✿What Is the Most Common Eye Color in Dogs? What Shapes Their Eye Color?✿
Brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Nearly 70-80% of dogs have brown eyes, which are the standard eye color for most breeds. Brown eyes range from light amber to deep, dark chocolate, and the color is often consistent across different dog breeds.
But what shapes a dog’s eye color?
Eye color in dogs is determined by genetics. The amount of pigment, particularly melanin, in the eye's iris plays a key role. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin color, eyes, and hair. The more melanin in the iris, the darker the eyes will be in dogs. This is why most dogs have brown eyes, as brown results from higher melanin levels.
Genetics at Play: A dog's genetic code determines how much melanin is produced in the eyes. Two primary genes influence eye color in dogs: the B and D genes. The B gene controls brown eye color, while the D gene is responsible for dilution in some breeds, leading to lighter eye colors.
For instance, some breeds, like Huskies and Border Collies, may have blue or even heterochromatic (two different-colored) eyes due to specific genetic variations. These genetic factors create diversity in eye color, making blue, green, or even amber eyes more common in certain breeds.
Breed-Specific Colors: While brown is the most prevalent, other colors, such as blue and green, are more common in specific breeds. For example:
Blue Eyes: Seen in breeds like the Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie. Huskies are particularly known for their striking, ice-blue eyes.
Heterochromia: Some dogs, especially those of the Husky and Australian Shepherd breeds, can have eyes of two colors. This condition is called heterochromia and results from differing levels of melanin production in each eye.
In summary, while brown eyes are the most common in dogs, genetics, melanin levels, and breed-specific traits influence the range of colors dogs can have. So whether it's a bright blue or a deep brown, your dog’s eyes are a unique reflection of their genetic makeup!