Have you ever seen dogs with green eyes?
Well, if you have, you should consider yourself lucky, as they’re pretty rare creatures!
Most dogs have brown eyes, although there are a few breeds where blue or amber eyes are also seen.
Blue-eyed pups can include Siberian Huskies and Border Collies. Some dogs even have one blue eye and one brown eye!
But dogs with green eyes – really?
In this article, we look at the breeds of dogs that often do have green eyes and how this can be.
So, what determines the color of a dog’s eyes within different breeds?
Canine eye color – it’s all down to genetics!
The color of a dog’s eyes is controlled by his genes.
In general, most dogs’ eyes are various shades of brown, regardless of the animal’s coat color.
That’s because they all carry a gene which produces a brown pigment called eumelanin in the iris.
However, there are a number of different genetic factors that can cause blue, amber, or green eyes in certain breeds.
One such factor is the Merle gene, and it is found on the canine chromosome 10 (CFA 10).
The Merle gene is changes coat color and eye color by creating patches with reduced eumelanin.
Dogs with the Merle gene typically have irregular beige or gray patches in the base color of their fur, creating a brindled or patchy effect across the whole body.
This color phenomenon is seen in many breeds, including:
- Border Collies
- Australian Sheepdogs
- Dachshunds
- Great Danes
- Welsh Corgis
- Chihuahuas
- Cocker Spaniels
- Pomeranians
Most dogs who carry the Merle gene also have blue or amber eyes.
Very (like, very very) occasionally these dogs can end up with green eyes.
However, for two types of dog, pale green or blue/green eyes are slightly more common.
They are American Pit Bull Terriers, and Pomeranian Huskies (Pomskies).
(Incidentally, Huskies don’t have blue eyes because they carry the Merle gene, but because they carry a different gene which causes blue eyes independently of coat color.)
How do dogs with green eyes occur?
More science!
So we know that dogs with brown eyes have brown pigment in their eyes.
But dogs with blue or green eyes don’t have blue or green pigment!
In fact, they have no, or very little pigment.
They appear blue or green because of the way light refracts (bends) when it travels through the lens of the eye (which is clear).
In that respect, they appear blue for the same reason the sky and the sea do!
Which dogs have green eyes?
So eye color all comes down to density of eumelanin pigment in the iris.
Dogs with brown eyes have lots of eumelanin pigment, which we see as brown.
Amber-eyed dogs have eumelanin pigment in their eyes, but not as much – probably because of other genes which modulate how much is made.
Dogs with green eyes have a very small amount of eumelanin – we mostly see light being refracted, but a tiny amount of pigment too.
And dogs with blue eyes have no pigment in their iris at all.
Inheritance of green dog eyes
The inheritance of eye color in dogs is affected by lots of genes.
This is how we see so many shades of eye color in our dogs and not just one shade of brown and one shade of blue.
But we know that the Merle gene is one which most commonly gives dogs blue or green eyes.
So let’s find out more about that now.
Health issues associated with the Merle gene
Dogs with green eyes who carry the Merle gene can suffer from a number of health conditions, especially affecting their eyes and ears.
Mild to severe deafness can occur in Merle gene carriers.
Merle dogs’ hearing problems are caused because the kind of cells that make eumelanin (called melanocytes) also play an important role in the structure of our inner ear.
We don’t know exactly why yet, but without those cells sound waves don’t stimulate dogs’ middle and inner ears correctly, resulting in complete or partial deafness.
Dogs with green eyes and the Merle gene also have less pigmentation in the iris of the eye, which can affect their eyesight.
This means dogs with green eyes can sometimes suffer from increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), and poor refraction ability within the eye, and colobomas.
How rare are dogs with green eyes?
The answer to this question is, very rare!
Outside of the American Pit Bull Terrier, most dog breeds with green eyes are cross-breeds.
For most breeds eye color inheritance is so complicated, that it is impossible to engineer breeding a dog with the exact right amount of iris pigment to give green eyes.
When it happens, it is pure fluke, like the stunning Weimaraner in our main image.
This puppy’s green eyes will probably be amber by the time he is fully grown
In some cases, green eyes at birth will turn to an amber color as the puppy matures and more pigment is produced.
Night vision!
