19 Dog Breeds With Pretty Blue Eyes

Did you know that finding a dog breed with blue eyes is even rarer an occurrence than finding a human with blue eyes?

While only 8% – 10% of humans are said to have blue eyes, the number of blue-eyed dogs is even less than that thanks to fact that this distinctive and often soulful look is usually caused by certain genetic traits that only occur in a very small number of canines.

The good news is that such traits are mostly harmless and ultimately means that dogs who do have this beautiful eye color are all the more special. 

It’s for this reason that you might be hoping to adopt such a dog for yourself, but before you do, allow us to introduce you to the ten dog breeds most likely to have blue eyes and talk a little bit about what it’s like to own one.

That way, you’ll be able to make a good decision about which breed -if any- is best suited to you and your family.

19 Dog Breeds With Pretty Blue Eyes

Ranking	Name	Height	Weight	Life span	Breed size	Temperament	Origin
1	Australian Shepherd	20-23 inches	55-70 lbs	13-15 years	Large	Intelligent, Good-natured, Affectionate	Western United States
2	Border Collie	19-22 inches	30-44 lbs	10-17 years	Medium	Tenacious, Intelligent, Energetic, Keen	Anglo-Scottish border
3	Cardigan Welsh Corgi	9-13 inches	30-37 lbs	12-15 years	Small	Devoted, Intelligent, Affectionate, Alert	Wales
4	Dachshund	8-9 inches	16-32 lbs	12-16 years	Small	Clever, Devoted, Stubborn, Lively, Independent	Germany
5	German Shepherd	22-26 inches	66-88 lbs	9-13 years	Large	Intelligent, Stubborn, Curious, Alert, Obedient	Germany
6	Great Dane	30-33 inches	119-198 lbs	8-10 years	Giant	Friendly, Devoted, Reserved, Confident	Germany
7	Old English Sheepdog	22-24 inches	70-99 lbs	10-12 years	Large	Intelligent, Sociable, Bubbly, Playful, Loving	England
8	Shetland Sheepdog	12-16 inches	14-26 lbs	12-13 years	Medium	Lively, Intelligent, Affectionate, Responsive	Scotland
9	Siberian Husky	20-23 inches	44-60 lbs	12-15 years	Large	Outgoing, Friendly, Intelligent, Alert, Gentle	Siberia
10	Weimaraner	24-27 inches	70-81 lbs	11-14 years	Large	Powerful, Steady, Aloof, Intelligent, Stubborn,	Germany
11	Catahoula Leopard Dog	22-23 inches	35-110 lbs	10-14 years	Large	Intelligent, Energetic, Inquisitive, Independent, Loving, Gentle	Louisiana
12	Alaskan Klee Kai	15-17 inches	16-22 lb	12-16 years	Medium	Curious, Intelligent, Agile, Active, Quick	United States
13	Pitbull	18-21 inches	35-60 lbs	8-15 years	Large	Playful, willing to please, and moderately active	United States
14	Dalmatian	23-24 inches	33-71 lbs	10-13 years	Large	Friendly, Intelligent, Energetic, Outgoing, Sensitive, Active, Playful	Unknown
15	Australian Cattledog	18-20 inches	33-35 lbs	13-15 years	Medium	Cautious, Energetic, Loyal, Obedient, Protective, Brave	Australia
16	Cocker Spaniel	15-17 inches	29-35 lbs	12-15 years	Medium	Playful, Friendly, Affectionate, Quiet, Trainable, Faithful	England
17	Neapolitan Mastiff	25-30 inches	130-150 lbs	8-10 years	Large	Stubborn, Fearless, Obedient, Protective, Dominant, Trainable	Italy
18	Shih Tzu	8-11 inches	8.8-16 lbs	10-16 years	Small	Playful, Clever, Friendly, Lively, Intelligent	China
19	Boxer	22-25 inches	60-71 lbs	10-12 years	Medium	Bright, Friendly, Devoted, Intelligent, Energetic, Loyal, Cheerful, Confident, Fearless, Playful, Calm, Brave	Germany

1. Australian Shepherd

As you’ll soon discover, blue eyes are a common trait in herding breeds, none more so than the Australian Shepherd.

Despite the name, this beautiful breed was developed in the United States, where their intelligence, energy, and agility come in handy to help ranchers round up their herd.

