Frank Sinatra may be called Ol’ Blue Eyes, but we know 16 dog breeds that can give him a run for his money. Dog breeds with blue eyes make our hearts sing with their piercing gazes and unique coats (yes, coat and eye color are related!). Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds and Weimaraners are known for their blue eyes, but you can also find Bulldogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Dalmatians with baby blues. This trait is genetic, passed down by at least one parent to a litter of puppies. Though more research needs to be done, there are some links between blue eyes and blindness or deafness. At the end of the day, no matter the eye color, we just love dogs (and so does Frank Sinatra).
16 Dog Breeds with Blue Eyes
And what it means for their health
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Published Sep 19, 2024
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Meet the Expert:
Caitlyn Bruns is the Senior Manager of DNA Strategy for Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry. With over ten years in the animal genetics field, Bruns manages a group of scientists researching pet DNA.
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1. Alaskan Klee Kai
- Group: Foundation Stock Service
- Height: 12-17 inches
- Weight: 6-25 pounds
- Personality: Curious, loyal
- Shedding Factor: Seasonal
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
According to the Alaskan Klee Kai Club of America, these companion dogs are descendents of sled dogs who lived with nomadic people in North America thousands of years ago. Though much smaller than Alaskan Malamutes, Alaskan Klee Kais love the outdoors just as much as their sled dog counterparts. Klee Kais also have striking white and black or gray coats and can have bright blue eyes.
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2. Alaskan Malamute
- Group: Working
- Height: 23-25 inches
- Weight: 75-85 pounds
- Personality: Playful, stubborn
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Alaskan Malamutes are big dogs with big hearts. They enjoy playtime with their family members and other dogs, though they may be aloof with strangers. Interestingly enough, most Malamutes have brown eyes and in fact, blue eyes are considered a deviation from the breed standard, according to the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. This means a blue-eyed Malamute probably won’t ever win best in show in any upcoming competition. No matter what the standard says, we love those baby blues!
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3. Australian Shepherd
- Group: Herding
- Height: 18-23 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Personality: Smart, Athletic
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Seasonal
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Aussies can have brown, blue or amber eyes, and sometimes a combination of colors! This is a high-energy herding breed known for having stunning blue merle or red merle coats. Australian Shepherds thrive when they get lots of exercise outside, so they aren’t for lowkey or inactive families. Training is usually fun and easy because these dogs are smart—as long as you keep their attention.
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4. Border Collie
- Group: Herding
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 30-55 pounds
- Personality: Energetic, Smart
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Seasonal
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Border Collies can also have merle coats and blue eyes. In fact, the Border Collie Society of America says blue eyes are only preferred in dogs with merle coats (if they want to meet the standard for showing). Otherwise, these pups have brown eyes. This is another herding breed with boundless energy and intelligence. Border Collies make excellent pets for families because of their adaptability, playfulness and affection.
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5. Cane Corso
- Group: Working
- Height: 23-27 inches
- Weight: 90-130 pounds
- Personality: Smart, sweet, protective
- Activity Level: Moderate to High
- Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
The giant Cane Corso can have blue eyes, though their AKC breed standard considers this trait a disqualification. The Cane Corso Association of America says the best environment for this extra large breed is one in which they’ve got regular mental and physical exercise. As a working dog breed, they love having a job to do!
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6. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Group: Herding
- Height: 10.5-12.5 inches
- Weight: 25-38 pounds
- Personality: Adaptable, Sweet
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
An adorable Corgi with a blue merle coat and matching blue eyes? Sign us up! Who cares if the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America says their blue eyes are technically a disqualification? These pups can also have brindle-colored coats. As with other herding breeds, these dogs enjoy running, palling around with their favorite person and learning new skills.
