Yes, border collies can have blue eyes. Although brown is the most common, blue eyes are still possible. Even purebred collies with regular black and white coats can have one or two blue eyes. So when we see a blue-eyed collie, it's wise not to jump to any conclusions about whether they are purebred or not because it's not a reliable way to tell. Blue eyes are an uncommon but striking characteristic in border collies. While most border collies have brown eyes, a small percentage have variations of blue eyes, from bright blue to a hazel-blue hue.
Blue Eyed Border Collie Photograph by Tracey Beer
Blue eyes in Border Collies are inherited as a recessive trait and need both the male and the female to carry the gene if there is any hope of producing blue-eyed pups (they can also carry the gene without being blue-eyed themselves). Unlimited claims, No credit checks, No upper age limit & Multiple pet discounts The simple answer is yes. Border Collies can have blue eyes. Brown is the most common eye color for the breed, but they can also have blue or green. Some puppies are born with blue eyes, but the color changes later. However, many keep the blue into adulthood. Blue eyes or heterochromia are more common in merle or piebald Border Collies. 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 redborder Registered Users 5 Location:United Kingdom Posted October 17, 2009 Hi, I have a foster dog at the moment, from ISDS lines. He is 1 year old and has amazing light blue eyes. I know quite a few merle collies with blue eyes, but don't think I ever saw them in a solid coloured dog. Yes, blue eyes in Border Collies are extremely rare. This is because blue eyes usually manifest in merle Border Collies which are also uncommon color variations of the Border Collie. To produce blue-eyed Border Collies, a dog must be homozygous for the recessive gene that causes blue eyes.
Jess 1 in 100 blue eyed solid black & white border collie Border
Some of the most common breeds to have blue eyes include huskies, border collies, and Weimaraners. If your dog has the merle or piebald gene, it cannot consistently create pigment, which would explain the light eyes. Some dogs, like huskies, have a higher likelihood of heterochromia—two different colored eyes. Some people believe that the blue eyes in a Border Collie come from a Husky ancester, but this is patently untrue. Blue has always appeared in the breed. Border Collies are another breed that can have often have blue eyes due to the merle gene. Border Collies more commonly have brown eyes, but this one or two blue eye trait does occur. Two different colored eyes were once a desired trait as shepherds believed one eye could control better up close and the other from far away. The mesmerizing blue eyes of Border Collies are predominantly associated with a specific gene known as the "merle" gene. The Merle gene not only affects eye color but also plays a significant role in determining the dog's coat pattern and color.
BorderCollie with Beautiful Blue Eyes CactusCanine Pet Photography
Blue eyes are possible in border collies. While all dogs are born with blue eyes, only rarely are they kept after about 5 months. However, when a blue-eyed border collie has been bred to a recessive gene carrier, 50% of the puppies will end up with blue eyes staying with them for life. Yes, Border Collies (BC) can have blue eyes, which are also called 'watch or glass eyes.' However, this rarely occurs as most Border Collies have amber, brown (most common), golden, light-yellow, or dark brown colored eyes. Rarely can a BC have a green eye color, which is usually hard to differentiate from yellow.
Blue eyes in Border Collies are often associated with a genetic factor that reduces the production of melanin in the iris, causing that mesmerizing blue color. Some breeders actively avoid breeding blue-eyed Border Collies, due to the increased risk of deafness in these dogs; however, not all blue-eyed individuals carry this risk. Blue & White Border Collie source When we say "blue" in dogs, it doesn't mean the solid color. It's the term used to call the recessive dilute gene. This happens when the black color gets diluted that it makes a shade of slate, blue-ish, or a grayish undertone.
Blue Merle Border Collie What You Need To Know
However, there is no confirmed link between deafness and heterochromia in dogs, according to canine specialists. But in most cases, dogs with one lighter eye and one darker eye still see out of both eyes. In Molly's case, she is such a happy and healthy dog who deserves to be treated just like the other dogs without heterochromia. The blue merle Border Collie is one of the most captivating color variants of the Border Collie breed. Along with their mesmerizing blue eyes, it's no doubt that they're one of the most beautiful dogs that you'll encounter. In terms of traits, these dogs always come on top.
