Why Do Siberian Huskies Have Different Colored Eyes According to Science

Siberian Huskies have a unique genetic trait that affects the color of their eyes. This is due to the interaction between two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.

The combination of these melanins determines the color of a Husky's eyes, with blue eyes resulting from the absence of eumelanin. In fact, the genetics behind blue eyes in Huskies is linked to a mutation in the OCA2 gene.

As a result of this genetic variation, some Huskies have heterochromia, a condition where one eye is a different color from the other. This can be a striking feature in Huskies, with some having eyes that are a mix of blue and brown.

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Siberian Huskies have a unique genetic trait that causes their blue eyes, which is distinct from coat pattern associations.

This genetic variation is linked to a duplication on canine chromosome 18, near the ALX4 gene, which plays a crucial role in mammalian eye development.

The study found that this duplication occurs in 75% of blue-eyed Siberian Huskies, but it's not the only factor influencing eye color.

On a similar theme: Heeler Dog Colors

The study of Siberian Husky genetics has revealed some fascinating facts about the breed's unique characteristics. The cause of blue eyes in Siberian Huskies is distinct from coat pattern associations.

A 2018 study using data from over 6,000 dogs discovered that the gene responsible for blue eyes in Siberian Huskies is located on chromosome 18 near the ALX4 gene. This gene plays a crucial role in eye development.

The study found that the mutated gene, called DlogR, changes how ALX4 codes for depositing pigment in the eye as it develops. This mutation leads to a duplication of DNA in the region, which is a common trait among blue-eyed Siberian Huskies.

The DlogR mutation is different from the one that causes blue eyes in humans or in most other dog breeds. However, it was also found in a few Australian Shepherds and an Australian Cattle Dog, suggesting that the gene may be more widespread than initially thought.

The presence of the mutant blue-eyed gene explained that the majority of blue-eyed Siberian Huskies in the study.

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Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a distinct genetic mutation that's different from the one that causes blue eyes in humans and other dog breeds.

The mutation is linked to a duplication on chromosome 18 near the ALX4 gene, which plays a crucial role in eye development.

This gene is responsible for depositing pigment in the eye as it develops, and the mutated gene, called DlogR, changes how it codes for this process.

The presence of the mutant blue-eyed gene explains that the majority of blue-eyed Siberian Huskies have it, but it's not the only factor influencing eye color.

Some dogs with the gene for a dark facial mask are more likely to have brown eyes, even with the DlogR mutation.

Researchers found that the duplication on chromosome 18 is not the only factor influencing blue eye color, as some dogs with the mutation do not have blue eyes.

Consider reading: Bull Terrier Eyes

The genetic variation was also linked to blue eyes in non-merle Australian shepherds, where just one copy of the mutated sequence was enough to give dogs either two blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye.

Huskies with this chromosomal abnormality are born with less melanin (pigment) in their irises and, therefore, a lighter eye color.

Most Huskies with the mutation have blue eyes, but not all dogs that have the mutation are aqua-eyed, suggesting that there may be more than just a genetic mutation at play.

While some pups have their final eye color at 8-10 weeks of age, others keep changing, and some owners have reported that their growing Husky pups only reached their final eye color at 6 months.

Discover more: One Blue Eye One Brown Eye Dog Names

Siberian Huskies are known for their piercing blue eyes, but did you know that this trait is rare and recessive in other breeds? Blue eyes are a dominant trait among Huskies, but researchers are still trying to understand why.

A study by Embark Veterinary, Inc. analyzed DNA from over 6,000 dogs and found that blue eyes in Huskies are associated with a duplication on chromosome 18, near the ALX4 gene. This gene plays a role in mammalian eye development.

The same genetic variation was also linked to blue eyes in non-merle Australian Shepherds, and researchers suspect that the duplication may alter expression of ALX4, leading to repression of genes involved in eye pigmentation.

Huskies have a unique genetic makeup when it comes to their eye color. The gene responsible for blue eyes in humans is different from the one responsible for blue eyes in Huskies.

Blue eyes in humans are regulated by two genes called HERC2 and OCA2, but Huskies have a different gene, called ALX4, that controls their blue eye color.

Interestingly, Huskies exhibit blue eye color much more often than other breeds. Scientists have long known that genetic variants like piebald and merle underlie blue eye color in other breeds, but they didn't know what caused it in Huskies.

For another approach, see: Different Color German Shepherds

A study in 2018 found that the source of the icy hue in Huskies is a duplication on the 18th chromosome. This duplication occurs near the ALX4 gene, which is associated with development of the craniofacial and appendicular skeleton.

Not all dogs with this chromosomal abnormality are aqua-eyed, so there may be more than just a genetic mutation at play.

Huskies are known for their striking blue eyes, but did you know that some Huskies can have 1 or 2 blue eyes? This is due to a rare condition called heterochromia, which is more common in Huskies than in humans.

Heterochromia occurs when a dog's eyes are two different colors, and it's often seen in Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies. It's caused by a mutation that's passed down through a dog's DNA, and it's a dominant trait, meaning that only one copy of the causal variant is needed to result in heterochromia.

This mutation can also cause parti-colored eyes, where colors are mixed within one iris. In Huskies, the common combo is brown and blue, with a blending of hues happening around the edges of the iris.

Interestingly, Huskies with blue eyes don't experience any genetic defects due to the mutation, unlike other breeds. However, blue eyes in general are naturally more sun sensitive, so Husky owners should take precautions to protect their dog's eyes.

Here are some interesting facts about blue eyes in Huskies:

Huskies have an about 40% chance of having two blue eyes. This is the highest prevalence among dog breeds with blue eyes.

It's not uncommon to see Huskies with striking blue eyes, and it's a big part of their charm. But did you know that having eyes of two different colors, known as heterochromia, is extremely rare in humans but occurs frequently in certain dog breeds, such as Huskies?

If this caught your attention, see: Types of Husky Mix Breeds

The genetics behind Husky eye color are still being studied, but researchers have found that a duplication on the 18th chromosome is a major contributor to the blue eye color in Huskies. This duplication occurs near the ALX4 gene, which is associated with development of the craniofacial and appendicular skeleton.

Not all Huskies with this chromosomal abnormality are born with blue eyes, though. Some may have brown eyes or a mix of brown and blue.