One time when almost every dog will have green eyes is at night.
Dogs’ eyes glow a ghostly green when you shine a light on them in the dark!
But why do dogs’ eyes give off a green reflection?
Unlike humans, dogs and other crepuscular or nocturnal animals have a light-reflecting surface at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum.
The tapetum lucidum acts just like a mirror, reflecting light from outside the eye onto the eye cells which interpret it into images.
This maximizes the use of all available light, and improves the vision of animals that are active at night or at dawn.
Some prey animals such as deer, horses, and cattle also have this visual adaptation so that they can see predators approaching under cover of darkness.
The specific eye glow color is influenced by the amount of zinc and riboflavin in the tapetum lucidum. A dog’s coat, eye color, and age can also influence the color of his eye-shine.
Older animals have denser optic lenses, which decreases the amount of light that is reflected back from the eye.
My elderly German Shepherd cross’s eyes became cloudy as she aged, until her eyes barely glowed at night at all.
Why do dog eyes glow green?
The truth is that not all do!
Most dogs are born with a purple tapetum lucidum.
However, by the time the dog reaches 16 weeks of age, the tapetum has changed to a yellow-green color, which is reflected in their night-time glow.
Dogs who have white coats and blue eyes often produce a red-eye glow in the dark.
This red color is caused by blood vessels in the eyes that reflect when they are exposed to a light source.
We see the blood vessels because these dogs don’t produce any pigment in the tapetum lucidum at all.
A notable exception to the green glow rule is the Schnauzer, whose eyes glow a beautiful turquoise blue under torchlight!
Now, let’s have a closer look at the specific breeds of dogs with green eyes!
The American Pit Bull Terrier
It’s thought that the Pit Bulls originated in England where fighting dogs were bred from mastiffs.
Back as far as the 1200s these dogs were used in the grisly sports of bear and bull baiting, until these pastimes were banned in England in 1835.
After this, the Pit Bull was crossed and re-crossed to create a smaller, more agile dog that would be suitable for dog fighting, which took the place of bull baiting when it was banned.
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Unfortunately, the Pit Bull breed latterly became synonymous with modern dog fighting rings, and was also the attack dog of choice for criminals.
So, the poor Pit Bull comes with rather a tarnished reputation!
Pit Bulls as pets
Lovers of the Pit Bull claim that the breed is just as friendly, loyal, and family oriented as a Labrador or Dachshund!
Even so, it’s still essential that Pit Bull puppies are properly socialized from the get-go.
Pit Bulls do have boundless energy and need a lot of exercise.
When choosing suitable toys for Pit Bulls, pick something that the dog can hang on to and pull!
Although the Pit Bull is famed for its legendary jaw strength, it’s not the actual strength of their grip, but rather their tendency to hang on and not let go that makes them special!
American Pit Bulls can grow to 19 inches in height and typically weigh up to 35 pounds.
If you take on a Pit Bull as a pet, you can expect him to live up to about 12 years.
Pit bull health problems
In general, Pit Bulls are a robust and healthy breed.
However they can be prone to a few common health problems.
In addition to the hearing and vision problems that are associated with all dogs with green eyes, the Pit Bull can suffer from joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Some cross bred Pit Bull types are born with outturned “Charlie Chaplin” feet, leading to wrist sprains and problems negotiating stairs.
Note on owning Pit Bulls
In the UK, ownership of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull cross-breeds is currently banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 2014.
The breed is also banned in Germany, France, and Australia.
However, you can own a Pit Bull in some states and cities in the US, although ownership is governed by strict Breed Specific Legislation.
Under BSL, insurance is required for Pit Bulls, which can sometimes be prohibitively expensive.
The Pomsky
The Pomsky is a cross-breed between two pure breeds – the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky.
Pomskies can grow up to 15 inches in height and weight between 15 and 30 pounds.
If you take on a Pomsky as a pet, you can expect to devote up to 15 years to his care!
Pomsky breed history
The Siberian husky side of this designer breed was originally bred to haul heavy sleds over ice and snow.
These dogs are tough and hardy, often living outside in the harshest of weather conditions, and being fed on frozen, raw meat.
Huskies are medium sized and powerful with an independent streak but a friendly, loyal nature.
