10 Dog Breeds With Green Eyes That Stand Out From The Pack

These dogs have green eyes that are as rare as they are stunning.

Dogs can have all sorts of eye colors, from chocolate brown to baby blues and colors in between. But perhaps the most captivating (and rarest) of all are dogs with green eyes.

Emerald to jade green eyes, dogs with green eyes are uncommon because the hue is a recessive trait. A dog needs two copies of the gene to have green eyes, while only one specific gene is required for brown eyes. You'll notice that the popular green-eyed dog breeds on this list often have another trait in common: liver or chocolate brown fur and noses, rather than black. This is because the genes for eye and fur color are linked.

While their looks might share similarities, dogs with green eyes each have unique personalities. Breed plays a part, but individual life experiences play the biggest role in shaping a dog's character.

With talked with experts for all the details on these 10 dog breeds with green eyes.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire terriers, often called Am Staffs or Staffies, are stocky dogs with a powerful build. Hannah Hart, DVM, at Chewy, describes them as having "well-defined musculature and a broad head with prominent cheekbones." But beneath that impressive physique lies an affectionate side, and their soulful green eyes might be the first hint.

Am Staffs are known for being loyal companions who enjoy cuddling and playtime in equal measure. Provide at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can involve a mix of walks, fetch, tug-of-war, and time spent playing with puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys, Hart says.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier

HEIGHT: 17 to 18 inches (female), 18 to 19 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 55 to 70 pounds (male)

COAT: Short, stiff fur

COAT COLOR: Variety of colors, including black, brown, blue, fawn, red, and liver; brindle and/or white markings also possible

LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years

TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, affectionate, protective

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: United States

Labrador Retriever

Labs are a quintessential family pup. Add in a light brown coat and nose as well as stunning green eyes, and you have a real show-stopping family member. With roots in hunting and retrieving, these high-energy pups often have their gaze set on the next activity, whether it be playing fetch or going for a swim. However, they’re also highly trainable and eager to please. You’ll often spot labs fulfilling the role of working service or therapy dogs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting

HEIGHT: 22.5 to 24.5 inches (male), 21.5 to 23.5 inches (female)

WEIGHT: 65 to 80 pounds (male), 55 to 70 pounds (female)

COAT: Short, dense double coat

COAT COLOR: Black, chocolate, or yellow

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, active, companionable

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Newfoundland/United Kingdom

Schnauzer

Is there anything that suits green eyes better than a beard and bushy eyebrows? Fans of green-eyed, German-born schnauzers think not. These pups have hazel, green, or brown eyes, and come in three sizes: standard, mini, and giant. Regardless of size, they all have a wiry coat that doesn't tend to shed, making them a top breed choice for those with allergies. However, their hair keeps growing, requiring regular visits to the groomer. After all, you wouldn’t want those bushy brows to hide the sight of their mesmerizing green peepers.

Breed Overview (Standard)

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 18 to 20 inches (male); 17 to 19 inches (female)

WEIGHT: 35 to 50 pounds (male); 30 to 45 pounds (female)

COAT: Double coat with wiry appearance

COAT COLOR: Black; salt and pepper

LIFE SPAN: 13 to 16 years

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, devoted, good-natured, lively, playful

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: Germany

Chihuahua

A green-eyed Chihuahua could be your next loyal lapdog. Though they might initially be cautious around strangers and can even have a feisty spirit when they perceive their humans are being threatened, Chihuahuas are adaptable and can warm up to newcomers with proper training, Hart says.

These small pups (no more than 6 pounds) can participate in many activities enjoyed by larger breeds. Walks, fetch, swimming, and even agility training are all great options. Just supervise playtime with larger pets and avoid letting them jump from high places due to their small size.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 5 to 8 inches

WEIGHT: Not exceeding 6 pounds

COAT: Smooth and short or longhaired

COAT COLOR: Black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red

LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years

TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, alert, lively, attentive, bright, companionable

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Mexico

Shih Tzu

These regal canines almost always have dark brown eyes, but can sometimes come with green eyes and a liver and white coat. The shih tzu dates back to the 14th century, hailing from a mix of lhasa apso and Pekingese dogs. They have flowing long locks, although many choose to keep their shih tzu's hair trimmed short.

Shih tzu dogs were bred as royal house pets to members of the Ming Dynasty in China. Despite their long history, they were a guarded breed that wasn’t imported to Europe until 1930 and the United States even later, after World War II. Today, many dog lovers have their sights set on the shih tzu as a compact companion perfect for apartment living.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches

WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds

COAT: Long double coat

COAT COLOR: Found in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 16 years

TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, intelligent, playful, alert, loyal, lively

HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes

ORIGIN: Tibet

Dachshund

Also known as wiener dogs or doxies, dachshunds can have green eyes, in addition to brown or blue. Those with a merle coat might even have one green or blue eye and one brown, a harmless trait called heterochromia.

