Page 73 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Said by some sources to be
the only livestock working
breed developed in America,

the Australian Shepherd is
also a breed that mesmerizes
those who gaze upon it with its

incredible eyes. An Australian
Shepherd’s blue eyes can be

mesmerizing. The blue is so
vibrant and stands out because
most dogs’ eyes are not nearly

as colorful.

Text written by: Martina Svecova Granted, not all Aussies have blue eyes. Some An Aussie might have blue, green, hazel, or amber
Photographs provided by: N. Moisi, A. Hrochova, J. Olichwier, H. Green
eyes or a combination of any of these colors.
have two different colored eyes, while others
Anytime an Aussie has different colored eyes, it is
have brown eyes (light or dark), as most dogs do.
due to a gene mutation that is passed down from
You may be wondering why some of these dogs
at least one parent. The mutation affects how
have blue eyes. There is actually a good reason
much melanin is present in the eye. More melanin
for it! Australian Shepherds often have blue eyes
results in a brown eye, while a lack of melanin
because of a genetic mutation. Sometimes, the
results in a blue eye. It is common for Australian
dogs will have marbled eyes, meaning each of
their eyes will be a mix of two or more colors
condition is called heterochromia, which means
(called heterochromia). Legend has it that Native
Americans called Australian Shepherds “ghost Shepherds to have two different colored eyes. The
eye” and thought they were sacred. These dogs
do not always have blue eyes, but pale blue,
“ghostly” eyes are common among our breed.
Now they are one of the most coveted colors
with their unique dappled coat and, what they’re
possibly most well-known for, their stunning
blue eyes.
The blue merle color
The blue merle color and pattern are caused by a
gene that varies the amount of pigment in the hair, and pattern are caused
skin, and eyes too. This often causes Australian by a gene that varies the
Shepherds to be born with blue eyes. Now
let’s get into all the details regarding these amount of pigment in the hair,
famous blue eyes. To understand them skin, and eyes too. This often
you’ll first need to know what colors
Aussies come in, how the merle gene causes Australian Shepherds to
works, and how to breed for it.
be born with blue eyes.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 73