That’s not to say they can only be adopted as working animals. The Australian Sheepdog makes for a devoted family pet, loving nothing more than to shower their family in an abundance of affection. 

Of course, that’s to say nothing of how stunning they are. Those big, almond-shaped eyes often come in blue, though almond and brown eyes are not uncommon either, and all three are allowed under the American Kennel Club (AKC) Official Breed Standards.

They also have thick coats adorned in a patchwork of reds, blues, greys, blacks, and whites. Although this does add to their overall attractiveness, those coats do shed excessively and require regular grooming, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking of adopting an Aussie. 

2. Border Collie

Boundlessly enthusiastic and energetic, you’ll often find blue eyes in border collies with a merle coat. Such coats are usually the result of a particular combination of inherited genes that produce a distinctive mottling pattern over their coat. 

It’s the same genes that produce the merle coat which ultimately result in one, or both of their eyes being blue, rather than the usual almond, brown, or other colors. As a general rule, the more prominent the merle coating, the greater the chance of blue eyes.

However, keep in mind that a merle coat can also mean a greater risk of health issues, including, but by no means limited to, congenital deafness and blindness.

On a brighter note, border collies are well-known for being the most intelligent dog breed around which makes them excellent, easy-to-train companions. Combined with that high-energy levels, it also makes them the ideal dog if you wanted to train them for dog agility sports.

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3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi may not be the biggest breed on the block, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in adorability.

Like the Border Collie, blue-eyed corgis tend to be those with merle coats. Indeed, the AKC says that only merle-coated corgis can have blue eyes if they’re to meet breed standards.

They also have a thick, luscious coat which, though it really makes these pups all the more beautiful, can also mean that they shed more than other breeds, so keep that grooming brush at the ready.

All that aside, these loyal, affectionate, and playful pooches make excellent family pets, though their high energy levels can mean you’ll need to have the time and patience to give them plenty of exercises if your corgi is to stay fit, healthy, and happy.

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4. Dachshund

As you might have deduced from their name, Dachshunds were first bred in Germany, where their unique shape and size made them ideal for moving around in tunnels hunting badgers and pests.

Making their way to the United States as a domesticated pet, Daschunds are much better known for their brown, almond, and hazel eyes. However, you will find some that combine a dappled coat with beautiful, big blue eyes which make them appear just too cute for words. 

Not that their behavior is always so cute! 

We featured the Dachshund in our guide to the most aggressive dog breeds because their high prey drive means they tend not to get on with other animals so well. They also tend to be especially stubborn and can be reluctant to engage in training. That said, if you’re able to stay patient and firm with them, you’ll find they make a loyal, dedicated companion.

5. German Shepherd

Brave, strong, and undoubtedly good-looking, German Shepherds are more commonly found with darker eyes and the AKC standard for this breed requires their eyes to be “as dark as possible.”

However, you will occasionally find one of these stunning herding breeds with blue in one or both eyes due to a benign genetic mutation. 

Whatever colored eyes they may have, these dashing dogs are real head-turners, so if you do decide to adopt one, be prepared to stop often on your daily walk as passers-by take a moment to compliment your handsome companion on his appearance.

You should also be prepared to spend plenty of time grooming, as looking as attractive as this breed doesn’t come easy.

As long as they get daily exercise and lots of mental stimulation, the German Shepherd can make a wonderful pet, getting on with both kids and other dogs and remaining a fiercely loyal member of your pack.

6. Great Dane

Big, bold, and beautiful, the first thing most people think of when it comes to the Great Dane is their enormous size. 

While it’s true that they can reach some incredibly impressive heights (reaching between 28 – 38″ tall), there’s much more to these gentle giants than just their size.

Get up close and personal with them, and you may find a Great Dane with a harlequin or merle coat has some of the most gorgeous blue eyes you’ve ever come across.

Make no mistake about it, this is a very distinctive breed indeed, and the sheer novelty of having such a large dog can tempt some people into wanting to adopt them. However, we’d advise you to think carefully, as Great Danes are anything but a novelty.

Their formidable size can make them tough to handle, meaning that even the best no-pull harness on the market does little to help you maintain control while out for walkies. Along with the increased chance of being pulled off your feet, you may also run into the issue of a Great Dane trying to use their stature to dominate and boss their way to the head of the pack, making proper and early obedience training essential.

That warning aside, Great Danes are still stunning pets with a lot of love to give.

