There’s something downright mesmerizing about dogs with blue eyes; they have a way of catching your attention and tugging at your heart. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered why some pups have those striking icy blues while others don’t.
In this article, I’m sharing 15 dog breeds with blue eyes that are not only beautiful but also unique in personality and charm. Whether you’re thinking about bringing one home or just love learning about different breeds, you’ll find some real stunners on this list.
1) Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the most recognized blue-eyed dog breeds. This trait results from a mutation in the ALX4 gene, causing striking ice-blue eyes.
Huskies may have one or both eyes blue or display heterochromia, where each eye is a different color. About 40% of Siberian Huskies have blue eyes, making them notable among blue-eyed dogs.
Their eye color is not linked to health issues but adds to their unique appearance.
2) Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd often has striking blue eyes, though their eye color can also be hazel, amber, brown, or green. This breed is known for intelligence and high energy.
They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Blue eyes in Australian Shepherds do not affect their behavior or abilities, only their appearance.
3) Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is known for its sleek gray coat and striking blue-gray eyes. These dogs combine intelligence with a calm demeanor, making them good family pets.
They require regular exercise to manage their energy levels. Their playful nature and trainability make them suitable for active households.
4) Border Collie
Border Collies can have blue eyes, though brown is the most common eye color. Blue eyes often appear in dogs with the merle or piebald coat patterns.
Their eye color can range from light sky blue to a deeper shade. Blue-eyed Border Collies are rare, but their unique eye color does not affect their intelligence or herding ability.
5) Dalmatian
Dalmatians sometimes have blue eyes, though this is uncommon. The blue eye color results from a genetic trait linked to their unique coat pattern.
However, blue-eyed Dalmatians are more prone to hearing loss due to the same gene affecting ear function.
They often have one brown and one blue eye, a condition called heterochromia. This adds to their distinctive appearance but requires attention to health considerations.
6) Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small, energetic breed that resembles a miniature Husky. It often has striking blue eyes, though other colors like brown, green, and hazel also occur.
This breed is intelligent and alert, making it a good watchdog. It needs regular exercise and prefers close interaction with its family.
7) Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the few dog breeds that can naturally have blue eyes. This trait is most often seen in Cardigans with the merle coat pattern.
Blue eyes in this breed are accepted only when linked to the merle gene, as breed standards prefer darker eye colors. They may have one or two blue eyes, which is a distinctive but rare feature.
8) American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized breed known for its fluffy white coat and lively personality. Some individuals in this breed have striking blue eyes, which add to their unique appearance.
These dogs were originally called German Spitz but were renamed during World War I. They are intelligent, playful, and make good companions for active families.
Blue eyes in this breed are less common but not unusual. The dog is well-suited to cold climates due to its dense double coat.
9) English Setter
The English Setter is a medium-sized breed known for its speckled coat and friendly nature. Although their eyes are typically warm brown or hazel, some may have blue eyes.
Blue eyes in English Setters are uncommon and often linked to genetic factors. This trait can sometimes indicate a higher risk of inherited deafness due to pigment loss.
They are active dogs, well-suited for outdoor activities and companionship. Blue eyes add a unique appearance but are not a standard breed characteristic.
10) Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for its striking coat patterns and often has blue or mismatched eyes. This medium to large breed features a short, smooth coat with unique marbled or spotted designs.
Blue eyes are common, especially in dogs with merle coats. They require consistent training and enough activity to stay healthy and happy.
11) Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small, slender sighthound standing 13 to 15 inches tall. It has a fine, glossy coat that can come in various colors, sometimes including blue.
This breed is known for its elegant build and gentle nature. Italian Greyhounds have a history dating back centuries and were favored for companionship and grace.
They are affectionate dogs with low grooming needs. Their blue eyes add to their distinctive and refined appearance.
12) Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog usually has brown eyes, which is the breed standard. However, some individuals carry a recessive gene that can produce blue eyes. This trait is rare and often considered a fault in show dogs.
Blue eyes in Australian Cattle Dogs do not typically indicate health problems. They are sturdy, intelligent working dogs known for their loyalty and endurance.
13) Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd often has striking blue eyes, a trait linked to the merle gene. This gene also causes a mottled coat pattern that is visually distinctive.
They are intelligent and athletic dogs that make good companions for active owners. Sometimes, they show heterochromia, where one eye is blue and the other is a different color.
14) Chilkat Shepherd
The Chilkat Shepherd is a rare, sturdy breed known for its striking blue eyes. It originates from Alaska, bred for strength and endurance in cold climates.
This dog has a thick double coat to protect against harsh weather. Its blue eyes add to its unique and memorable appearance.
Chilkat Shepherds are loyal and intelligent, making them excellent working dogs and companions.
15) Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized Spitz breed known for its thick, fluffy coat and friendly temperament. It comes in many colors, including combinations that often feature striking blue eyes.
These dogs are intelligent and agile, originally bred for herding reindeer. Their varied coat colors and patterns make each individual unique. Blue eyes add to their distinctive appearance without being rare or unusual for the breed.