They're charming pups known to be stubborn at times. Pam Weiner, president of Dachshund Rescue South Florida, says many of her rescued doxies are not fans of rainy weather and insist on using indoor pads rather than going outside in inclement weather. She adds that doxies were bred to be hunters, so their hunting instincts may lead to enthusiastic barking when they get excited, like when they see a squirrel out the window. Otherwise, “most dachshunds like nothing more than a lap to sit on.”

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound

HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)

WEIGHT: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)

COAT: Varieties include smooth (shorthaired), longhaired, and wire-haired.

COAT COLOR: Colors include (but not limited to) black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red with various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable.

LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years

TEMPERAMENT: Clever, playful, stubborn, devoted, lively, independent, courageous

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Germany

Great Dane

Many Great Dane puppies have blue eyes that mature to brown, but harlequin Great Danes (dark patches on a white coat) often keep their blue eyes or even have green eyes. Great Danes are one of the largest breeds out there, with males weighing up to 200 pounds. However, they require less space than you might expect, as long as they have a large bed or comfortable spot on the couch to relax and get daily exercise outdoors.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working

HEIGHT: 30 to 34 inches (male); 28 to 32 inches (female)

WEIGHT: 120 to 200 pounds (male); 99 to 130 pounds (female)

COAT: Short, smooth coat

COAT COLOR: Black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, solid white, or mantle

LIFE SPAN: 6 to 8 years

TEMPERAMENT: Calm, gentle, friendly, loving, even-tempered, attentive, proud

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Germany

Weimaraner

Weimaraners were bred with big shoes to fill. Germany's Grand Duke envisioned the perfect hunting companion and set about creating just that, Hart says. He crossed bloodhounds with various German and French hunting dogs, and the Weimaraner was born. Initially, they were used to hunt larger game like bears, mountain lions, and wolves, and later smaller game such as birds.

One look at their floppy ears and soulful eyes—which can be blue, green, or brown—and you might never guess that their ancestors once hunted large game. However, modern-day Weimaraners still require ample exercise and plenty of space to romp around.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting

HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches (males); 23 to 25 inches (females)

WEIGHT: 70 to 90 pounds (males); 55 to 75 pounds (females)

COAT: Short and stiff

COAT COLOR: Various shades of gray

LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years

TEMPERAMENT: Powerful, steady, intelligent, stubborn, energetic, aloof, alert

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Germany

English Springer Spaniel

If eyes are windows to the soul, then one look into this green-eyed cutie's gaze will reveal a cheerful pup who adores their family. Their eyes can also come in hazel, blue, or dark brown and are always accentuated by floppy ears with feathered tips.

Originally bred for hunting, English springer spaniels retain a strong prey drive, so it's important to properly introduce them to smaller furry pets and always supervise their interactions. With the right training and ample exercise (at least 60 minutes a day), they are beloved family dogs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting

HEIGHT: 19 to 20 inches

WEIGHT: 40 to 50 pounds

COAT: Medium-length flat or wavy, glossy topcoat, and a short, profuse, and soft undercoat; ears, legs, and chest often have longer feathering

COAT COLOR: Black or liver with white markings, or the opposite; blue or liver roan are also common; tricolor which includes black, white, and liver or tan markings can sometimes occur

LIFESPAN: 12 to 14 years

TEMPERAMENT: Cheerful, attentive, intelligent, affectionate, alert, active

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: England

Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd we know today owes their roots to the American frontier rather than the land down under. As a wink to their herding history out west, you can often find these friendly family dogs gently guiding other pets and even small children along. There’s a lot more that sets them apart from other breeds, from their intelligence to their unique looks, which can include a merle coat, naturally bobbed tail, and bright green eyes.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding

HEIGHT: 18 to 21 inches (female), 20 to 23 inches (male)

WEIGHT: 40 to 55 pounds (female), 50 to 65 pounds (male)

COAT: Medium double coat

COAT COLOR: Blue merle, red merle, black, or red; all colors may have white markings and/or tan (copper) points

LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, active, energetic

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: United States

Dog Eye Care

No matter your dog's eye color, keeping them healthy is important. Watch for any signs of trouble that might require a trip to the vet. These include redness, excessive discharge, or itchiness, which can be signs of common eye problems. As your dog ages, discuss any changes you notice in their vision or any cloudiness of their eyes with your veterinarian.

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.