Do All Dogs Have Blue Eyes When Born?
Blue eyes during puppyhood – All puppies have blue (or bluish) eyes when they first open them. But by the time they’re about 16 weeks old, their eyes change to their true color—typically brown. So, if you’ve got a young, blue-eyed pup at home now, keep in mind their eye color may change.
What does it mean if your dog is born with blue eyes?
Are Blue Eyes In A Dog Bad? – Blue eyes in dogs are completely normal and aren’t linked with any health problems. Certain breeds, such as Siberian husky, carry a gene for blue eyes and don’t experience any vision defects because of it. However, eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma can change a dog’s eye color to blue gradually.
How rare is it for a dog to have one blue eye?
Dog breeds that naturally have blue eyes – No doubt about it, dogs with blue eyes belong to a unique club. Scientists say only 5% of dogs have the blue-eye variant as part of their DNA. The blue-eyed trait is recessive and most often related to coat color, specifically in those with merle (mottled patches of color) or piebald (white coat with spots of color).
Siberian husky Border collie Australian shepherd Dachshund Weimaraner Cardigan Welsh corgi Great Dane Catahoula leopard dog Alaskan klee kai Pit bull
Ironically, blue eyes don’t actually have any blue pigment. In fact, blue eyes indicate a lack of pigment. Additionally, if the fur around your dog’s eyes is white, his chances of having blue eyes (along with a pink nose and skin) are increased.
What is it called if you have one blue eye and one brown eye?
Symptoms and Types of Heterochromia – Your iris gets its color from a pigment called melanin, It’s what makes them blue, green, brown, or hazel. Less melanin leads to lighter eye color. More melanin makes darker eyes. There are three types of heterochromia:
Complete heterochromia (heterochromia iridis) means one iris is a different color than the other. For example, you may have one blue eye and one brown eye. Segmental heterochromia (heterochromia iridium) means different parts of one iris are different colors. Central heterochromia is when the outer ring of your iris is a different color from the rest.
When can you tell puppy eye color?
Mature Eye Coloration – Around 3 or 4 weeks in age, puppies’ final eye color slowly starts to become visible. The most common eye color on dogs is deep brown, so you might notice the chocolatey tones making their way through around this time. However, the process occurs slowly and doesn’t happen overnight.
Do dogs with heterochromia go blind?
Heterochromia iridis is a genetic default when a living being has two different color eyes. Seen more often in dogs, cats and horses, it is a condition that may be present in humans as well, though not as often. There is a couple interesting legends floating around about this intriguing attribute. There are also a few myths that should be dispelled concerning this not so unusual trait. Legend There are a few legends floating around about dogs with two different color eyes. One myth says that dogs with two different color eyes can view heaven and earth at the same time. Another story goes that heterochromatic dogs are natural protectors, while brown or red eye dogs are considered spirit dogs.
- Legend says it that sled dogs with heterochromia are faster than dogs with the same color eyes.
- Are any of these true? Whether the tales are true or not, it does make for interesting speculation.
- Blindness Dogs with one blue eye suffer from the misconception that eye must be blind.
- This generally isn’t the case.
Dogs living with heterochromia generally have accurate canine vision, which is much different than that of a human’s vision. If an owner is wondering whether their dog suffers from partial blindness and is afraid or embarrassed to ask their vet, a simple sight test may be performed.
Have someone sit behind the dog and cover one eye. Stand in front of the dog with a large colorful bouncy ball. Drop the ball, if the eye follows the ball the dog can see well enough. Switch eyes and try again. Breeding There is more speculation than evidence if this may be a breedable trait; meaning that it may be bred on purpose.
Most cross breeds have the genetic potential to breed heterochromatic offspring. Pure breeds more often afflicted is the Australian Shepherd, Dalmatians, Cathoulas, or Huskies, however, no breed is immune to it. It is considered a defect by most dog show associations and any dog will automatically be disqualified.
Is heterochromia in dogs from inbreeding?
What is the difference between heterochromia in humans and animals? – Heterochromia is relatively uncommon in humans (e.g., affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States). However, it is a common phenomenon in some breeds of cats, dogs, cattle and horses. 
How common are dogs with heterochromia?
Most Common Dog Breeds With Heterochromia – Heterochromia is most common among the following 15 breeds. Heterochromia iridis is more frequently observed in Huskies, Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs, While the other two types of heterochromia are more common in general and more often seen in the remaining breeds.