15 Dogs with Gold Eyes (Amber Eyes) + Breed Photos
There’s something magical about amber eyes. They possess a certain warmth and depth that can captivate and mesmerize, drawing you in with their enchanting glow.
Now imagine that same bewitching charm emanating from the loving gaze of a canine companion! In the diverse world of dog breeds, there are a select few that boast this enchanting trait – gold, amber-hued eyes that hold a universe of devotion, intelligence, and soul.
These amber-eyed beauties not only radiate with an irresistible allure but also carry a unique blend of personality and character that sets them apart.
In this listicle, we’ll explore the wondrous world of golden-eyed dog breeds, delving into their history, traits, and the spellbinding charm they bring to the lives of their human families.
Get ready to be captivated by these charming breeds, each with a unique story and an enchanting set of amber eyes that you won’t be able to resist. From the agile and intelligent to the gentle and loyal, there’s an amber-eyed companion waiting to steal your heart and become a cherished member of your family.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Dive into the world of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed renowned for its captivating amber eyes. As expert hunting dogs, they specialize in retrieving ducks and other waterfowl.
Their dense, waterproof coat ensures warmth and comfort while swimming in chilly waters. Loyalty runs deep in these Retrievers, making them perfect family pets and devoted companions.
Interesting Fact: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s distinctive coat is not only waterproof but also has an oily texture, which helps repel dirt and debris, making it easier to keep them clean.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The magnificent Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Africa, characterized by its large stature and the unmistakable ridge of hair along its back.
With a powerful build, this breed excels in hunting and tracking. Their striking amber eyes complement their unique appearance, adding an alluring charm to these impressive canines.
Interesting Fact: Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to track and corner lions in Africa, earning them the nickname “African Lion Hound.”
Weimaraner
Weimaraners, celebrated for their sleek gray coats, are also blessed with dazzling amber eyes. High-energy and eager for exercise, these dogs are skilled hunters and devoted companions. Their golden gaze is truly a defining feature of this remarkable breed.
Interesting Fact: Weimaraners are known as the “Grey Ghost” due to their unique silvery-grey coat and their stealthy, almost ghost-like movements.
Irish Water Spaniel
Meet the Irish Water Spaniel, a breed defined by its curly coat and distinctive topknot. Their stunning amber eyes only add to their charm. Intelligent and family-friendly, these dogs make ideal companions for households seeking a loving, spirited pet.
Interesting Fact: The Irish Water Spaniel is considered the tallest of all spaniel breeds, standing at an average of 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder.
Australian Shepherd
The intelligent and energetic Australian Shepherd is known for its incredible herding abilities and striking amber eyes. Their beautiful gaze enhances their already captivating appearance, making them perfect companions for active families seeking a loyal and clever friend.
Interesting Fact: Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the United States, with their ancestry tracing back to herding dogs from the Basque region of Europe.
Pharaoh Hound
Embodying agility and speed, the Pharaoh Hound is a sight to behold. Often used for hunting, their beautiful amber eyes offer a unique and striking presence. These dogs make ideal companions for active families, ready to take on any adventure.
Interesting Fact: The Pharaoh Hound has a unique trait of “blushing” when excited or happy, with their nose and ears turning a deep shade of rose.
Dachshund
The adorable Dachshund, with its long body and short legs, is a breed cherished for its hunting prowess and charming appearance. Their alluring amber eyes add a touch of uniqueness to these lovable canines, making them irresistible family pets.
Interesting Fact: Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, and their name in German translates to “badger dog.”
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The loyal and protective Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed that excels as a livestock guardian. Their striking amber eyes enhance their already impressive appearance, making them a beloved and reliable addition to any family.
Interesting Fact: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have been used as livestock guardians in Turkey for over 4,000 years, making them one of the oldest known dog breeds.
Poodle
Poodles are known for their intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and elegant disposition. Their mesmerizing amber eyes contribute to their sophisticated appearance, making them a popular choice for show dogs and loving companions alike.
Interesting Fact: Poodles are the national dog of France, and their unique haircut was originally intended to protect their joints and vital organs in cold water while they served as water retrievers.
Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound’s hunting abilities and distinctive coat pattern set them apart from other breeds. With their enchanting amber eyes, these skilled hunters of raccoons and small game have an unmistakable allure that is hard to resist.
Interesting Fact: Bluetick Coonhounds have an excellent sense of smell and are known to be able to follow a scent that is more than a week old.
Pitbull Terrier
Often misunderstood, the loyal and affectionate Pitbull Terrier is a fantastic family companion. Their striking amber eyes add an extra layer of charm to their already endearing nature, making them a breed that will surely win your heart.
Interesting Fact: Pitbull Terriers were once known as “nanny dogs” due to their gentle nature and protective instincts towards children, making them popular family pets in the early 20th century.
Husky
While many Huskies are known for their piercing blue eyes and thick, double coats, some of these stunning dogs also sport gorgeous amber eyes. Often used as sled dogs, their unique and beautiful gaze makes them the perfect companion for active families who cherish adventure.
Interesting Fact: Huskies have a unique ability to change their metabolism to conserve energy during long-distance sled races, allowing them to run for hours on end without tiring.
Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their immense size and gentle nature, making them the perfect “gentle giants” of the dog world. With their striking amber eyes, they have an undeniable presence that is both elegant and majestic, making them a wonderful addition to any family.
