15 Dogs With Green Eyes (Breeds and Photos)

All dog lovers know that one fascinating thing about dogs is their heart-melting eyes, especially when they want food! 

While most dogs have brown or hazel eyes, some breeds like the Siberian Husky commonly have blue eyes. But what about green? Why do some breeds have green eyes and how rare is it?

dogs with green eyes
15 Dogs With Green Eyes

In this blog post, we’ll share some reasons why dogs might have green eyes, share some photos, and learn more about each breed. 

What Determines Eye Color?

A dog’s eye color is determined by the amount of pigment in the iris. The amount of pigment is determined by genetics. Some dogs have more pigment in their eyes than others.

dog's eyes rolling back
Dog’s eyes rolling back! (What it means) Third eyelid

Dogs with more pigment in their eyes typically have darker eyes. However, all dogs have some pigment in their eyes, even if it is very light. 

The Merle Gene 

The merle gene is a mutation that can occur in certain animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. This gene causes the animal’s body to produce patches of color that are darker than the surrounding area.

merle French Bulldog
Merle French Bulldog sitting in a white background.

The merle gene can also cause eyes to be partially or completely blue, even if the dog’s coat is not blue. In some cases, the merle gene can also cause green eyes. However, this is quite rare, and usually only occurs when the merle gene occurs in conjunction with other genes that affect eye color. 

Dogs With Green Eyes 

1. The Siberian Husky

Active, athletic, and playful, the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in Siberia. They are known for their thick coats, which protect them from the cold weather they were bred in. They are also known for being very friendly and good with children

Siberian Husky panting at the park
Siberian Husky panting after playing at the park.

However, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners because they require a lot of exercise and training. Huskies are also escape artists, so it is important to keep them in a secure area. Overall, the Siberian Husky is a beautiful and friendly dog that would make a great addition to any family.

2. The Australian Shepherd

Agile, intelligent, and highly trainable, the Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally developed in Australia for herding sheep. Despite its name, the breed is actually of American origin, and it is now one of the most popular breeds in the United States. 

blonde Australian shepherd
A blonde Australian Shepherd at the beach

Australian Shepherds are intelligent and energetic dogs that make excellent companions. They are also highly trainable, and they have been used for a variety of purposes, including search and rescue, drug detection, and assistance work for the disabled. 

3. Weimaraner 

The Weimaraner is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally developed in Germany. The breed gets its name from the city of Weimar, where it was first bred. Weimaraners were originally used as hunting dogs, and they still retain many of the traits that make them ideal for this purpose. 

Weimaraner looking up the tree
A Weimaraner looking up the tree in the backyard.

4. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed of Hound origin. Today, Dachshunds are popular pets around the world and come in a variety of colors and coat types.

Dachshund puppy with markings
Dachshund puppy with coat markings.

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany in the early 1800s, and the name comes from the German word for “badger dog.” The breed quickly became popular for hunting rabbits and other small game, as well as for vermin control. Dachshunds were first brought to the United States in 1870, and they have been one of the country’s most popular dog breeds ever since. In 1930, the American Kennel Club recognized two varieties of Dachshund: the Smooth-coated (or short-haired) Dachshund and the Wire-haired Dachshund. A third variety, the Long-haired Dachshund, was recognized in 1948.

5. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a versatile hunting dog, popular for its good nature, intelligence, and trainability. Though they were originally bred to work alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, they are now known around the world as loyal and obedient companions. Labrador Retrievers are medium-sized dogs with a strong athletic build. 

Silver Labrador Retriever in the forest
Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest.

6. Pitbull Terrier

Affectionate, loving, and loyal, Pitbulls are one of the most misunderstood breeds. With properly socialized and trained, Pitbulls bond closely to their families and are a wonderful addition to many households

7. Catahoula Leopard Dog

Originating from Louisana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog also commonly carries the merle gene. Its name comes from the Catahoula Parish, where it was first used as a hunting dog to track and bay wild hogs. Today, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is still used for hunting, but it is also becoming increasingly popular as a family pet. 

catahoula leopard close up shot
Catahoula Leopard close up shot under the sun.

