Have you ever seen dogs with two different colored eyes and wondered what the reason is behind this? Split eye colors are something we see in humans sometimes, too, and it always mesmerizes us. Dogs with heterochromia (split eye color) are also more common than we realize.
It’s not random, and it’s definitely not magic, though it does seem something out of a fairytale. The next time you see a dog with one blue eye and a brown one, or a hint of both colors in both eyes, think about the genetic factors behind it.
Heterochromia in dogs is caused by their genetic makeup and can be of different types. The three common types of heterochromia are: complete heterochromia, central heterochromia, and sectoral heterochromia.
This condition is mostly hereditary, but your pup’s eyes might be affected by acquired heterochromia in some cases. If you’re interested in learning about dog breeds most likely to have different colored eyes, this article is for you.
Top Dog Breeds with Split Eye Colors
1. Alaskan Malamute
The awe-inspiring and sturdy Alaskan Malamute is one of the most popular dog breeds known for having heterochromia. While they mostly have alert and searching, almond-shaped brown eyes, some Alaskans can have one blue eye.
Alaskan Malamutes are enduring and loyal canines originally bred as sled dogs. Their thick double coat, wolf-like face, and tolerance for harsh weather make them one of the most splendid canines. Their eyes are also a unique and beautiful feature we can’t help but fall in love with.
Blue eyes are not a common part of the Alaskan’s appearance. The blue eyes in Alaskans with split eye colors are caused by a recessive gene that causes their iris to produce very little to no melanin. While the bright blue eyes look pretty, they’re not without risks.
Blue-eyed Alaskans are at a higher risk of eye conditions like cataracts and damage caused by UV rays.
2. Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs are compact in size but abundant in spirit. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are related to the famous Australian wild breed, “the Dingo”. This beautiful breed often has heterochromia iridis, which adds to its other fascinating traits.
Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred as herding dogs. This dog’s color game is already strong; they are born with a white coat that can change to red, or blue-grey. This dog’s coat looks even more fascinating with its gorgeous speckling pattern.
While their boundless energy and dedicated nature make them prized companions to their owners, having two different colored eyes makes them impossible not to notice.
3. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Catahoula Leopard dogs have no shortage of unique traits that make them stand out in the crowd. The word “Catahoula” has a Choctaw origin and means “sacred lake”. With varying coat colors and different eye patterns, these pups are as distinct as they get.
Catahoulas are working dogs with a muscular and strong build. They have an independent streak and can get quite territorial if they don’t get early obedience and socialization training.
Their deep, almond-shaped eyes come in different colors and sometimes with eyes of two different colors. These dogs mostly have blue, brown, light amber, and green eyes. They can have complete or sectoral heterochromia; the latter means the eyes have specks of a different color pigment.
4. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are mischievous-looking dogs with perky eyes and round eyes that can mirror so many emotions. With their fluffy, thick coat and abundant energy, these dogs make fantastic pets for individuals and families.
Like other breeds in this list, Chihuahuas can have different types of heterochromia, owing to genes or developmental defects. We’d like to talk about the merle Chihuahuas and the way the merle genes can cause split eye colors in these canines.
In case you’re wondering, merle is a gene modifier in dogs that determines how genes are expressed in certain breeds. Merle Chihuahuas, due to this gene, get their blue merle coats, but it also shows up in their eye color, and here’s how we get Chihuahuas with two blue eyes.
Let’s move one step forward; some Chihuahuas with the merle gene get only one blue eye. Vision problems are a health concern in Chihuahuas with heterochromia.
5. Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are one of the most loved and cherished canines with a fluffy, thick coat with captivating patterns. These big dogs are very huggable and make wonderful companions due to their dedicated and gentle nature. Heterochromia is something this breed has often exhibited among its other unique traits.
Aussies commonly have hazel, brown, blue, green, or light amber eyes, as per PetMD. Aussies can have two different colored eyes; they might also have hues of different colors in the same eye. So, complete heterochromia and sectorial heterochromia, both types, can be seen in this breed.
If you see an Aussie with heterochromia, do take notice of their coat colors. You’ll see that their coat color is also different from the same eye colored Australian Shepherds. They might have white streaks or other unique patterns on their coats.
6. Dalmatian
Like all dogs, Dalmatians’ unique eye colors tell us a story about the breed’s genetics. While pop culture made Dalmatians one of the most memorable dogs, their wonderful spotted coat and different colored eyes fascinate us even more.
Dalmatians can be both blue-eyed and brown-eyed. Both colors add their own magic to this breed’s appearance. While blue makes them look deep and enchanting, brown leaves us with an impression of friendliness and joy.
The story doesn’t end here: enter Dalmatians with heterochromia. It’s rare in these piebald dogs, but has been observed; with one blue eye and the other hazel or brown, it makes these pups even more captivating.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small to medium cattle herding dogs. These canines have striking, fox-like faces and perky ears that make them look alert. The most common eye colors in Corgis are dark brown and blue; they can also have one blue and one brown eye.
Many Pembroke Welsh Corgis with blue eyes can have the merle gene, but it’s not a rule. Corgis can have beautiful blue eyes without having the merle gene. Corgis can have hereditary heterochromia and are prone to some eye-related health problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
If a Pembroke has been bred according to the AKC breed standard, it’s less likely to suffer from genetic health problems or develop blindness.
Conclusion
Dogs with heterochromia look very pretty and fascinating; it’s important to remember that if a dog has two different eye colors, they might suffer from certain eye issues. However, many breeds with heterochromia stay pretty healthy throughout their lives if taken care of.
If you have adopted a dog with some type of heterochromia, talk to your vet about how to take care of them and their beautiful eyes. Some other dog breeds with this condition are Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, and Dachshunds.