Interesting Fact: Great Danes were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs and are considered one of the tallest dog breeds, with some individuals reaching up to 32 inches at the shoulder.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed with a unique coat pattern and a strong work ethic. Their mesmerizing amber eyes only add to their remarkable appearance, making them an unforgettable breed. Highly intelligent and versatile, they make excellent working dogs as well as loving family companions.
Interesting Fact: The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the official state dog of Louisiana, where it was originally bred to hunt wild boar and herd livestock.
Akita
Originating from Japan, Akitas are known for their courage, loyalty, and devotion to their families. Their captivating amber eyes add an extra layer of charm to their dignified appearance. As natural protectors, Akitas make excellent guard dogs and loving companions.
Interesting Fact: Akitas are considered a national treasure in Japan, and the story of Hachiko, a loyal Akita who waited for his owner every day for nine years after his owner’s death, is well-known and celebrated in Japanese culture.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent and energetic breed, known for their exceptional abilities as working dogs. Their striking amber eyes add to their already captivating appearance. Often used for police and military work, these dogs are dedicated, loyal, and make excellent companions for active families.
Interesting Fact: Belgian Malinois have been used by various elite military and law enforcement units around the world, including the U.S. Navy SEALs, which utilized a Malinois named Cairo in the operation that led to the capture of Osama bin Laden.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and majestic breed known for its strength and endurance in harsh environments. With their alluring amber eyes, they have an unmistakable presence that is truly captivating. Often used for sledding and carting, these dogs make excellent companions for active families who cherish adventure.
Interesting Fact: Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, and they were originally bred by the indigenous Mahlemut people of Alaska for their strength and ability to haul heavy loads across long distances.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful breed, known for its unparalleled tracking abilities and keen sense of smell. Their stunning amber eyes only add to their distinctive appearance, making them an unforgettable breed. Highly intelligent and gentle, they make excellent family pets and working dogs.
Interesting Fact: Bloodhounds are capable of following a scent trail that is several days old and can even track scents over long distances, making them valuable assets in search and rescue operations as well as law enforcement.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed known for its strength, agility, and devotion to its family. With their captivating amber eyes, they possess a unique charm that is both endearing and dignified. These dogs are loving, loyal companions, perfect for families seeking a dedicated, affectionate friend.
Interesting Fact: American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred for various tasks, including bull-baiting and dogfighting. Today, they are recognized for their gentle temperament and are often used as therapy dogs.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a breed characterized by its massive size and protective nature. Their striking amber eyes add to their already imposing appearance, making them a breed that is both captivating and powerful. As natural guardians, Bullmastiffs make excellent family protectors and loyal companions.
Interesting Fact: Bullmastiffs were originally bred by gamekeepers in England to guard estates against poachers, a task at which they excelled due to their size, strength, and ability to track quietly.
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a breed known for its unique coat pattern, strong work ethic, and striking amber eyes. Highly intelligent and versatile, they excel as working dogs and devoted family companions. Their unforgettable appearance and incredible abilities make them a beloved breed.
Interesting Fact: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs are often referred to as “Catahoulas” for short. They are named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where they were first bred by Native Americans for hunting and herding purposes.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” is a small and agile breed known for its intelligence, herding abilities, and affectionate nature. Their mesmerizing amber eyes contribute to their charming appearance, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Interesting Fact: Shetland Sheepdogs are closely related to the larger Rough Collie, and both breeds are believed to have been influenced by Scandinavian herding dogs brought to the Shetland Islands and Scotland by Viking settlers.
Amber Eyed Dog FAQs
1. What causes amber or gold eyes in dogs?
Amber or gold eye color in dogs is caused by the presence of a pigment called pheomelanin. This pigment is responsible for the red, yellow, and gold shades seen in dog coats and eyes. The specific shade of amber or gold depends on the concentration of pheomelanin and the way it is distributed in the iris.
2. Is there a difference between amber, gold, and yellow eyes in dogs?
Amber, gold, and yellow eyes are often used interchangeably to describe the same range of eye colors in dogs. However, there can be subtle differences in the shades, with amber typically being a deeper, richer color, gold being a bit lighter, and yellow being the lightest shade.
3. Does eye color affect a dog’s temperament?
Eye color, including amber or gold, does not affect a dog’s temperament. A dog’s personality and behavior are determined by various factors, such as genetics, environment, and training, not by their eye color.
4. Are there any health issues associated with amber or gold eyes in dogs?
Amber or gold eyes in dogs are not generally associated with any specific health issues. As with any dog, it is essential to monitor their eye health through regular veterinary check-ups and by observing any changes in appearance or behavior related to their eyes.
5. Can a dog’s eye color change over time?
Yes, a dog’s eye color can change as they grow older, especially during their puppy years. Most puppies are born with blue eyes, which gradually change to their permanent color by the time they are about three months old. However, the change in eye color is usually minimal once a dog has reached adulthood.
6. Are there any dog breeds where amber or gold eyes are considered a fault?
In some dog breeds, amber or gold eyes are not considered the breed standard and may be viewed as a fault in the show ring. However, this does not affect the dog’s health or temperament, and many pet owners find these unique eye colors to be a beautiful and appealing feature. Always refer to the breed standard for the specific breed you are interested in to determine if amber or gold eyes are considered a fault.
