Introduction
Blue eyes in dogs refer to irises that are a solid blue color or contain some blue pigmentation. It is a relatively rare eye color in canines compared to the more common brown eyes. However, blue eyes are found more often in certain breeds due to selective breeding by humans.
The main topics that will be covered in this article include the causes of blue eyes, breeds prone to having blue eyes, the genetics behind blue eyes, the link between blue eyes and deafness, eye health considerations, personality traits associated with blue eyes, care considerations, adoption and breeding practices, and a conclusion.
Causes of Blue Eyes
In dogs, blue eyes are caused by a lack of pigment in the iris. Melanin is the pigment that gives eyes their color, and less melanin leads to lighter eye colors like blue.
Blue eyes are inherited from a dog’s parents. For breeds prone to the trait, it is caused by a recessive gene. This means both parents must carry the gene for their puppies to have a chance of being born with blue eyes. When two blue-eyed dogs mate, all of their offspring will also have blue eyes.
Certain breeds have a very high prevalence of blue eyes due to selective breeding over many generations. Examples include Siberian Huskies, Border Collies, Dachshunds, and Australian Shepherds. In these breeds, blue is a commonly accepted and desired eye color.
Breeds Prone to Blue Eyes
Some dog breeds are more likely to have blue eyes than others. A few of the most common breeds with blue eyes include:
Siberian Husky
One of the most iconic breeds with blue eyes is the Siberian Husky. Their piercing blue eyes are perhaps their most distinguishing characteristic. According to the Spruce Pets, nearly all Siberian Husky puppies are born with blue eyes. Though some Husky eyes transition to brown or amber as they mature, most retain their blue eye color.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are another breed famous for their striking blue eyes. The Parade notes that an estimated 40% of Aussies have blue eyes. Breed standards allow eyes of any pigment, including parti-colored eyes of both blue and brown.
Border Collie
Intelligent Border Collies commonly exhibit blue eyes. Border Collie puppies are often born with blue eyes that may change to brown as adults. However, blue eyes are permissible by breed standards and remain common in the breed.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are prized for their “ghostly” pale blue-grey eyes. According to the AKC breed standard, Weimaraners must have shades of light amber, gray, or blue-gray eyes. Though other colors are seen, pale blue is considered ideal for the breed.
Genetics Behind Blue Eyes
The main genetic cause behind blue eyes in dogs is linked to a variant in the ALX4 gene on dog chromosome 18. This gene plays a role in determining eye color and fur patterns. Dogs have two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. The ALX4 gene has two versions or alleles – one for brown eyes (B) which is dominant, and one for blue eyes (b) which is recessive.
For a dog to have blue eyes, it must inherit two copies of the recessive blue eye allele (bb). If a dog inherits even one copy of the dominant brown eye allele (Bb or BB), it will have brown eyes. The blue eye phenotype only appears in dogs that are homozygous recessive (bb) for the ALX4 allele. Certain breeds like Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds are more likely to carry the recessive blue eye gene, leading to higher rates of blue-eyed pups if both parents carry the allele.
In summary, blue eyes are controlled by a recessive allele (b) of the ALX4 gene. Dogs with the bb genotype will have blue eyes, while BB and Bb dogs will have brown eyes, since the brown allele (B) is dominant over the blue allele. Understanding this inheritance pattern helps explain why some dogs have blue eyes while others do not.
Link to Deafness
Many white coated dogs with blue eyes experience congenital deafness, meaning they are born deaf. This is due to the gene that causes their white coat and blue eyes being associated with deafness. In a study of mixed breed white cats, 50% with blue eyes were found to have unilateral or bilateral deafness.
The extreme piebald gene causes white coat and blue eyes, and has high penetration in dogs with blue eyes. These dogs have a high chance of being affected by deafness, especially if they have blue eyes in both ears. While not all dogs with white coats are deaf, blue-eyed dogs have increased risk.
Eye Health Considerations
Dogs with blue eyes require some special care and attention when it comes to their eye health due to the increased risk of certain issues.
Blue eyed dogs have less pigment and melanin in their eyes, which provides less protection from UV rays. This means their eyes are more sensitive to sunlight and bright conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to inflammation, corneal ulcers, and other damage [1]. Owners should be diligent about providing shade and eye protection for their blue eyed pups when out in bright sun.
The lack of pigment also puts blue eyed dogs at higher risk for developing eye issues like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams with your vet are crucial, especially as dogs age, to catch any problems early. Annual exams are recommended once dogs are senior aged.
While blue eyes themselves don’t necessarily cause health problems, responsible owners and breeders should be aware of the increased sun sensitivity and eye disorder risks. With proper prevention and veterinary care, dogs with blue eyes can enjoy excellent vision and eye health.
