What does it mean when a dog has two colored eyes?
Are you a proud pet parent of a the dog has two different eye colors? You might think this is great, or super weird. And it’s probably a bit of both. But don’t worry, your dog is not alone. There are many breeds of dogs that are susceptible to this condition, and it is called heterochromia.
What is heterochromia in dogs?
Heterochromatic is the official term for dogs with two different colored eyes. In fact, this doesn’t just happen in dogs, but it can happen in cats, horses, even humans. And that’s due to a lack of pigment – aka melanosis – in one eye, which gives it a blue color.
How do dogs get heterochromia?
Usually, heterochromia is hereditary and is often associated with dogs’ multicolored coats –like a merle or dapple pattern – or even with a white coat. The more white around a dog’s head, the more likely they are to have heterochromia.
But the condition can also occur later in life – called acquired heterochromia – due to eye trauma or dog eye health condition.
What breeds of dogs have different colored eyes?
There are different breeds of dogs that are susceptible to heterochromia. And it is possible that some purebreds of these breeds are more predisposed to this disease because of the lack of genetic diversity.
15 dog breeds prone to heterochromia:
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Foxhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherds
- Beagles
- Border Collies
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Chihuahua
- Dachshunds
- Dalmatian
- Great Danes (harlequin coat pattern)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgis
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Siberian Huskies
- Shih Tzus
Do dogs with heterochromia cost more money?
While heterochromia will not cause any additional benefits to your dog’s health, reproduction, or personality, a unique look often means a higher price tag. Some dog breeders will charge more just because of supply and demand.
Keep in mind that heterochromia can be a disqualifying factor in dog shows for certain breeds. So even though you paid more for this dog, it won’t guarantee you any prizes at a dog show.
Are there negative effects of heterochromia?
Most dogs have hereditary heterochromia – that is, they born with different colored eyes – there won’t be any health problems associated with this condition. Although some think this leads to hearing and vision problems, dogs with hereditary heterochromia can still see and hear well.
But if you notice changes in your dog’s eyes later on – and especially if they seem uncomfortable or painful – take them to the vet right away.
This can happen because of a recent eye injury or an underlying health problem in the dog. And there are a number of health problems – unrelated to heterochromia – that can also cause eye color changes. Some of these include: cataract patientsretinal dysplasia, uveitiscorneal dystrophy, glaucomaan underdeveloped optic nerve or nuclear sclerosis. However, if your pet dog is born with this unique trait, he will be perfectly normal and healthy.
