Types of Dog Eye Colors: You’ve probably seen dogs with beautiful eye shades. Some are vibrant, while others are neutral. If you look at particular breeds, you’ll realize how prevalent some species are. Genetically, a dog’s eye color is determined prior to birth. However, they are mostly born gray or blue as humans.

But do canines have the same variety of colors that we do? Let’s discover the variety of eye colors a dog can have and how difficult it can be to find one.

What Determines Eye Color in Dogs?

Many factors play an essential role in determining your dog’s eye color. If you own purebred dogs, certain breeds have particular color eyes based on genes and the coat color. Some breeds may differ depending on the chromosomes crossing.

Numerous dogs of the same breed could have different eye colors depending on the developed traits. The most popular dog’s eye color is brown. The rarest is green, but it’s dependent on the parents.

The 7 Types of Dog Eye Colors and Their Rarity

1. Brown Eye Color

It is also the most popular hue of the eyes in dogs. If there is a rise in melanin levels, the body produces various colors of neutral brown. Melanin that is higher in levels makes eyes appear darker.

Since the genetics of dogs contain high levels of melanin which are extremely high, a lot of breeds have brown eyes. This includes the majority of mixed breeds. Certain purebreds are more susceptible to having brown eyes than other breeds. It is possible to spot brown eyes in:

• Pomeranians
• Beagles
• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers
• Boxers
• Golden Retrievers

Even though these dogs have brown eyes most often, it is possible to see them in every dog breed.

   2. Amber Eye Color

Amber can be described as a golden honey hue found in various breeds. Amber is the result of dilute eumelanin, which is a pigment. It may also result from recessive genes B or D.

The majority of dogs with the color red have amber eyes. They are also common in blue, Isabella, rust, and gray-coated dogs. It is common to see amber eyes on:

• Clumber Spaniels
• Ibizan Hounds
• Pharaoh Hounds
• Brittany Spaniels
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

Amber eyes are a common sight in a variety of coats as well as breeds of dogs. This may be a deterrent for certain breeds if you intend to exhibit your dog.

 3. Blue Eye Color

There are four ways for dogs to develop blue eyes. Three of them are connected to the color of their coat. The merle gene is one that is associated with numerous blue-eyed breeds.

Merle patterns comprise streaks of different patterns and colors. If you breed dogs with merle patterns, you could face more health problems than most breeds. This is particularly true when both parents have the gene.

Siberian Huskies possess a different blue gene that distinguishes them from the others. some dogs with blue eyes could be susceptible to health problems. However, Huskies are exempt from this category.

• French Bulldogs
• Huskies
• Weimaraners
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Dalmatians
• Border Collies
• Australian Shepherds
• Corgis
• Dachshunds

Albino dogs exhibit a significant lack of melanin, resulting in an icy blue color regardless of breed.

  4. Hazel Eye Color

Many times, pet owners think their pet’s eyes are still blue, but they begin to transform into a variety of stunning hues. The majority of breeds of dogs that have blue eyes may include hazel-colored eyes. Hazel is rare; however, it is possible.

The Hazel eye has incomplete dominance. This means that it can occasionally be a strong trait, but not in every genetic mix. It is possible to see hazel eyes in:

• Pit Bull Terriers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Huskies
• American Staffordshire Terriers
• English Springer Spaniels
• Greyhounds
• Havanese

It could appear in different breeds, but it could be considered to be a defect.

   5. Green Eye Color

Green eyes are an uncommon sight in the world of dogs as it is the most scarce hue of all. Merle genes that produce blue eyes also have an effect on the green hue. There are many health problems found in dogs with green eyes.

Many mixed breeds could end up having this color in their eyes. However, it’s not the norm for purebreds. Pit Bulls have the most known breed of dog with green eyes that are different from others. However, it could also be found in:

• Labrador Retrievers
• French Bulldogs
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Beagles
• Mixed Breeds

Perhaps it’s the rarity that makes eyes with greens beautiful.

  6. Complete Heterochromia Eye Colors

Although you may not know the term, heterochromia refers to a condition whereby a dog is born with two eyes of different colors. Heterochromia can be seen in a variety of breeds. The cause is an absence of pigmentation within one eye. It’s typically hereditary.

Usually, heterochromia is a genetic condition that may be acquired later in life due to an illness. It is possible to see heterochromia among the following breeds or mixes:

• Huskies
• Australian Shepherds
• Great Danes
• Welsh Corgis
• Border Collies
• Shih Tzus
• Chihuahuas

This kind of condition is sure to draw compliments, as it makes for a striking contrast.

  7. Segmental Heterochromia

Instead of having two completely distinct eye colors, Segmental heterochromia occurs when the iris is divided into two different shades. For example, one area of the iris has no pigment, whereas the other is awash with melanin.

The iris is affected by this condition, and it causes it to appear split, which is basically. Anyone with the Merle gene could be prone to be affected by segmental heterochromia.

Health Concerns Related to Eye Color

There have been rumors throughout the decades that a dog’s eye color could indicate specific factual health issues. Eyes with blue color have been associated with breeds that suffer from deafness or blindness. Merle owners are susceptible to suffering, while double merle genetics are more vulnerable. However, it’s not assurance that it will occur to every dog with the gene.

Dalmatians have the greatest proportion of deafness within any breed, with over 8 percent bilaterally and 22 percent unilaterally, which are remarkable figures.

If you think your dog’s eyes are changing from blue to red, it could be a sign of the presence of a problem. If you have cataracts or other eye disorders, the eye could change to a cloudy blue color.

Bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately when this is apparent, as not being treated could lead to eventual blindness.

Final Thoughts: Eye Color in Dogs

It’s fascinating to see how coat color plays a significant role in the color of your dog’s eyes. While brown is by far the most common color, every dog has eyes that are distinctive and unique. Keep in mind that even if your puppy has stunning blue eyes when they are 8 weeks old, it could change by 3 months.

If you own an adult pet and suspect that your pet’s eyes have changed color, it’s imperative to bring them to the vet. This could indicate other health problems. Better safe than sorry.