Puppy Dogs with Blue Eyes: A Guide to Their Development and Breeds

Puppy dogs with blue eyes are a rare and adorable sight. They owe their unique eye color to a genetic trait that's more common in certain breeds.

Blue eyes in puppies are caused by a lack of pigment in the iris, allowing the light to scatter and give the appearance of blue. This is a result of the genetics that influence the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for eye color.

Some breeds are more prone to having blue eyes than others, such as the Australian Shepherd, the Border Collie, and the Weimaraner. These breeds often have a higher incidence of blue eyes due to their genetic makeup.

As a puppy grows and develops, their eye color may change, but in the case of blue eyes, it's less likely to darken to brown as they mature.

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Newborn puppies often have blue eyes, but this doesn't necessarily mean they'll keep them forever. Most puppies are born with blue eyes due to a lack of melanin in the iris, which develops as they age.

Puppies can have blue eyes for several weeks after birth because it takes time for their eyes to produce melanin. Eye color typically comes in around 9-12 weeks, and it can take up to 16 weeks to develop fully.

Some breeds are more likely to have blue eyes, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Dobermans, and Poodles. Puppies from these breeds have a higher chance of having blue eyes if they mix with dogs prone to light eyes.

Blue eyes in dogs are a sign of reduced pigment levels in the iris. It's a common trait in some breeds, but it's not a guarantee that the puppy will keep its blue eyes.

Here's a rough estimate of the likelihood of blue-eyed puppies keeping their eye color:

Blue eyes in dogs are often associated with the merle gene, which creates dappled or mottled patches of color on a dog's skin and coat.

The merle gene dilutes random areas of the coat to lighter colors, and as a common side effect, it can cause blue eyes due to a dilution of pigmentation within the iris.

Many merle coated dogs will have blue eyes, although some will have one blue and one brown eye, while others will have two-tone eyes.

Dogs with the merle gene are more likely to have vision or hearing problems because the pigment-producing melanocytes that give dogs their eye color also contribute to ocular and aural development.

Blue eyes in dogs are often temporary, but they can be a permanent trait in certain breeds. In fact, some dog breeds, like Siberian Huskies and tri-colored Australian Shepherds, occasionally have blue eyes that can't be explained by genetics.

The genetics behind blue eyes in dogs is a complex one, and researchers have discovered a genetic variant near the ALX4 gene that explains why some dogs have blue eyes. This gene is involved in craniofacial, skin, and hair follicle development.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify genetic variants associated with blue eyes in dogs. The study pointed to a region of the genome near the ALX4 gene, which was also found to be associated with hindlimb dewclaws in Great Pyrenees.

The newly discovered genetic variant can help explain up to 75% of cases of blue eyes in dogs. However, there are still 25% of cases that remain unexplained, and researchers are working to discover more genetic variations that can explain these cases.

Some dog breeds carry an actual dominant blue eye gene that is independent from their coat and nose color. This is the case for breeds like Huskies and Border Collies, which can have blue eyes regardless of their coat color.

The MITF gene, or S locus, causes the piebald coat patterning that commonly results in blue eyes. Dogs with recessive alleles in this locus are more likely to have patches of white across their body, including blue eyes.

The merle gene creates dappled or mottled patches of color on a dog's skin and coat, and it also causes blue eyes by diluting pigmentation within the iris. This means that coats with higher amounts of color dilution are more likely to have blue eyes.

Brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Some breeds are less likely to have light-colored eyes, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Dobermans, and Poodles.

Puppies from these breeds have a greater chance of having blue eyes if they mix with dogs that are prone to light eyes. Albinism is extremely rare in dogs, but it can occur in any breed, causing pink eyes.

The breeds listed above, or mixed breeds with these breeds, are more likely to have blue eyes. Blue eyes in dogs don't necessarily mean they're deaf, but rather that they have reduced pigment levels in the iris.

Dogs are born with blue eyes because their iris lacks melanin, which develops as they age.

Puppy dogs with blue eyes can be a stunning sight, but it's essential to consider their potential health issues.

Many blue eyed dogs have an increased sensitivity to light, causing them discomfort and the need to squint.

Dogs with blue eyes from double merle parents are more likely to develop health concerns.

Eventually, double merle dogs may suffer from blindness and/or deafness.

Skin cancer is also more likely to develop on the nose and areas not protected by pigmentation in the skin of double merle dogs.

It's crucial to research a breeder's practices and health testing before bringing a blue eyed puppy home.

Check this out: Health Certificate

Dog breeds with blue eyes are quite rare, but some breeds are more likely to have this striking feature. The Catahoula leopard dog, for instance, is known for its multicolored coat and distinctive eye color, which can be light shades of amber, green, blue, or brown.

Some breeds carry a dominant blue eye gene that is independent from their coat and nose color. Huskies and Border Collies are two breeds that can have blue eyes, regardless of coat color. The color hues range from a whitish blue to a deep sky blue.

A recessive blue eye gene is also commonly found in breeds such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Beagle. It occurs less frequently than the dominant counterpart, although you're likely to still find it on occasion.