By contrast, the Pomeranian is a small toy breed.
It too has distant sled dog origins, but is now a pampered household pet!
Pomskies are created by crossing a male Pomeranian with a female Siberian husky.
For reasons of practicality due to the size difference between the two breeds, this normally takes place via artificial insemination.
Pomskies as pets
Pomskies vary tremendously in appearance and to some extent in personality too.
Your cute, fluffy Pomsky puppy may grow into a mid-sized dog with the best of both temperament aspects of his parents.
However, you could end up with a larger pooch who is more independent, taking more after the Husky side of his breeding. It’s really a lottery!
You’ll need to devote several hours each week to grooming your Pomsky. Both breeds used to create your pup have double coats with soft, fluffy under-hair.
Your Pomsky pup will shed significantly twice a year, usually in the fall and spring when you’ll need to get busy with your slicker brush to get rid of any loose hair!
Pomskies need quite a lot of exercise, but again this depends on the individual.
Dogs who have taken more of the Siberian husky character traits will have more energy to use up than those who are more Pomeranian in nature.
Pomsky health problems
Both of the breeds that are used to create the Pomsky are typically healthy and strong.
However there are a few health issues that can crop up with this breed.
Dilated cardiomyopathy can affect Pomskies as they grow older.
This form of heart disease often goes undetected until it has progressed quite far.
Look out for breathing problems, coughing and loss of appetite, all of which can be indicative of this condition.
Patellar luxation is a condition where the dog’s kneecap slips out of place.
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Although this condition is often painless, it can lead to joint problems and inflammation in later life if it’s left untreated.
Collapsing trachea is a condition that affects small dogs such as Pomeranians, and sometimes Pomskies can have it too.
The condition is characterized by labored breathing, coughing, and exercise intolerance.
Drug therapy is usually used to manage this problem, but it can be life-shortening.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a musculoskeletal condition.
In dogs suffering from this problem, the hip joint begins to disintegrate and the joint and bone become inflamed.
The condition is common in toy breeds and causes lameness, pain, and muscle wasting.
Pomeranians are prone to hair loss, affecting the whole body.
Because of the Pomsky’s heritage, the breed can suffer from this condition.
As in many small breeds, the Pomsky’s teeth can become crowded.
This can lead to accumulations of plaque between the teeth, which can ultimately cause gingivitis and canine periodontal disease.
You can help to prevent dental problems in your Pomsky by cleaning his teeth daily with a pet toothbrush and proper pet toothpaste.
Dog breeds with green eyes
So, dogs with green eyes are pretty rare!
American Pit Bulls, Pomskies and dogs carrying the Merle gene are most commonly seen with green eyes, thanks to the magic amount of pigment they make in their irises.
Many more dogs of all eye colors appear to have ghostly green eyes at night,which is down to their special night vision and the reflective qualities of their eyes.
Do you have a dog with green eyes?
If you do, please share your pup’s story with us in the comments section below.
We’d love to hear about him or her!
References and further reading
“Merle Coloration in Dogs”, Genomia Genetic Laboratory.
Animal Eye Care LLC, “What is Glaucoma?”, 2010.
ASHGI, “Iris Coloboma and Iris Hypoplasia”, 2013.
“Tapetum Lucidum – An Overview” Science Direct Topics
International Pomsky Association
Jonathan says
Liver and tan bloodhounds are born with vivid blue eyes that change to green or hazel as they get older. Our two year old female has green eyes.
Kyli says
I have a 7 month old, service dog in training who has one green eye and one eye that is half blue and half green. She is a mix between a boxer and a husky, possibly more breeds in there but won’t know for sure until we can do the DNA test. Mazikeen is the only one of her littermates with a green eye. I adopted her at 14 weeks old and at that time she had 2 sky blue eyes. She was dropped off with her litternates at 2 weeks old due to the mothers owner not wanting to deal with puppies. She has done amazing in her training and has been a great addition to my family, including my now retired service dog who is not much of a playful dog. Her eyes are stunning, and anyone who sees her in public just has to tell me!
Luanne says
We just adopted a 1/2 golden retriever(irishcred) 1/2 golden Labrador. He has beautiful green by eyes. Thanks for your article!
