One of the most uncommon eye colors there is for dogs is green, and if your dog has this, you own a rare pet!
If you want to know more about green-eyed dogs, this article is for you.
Here is our list of 16 dog breeds that have green eyes.
Table of Contents
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is number one on our list of dog breeds that have green eyes.
Border collies are one of the best family dogs among all the dog breeds because of their trainability and obedience.
Their eyes are often dark brown, light brown, hazel, blue, and green. In the AKC border collie breed information, however, they have stated that they accept any eye colors for the border collie except for blue and the merle type.
The green color of this breed might have been passed on by the inter-breeding of husky and border collies.
Border Collie Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Dark brown, light brown, hazel, blue, and green
- Coat Colors: Black, black and white, chocolate, lilac, blue merle, etc.
- Weight: 27 to 45 pounds
- Hight: 22 to 27 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: Scotland
2. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are tall dogs (male Weimaraners stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and females 23 to 25 inches) with short silky coats, which colors may range from charcoal-blue to mouse-grey to silver-grey or even blue-grey.
This breed has the merle gene which gives this characteristic color.
Their eyes are often seen in a lighter color as well, such as blue and green.
Properly bred Weimaraner is seen with silver-gray coat and amber or blue-grey eyes, however, rare green-eyed dogs are also seen in this breed.
Weimaraner Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: blue, blue-grey, amber, grey, and green
- Coat colors: Charcoal-blue, mouse-grey, silver-grey, blue-grey
- Weight: 55 to 90 pounds
- Hight: 25 to 27 inches
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
- Origin: Germany
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranian dogs are a crowd favorite because of their compact built, dainty appearance, and high intelligence.
This dog breed may exhibit deep brown eyes (which is more dominant over all eye colors that can be seen on dogs in general), light brown, or green.
Now it is good to know that the Merle gene could also turn a pom’s eyes blue, however, the American Kennel Club rarely recognizes such eye color in this breed.
Pomeranians with green eyes, however, if closely observed, do not entirely have green pigment in their eyes. It is most likely to be lined with brown or mixed with blue.
Pomeranian Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: White, black, tan, orange, cream, red and green
- Red, cream, orange, and sable, brown, black, and blue
- Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
- Hight: 7 to 12 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: Germany
4. Siberian Husky
This loyal, mischievous, and outgoing breed has also been recognized to have green eyes.
Although Siberian husky puppies often manifest blue eyes, this changes as they grow older.
Their almond-shaped eyes change in color and are often seen with brown, light brown, ice blue, deep blue, gray or amber, and green 6-8 weeks after they were born up until 6 months of age.
As seen in their eyes, the changes in color are also manifested in their coat.
They may be seen with white, black, tan, sable, agouti, light red, red or Copper, Silver, Wolf Grey, and Grey. All colors can be accompanied by white.
Siberian Husky Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Brown, light brown, ice blue, deep blue, gray, amber, and green
- Coat colors: White, black, black and white, black and tan, sable and white, grey, grey and white, red and white, red and white
- Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
- Hight: 20 to 23 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Siberia
The Gene That Makes It All Green. Just like the human gene OCA2 and HERC2 which are two of the 15 genes that have been linked to a different pigment of the human irises, the Merle gene or the Merle locus found in a canine chromosome is the characteristic gene that is associated with dogs’ different coat and eye color. Copies of the merle gene disrupt the pigmentation in the eyes of the dog by reducing the production of eumelanin, which makes their color different from the characteristic black, brown, and hazel.
5. Pomsky
As a result of artificial insemination between Pomeranians and Siberian huskies, pomsky, like its parents, inherit the merle gene present between these two breeds.
The hybrid mix often manifests the merle phenotype because it is a dominant trait.
Pomskies show a variety of colors both in their coat and in their eyes, and their eyes are also often seen in green color.
Pomsky Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Husky blue, hazel, brown, amber, and green
- Coat colors: White, grey and white, blue, brown or reddish brown and more
- Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
- Hight: 10 to 25 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
6. Schnauzer
Purebred schnauzers do not bear a natural green eye color. For the longest time, AKC would not recognize schnauzers with blue or green eyes, in fact, pure schnauzers have just been recently seen in the past 5 years in liver-colored schnauzers with brown noses.
These dogs are also pretty expensive if bought from breeders because of their rarity.
Schnauzer Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Brown
- Coat Colors: Black, salt and pepper, black and silver
- Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
- Hight: 12 to 14 inches
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
- Origin: Germany
7. Louisiana Catahoula
There are not a lot of online journal articles that recognize the green eye color of Louisiana Catahoulas.
Most of them describe it as a glassy hue, however, it is good to note that these dogs bear Merle alleles, so the chances of having a Louisiana Catahoula with green eyes is high.
The manifestation of the merle phenotype also explains why most of these dogs’ coats are riddled with patches of brown or black color.