Personality Traits
There is a common myth that blue-eyed dogs have certain personality traits compared to brown-eyed dogs. Some believe blue-eyed dogs are more intelligent, loyal, or aggressive. However, there is no scientific evidence that eye color is linked to personality in dogs.
A study published in the journal Animal Cognition found no correlation between eye color and trainability or aggression in dogs. The researchers tested over 200 dogs from various breeds and mixed breeds and concluded that eye color does not predict or indicate temperament or intelligence (Source).
While genetics may influence personality traits like all dogs, this has more to do with the breed rather than eye color. For example, Border Collies often have blue eyes but are known to be highly intelligent due to selective breeding. But this intelligence comes from their genetics as a herding breed, not their eye color.
So while blue-eyed dogs may capture our hearts with their striking eye color, they do not have inherently different personalities from brown-eyed dogs of the same breed. Their temperament and intelligence levels are primarily products of their breed and individuality, not their eye color.
Care Considerations for Dogs with Blue Eyes
Dogs with blue eyes require some special care considerations to keep their eyes healthy. One of the most important things is providing protection from the sun. The blue eye color comes from a lack of pigment, making the eyes more vulnerable to damage from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to conditions like photokeratoconjunctivitis, pannus, and cataracts.
To protect blue eyes from the sun, limit time spent outside during peak sunlight hours. When going for walks or playing outdoors, use doggie sunglasses or goggles to shield the eyes. You can also apply pet-safe sunscreen around the eye area. Providing shade outdoors and walking in shaded areas is advised.
Regular eye exams by a veterinarian are also recommended to check for any issues like ulcerations, inflammation, or vision problems. Let the vet know if you notice excessive tearing, redness, swelling, or any behavioral changes that could indicate eye discomfort.
Take care to avoid irritation around blue eyes. Be gentle when cleaning facial folds and avoid getting shampoo or water directly in the eyes. Use tear-free shampoos formulated for faces. Keep areas around the eyes free of debris and watch for any signs of allergies or infection.
With some simple precautions, dogs with blue eyes can remain happy and healthy. Protect those baby blues from harsh sunlight, keep a watch for any concerning symptoms, and provide a loving home.
Adoption and Breeding
When considering adopting or buying a blue-eyed puppy, it’s important to ensure the breeder has health screened the parent dogs. Responsible breeders will test for genetic diseases common in their breed and will not breed dogs with serious inherited conditions. According to an article on Medium, there is no good reason to intentionally breed dogs just for their blue eyes, as it does not make the dog healthier or better in any way. In fact, breeding for specific cosmetic traits like blue eyes can actually be detrimental to the breed if underlying health issues are ignored.
The best way to get a healthy blue-eyed puppy is to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. There are many mixed breed puppies and young dogs available for adoption that happen to have blue eyes. Adopting is an ethical way to provide a home to a dog in need rather than supporting irresponsible breeding practices. When adopting, be sure to ask about any known health issues and request veterinary records if available. Responsible rescues will disclose any potential special needs. With a mix-breed adoption, the family medical history is generally unknown, so extra vet care may be needed.
According to an article from Wisconsin Designer Doodles, blue eyes in certain breeds like Aussiedoodles are closely tied to genetics. While adorable, blue eyes themselves should not be the sole reason for getting a particular dog. Focus on finding a puppy or dog with a good health history from parents who have been screened for genetic issues. This will help set up the dog for a happy, healthy life as part of your family.
Conclusion
In summary, blue eyes in dogs is a fascinating genetic trait influenced by carefully bred lineages. Certain breeds like Siberian Huskies and Border Collies frequently have stunning blue colored eyes, while other breeds rarely exhibit the trait. Blue eyes are linked to a lack of pigment and greater likelihood of deafness, especially in breeds like Dalmatians where blue eyes are not normal. Responsible breeding practices aim to promote healthy dogs, so blue eyes should be thoughtfully considered. For families looking to adopt, blue eyed dogs can make loyal, smart, energetic companions when cared for appropriately.
The main takeaway is that blue eyes do not define a dog’s personality or abilities, though responsible health testing is advisable. With a basic understanding of the genetic factors behind blue eyes, families can make informed choices when selecting and caring for blue eyed dogs. Proper nutrition, training, socialization and veterinary care will help ensure a blue eyed dog thrives as a beloved member of your household.
In conclusion, blue eyes in dogs represent a unique intersection of genetics, breed standards, and aesthetics. With knowledge and preparation, blue eyed dogs can make wonderful additions to many families. Their uniquely gorgeous eyes provide a lifetime of joy.