Here are some dog breeds that are known to have blue eyes:

These breeds often have a merle pattern that brings out their blue eyes. The Dachshund, for example, comes in a merle pattern that often brings out their blue eyes. With equally attractive personalities, these dogs win the hearts of their family through their agreeable, playful temperaments and more manageable energy levels.

The Dalmatian is a medium to large dog with a muscular build and athletic disposition. They're perfect companions for avid outdoors enthusiasts due to their high energy levels.

Dalmatians have either brown or blue eyes, with blue being rarer.

Their loyalty makes them superb watchdogs, but unfortunately, they have a higher rate of deafness than any other breed.

Border Collies are a lovable and smart herding pup with a small to medium build and a longer, weather-resistant double coat. Brown eyes are most common in this breed, but some Border Collies can have blue eyes.

Border Collies with blue eyes may also have heterochromia, which is a normal eye color variation. Congenital heterochromia irides with one solid blue eye is a normal eye color variation, and these dogs have normal vision.

Border Collie owners swear that a blue-eyed dog is even more intimidating to the sheep it's herding, according to Ostrander's anecdote.

The Dachshund is a breed that can boast striking blue eyes. In rare cases, Dachshunds can have blue eyes or, even more uniquely, one blue eye and the other brown, especially if they possess the merle gene.

Their body shape was purposeful in every way, with long, tubular bodies and short legs ideal for chasing game into its burrows. Dachshunds had to face fierce badgers head-on, and as a result, they developed independent, determined, and fearless traits that still shine today.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 16 years. You can expect a Dachshund to live a happy and healthy life with proper care.

In terms of physical characteristics, Dachshunds can be quite small, with a height of 5-9 inches.

The Australian Shepherd is a stunning breed with a striking appearance. Their coat is medium length and somewhat coarse.

They come in a variety of eye colors, including blue, green, brown, and even heterochromia, where they have two different colored eyes. This unique feature is a result of their genetic makeup.

Their agile, muscular build makes them natural herders across many climates. And it's their intelligence and work ethic that makes them excel in this role.

Because of their merle coloring, breeders need to be careful not to breed two merles together, as this can increase the risk of their puppies being born blind and deaf.

The Pit Bull Terrier is a unique-looking dog with a broad and rounded snout, pointy ears, and a muscular, medium-sized white body.

Blue eyes are uncommon for the American Pit Bull Terrier, but they do occur from time to time.

To spot a Pit Bull Terrier with blue eyes, look for those with a blue coat and nose or a merle pattern.

American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their intelligent brains and gentle hearts.

They are not recognized by the AKC, but are a member of the United Kennel Club (UKC).

In rare cases, a bull terrier may be born with blue eyes if it's crossbred with a merle dog.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a unique multicolored, spotted coat and short, sleek fur. They come in a variety of colors, including merles, which are common in this breed.

Their distinctive eye color can be light shades of amber, green, blue or brown, and often includes two colors in combination. This working breed was developed in Louisiana.

Catahoulas are known for shedding regularly, although shedding is light and minimal. They have a short coat that makes them easy to groom.

They need a job to do and a lot of room and time to burn off their energy, making them a great match for experienced dog owners. Pairing them with a novice owner is not recommended.

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a breed that's known for being fiercely intelligent and born to herd. They're highly energetic and love to have a job to do, whether it's agility training, frisbee catching, or endless games of fetch.

Their coats can come in a variety of colors, including black, sable, white, and tan, with some Shelties having the merle gene that causes these colors to appear in patches. Blue eyes are a rarity for the Shetland Sheepdog, but they're more common in those with a blue merle coat.

Shelties are regular shedders, so it's essential to keep a brush nearby to keep their coats under control. If you're looking for a dose of action, these pals are excellent in obedience trials and agility competitions.

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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a breed that's sure to capture your heart with its agreeable, playful temperament. They're known for being more manageable in terms of energy levels compared to their Pembroke counterparts.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a rich history, originating in Wales around 1200 B.C. Their ancestors were the German Teckel, which was also used to develop the Dachshund.

These dogs come in various colors, including a merle pattern that often brings out their blue eyes. This unique feature makes them stand out from other breeds.

One thing to keep in mind is that Cardigan Welsh Corgis can live up to 15 years, which is a significant consideration for any dog owner.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a Spitz breed known for their striking blue eyes.

They're a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their energy levels are so high that they can't be left to their own devices for too long.

They love to play and run around, making them perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Their playful nature and agility skills make them experts at navigating obstacle courses.

Alaskan Klee Kais are frequent shedders, so be prepared to brush their coats regularly.

They're also known to be vocal, so be prepared for some lively conversations with your Alaskan Klee Kai.

Blue eyes in dogs are a result of specific genes affecting the pigment in the eye and coat, like in Siberian Huskies.

The genetics behind blue eyes in Siberian Huskies involve a distinct mutation causing a highly penetrant blue eye color.

A duplication in chromosome 18 appears upstream of the ALX4 gene, which is connected to eye development.

This duplication causes the ALX4 gene to suppress the MITF gene responsible for melanocyte development, leading to a lack of pigmentation in the iris.

Low activity of melanocytes, which create melanin that provides coloration, can cause blue eye coloration in dogs.

Some non-merle, tri-colored Australian Shepherds may have blue eye coloration due to the same duplication in chromosome 18.