23 Mesmerizing Dogs with Rare and Beautiful Blue Eyes

Australian Shepherd

Some Australian shepherds (Aussies) have merle coloring, which creates a mottled or speckled appearance with a mix of lighter and darker areas. Merle Aussies, which carry the merle gene, are more likely to have one or both blue eyes (or sometimes marbled or split-colored eyes). 

Australian shepherds thrive in active households where they can exercise, learn tricks, and engage in problem-solving tasks. 

Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is one of the most well-known blue-eyed dog breeds, thanks to a specific mutation in the ALX4 gene that gives them striking, ice-blue eyes. Huskies can have one or both blue eyes, or even partially blue eyes. 

Siberian huskies are known for their thick double coats, high energy, and endurance. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be their happiest, best selves.

Miniature American Shepherd

The mini American shepherd (previously called the “mini Aussie”) was bred from the Australian shepherd and possesses the intelligence and athleticism of their larger cousins. The miniature American shepherd frequently inherits blue eyes due to the merle gene. This gene creates a striking mottled coat and can result in one or both blue eyes, or even marbled eyes with a mix of blue and brown. 

Border Collie

Border collies, one of the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds, can sometimes have blue eyes, particularly when they carry the merle gene. Their problem-solving skills, agility, and incredible work ethic make them ideal for dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding trials. While they make excellent companions, border collies do best in homes that provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Originally bred for herding and hunting, this rugged, hardworking breed thrives when given a job, making them a great choice for active and structured households. Known for their trademark mottled coat and leopard-like spots, many catahoula leopard dogs have heterochromia (one blue eye and one brown eye) or marbled eyes due to the merle gene.

Weimaraner

The weimaraner, often called the "Gray Ghost," is known for its sleek silver-gray coat and uniquely light gray-blue eyes. This breed was originally developed in Germany for hunting large game, and their athleticism, speed, and keen nose make them a top-tier sporting dog breed. When not on the move, weimaraners transform into cuddly companions, often sticking close to their humans like a shadow.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Unlike the Pembroke Welsh corgi, which rarely has blue eyes, Cardigan Welsh corgis—especially those with blue merle coats—may exhibit this striking feature. These long-bodied, short-legged herding dogs are known for their intelligence, playful spirit, and strong work ethic. They are affectionate and loyal companions, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining an independent and sometimes mischievous nature.

Great Dane

Great Danes can have blue eyes, particularly in those with harlequin or merle coat patterns, where pigment distribution can result in one or both eyes being blue. These "gentle giants" are among the largest dog breeds, often standing over 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are affectionate, friendly, and surprisingly gentle, earning them the nickname "the world's biggest lap dogs."

Dachshund

Although blue eyes are rare in dachshunds, they do appear in dapple (merle) varieties, where the patterning can affect eye pigmentation. Despite their small stature, dachshunds are bold, energetic, and full of personality. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they have a keen sense of smell and a determined spirit.

English Bulldog

Blue eyes can appear in English bulldogs with merle coats, which are rare and not part of the breed standard. English bulldogs are known for their stocky build, wrinkled face, and distinctive pushed-in nose. Despite their tough appearance, English bulldogs are affectionate, gentle, and often described as couch potatoes. 

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English sheepdog, famous for their shaggy coat and bear-like gait, can occasionally have blue eyes, particularly in dogs with merle or white markings around the face. These gentle giants were originally bred for herding and are highly intelligent, affectionate, and playful. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Alaskan Malamute

While the breed standard calls for brown eyes, an Alaskan malamute can have blue eyes due to inheriting this trait from another breed (likely a Siberian husky) somewhere along its lineage. 

These powerful, wolf-like dogs were bred to pull heavy sleds over long distances and possess incredible endurance. They are highly social, affectionate, and playful but require firm training and a lot of exercise. 

French Bulldog

French bulldogs can sometimes have blue eyes, particularly in those with merle or dilute-colored coats. 

Frenchies are beloved for their bat-like ears, squishy faces, and affectionate nature. They are fantastic companion dogs, thriving in apartment settings and bonding deeply with their pet parents.

Chihuahua

While blue eyes are rare in chihuahuas, they can occasionally occur in those with merle coats. Some dilute-colored chihuahuas (such as blues or lilacs) may also have lighter-colored eyes, though not always blue. 

Known for their bold personalities and unwavering loyalty, chihuahuas are tiny but full of energy and confidence. They’re highly affectionate and devoted to their pet parents, thriving in their lapdog roles.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan klee kai, a smaller relative of the Siberian husky, often inherits striking blue eyes from their husky ancestry. This breed was developed as a companion-sized version of the husky, retaining the same high energy, intelligence, and independent spirit in a more compact form. 

American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit bulls are often born with blue eyes, though their eye color typically changes as they mature. However, some adult pit bulls retain blue-ish eyes, especially those with blue, gray, or brindle coats.

Known for their muscular build and affectionate nature, pit bulls are incredibly loyal and thrive on human companionship. Despite their sometimes unfair reputation, well-socialized pit bulls are loving, playful, and make fantastic family pets.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians always have two copies of the piebald gene, which is responsible for their distinctive white coat with black or liver spots. This gene can also result in blue eyes. While blue-eyed Dalmatians are striking, the gene responsible is also linked to deafness, so many blue-eyed Dalmatians have hearing impairments. 

Beyond their iconic spotted coats, dalmatians are energetic, intelligent, and strong-willed dogs. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they have excellent endurance and thrive in active households.

Bull Terrier

The bull terrier is known for its distinctive egg-shaped head, muscular build, and playful personality. Some bull terriers carry two copies of the piebald gene, which gives them white or predominantly white coats.

This gene can also result in blue eyes, especially in dogs with extensive white markings around the face. Unfortunately, white bull terriers are more prone to congenital deafness.

Boxer

While most boxers have fawn or brindle coats, some carry two copies of the piebald gene, resulting in white or mostly white coats. This gene can also lead to blue eyes, though it is relatively rare in the breed. White boxers are more prone to congenital deafness. Boxers are loyal, intelligent, and protective, making them excellent family companions. Their fun-loving, clownish personality ensures they bring joy and excitement to any home.

Boston Terrier

Many Boston terriers carry the piebald gene, which creates their signature black-and-white, seal-and-white, or brindle-and-white markings. In cases where a Boston terrier carries two copies of this gene, they can have one or both blue eyes (and an increased risk for deafness).

The Boston terrier is a small yet sturdy breed known for their charming personality and affectionate nature. While their compact size makes them well-suited for apartment living, they are playful and social dogs who love accompanying their humans on outings.

Collie

Collies (either smooth or rough) can sometimes have the merle gene, leading to one or both blue eyes, or even a mix of blue and brown in the same eye. These dogs are highly trainable, affectionate, and devoted family companions. Originally bred for herding, they are known for their strong work ethic, loyalty, and protective instincts. 

Pomsky

The pomsky is a designer mix between a pomeranian and a Siberian husky. This mix often inherits the striking blue eyes of its Husky parent, thanks to the ALX4 gene, Highly intelligent and full of personality, pomskies thrive in active households where they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention.

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan husky, a high-performance sled dog, is not a purebred dog but rather a hybrid breed developed for speed, endurance, and working ability. Alaskan huskies can have brown, amber, or blue eyes, though blue is less common. 

Known for their incredible stamina, intelligence, and friendly demeanor, Alaskan huskies excel in sled racing and long-distance mushing. Their affectionate yet energetic nature makes them ideal for active, experienced pet parents who can meet their high exercise needs.