Mick Eidukas says
I have a rescue gsd who is white i worry about his green eyes
Pauls says
I have a red with patch of cream on chest and leg skin American Hairless Terrier, he has red whiskers a liver colored nose and the brightest green eyes that look almost human. He is not mixed though the breed does come from genetic mutation causing hairlessness in rat terrier.
MARYELLEN FERRELL says
. I have a three month old Boston Terrier that’s brown and white and he has beautiful green eyes. I have been concerned that he might have problems because his eyes are such a light color. But after reading your article I think bears watching.
MARY ELLEN FERRELL says
Interesting addition to my story, about my male, brown & white, Boston Terrier. My puppy has light green eyes and a liver colored nose! His fur is the color of an old penny. So, I named him COPPER, cause a girl dog would be PENNY!
Stephen Baker says
Hmmm – well, our 7 week pure-bred labrador pup has “fox red” fur and eye color that looks decidedly green to us. The (very reputable) breeder hasn’t seen green eyes in any of her dogs before…but then fox-red fur is also pretty rare for her, although there were two of them in our dog’s litter.
Weird.
Greg says
We just adopted a Havanese mix that has green eyes and a white and beige coat. I wonder if he’s note leucistic. Definitely not merle. I recently learned about leucism when we had a leucistic hummingbird at our feeders. Unlike albinism, which is a total lack of melanin, leucism is a partial lack. Our dog has green eyes and liver-colored nose with white and beige fur. The hummingbird was white and beige, so quite similar to our dog who often tears around the house about like a hummingbird.
Pasha says
My dog is white and beige with a liver colored nose and green eyes..maybe that’s why! This is so fascinating..she is from a shelter but was listed as “cattle dog mix”
Melinda says
Just adopted 2 hound/lab mix. Mom and son. Mom “Annie” has green eyes and is about 3 years old. Son “Copper” is about 10 months old and has light eyes too. Great addition to our 7 year old German Shepard “Lucas”.
dona Barclay says
Just been seduced by a male pup with pale blue green eyes, liver nose and choc brown coat.
The mum is a black Lab. The father is a Beauceron / Lab mix..
Hope it would be deaf he looks gorgeous.
Tina says
Had a litter of pups. Not by choice. But they turned out so cool..3 out of the six have green eyes. One has one sky blue eye and one half green half sky blue. The other two look green/ dark green but have more pigment on them so unsure.. 1 pup is super white, 1 is brown and white, 2 were white with liver tips and 2 were found different colors on them.. by far the coolest pups I have ever seen..the vet asked me if I really want to fix my girls as she is the one throwing amazing pups..lol
Christine says
We just got a new puppy who is a chihuahua, lab, mini pincher, and beagle mix. He has green eye and a liver color nose. So cute and adorable hoping they stay the green color.
Lydia says
Just adopted a 9 week old female part chihuahua and part dachshund and she has green eyes . First ones I have ever seen. I thought she does not hear as well just noticing how she reacts to sound .We have not seen the vet yet. Got her from an elderly couple and she was one of nine puppies . No one has spent any time with her and she requires a lot of attention.
Jim says
My 4 month old red Min Pin with red nose has the deepest green eyes I have ever seen. Except for mine that is…lol Her name is Gracie Rose and she has a little white on her chest and on her toes but her eyes have not changed in color since I got her at 8 weeks. She is full of piss and vinegar and very affectionate. She has brought back the puppy attitude in my 4 other older dogs ranging from 14 to 10. I have noticed that I don’t think she can see the best. She will slightly growl and quietly bark at someone across the room from her until she gets up the nerve to go get close enough to smell them. Then it’s all kisses and happy dancing…lol. I also have realized that because of this she is pretty skiddish around loud noises and new people. She will even bark at me if I put a cap on. But we love our baby to death and continue to do so till she draws her final breath.
Misty says
To be honest, I have never seen a true green eyed dog at all in my life. All the eyes I have seen ranged from blue, pale yellow to the darkest of brown. Never a green eye. I will not say that a green eye never occurs in a dog, but it is just I never seen a green eye. (as a puppy in yellow and amber eyed pups yes)
Linda says
My rescued chihuahua, dachshund, schipperke mix has lovely green eyes. (And those of you breeding and buying need to notice how many dogs we kill each year.)
