The ALX4 Gene
A study, where 6,000 dogs’ complete genetic profiles were analyzed, carried out by Embark Veterinary (one of the largest dog DNA testing companies) discovered that a genetic mutation near the gene known as ALX4 is strongly associated with blue eyes in dogs. Pit Bulls with this genetic mutation are more prone to be blue-eyed.
Blue-Eyed vs Brown-Eyed Pit Bulls
The noticeable main difference between Pit Bulls with blue eyes and their brown-eyed counterparts lies in the color of their eyes.
In general, the Pit Bull has a stocky, muscular built and a short, smooth coat that can be of different colors. Pit Bulls look athletic, strong with a short, whip-like tail that ends in a point.
Males can grow between 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh 20 to 28 pounds. Females Pit Bulls have about the same measurements. However, the size and weight of the Pit Bull tend to fluctuate due to the breed being a mix between different types of Bulldogs and Terriers.
Their “wide square-like” head and jaws are the breed’s trademark feature.
According to the United Kennel Club breed standard for Pit Bulls, Pitties eyes should be round in form, of medium size, set well apart and low on the skull.
All eye colors are acceptable except blue, which is considered a serious fault. So, what color eyes can Pit Bulls officially have? Eye color may range from very dark brown to dark hazel and even green.
Do All Pit Bull Puppies Have Blue Eyes?
Yes, All Pit Bulls have blue eyes at birth, but they are not alone.
In fact, all puppies have blue eyes when they are born.
Some have pure blue eyes, while others have eyes that display flecks of grey, green, or brown.
Unfortunately, while some dogs will keep their incredible bright blue eyes, others will gradually change color as they age.
Siberian Huskies are one of the most common dog breeds to hold onto their baby blue eyes.
Some Siberian Huskies even have a condition called heterochromia, where they have two different eye colors, one of which is usually a baby blue.
Pit Bulls, while some do retain their blue eyes, usually change eye color as they age.
Different color eyes, TBKC, ABKC, winning, Pitbull, American Bully
Similar to humans, the presence of green eyes in the canine world is a rare but striking sight.
This is down to the Merle gene which produces eumelanin—a brown pigment—in the iris. Dogs with reduced eumelanin may develop blue, amber, or green eyes in certain breeds.
Some consider the American Pit Bull Terrier to be the only purebred with green eyes. Here, we look at other breeds known to also bear the rare genetic trait.
The American pit bull terrier is often considered to be the only purebred dog with naturally occurring green eyes.
However, these dogs can also have blue, hazel, or brown eyes. Similarly, the color of their coats can vary across a spectrum of white, black, tan and brown shades.
Originally bred as herding dogs, the Border Collie is one of only a few dog breeds that have a genetic predisposition for two different colored eyes, also known as heterochromia. It is not unusual to find a dog of this breed with one blue eye, while the other may be green or brown.
Weimaraners, otherwise known as “Silver Ghosts”, were originally bred in Germany as a gundog to handle big game like deer and bear. Today, these family-friendly dogs are better known for their alluring green eyes, unique silver-grey coat and long velvety ears.
This smart, work oriented and loyal dog was originally intended to herd sheep and other animals and is still used by farmers tending to livestock.
Similar to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is one of a few dog breeds that commonly has two different colored eyes. Its not uncommon to see a combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes in the breed.
Purebred labradors can only have brown, black or yellow eyes. However, some mixed-breed chocolate-colored labradors can be born with hazel, green or yellow-green eyes. The dogs friendly temperament and ease of ability to train makes them one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
Originally bred for hunting, the Dachshunds long, lean body and snout was used to flush out badgers from underground burrows. Dachshunds can vary greatly in the color of their coats and eyes.
Although great Danes usually have brown eyes, some – including the harlequin great Dane—develop deep, amber-colored eyes.
The Siberian husky is perhaps best known for its striking and piercing ice blue eyes. However, it is not uncommon for the breed to also sport green eyes and in some cases, even one of each. The breed, originally from Siberia (as the name suggests), can withstand cold and harsh climates with its thick coat and distinctive markings.
The English springer spaniel is a breed of gundog in the spaniel family and was originally used for flushing out and retrieving game. These enthusiastic and happy dogs usually have deep brown eyes, although some show a more amber-green hue.
This pint-sized breed, made famous by the likes of Paris Hilton, have a variety of coat as well as eye-colors ranging from black to green.