Blue eyes in dogs are simply captivating. And quite interestingly, this color comes in various shades, too – azure, sapphire, baby blue, and so on! Which dog breeds are known to have blue eyes?
Dog breeds with blue eyes usually include the Siberian Husky, the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Australian Shepherd. The color blue actually turns out to be a common characteristics in Huskies, while shades of sapphire or aquamarine often applies to the eye colors of both Aussies and Catahoula Curs.
Today, it’s all about dog breeds with blue eyes. Find out which pups make it in our list, and who knows – you might want to bring one home after falling in love with their enigmatic baby blues!
26. Siberian Husky
One of the most popular dog breeds with blue eyes is the Siberian Husky. In fact, 2 out of 5 Huskies have baby blues while the rest have hazel, amber, or a mixture of brown and blue.
These pooches have a reputation for being mischievous and independent. However, they can be quite sweet and affectionate, making them perfect cuddle buddies.
25. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Bred for herding tasks, the Catahoula Leopard dog gets the job done and fast. They are energetic fellows with a penchant for frolicking and socializing with humans and other dogs.
Their eyes are often blue, although quite rarely, there are other colors that come up such as hazel and dark brown. But either way, these are endearing pups that want nothing but to give you their love.
24. Boxer
Swift and graceful, Boxers are delightful canines. These devoted pups are always ready to protect their favorite humans, which makes them highly cherished pets.
One additional cool feature about these pooches is their eye color. Most Boxers with white coats, for instance, have shining blue eyes. Now, that’s a sight to behold, without a doubt.
23. Weimaraner
A brave and skilled hunting dog, the Weimaraner is certainly a lot of things. These silver-gray pups are sweet and mild-tempered dogs with a strong desire to be around their owners. No wonder they’re nicknamed “Gray Ghost”!
Seaking of gray, these canines often have eyes that are a lighter shade of blue. It is not quite dark blue, however, and more like bluish-gray or silver.
22. Great Pyrenees
Prized for their powder-white, wavy coats and massive stature, the Great Pyrenees is also one of the few dog breeds with blue eyes. Although blue eyes are not among the recognized breed standards, there is no doubt that this unique feature adds to their charm.
Pyrs are hardworking pups bred to guard cattle and keep them safe from predators. As a family pet, they are known for their gentleness and well-balanced temperament.
21. Mastiff
The all-muscle Mastiff is quite large and powerful, with a formidable build that can easily intimidate any intruder. No wonder Julius Caesar wrote about being impressed after encountering this breed during Britain’s invasion!
Aside from their tough and rough looks, the Mastiff also has another striking feature, which is its blue eyes. This can be seen, as well, in other Mastiff breeds such as the Tibetan Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff.
20. Old English Sheepdog
With thick, long hair concealing their peepers, it’s not always easy to see an Old English Sheepdog’s eyes. But part those dense locks, and you’ll either find them with brown or blue eyes. In rare cases, they can be bi-colored – one brown and one blue!
Regarded for their obedience, agility, and patience, these canines are a genuine family dog. Their coats are a little challenging to maintain; regular grooming and brushing should keep their thick fur under control.
19. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bred to guard and protect livestock in the lush Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Sheepdog possesses unique characteristics that enable them to do such strenuous jobs. They have felted and naturally matted hair that keeps them warm in the frigid mountains.
Their hair may be wild but once you part it and see their glistening blue eyes, it is indeed quite a beauty to see. Regular grooming is a must to keep your pooch looking neat and tangle-free.
18. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have been around for centuries, and were bred as lap warmers for Chinese royals. They are great companion dogs because of their sweet demeanor and friendly disposition.
These pups come in different coat colors. And if you’re lucky enough to find one with blue eyes, you would know it’s a keeper. After all, it’s a rare occurence in a typically brown-eyed Shih Tzu population.
17. Basset Hound
With giant paws, droopy ears, and a sad clown-like appearance, the Basset Hound is indeed one unique-looking pup. What’s even more extraordinary is seeing them with light blue eyes, which is not something you usually find in this breed.
A friend to all but with an ardent devotion to only one, Basset Hounds are true friends for keeps. They do their best to keep their families safe and shower them with love that they deserve.
16. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pudgy, swift, and undeniably adorable, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi are energetic little gremlins. They have stumpy legs, oval-shaped bodies, and triangular ears that stick up all the time.
Cardigans usually have brown eyes but it’s not uncommon to find one with blue eyes. What’s atypical of this breed, however, are bicolor eyes… Although this happens in some cases!
15. American Staffordshire Terrier
Amstaffs came from a line of Old English Bulldogs, which explains their solid and sturdy build. But combined with the Terrier gene, they are swift and agile. This is why these pups excel in rat baiting and hunting.
These canines often have brown or amber eyes. Quite rarely, you can find them with baby blue eyes, which makes them even more charming than they already are.
14. Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties are a smaller version of a Collie, with pointy ears, wedge-shaped heads, and coats in various colors and patterns. Many Shelties with black or sable coats have brown eyes while those with a blue merle coat have bright blue eyes to match.
They may have a compact build but Shelties are excellent watchdogs. With their keen eyes and alertness, they bark at the initial sign of threats to notify their owners immediately.