This intelligent and affectionate breed makes an excellent companion for active families. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is also known for its unique appearance. Most Catahoulas have short, uneven coats in shades of gray, black, brown, or red. Many also have spots or leopard-like markings on their coats. 

8. Great Dane

Massive and regal, the Great Dane is a large German breed of domestic dog known for its giant size. The record holder for the tallest dog ever is a Great Dane named Zeus, who measured 111.8 cm (44 in) at the shoulder and weighed 68.3 kg (150 lb). Though not the heaviest, the Great Dane is one of the largest breeds of dog, and is often referred to as a “gentle giant”. 

Great Dane walks towards the owner
The Great Dane walks towards the owner.

They are known for their patient and loving nature with children, making them a popular family pet. Great Danes have also been successful in many other roles, such as working as therapy dogs and assistance dogs for the blind and disabled. 

9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are active, intelligent dogs that make great companions. Originally bred in Wales to herd cattle, they are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Corgis are known for their short legs and long bodies, which give them a distinctive “stumpy” appearance. They are also known for their playful personalities and love of attention

Corgi dog show
Corgis on a dog show with a lot of strangers.

10. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a toy breed of dog, named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Characterized by its small size and large, pointy ears, the Chihuahua has a long history and was revered by the ancient Aztecs. 

sitting Deer Head Chihuahua
A Deer Head Chihuahua looks proud!

Today, Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Though they come in a variety of colors and coat types, all Chihuahuas share a few key traits: They are extremely loyal to their owners, they are quick to sound the alarm when strangers approach, and they have a reputation for being fiercely protective of their homes. 

11. Cocker Spaniel 

The Cocker Spaniel is a type of Gun dog. Originally bred in England, the Cocker Spaniel was used to flush out birds and small animals from dense vegetation. Today, the Cocker Spaniel is beloved as a family pet. They are known for their gentle nature, trainability, and easygoing personality.

Cocker Spaniel runs away
Cocker Spaniel runs on the field.

Cockers Spaniel the range of sizes for Spaniels, with heights ranging from 14 to 16 inches and weights between 25 and 30 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and spotted. 

12. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a popular breed of dog known for their lively personalities and friendly dispositions. Originally bred in the United States, Boston Terriers are a mix of several different breeds, including the Bulldog and the English Terrier. 

do Boston Terriers have tails
Do Boston Terriers have tails?

These dogs were originally bred for fighting, but they soon became popular as companion animals thanks to their affectionate nature. Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, and they make excellent family pets. They typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and white. Boston Terriers are active dogs that require regular exercise, and they should also be groomed on a regular basis to keep their coats healthy and looking their best.

13. Doberman

The Doberman is a medium-large dog that was originally bred in Germany for the purpose of protection. Today, the Doberman is still prized for its loyalty and ferocity and is often used as a guard dog. The Doberman is an athletic breed, with a sleek coat and powerful muscles. 

Doberman under the sun
Isabella Doberman sits on the grass on a sunny day!

The breed is also known for its intelligence and is easily trained to perform various tasks. Due to its assertive nature, the Doberman is not recommended for first-time dog owners. However, with proper socialization and training, the Doberman can make an excellent companion.

14. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog in the Spaniel family traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. They are medium to large size dogs with a compact body and a docked tail. The Springer is an intelligent breed that is easily trained and enthusiastic when working. This breed is very sociable, good with children, and excels at obedience training and retrieve work

English Springer Spaniel running
The English Springer Spaniel running in the field.

15. Border Collie

The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog that was originally bred in the Scottish Borders region for herding sheep. Today, Border Collies are still prized for their herding ability, but they are also popular as pets and working dogs in a variety of other contexts. 

Border Collie coat trimming
Trimming Border Collie’s coat by a professional.

Border Collies are intelligent and highly trainable, making them well-suited for a variety of tasks. They are also active and energetic dogs and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.