Louisiana Catahoula Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Blue, amber, brown, and green
- Coat colors: Dark Leopard, Blue Leopard, White with Light Gray Leopard, and Light Leopard with Dark Patches
- Weight: 65 to 90 pounds
- Hight: 22 to 26 inches
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Origin: Louisiana, United States
8. Australian Shepherd
The Aussie shepherds are most commonly known as herding dogs, and like the border collies, they also exhibit green eyes.
Green eyes are mostly seen in red Australian shepherds and red merles. Unlike other breeds, the AKC breed standard for Australian shepherds is any pigment of color or combination of colors.
This dog breed is much more interesting since, as the huskies, their eyes also change in color from a light to a darker one (gold to amber to brown) as they grow older.
Australian Shepherd Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Brown, hazel, blue, amber, or green
- Coat Colors: Black, red, blue merle, and red merle
- Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
- Hight: 18 to 21 inches
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Origin: Western United States
9. Dachshund
Known as playful and small dogs who enjoy chasing other animals, Dachshunds also exhibits different colors both in coat and in their eyes, especially for dapple and double dapple dachshunds.
The term dapple is used to identify dachshunds that had the same appearance as the dogs that show the merle gene.
Dapple and double dapple dachshunds have different patterns on their coat and have amber, blue and green eyes as well.
Dachshund Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Green, amber, brown, light brown, or bi-eyed (one blue and one brown)
- Coat colors: Black, black and tan, brown, cream, tan, blue and tan, red, etc.
- Weight: 16 to 32 pounds
- Hight: 13 to 14.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Origin: Germany
Cute but not Quite. We are always in awe when we see furbabies with green eyes, however, having this almost always entails future eye problems that they may face. If your puppy inherited the merle gene from both of its parents and has a very pale or completely white coat, chances are, they will experience auditory and ophthalmologic impairments and abnormalities as they grow older (Strain, et al. 2009).
10. Great Dane
A cross between English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane breed is no doubt hailed as one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
And, because this dog is a hybrid, the merle gene has also been passed on to them, which gave them a variety of colors both in coat and in their eyes.
Most great Danes have blue, deep brown, and black eye color, which is deemed acceptable by the AKC for show dogs, but not for those who have light and bright blue, amber, gray and green eyes.
Great Dane Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: blue, deep brown, black, light blue, amber, gray and green
- Coat colors: Black, fawn, blue, brindle, mantle, harlequin, or merle
- Weight: 140 to 175 pounds
- Hight: 30 to 34 inches
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
- Origin: Germany
11. Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgis have two separate dog breeds: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
Both corgis have the same signature short and low build but what differentiates them from each other is that the Cardigans have a long, fox-like tail, curvier built, and heavier bone whereas Pembrokes have their tail docked close to their body and a more linear body.
While both can exhibit having green eyes, the Cardigan merles are more accepted by the AKC.
Welsh Corgi Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Brown, black, yellow, blue, or green
- Coat colors: Sable, Fawn, Black and Tan, Black and White, Red or Blue
- Weight: 23 to 28 pounds
- Hight: 10 to 12 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: Wales
12. Chihuahua
Described by the AKC as loyal, charming and with a big-dog attitude, a lot of chihuahuas show various colors in both coat and eyes.
American Kennel Club recognizes 30 colors and 11 markings in chihuahua, and one of them is the merle which is characterized and black and blue splashed or swirled patterns.
Dogs with such coat may also have green eyes brought about by the said gene.
Chihuahua Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Black, brown, ruby, hazel, green and etc.
- Coat colors: Black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, and etc.
- Weight: 3 to 6 pounds
- Hight: 8 to 13 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
- Origin: Mexico
13. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels has long been crowned as America’s most famous dog breed.
Their petite size and lush ears make them so adorable, and paired with that are adorable green eyes that are loved by everyone.
Although AKC disqualifies spaniels with blue, dark blue, blue, and green eyes, a lot of pet owners still choose to adopt or purchase them because they are great around children, lively, and easy to train.
Cocker Spaniel Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Black, brown, blue, green
- Coat colors: White, black, tan, brown, silver, black and white, brown and white, buff and white, and red and white
- Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
- Hight: 14 to 15 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Origin: England
14. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the gentle giants among all dog breeds.
They are currently the most popular dog breed in the US according to American Kennel Club because of their friendliness, trainability, and over-all good temperament.
Labs are known to have otter tails, a weather-resistant coat, and black-brown, blue, or green eyes.
Labrador Retriever Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Brown, hazel, yellow, black, green
- Coat colors: Black, chocolate, yellow
- Weight: 63 to 85 pounds
- Hight: 22.5 to 24.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Origin: Newfoundland, Canada
15. Boston Terrier
AKC describes Boston Terriers as amusing, friendly, and bright, and owners of Boston terriers can definitely agree with this.
These dogs are often seen in speckles of black and white color, tan and black, liver and mouse, although solid black, liver and gray is still not accepted by the AKC.