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7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Group: Foundation Stock Service
- Height: 22-24 inches
- Weight: 50-95 pounds
- Temperament: Protective, independent
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Activity Level: High
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are native to the southern United States. Their coats can be red, blue or white merle and they can have striking bright blue eyes. In fact, according to the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas, Inc., glass-colored, almost white eyes are preferred in these dogs. They can also have spotted eyes or cracked eyes, meaning the iris is half glass, half brown! This is a rare dog breed, so if you meet one, you’re a lucky duck.
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8. Dachshund
- Group: Hound
- Height: 8-9 inches (Standard), 5-6 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 16-32 pounds (Standard), up to 11 pounds (Miniature)
- Personality: Curious, affectionate
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Typically, Dachshund eyes are deep brown. However, they can have blue eyes, a trait most often associated with double dappled Dachshunds. Dappled coats are the same as merle coats; double dappled means both Dachshund parents were dappled and it comes with significant health risks (and a higher instance of blue eyes). Rocky Mountain Dachshund Rescue says double dappled pups often suffer from blindness or have difficulty seeing. They may also experience deafness or be born with eye deformities. If you adopt a Dachshund with a dappled coat or blue eyes, make sure you check in with your vet regularly and monitor your dog’s behavior to spot any issues early on!
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9. Dalmatian
- Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 19-24 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Personality: Reserved, athletic
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
The Dalmatian Club of America says both brown and blue eyes are acceptable in the breed standard, which we love to hear. Blue eyes are more common in Dalmatians with liver-colored spots, as opposed to the black spots we associate with this breed. While playful with family members, they’re also super protective and can be reserved with new faces, so introduce these dogs slowly to strangers.
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10. English Bulldog
- Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 14-15 inches
- Weight: 40-50 pounds
- Personality: Brave, devoted
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Bulldogs can definitely have blue eyes, though their breed standard says brown eyes are best. The Bulldog Club of America also says a condition called “cherry eye” is more common in these dogs than other breeds. It’s caused by an infected tear gland and should be treated as soon as possible (watch for “a red, cherry-like growth protruding from the inner corner of the eye”). These sweet dogs are devoted to their families and have charming, lovable personalities.
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11. Great Dane
- Group: Working
- Height: 28-32 inches
- Weight: 110-175 pounds
- Personality: Patient, friendly
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Low
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Blue eyes on Great Danes are “permitted” by the breed standard in dogs with merle patterns or harlequin coats, a stunning black and white cow-like print. Otherwise, most Danes have dark eyes. The Great Dane Club of America recommends all breeders ensure their dogs are tested for common health issues, including eye problems. So, if you’re in the market for one of these gentle giants, look for responsible breeders who screen for illnesses.
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12. Old English Sheepdog
- Group: Herding
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 60-100 pounds
- Personality: Smart, Sweet
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-12 years
Old English Sheepdogs can have blue, brown or amber eyes, or two different colored irises. This shaggy breed does require some extra grooming efforts due to their long, double coats. Though mellow and patient, they definitely need exercise and should be given plenty of time to burn energy outdoors.
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13. Pit Bull
- Group: Foundation Stock
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 30-85 pounds
- Personality: Confident, cheerful
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Activity Level: High
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Pit Bulls, also known as American Pit Bull Terriers, can have blue eyes, though the United Kennel Club notes this is a significant fault in terms of breed standard. Blue-eyed or not, these dogs tend to get a bad rap. The National American Pit Bull Terrier Association works hard to address the breed’s reputation as an aggressor, noting behavior is specific to a dog, not a breed. In fact, the UKC notes Pit Bulls are typically excellent family companions and sweet animals when raised well.
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14. Shetland Sheepdog
- Group: Herding
- Height: 13-16 inches
- Weight: 15-25 pounds
- Personality: Playful, friendly
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Like Great Danes and Border Collies, blue eyes are only allowed in Shetland Sheepdogs with merle coats (though the tan and white or black and white pups can be blue-eyed). More often than not, Shelties have deep brown eyes. No matter the color, these are playful dogs who love to romp around outside with their pals. This small but mighty breed is super affectionate, but this also means they feel extra protective of their family members around new people.
