare breed has a coat that comes in an amazing array of patterns and colors. And the Catahoula’s eyes may be any color. They may have two eyes of the same color or two different colored eyes.
Some Catahoula Leopard Dogs even have eyes that are one main color with another color inside of them. Not only is the Catahoula the official state dog of Louisiana it is also the only breed to be developed in the state as well.
Xoloitzcuintle
This yellow-eyed dog breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog. Despite its name, there is also a coated variety of the breed. In fact, most litters are made up of both coated and hairless puppies. In addition to two coat types, the Xoloitzcuintle also comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
The eyes of all Xolos range from yellow to dark brown and their color depends on the color of the dog’s skin. For those who are allergic to dogs or that would like an unusual-looking companion that also makes a great watchdog, the Xoloitzcuintle is well worth checking out.
Weimaraner
With just one look at the Weimaraner’s yellow-amber eyes and silvery gray coat, it’s easy to see why it got the nickname the “gray ghost.” This German hunting dog breed is known for its skill in the field but also for its looks and marvelous eye color.
All Weimaraner puppies are actually born with blue eyes however by the time the pups start to reach around six months old their eyes naturally darken to light amber, gray, or blue-gray.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an intimidating dog, and that’s because this Italian breed was created to both guard and protect. In general, the Cane Corso’s eye color will depend on the color of its coat with the preference being the darkest eyes possible for its coat color. For dogs that have dark coats, dark brown eyes are preferred.
And for dogs with lighter or more dilute coats the color of the eyes is lighter such as yellow amber (as they are not genetically capable of having dark eyes). For this breed, light yellow eyes known as “yellow bird of prey eyes”, along with blue eyes are actually considered a serious fault.
And while there are many rumors about yellow-eyed Cane Corsos such as that they have superior night vision which makes them better protectors in the dark, or that they are more aggressive, they aren’t true.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is considered by many to be the world’s best sheep herding breed. This is an athletic, intense, and intelligent canine. Unlike many dogs, the Border Collie was not only created to work, but still performs its original function today. And because of its strong working background, this is without a doubt a canine that thrives when it is given a job.
That job may be actual herding or a substitute that’s also mentally and physically stimulating such as rally, agility, or disc dog competitions. The Border Collie’s eyes come in all colors, although blue eyes are not preferred unless the dog also has a merle coat.
Boykin Spaniel
These medium-sized brown dogs with yellow eyes and docked tails were originally developed to hunt turkey and waterfowl in South Carolina. Energetic in the field and easy to train, this breed’s eyes may also be various shades of brown or amber. However, its coat is always a solid liver color. The Boykin Spaniel is a dog that loves people, gets along with other canines, and is great with young kids.
American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a versatile working dog that can be used for many tasks such as catching bulls or wild hogs, as a guard dog, or as a companion. There are several lines of dogs that specialize in specific jobs with the Johnson and Scott lines being the most well-known.
And today, many American Bulldogs are actually a hybrid of these two lines. This powerful bulldog breed can have eyes that are any color, including yellow. However, eyes that are dark brown are considered to be ideal.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Sarloos Wolfdog also known as the Sarloos Wolfhond is a Dutch breed. It was created to be a companion. Yet, because this unique canine still has a temperament that is very much in line with its European wolf ancestry it is therefore not recommended for the average dog owner.
When it comes to the Saarloos Wolfdog it’s particularly important that the dog’s eyes are yellow and no other color. That’s because light eyes are considered to be a vital characteristic for maintaining the breed’s wolf-like appearance.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Of all the dogs with yellow eyes, the American Pit Bull Terrier is easily one of the most athletic and loyal. This medium-sized dog loves children and makes a fantastic family pet or companion. Although it will need proper training and socialization as it does have a high prey drive and can be dog aggressive.
A purebred American Pit Bull Terrier’s eyes can be any color except blue, and according to the standard, it should not have eyes that are two different colors. This is a sleek, lean, and naturally muscular breed. So it’s no surprise that black Pit Bulls with yellow eyes, in particular, are often described as looking like a black panther.
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