13. Rottweiler
It’s not everyday that you see a Rottie with blue eyes. More uncommon are those with one blue and one brown eyes. But if you do see one, that’s definitely something unique and special!
Rotties are muscular and robust pups with the build and personality of a guard dog. They do their best to protect their owners while at the same time being their most loyal companion.
12. Alaskan Malamute
A spitting image of the Siberian Husky but just a tad larger, Alaskan Malamutes may either have brown or blue eyes.
These pups are bred for sledding and hauling heavy loads. With their all-muscle bodies and superb strength, they are definitely fit for the job!
11. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels with merle coat patterns – both the English and American varieties – often have blue eyes. These may be traits that are yet to be recognized by the AKC, but it’s undeniable that blue-eyed Cocker Spaniels are simply adorable.
Smart and merry, this dog breed is an outstanding family pet and hunting companion. When well-trained, they are easy-going and calm – making them perfect for apartment living.
10. Dachshund
Dachshunds come in various coat colors such as brown, black, and merle. For merle-coated Doxies, blue eyes are pretty common, as well as bi-colored eyes.
Such traits may not be considered as desirable – at least by the AKC – yet these are still stunning traits. And coupled with their pleasant demeanor, these pups are truly a delightful addition to your life.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Mix a Collie, Dalmatian, and wild Dingoes with a now-extinct Smithfield dog, and you’ve got yourself an Australian Cattle Dog. Most pups are born with a solid white coat, which eventually turns red or blue-gray as they get older.
Australian Cattles tend to have brown eyes but it’s not surprising to see some with blue eyes. And yes, this eye color crops up no matter what coat pattern this breed has.
8. American Pitbull Terrier
They may have a tainted reputation for being tough and aggressive pups but Pitties are actually good-natured fellows. These canines do love to chew but it’s nothing that a good ol’ chew toy can’t fix.
Blue eyes are not typical among Pitties but it does show up in rare cases. This is particularly true with Blue Nose Pitbulls – blue coat, nose, and eyes. Adorable!
7. Dalmatian
These leggy pups are famous for their cute black spots and gorgeous blue eyes. But one unfortunate fact is that a third of blue-eyed Dalmatians suffer from hearing issues such as partial and complete deafness.
Nevertheless, they are wonderful pets with a strong desire to please their families. They may be aloof towards strangers but they are highly devoted to their favorite humans.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Often confused to be the Cardigan Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi shares the same stumpy legs but with pointy ears and bobtails. But they may also have blue eyes just like the Cardigan.
These long and short canines may lack a bigger body but they do have a huge personality! They are affectionate creatures with comedic skills to keep you entertained.
5. Border Collie
Nimble and agile, Border Collies love to keep busy. After all, they were bred to be herding dogs, and they most certainly live up to that task.
The AKC recognizes Border Collies in different coat colors and patterns. Even blue eyes are breed standards, and you can expect to see this quite often in this adorable breed.
4. Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kais look like a cross between the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. They are a little smaller than the two, yet with the same fluffy coat and triangular ears.
These pups are famous for their gorgeous eyes that come in different colors. But the most common is bright blue, which can be on both eyes or mixed with hazel or amber.
3. Australian Shepherd
Hailing from Europe, it’s quite odd that this breed is not called a “European” Shepherd. Nevertheless, Australian Shepherd is a sturdy and swift herding dog that thrives on activity and playtime.
Blue eyes are quite typical among Aussie Shepherds. However, it’s only a common trait of dogs with a merle pattern instead of the red or black.
2. Great Dane
They are massive and intimidating to look at but Great Danes are actually gentle giants. They are eager to please their owners and want nothing but to show their affection.
Great Danes come in various coat colors… And the same goes for their eyes. It’s not common to see them with blue eyes except in some with merle or harlequin coat patterns. So when you find yourself a blue-eyed Great Dane, you should know it’s absolutely special!
1. Beagle
Famous for their floppy ears and sniffing power, Beagles are one of the most well-loved hound dogs in the US. Another thing that is hard to resist about this breed is their gorgeous puppy dog eyes. They’re even more alluring when they sport those rare blue eyes.
Although most Beagles have dark brown eyes, there are quite a few with bright or pale blue eyes. But no matter what eye color they have, Beagles are always treasured for their loving, mellow, and sweet temperament.
Related Questions
Why Are White Dogs With Blue Eyes Deaf? White dogs with the piebald gene tend to suffer from congenital deafness. This happens because they lack stem cells, which is responsible for producing a layer of “auditory cells.” Thus, many white coated dogs, as well as canines with merle coats and blue eyes tend to be deaf.
Do Blue Eyed Dogs Have More Health Problems? Not necessarily. Having blue eyes does not cause dogs to have more health problems than brown- or green-eyed dogs. In addition, the blue eye color does not mean your dog will certainly go blind or deaf, especially if the parents are generally healthy and there are no genetic conditions present.
What Is The Rarest Eye Color In Dogs? Green is the rarest eye color in dogs. In fact, most green-eyed canines are cross-breeds. It is nearly impossible to breed a dog with the precise amount of pigment in the iris that will result in green eyes.