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15. Siberian Husky
- Group: Working
- Height: 20-24 inches
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, energetic
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: High
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Perhaps the dogs most often associated with baby blues are Siberian Huskies. Against their black and white or tan and white coats, bright blue eyes really pop (though Huskies can also have brown eyes or one of each color). Though intelligent and loyal, the Siberian Husky Club of America warns these dogs can have strong independent streaks and prey drives, so watch them closely when out and about.
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16. Weimaraner
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 23-27 inches
- Weight: 55-90 pounds
- Personality: Friendly, obedient
- Activity Level: High
- Shedding Factor: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
A Weimaraner’s blue-gray coat paired with sky blue eyes is a sight to behold. They are as friendly as they are gorgeous and the Weimaraner Club of America calls them a “big, active, intelligent, hunting breed.” You may also recognize Weimaraners from artist William Wegman’s photography featuring these pups.
Why Does My Dog Have Blue Eyes?
Like any other trait, blue eyes are genetic and inherited. Caitlyn Bruns, the Senior Manager of DNA Strategy for Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, says blue eyes are linked to specific markers, or places, in a dog’s DNA. While blue eyes are more likely if one of your dog’s parents had blue eyes, Bruns says it’s not a guarantee.
Blue eyes may be linked to other traits and even certain health issues. “Some of the markers that influence [blue eyes] also influence the dog’s coat color, like merle, roan and white spotting,” says Bruns. The same genetic marker responsible for merle patterns, which look like splattered paint and are often blue and gray or tan, can cause blue eyes. Many breed standards allow for blue eyes in dogs with merle coats, perhaps because of this link.
You’ll notice we mention breed standards a lot when discussing blue eyes in dogs. Breed standards are written guides describing the perfect version of a particular breed. They include descriptions on temperament, how a dog should move and what the dog should look like. Breeders use these ideal traits to choose and breed show dogs. Judges refer to the standards when determining best in show.
Of course, no dog is perfect. Most pups, even purebreds, deviate from the breed standard. These deviations are often called faults. For many breeds, blue eyes are considered faults. For a few, blue eyes are preferred.
Back to genetics! The link between merle coats and eye color doesn’t explain why Siberian Huskies can have some of the bluest eyes around. But Embark, another company studying dog DNA, may have found an answer. The company discovered two specific genetic variants associated with blue eyes in canines. The research, published in 2018 in the journal Plos Genetics, found that a genetic duplication (we’re simplifying here) might be responsible for keeping pigment out of the iris in certain breeds, resulting in light or blue eyes.
When it comes to health issues, blue eyes don’t automatically mean your pup is going to get sick more often. The concern is actually about merle patterns. The American Kennel Club says breeding two merle-coated dogs could negatively affect pigment cells which are responsible for coat and eye color—and nerve development. There’s a higher chance a dog with two merle parents will be born blind or deaf.
On the other hand, Bruns says, “The relationship between blue eyes and vision problems in dogs is still being researched.”
Until we know more, dog DNA tests are great ways to find out whether your pup carries a merle gene or is at greater risk for health complications that may not be immediately apparent.
Why Do My Dogs Eyes Look Blue in a Photo Flash?
If you take a photo of your dog with a flash, chances are his eyes will look blue. This is because of the tapetum lucidum, a reflective surface in the back of canine eyeballs that helps them see better at night. When your camera flashes, light bounces off the tapetum lucidum, causing a blue or green hue in the picture.
If you take a photo of your dog without a flash and notice his eyes are bluer than normal or almost cloudy, it’s time for a visit to the vet. These changes could indicate cataracts or glaucoma.
What to Know More?
Bruns, who loves digging deep into pet DNA, encourages dog parents to invest in a test like Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry. Learning about your pup’s genetics can help you better understand your dog’s behavior, which is just fun, no matter their eye color.