Ash says
My pup juniper is 8 weeks old and has beautiful green eyes. She’s border collie lab and jack Russell. Hopefully they stay this colour!
Nancy Ayers says
We have a shihtzu and chihuahua mix,one has very green eyes,red nose,red curly hair,very sensitive. You mention it can lead to blondness,is this reslly true,or deafness???his name is alfie.
Ty Suckling says
My American Bulldog has just had a litter of pupps. One male is black and white has one dark eye and one irradecent blue eye. Another male with light tan patches on white has green eyes. And one female brindle body white head to shoulders also has irradecent blue eyes. The rest of the pups have dark brown black eyes.
mona says
I have a 4 month Moyen Poodle apricot and cream with green eyes and pink nose
Melissa says
I just got a Aussidoodle who is 10 weeks old.
He his half standard poodle half Australian Shepherd. He has the most amazing unique hazel eyes; he has a brown nose and is reddish brown in color with a bit of white and silver on his face and chest. His dad, the shepherd has beautiful blue eyes.
Be says
My green-eyed pink nosed and pink lipped Maltipoo (Maltese and toy poodle) puppy has a white golden coat
Candace Pearson says
I have three dogs and I believe all two of them have different shades of green eyes. I’m not entirely sure on all of the breeds they have in them, but I do know for sure that my little one Lucy is part corgi. My big one Zozo who looks like a husky golden mix has very light light green eyes but I have no idea if she’s really that breed or if she’s something else entirely. I’m going to try to upload pictures maybe somebody will be able to help!
TJ says
I would be interested in seeing pics! Wr have a foster dog, the surrendered owner said is purebred lab, but he has light green eyes. I feel like maybe he is part husky. He is just about a yr old and his eyes are a light green.
Abi Drew says
I have a green eyed chihuahua with a pink nose she is eight months but I don’t think her eyes will change. Her name is kiwi and she light brown mixed with cream color
Diana says
Our green-eyed puppy, Pumpkin, is supposedly a mix of American Staffordshire, Chow Chow, Collie and “mixed breed” — at least according to the DNA test we paid $220 for! She’s a sweet, gentle, funny, smart girl who makes a funny, Chewbacca sound when she’s nervous. She’s long bodied, long legged, mostly tan with white tip on her tail, white socks with brown spots and a white v down her face between her eyes that also has brown spots. She also has extra toes on all for paws, so she’s a very unique dog! We rescued her after she spent 4 months in two different shelters, first in OK, then in MN, where we live. She’s an extremely affectionate dog who loves to climb in any family member’s lap and wallow and snuggle. We are very blessed to have found her!
Chere R. says
My lil chaweenie Penny has beautiful green eyes. She full of energy n very smart. We love her to pieces!
Chere runge says
My lil chaweenie Penny has beautiful green eyes. She full of energy n very smart. We love her to pieces!
G says
I have a purebred border collie, chocolate and white but with amazing green eyes. Comes from a breeder that has many blue Merle’s so makes sense she’d have a blue Merle gene giving her green eyes. While she’s a healthy, sound girl I am a huge advocate for carefully breeding Merle puppies and dogs. Be responsible and don’t create double Merles; there’s not enough kind people to care for deaf, blind or both double Merle pups xx
Marie says
I just rescued a 10 week old puppy. The shelter suspects he is a husky/shepherd mix. His eyes are a greenish blue. His coat is tan with varying shades along his spine. His ears do not stand up like a husky, but his tail curls up on his back like one.
Maggie says
I have a little 5 month old chihuahua and he has the most beautiful green eyes 🙂
William says
I have an 11month old American pitbull terrier Shar pei mix with the most beautiful green eyes
Frank Policastro says
We just adopted a very sweet beagle looking mix, they told us lab hound mix with the most beautiful green eyes. She was born April 19th 2018.
She is dark tan and white with white feet.
She is the most gentle sweet little girl, we named her Honey.
Would post photo if I knew how.
Linda says
We have two sharp eagles from the same litter. One has dark eyes and dark soft tissue, while our other has green eyes with pink soft tissue. Our green eyed gremlin has more physical traits of the shar pei.
Rusty lewis says
I have a english cocker spanial that has green eyes and green at night when light shine on him his is purty.