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7. Old English Sheepdog

These big balls of fluff are some of the cuddliest pups you’ll ever come across, with thick fur coats that require a lot of grooming but do make them extra-adorable.

Speaking of adorable, just wait until you see their eyes. Blue-eyed Old English Sheepdogs are every bit as common as their brown-eyed counterparts, though it’s often the case that the hue of their eyes is somewhat paler than it is in some other breeds. Fortunately, this doesn’t make them any less lovely.

Old English Sheepdogs are also extremely social animals who prefer to be around their family as much as possible and can experience separation anxiety if left on their own for extended periods. As such, if you’re out at work all day or are otherwise often gone for a long time, then it might be a good idea for both you and them for you to find a more suitable breed.

8. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is named after the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland where they were first bred to serve as guard dogs, helping farmers to protect their gardens against birds and grazing animals, as well as herding sheep.

These days, they’re more commonly known as one of the most loyal domesticated dog breeds around and often serve tremendously well as therapy dogs. 

Though blue-eyed Shetland Sheepdogs are exceptionally rare, this does make it all the more special when you do adopt one. As with many breeds, blue eyes are generally found in Shelties with merle coats.

9. Siberian Husky

Obviously, no list of dog breeds with pretty blue eyes would be considered complete without mentioning the stunning Siberian Husky, a breed as famous for their deep, soulful blue eyes as they are for their lupine-like appearance and tremendous strength which makes them perfect for sled-pulling.

In fact, while blue eyes tend to be much more common in huskies than they are in pretty much any other dog breed thanks to a certain number of unique genetic traits.

As a pet, huskies are renowned for their loyalty, forming close bonds with their families and getting on well with both children and other animals. However, they can be cautious around strangers or animals they don’t know well, which is why it’s a good idea to start socialization early.

The good news is that they’re very smart animals who respond well to training. The bad news is that since they were bred to be hard-working dogs, they have a ton of energy that they need an appropriate outlet for. If you leave a husky to simply lounge around the house all day, the boredom could soon turn them from sweet, loving creatures, to bad-tempered and destructive ones.

As such, these are best left to experienced owners with a lot of time, energy, and attention to give.

10. Weimaraner

Last but by no means, we meet the Weimaraner, a pup more commonly found with wide, amber-colored eyes but who can occasionally appear with a blue-grey hue to their eyes which perfectly suits their grey, short-haired coats.

Like most of these breeds, Weimaraners are high energy dogs and are generally happiest when given plenty of opportunities to run and play. However, just because they’re full of energy doesn’t mean they’re overly-rambunctious. They can also prove to be incredibly soft, gentle, and caring and while that doesn’t make them a good fit if you’re looking for a guard dog, it does mean they’ll make a loving family pet.

Finally, we should mention that the Weimaraner is a remarkably intelligent animal, and although that’s generally a good thing, it does mean that they’ll need plenty of mental exercises to stop them from getting bored or bad-tempered.

11. Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard dogs are available in lots of eye colors and coats. One of the prominent eye colors that Leopard dogs have is blue. But there are better choices for first-time dog owners.

Besides, they can be pretty independent and territorial, so you should start getting them trained early. They are quite energetic as well and need regular exercise. So, if you think that you won’t be able to give them time, search for a different breed.

Although they shed regularly, they are not heavy shedders. They don’t need a lot of grooming as well. Just occasional baths and brushing should suffice. Last, they can suffer from eye and hip dysplasia issues.

12. Alaskan Klee Kai

These dogs may have a range of eye colors. This includes green, brown, hazel, as well as blue.

This breed of dog can be easily confused with miniature Huskies. But the purpose of these dogs is different. They were initially bred for companionship, and if you are looking for a dog to work in the field, this dog is not the right choice for you.

But these relatively small dogs are excellent watchdogs, and with proper training, they can be used to guard homes.

13. Pitbull

Although this is rare, some Pitbulls may have blue eyes, which look incredibly cute on these dogs. Unfortunately, the UKC (United Kennel Club) claims that it is a flaw in a Pitbull.

Pitbulls are strong dogs and have a high level of energy. Hence, they need active owners who can engage them in regular exercise. But they also need positive reinforcement while being trained and are pretty gentle dogs.

They have short coat, which is relatively easy to maintain. All you need is to brush them often. But they can suffer from allergies, and hence, need to be monitored against red eyes and red color in their feet.

