Certain
breeds of dogs
are known for their beautiful
blue eyes
.
Discover our non-exhaustive list of dog breeds with blue eyes.
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Read alsoAdopting a dog: which breed to choose?
Why do puppies
have
blue eyes?
At birth, all puppies have blue or gray-blue eyes, regardless of their breed.
Indeed, blue corresponds to the absence of pigment.
This is a peculiarity that is found in other animal species, especially cats and humans.
During the 2 to 3 months which follow the birth of the puppy, the pigments present in the eye activate and darken the iris to give it its final coloring, generally brown.
If a
dog has blue eyes
, it's because he doesn't have melanocytes in his iris.
Therefore, he does not produce melanin, and his eyes cannot be pigmented.
What are the dog breeds with blue eyes?
There are a few breeds of dogs that are
genetically predisposed
to having blue eyes, and can keep them for life.
This is particularly the case of the Siberian Husky, the Australian Shepherd, the Border collie, the Shetland Shepherd or the Weimaraner.
Four factors can cause a dog to maintain blue eyes as an adult:
The merle gene:
gene that inhibits certain parts of the pigmentation of the dog's coat and eyes.
The migration of defective cells: defective
cells which can no longer ensure pigmentation.
Canine albinism:
genetic and hereditary disease manifested by a decrease or sometimes a total absence of melanin production.
A gene unrelated to the coat: a
recessive gene different from the merle gene responsible for the color of the dog's coat.
However even for these breeds, it can happen that some dogs are born with blue eyes, but that color changes appear over the months.
By opting for one of these breeds, you still have a good chance that your cat will keep his beautiful blue eyes.
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Blue eyed dog breeds:
The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky
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The Siberian Husky
is a dog, as its name suggests, originating in Siberia.
This sturdy and enduring dog is known for his sled dog prowess.
This dog, used to living in a pack, is very close to his master.
He will need attention and regular physical activity to thrive.
Lifespan
: The life expectancy of a Siberian Husky is, on average, between 11 years and 13 years.
Size and weight
: a female weighs 16 kg to 23 kg and measures 50 cm to 56 cm.
A male can weigh up to 30 kg and is around 60 cm tall.
Physical peculiarities
: its coat is very thick, and can be black, white, gray or sand.
Character
: it is a dog which gets along very well with its congeners.
He is gentle and kind, but sometimes shows himself to be independent.
Living conditions:
this dog likes to live in large spaces, surrounded by his congeners.
Due to its thick coat, this dog is adapted to the cold, but does not support strong heat.
Health:
it is a very healthy breed of dog.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd
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The
Australian Shepherd
is a dog native to the United States and not Australia as its name suggests.
It is a dog cut for physical activity and work.
Easy to train, this breed is used in particular as a sheepdog.
Agile and intelligent, he fits perfectly into family life.
Lifespan
: The life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd is, on average, between 12 years and 15 years.
Size and weight
: a female weighs 19 kg to 26 kg and measures 51 cm to 53 cm.
A male can weigh up to 34 kg and is around 58 cm tall.
Physical peculiarities
: this breed has a fairly long and supple coat.
Hair:
this dog can be blue "
merle
", black, red "
merle
", red.
Character
: he is a very active and sociable dog, he needs to be stimulated and to exert himself physically.
Living conditions:
it is not really made for living in an apartment.
He prefers houses with gardens to give free rein to his sporting temperament.
Health:
the Australian Shepherd often presents eye problems including hereditary canine eye disease.
The border collie
The Australian Shepherd
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The
Border Collie
is a dog native to Scotland known for its shepherd dog skills.
Protective, this medium-sized dog is very affectionate, active and intelligent.
He is an easy to train dog who excels in many dog sports.
Lifespan
: The life expectancy of a Border Collie is, on average, between 10 years and 14 years.
Size and weight
: a female weighs 18 kg to 25 kg and measures 48 cm to 52 cm at the withers.
A male can weigh up to 28 kg and is around 55 cm tall.
Physical peculiarities
: it is a fairly fine dog, with very dense hair and varied colors.
Hair:
its fur provides it with very good protection against bad weather.
Character
: very active by nature, the Border Collie excels in many dog disciplines.
Living conditions
: this breed of dog is not made to live in an apartment.
Hyperactive, this dog needs a lot of space to exercise.
Health
: The Border Collie is one of the strongest dog breeds.
The Shetland Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd
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The
Shetland Sheepdog
is a close cousin of the Collie.
He is an elegant and energetic little sheepdog.
Easy to train and affectionate, he is a very friendly dog who adapts to family life very well.
Lifespan:
The life expectancy of a Shetland Sheepdog is, on average, between 12 years and 14 years.
Size and weight:
female and male, weigh on average 7 kg to 10 kg and measure 35 cm to 40 cm at the withers.
Physical characteristics:
his well-supplied hair gives the illusion of a mane.
Hair:
this breed of dog can be "sable" (light or shaded), tricolor (intense black with bright tan markings), merle blue (light, silver or marbled with black) or even two-tone (black and white or black and tan).
Character:
gentle and intelligent, the Shetland is a loyal and very greedy companion.
Living conditions:
this dog adapts without difficulty to all lifestyles.
Health:
The Shetland Sheepdog is a sturdy and strong dog.
The Weimaraner
The Australian Shepherd
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The
Weimaraner
is a dog of German origin known to be a very good hunting dog, especially thanks to his unusual flair.
Dynamic and affectionate, he is also an excellent companion dog, very gentle with children.
Lifespan:
The life expectancy of a Weimaraner is, on average, between 10 years and 12 years.
Size and weight:
males and females weigh on average 25 kg to 38 kg and measure from 58 cm to 70 cm.
Physical characteristics:
genetically beige, the hair of the Weimaraner gives the impression of being gray-blue.
Hair:
this breed of dog has a very short, coarse and thick coat.
Character:
this dog of character is very social with children.
Living conditions:
this active dog needs regular physical activity.
His favorite environment therefore remains the countryside.
Health
: The Weimaraner is very robust and does not encounter any major health problems.
Adopting an animal commits you, it's a decision that you will have to think carefully. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the shelter closest to you before starting. They can give you advice on which dog breed is best for you.
