Dogs with green eyes are a rare and beautiful sight to behold. The X-linked inheritance pattern of the green eye gene is responsible for this unique trait in some breeds.
The X-linked inheritance pattern means that the gene responsible for green eyes is located on the X chromosome, which affects only male dogs, as they have one X and one Y chromosome. Female dogs, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so they need two copies of the gene to express green eyes.
Some breeds, such as the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, have a higher incidence of green eyes due to their genetic makeup. These breeds have a higher percentage of the gene responsible for green eyes, making them more likely to have this unique trait.
The green eye gene is recessive, meaning that a dog needs to inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent, to express green eyes. This is why some breeds, such as the Siberian Husky, can have a higher incidence of green eyes, as they have a higher percentage of the gene.
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Dog Breeds with Green Eyes
The Australian Shepherd is a dog breed that can have green eyes, and it's not rare for them to have heterochromia, where each eye has its own color.
Australian Shepherds are highly diverse when it comes to eye colors, with brown, hazel, amber, blue, and green eyes being common.
Some mixed-breed chocolate-colored Labradors can also be born with green or yellow-green eyes, making them a possible option for those looking for a green-eyed dog.
Here's a list of dog breeds that can have green eyes:
- Australian Shepherd
- Mixed-breed chocolate-colored Labrador
Border Collies can also have green eyes, although it's less common than other colors.
Pit Bull Terrier
The American pit bull terrier is often considered to be the only purebred dog with naturally occurring green eyes. However, these dogs can also have blue, hazel, or brown eyes.
The color of their coats can vary across a spectrum of white, black, tan and brown shades.
It's worth noting that the American pit bull terrier is a versatile breed with a range of eye colors, but green eyes are indeed a unique characteristic of this breed.
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Border Collie
Border Collies are known for their unique eye color, with some having a genetic predisposition for heterochromia, where one eye is a different color from the other.
It's not uncommon to see a Border Collie with one blue eye and the other being green or brown. This rare trait makes them stand out from other breeds.
Their striking eye color is just one of the many fascinating features of this breed.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is perhaps best known for its striking and piercing ice blue eyes. However, it is not uncommon for the breed to also sport green eyes and in some cases, even one of each.
This breed, originally from Siberia, can withstand cold and harsh climates with its thick coat and distinctive markings.
Its unique eye color is just one of the many fascinating characteristics of this breed.
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Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a pint-sized breed that's made famous by celebrities like Paris Hilton. They come in a variety of coat colors.
Their eye-colors range from black to green.
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Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are a great example of a breed that can have green eyes. They're actually from the UK and Newfoundland, not Australia. Green eyes are a relatively rare sight in dogs, but Australian Shepherds have a higher probability of having them.
These dogs are quite diverse in terms of their eye colors, which can include brown, hazel, amber, blue, and green. Some Australian Shepherds even have heterochromia, where each eye has its own color.
Australian Shepherds typically live for 11-13 years, which is a decent lifespan for a dog. As for their physical characteristics, they can grow to be 5-24.5 inches tall and weigh between 55-80 pounds.
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15 Dog Breeds
Let's take a look at 15 dog breeds that have the unique feature of green eyes. The Siberian Husky is one of them, known for its striking blue or green eyes.
The Alaskan Malamute is another breed that can have green eyes, often accompanied by a thick coat perfect for cold climates.
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Some breeds, like the Australian Cattle Dog, have a high likelihood of inheriting green eyes due to their genetic makeup.
The Border Collie's intelligence and agility make them a popular choice, and they can also come in a green-eyed variety.
The Corgi's short stature belies their big personalities, and some Corgis have been known to sport green eyes.
The Dalmatian's distinctive spotted coat is matched by its piercing green eyes.
The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that can also have green eyes, making them a popular choice for police and military work.
The Golden Retriever's friendly demeanor and green eyes have made them a favorite among families.
The Great Pyrenees is a large and gentle breed that can have green eyes, often accompanied by a thick coat.
The Labrador Retriever's outgoing personality and green eyes have made them a popular choice for many dog owners.
The Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat make them a great choice for those with allergies, and some Poodles have green eyes.
The Rottweiler's strength and loyalty have made them a popular choice for guard work, and some Rottweilers have green eyes.
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small but intelligent breed that can have green eyes.
The Siberian Cat's cousin, the Siberian Husky, can have green eyes, often accompanied by a wolf-like appearance.
The Weimaraner's sleek coat and piercing green eyes make them a popular choice for hunting and agility work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest dog eye color?
The rarest dog eye color is green, which is relatively uncommon in most breeds. It's most often found in Pitt Bulls, but can also appear in other breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes.
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