14. Dalmatian

Most of us remember these spotted dogs from the 1996 blockbuster 101 Dalmatians. While most of the time, they have brown eyes, at times, they are also found with blue-colored eyes. Additionally, they can also have a combination of blue and brown eyes. 

These dogs may be a little difficult to train, so positive reinforcement is necessary while you are training them. Dalmatians are highly energetic and often love to run daily. 

While they are not good with strangers, they need some training to develop their social skills, and following that, they start bearing with strangers and other pets.

Regular brushing in Dalmatians can deal with their shedding issues, and your house will have less hair. Otherwise, they can be bathed or washed infrequently.

15. Australian Cattledog

Although most of the time, Australian Cattledogs have dark brown eyes, at times, they are also found in blue-colored eyes.

They have a soft, glazed coat that doesn’t require much maintenance, but they shed regularly.

These are working dogs which are meant for fieldwork and are highly energetic. So, you need to ensure that they get ample exercise regularly. You can always engage them in agility activities, which can burn off their energy. 

Cattle dogs are highly intelligent but difficult to train due to their independent nature and strong will. They are not very friendly towards other pets and strangers. 

Hence, it would be best if you started training them from an early age. This develops their social skills, and they become more tolerant toward others. 

Additionally, these dogs love to run behind prey, so you must teach them how to walk correctly on a leash. This makes it easier for you to take them on walks.

16. Cocker Spaniel

While the AKC disapproves of blue eyes, Cocker Spaniels may sometimes have blue eyes, making them even more adorable. These dogs are highly playful and love to please their masters. Besides, some people pet them as lapdogs as well. 

While they are good with adults, they are only the perfect companion for children and adults if they are introduced to children from an early age. 

They shed a lot and need frequent brushing, but you can also clip their furs to reduce their requirement for grooming.

Cockers love outdoor activities, and they can be trained easily as well. So, even if you are a novice dog owner, you can surely choose to own a Cocker Spaniel.

17. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neopolitan mastiff puppies are often born with blue eyes, making them one of the cutest dog breeds. However, these dogs are distinctly marked with wrinkles and are quite independent. Hence, they are not recommended for new dog owners.

These dogs can also be territorial and stubborn. So, training them is not easy, and you need to begin training them from an early age. Besides, encourage them with kind words and give them treats during the training process.

Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to several problems like obesity and joint stiffness. So, it would be best if you took them for regular exercise. But they have short coats and do not need much grooming. Just a couple of brushes, and they are good to go!

18. Shih Tzu

This well-known lapdog may have been noticed to have blue eyes at times, although it is neither favored nor recognized by the AKC.

They are known for their flowing furs; you must brush them daily to keep their coats long and flowy. You can cut them short for easy maintenance; under this condition, you must brush them a few times a week. 

Besides, these dogs are excellent with kids, so if you have children, this dog is the best one for you. They are quite energetic dogs; you need to take them for daily walks or at least engage them in indoor activities.

They are little yet fiery, and training them takes work. So, you should start training them early and, during the training process, encourage them with treats and pats.

19. Boxer

While AKC only recognizes dark eyes, Boxers are sometimes found in blue-colored eyes. At other times, they may also be found in a combination of brown and blue eyes.

Boxers are goofy but always like to be part of families. As a result, they are highly energetic and active and need plenty of exercise and training from an early age.

They have short coats and don’t need a lot of grooming. All you need is to brush and bathe them occasionally. They are often sensitive to weather, so you should keep monitoring them according to the changes in weather.

FAQs

Dog Breeds With Blue Eyes: The Final Word 

There’s no denying the fact that blue-eyed dogs can be incredibly beautiful creatures. Add that overall beauty to the fact they’re among the rarest dogs you can find, and it’s no wonder that many people long to keep them as pets.

Before you adopt one of your own, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that the genetic traits that cause blue eyes are most often found in very high-energy dog breeds that need a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. 

These dogs also tend to be pretty affectionate and love being close to their pack, meaning there’s a greater chance of them having separation anxiety if you’re gone for too long. 

With those factors in mind, be honest with yourself -for the sake of your dog as much as yourself- whether you really have the time, energy, and training expertise that these dogs need.

If not, it may be more preferable to put your dream of owning a blue-eyed dog on hold until you’re in a better position to take care of them. If you do have all those things, then yes, a dog breed with pretty blue eyes can make for a beautiful and truly cherished companion.