In connection with this, Boston terriers with green eyes, which are often seen on the liver line, are not considered purebred, resulting from careless breeders who are clueless about their breed line.
Boston Terrier Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Usually brown
- Coat colors: Black and white, brindle and white, seal and white
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
- Hight: 12 to 15 inches
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
16. American Pitbull Terrier
Among all the dog breeds stated above, the American Pitbull Terriers are the only purebred dogs that manifest green eyes.
APTs’ coat are characterized by splashes of white brown, black or liver color and this is accompanied by mesmerizing green eyes.
Amidst their amazing appearance and good temperament, AKC does not recognize pitbull as a specific breed and sadly, this dog has been banned in a lot of states across the country.
American Pitbull Terrier Breed Overview:
- Dominant Eye Colors: Blue, green, gray, or brown
- Coat colors: Black, white, brindle, fawn, blue, tan, brown, grey, or red
- Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
- Hight: 18 to 19 inches
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years
- Origin: United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rare for dogs to have green eyes?
Yes, it is very rare for dogs to have green eyes. Just as green eyes are a rarity in the human species, they also are in dogs. But, they are especially rare in dogs, purely because the majority of breeds of dog have brown eyes.
Brown eyes are so common in dogs that it is rare for a dog to have any other eye color than this. From beagles to German shepherds to French bulldogs, brown eyes are the norm, and this is because of the genetic build of dogs.
The majority of dogs have something known as the ‘Merle’ gene, and this gene produces eumelanin.
Eumelanin is a brown pigment which is then found in the iris of dogs, resulting in them having brown eyes. So, yes, it is very rare for dogs to have green eyes. In fact, this is the rarest eye color found in dogs.
What does it mean when dogs have green eyes?
Just because green eyes are rare in dogs, there is no need to worry if your dog’s eyes are this color. It is understandable that you may be concerned, simply because dogs almost always have brown eyes.
If your dog does have green eyes, this is a phenomenon. It generally isn’t a concern, and it is usually caused by the level of pigment, or eumelanin, in your dog’s eyes. As we said earlier, eumelanin is a brown pigment which gives dogs brown eyes.
Most dogs have a high amount of eumelanin, and this is why they have brown eyes. But, if your dog has a lower amount of eumelanin, this could cause their eyes to appear different. Often this causes the eyes to appear amber, but in some circumstances it can cause the eyes to appear green.
Can a Chihuahua have green eyes?
Yes, a Chihuahua can have green eyes. In fact, green eyes are a dominant eye color recognized by the American Kennel Club for Chihuahuas. So, if you have a Chihuahua puppy, then there is a chance that they might have green eyes.
Green eyes are rare. But, they are most common in Chihuahuas who have ‘Merle’ markings and coloring. Merle markings in Chihuahuas are caused by the Merle gene. This coloring shows itself as black and blue splashes and swirls on the coat of your Chihuahua.
As we said earlier, the Merle gene is what causes eumelanin to color the dog’s eyes brown. But, it is also possible for dogs to have a lack of eumelanin.
In dogs which have a lack of eumelanin, this can result in eyes that appear green when you look at them. So, yes, Chihuahuas can have green eyes. But, this is uncommon, just as it is in all breeds.
Will my puppy’s eyes stay green?
Most puppies will have blue eyes that will slowly turn brown as they grow older. But, some puppies will have green eyes. If your puppy has green eyes, then you might be wondering if these will stick around into adulthood, so let’s take a look.
If your puppy has green eyes, then there is a small chance that these might stick around into adulthood. But, it will depend on the age of your puppy.
Often, a puppy will have blue eyes up until they reach around 9 weeks of age. Once they pass this, their eyes will then begin changing color, and by the age of 12 weeks they will usually settle.
So, if your puppy has green eyes by this age, then there is a good chance that these will stick around into adulthood. But, your dog’s eyes will not have settled completely until they reach around 16 weeks of age. So they could change until they pass this age.
Do Dobermans have green eyes?
Yes, Dobermans can have green eyes. However, green eyes are rare in Dobermans, just as they are in all breeds of dog. But, you might be more likely to see green eyes in Dobermans than some other breeds.
When they are young puppies, it is very common for Dobermans to have green/yellow eyes, rather than the traditional blue eyes. This is due to the genetics of the breed. However, most Dobermans will grow out of this eye color as they become adults.
But, in some cases, it is possible for Dobermans to continue to have green/yellow eyes once they reach adulthood. However, in most cases, your Doberman’s eyes will turn brown as they grow, and they will often end up being very dark when they are an adult.
Dogs with green eyes can see at night. If you own a green-eyed dog and wonder if their green eyes make it a lot easier to see during the night, you are not entirely mistaken. Not only dogs with green eyes have better night vision because all dogs, in general, have a considerably larger amount of rods which enables them to see in dark surroundings.
