What Huskies Have Blue Eyes?
Yasser Alghofily/Flickr At-home DNA kits have become a popular way to learn more about one’s ancestry and genetic makeup—and the handy tests aren’t just for humans, either. Dog owners who want to delve into their fluffy friends’ family history and uncover the risks of possible diseases can choose from a number of services that screen doggie DNA.
- As Kitson Jazynka reports for National Geographic, one of these services, Embark Veterinary, Inc., recently analyzed user data to unlock an enduring canine mystery: How did Siberian huskies get their brilliant blue eyes? Piercing peepers are a defining trait of this beautiful doggo.
- According to the new study, published in PLOS Genetics, breeders report that blue eyes are a common and dominant trait among Siberian huskies, but appear to be rare and recessive in other breeds, like Pembroke Welsh corgis, old English sheepdogs and border collies.
In some breeds, like Australian shepherds, blue eyes have been linked to patchy coat patterns known as “merle” and “piebald,” which are caused by certain genetic mutations. But it was not clear why other dogs—chief among them the Siberian husky—frequently wind up with blue eyes.
Hoping to crack this genetic conundrum, researchers at Embark studied the DNA of more than 6,000 pooches, whose owners had taken their dogs’ saliva samples and submitted them to the company for testing. The owners also took part in an online survey and uploaded photos of their dogs. According to the study authors, their research marked “the first consumer genomics study ever conducted in a non-human model and the largest canine genome-wide association study to date.” The expansive analysis revealed that blue eyes in Siberian huskies appear to be associated with a duplication on what is known as canine chromosome 18, which is located near a gene called ALX4.
This gene plays an important role in mammalian eye development, leading the researchers to suspect that the duplication “may alter expression of ALX4, which may lead to repression of genes involved in eye pigmentation,” Aaron Sams of Embark tells Inverse ‘s Sarah Sloat.
The genetic variation was also linked to blue eyes in non-merle Australian shepherds. Just one copy of the mutated sequence was enough to give dogs either two blue eyes, or one blue and one brown eye, a phenomenon known as “heterochromia.” It would seem, however, that duplication on chromosome 18 is not the only factor influencing blue eye color: Some dogs that had the mutation did not have blue eyes.
More research into this topic is needed to understand the genetic mechanisms at work when it comes to blue-eyed dogs. But the study shows how at-home DNA kits can be highly valuable to scientists, providing them with a wealth of genetic samples to study.
With 6,000 people getting DNA samples from their dogs and mailing them to a centralized location and then filling out a website form detailing all the traits of their dog—that’s a game-changer for how genetics is being done in the 21st century,” Kristopher Irizarry, a geneticist with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, tells National Geographic ‘s Jazynka.
The benefits of having access to such huge troves of data go further than uncovering nifty insights into our canine companions. Scientists are also teaming up with at-home DNA test companies to learn more about human genetics and behavior. DNA Dogs Genetics New Research Recommended Videos
What gives Huskies blue eyes?
According to Irizarry, the mutation of the ALX4 gene in Siberian huskies seems to result in decreased pigment production in the eye. The lack of pigment causes the eye to appear blue.
What is the biggest breed of Husky?
FAQs – The main difference is their ancestry and what they were bred for. The Alaskan Malamute is believed to have hauled humans and their loads across the Bering Strait to North America, carrying heavy loads for long periods of time at a slow pace. And while Siberian Husky breeds are also skilled sledders, they were bred to haul light loads at a quicker pace for shorter periods of time.
They’re both from the Spitz family, but with completely different breeding origins. The largest breed of Husky is the Alaskan Malamute, Females can weigh up to 83 pounds, while males 94 pounds. They’re known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, but need to be consistently trained if you’re thinking about welcoming one of these fluff balls into your home.
Yes, Huskies can be good family dogs. They get on with children and other dogs, but like with all of our four-legged friends, it’s best to be cautious around children, not leaving them unsupervised. It’s also vital you socialise your Husky with other dogs from a young age to get them used to being around other fluffy friends.
- It’s thought by many that all dogs originate from wolves, and the Husky is no different.
- Yes, Alaskan Malamutes can make great family pets.
- They’re good with children, but due to their high energy and sheer size, it’s best to be cautious around small children.
- Maybe think about introducing an Alaskan Malamute once your children can walk and talk, supervising at all times.
While there are many reputable breeders around, it’s always worth heading to a few of your local rescue shelters. You could consider adoption – just find out if a Husky is in need of a forever home. Prices can vary massively depending on your location and the demand for the breed in your area, so just ask your local rescue organisation.
Is Husky the most loyal dog?
The Siberian Husky is described as mischievous, loyal, and outgoing, and those who love them would certainly agree. If you have one of these dogs at home, you know these ten things to be true.1. Educating people about the difference between your dog and a wolf. No sir, I am not walking a wolf. 2. Having the best guard dog ever. (Except not really because they’re actually very sweet!) 3. Fur, fur, and more fur—will it ever end? Credit: Instagram/ @pcmcintosh 4. No fence or crate is tall enough. Siberian Huskies are the Houdinis of the dog world. 5. No need for the radio when you are constantly being serenaded. “AWOOOOO!” Credit: Instagram/ @haru_husky 6. Knowing that unless you work really hard to train them properly, when you “walk the dog” it really means you will be walked by the dog. Credit: Instagram/ @pirateandwolf 7. 8. You can define “Zoomies.” (This is an act whereby your dog runs around the house like crazy, jumping on the couch, running up and down the stairs and all over the house. Over. And Over. And Over.) 9. The weird and wonderful sleeping positions. Legs up and on their backs is the comfiest. 10. Thinking of leaving out your Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks? No shoe is safe when a Sibe is around! Credit: Instagram/ @hi_heejina
Can Husky have black eyes?
Why are some Huskies’ eyes so blue? – The reason why some Huskies have eyes that are so blue is that they have decreased levels of melanin (this is also known as pigment) in their bodies. This means their eyes cannot produce enough pigment to make them darker, and so they appear blue.