Natalie says
My dog has green eyes, hes a puppy he was born the first week of august, he used to have a shade of blue eyes and it turned into a shade of green out of no where. His mom is a chihuahua the dad is unknown. But he looks nothing like a chihuahua nor his mom. His mom has patches of light brown and freckles and most of her fur is white . she has long hair shes one of those chihuahuas that dont have short hair. My puppy is small extremely fury a shade of light brown. And white paws. He is in perfect health condition looks like a normal dog. But there is no dog ive researched that looks like him.
Kim says
Id like to share a photo of my longhaired ee cream green eyed dachshund but there is no option
Judy toth says
I just american cocker spaniel
She is silver and has green/blue eyes
Jen Chaney says
I have a 2 month old border collie husky mix. She is mostly black. Her eyes are green. I understand they may turn amber like her husky daddy’s as she gets older. They sure are pretty for the time being though.
Lori says
I have a Schnoodle that just turned a year old. He’s white and has green eyes, liver points. He’s adorable.
Leah Wilt says
I have a little Morkie ( Yorkie/Maltese ) I bought from a private party 4 weeks ago. She’s a little doll! She is more of a blond color and has green eyes. I think they are beautiful but I was concerned that this was not normal and that she may be unhealthy. Any comments about this?
Kim I. says
I have a 9 week old mini dachshund. He’s a longhaired chocolate with sable points and he has green eyes. Quite stunning!
Clarice Hill says
My Chihuahua recently gave birth. She only had one pup. He’s about 8 weeks old. His eyes are turning from the puppy blue/grey to a light green color. He’s white with cream colored spots all over his face and body. I hope keeps the green color
Kate says
I bought a puppy one year ago as an american Staffordshire terrier but I assumed she is an American pitbull terrier from her red nose, caramel fur and green eyes. I got a DNA test it came back today as 75% American Staffordshire terrier and 12.5% Staffordshire bull terrier 12% mixed breed.
Vivian horowitz says
We rehomed a poodle bichon mix, so we think. He is white with light buff patches on his ears and back. He has green eyes, a brown nose, and an underbite. He is beautiful and sweet as can be.
Donna Oliphint says
3 weeks ago I got an approximately 9 week old puppy from the shelter where I volunteer. She and 2 other litter mates had been put in a sack and thrown from a car on the highway. The other pups were killed. She has a spiral fracture on her femur from hip to thigh, so she’s on crate rest for 4-6 weeks in hopes it will heal on its own. From all indications it’s healing quite well! She has a blue (taupey gray) and white coat and green eyes. She is beautiful. She weighs under 7 pounds, and we think she has Rat Terrier in her blend. Her coat is really short and smooth like a dachshund’s, but her legs and feet are straight. She uses her front paws like a raccoon, bending her long toes at every digit. Our vet was fascinated. Wish I could post a pic of this beautiful little girl.
Lucy says
Hi Donna, You are very welcome to join our forum here to chat about your lovely new puppy and post pictures! I hope she feels better very soon.
Katie says
I have a female rescue and we are not sure what her mix is but she has green eyes. From her coat and body type she looks like a German Shorthaired Pointer, except for the fact that she is 5 months and only 16lbs. She is still slightly underweight from her time at the shelter but nowhere near a true GSP. We’re curious what her mix is and was hoping her uniquely green eyes would help but I don’t think she is a Pit-mix because she is so lean.
Haley says
I have a female long haired chihuahua that has green eyes I got her from a pet shop when I was nine but she has two different sections of color so it goes white to golden green to dark green to black is that normal
Martha says
I have a long haired Chihuahua puppy with green eyes. He comes from a litter of six, born April 2, all of which have green eyes as do the parents. His human parents were vacationing with all eight dogs and pulled into a rest stop as I was preparing to leave. Intrigued by a glimpse of a laundry basket of puppies, I asked to see them and ended up obtaining the “pick,” an outgoing male that I named Tripp. He was 4 weeks and 4 days old, young to be leaving the mother but already weaned. Now, 2 weeks and 6 days later, he is using puppy pads, eats very well, is learning to sit on command, runs, jumps, doesn’t whine at night, and just this morning made his first bark and growl which sounded like a can full of bees