Blue eyes can be rare in a variety of breeds, including whippet. Several factors contribute to blue eyes in whippets, including genetics, environment (exposure to sunlight), and health conditions. Most importantly, it’s essential to know your whippet’s eye color so you can make sure they get the correct treatment if needed.
Reasons Why Some Whippets Have Blue Eyes
Genetics
There is no one answer as to why some dogs have blue eyes; it is likely due to genetics. So if your whippet has blue eyes, don’t be concerned – they are a variation, not a disease.
If you want to breed for the color, there are ways to do so, but it is not easy, and not everyone will be able to produce this color. For example, blue eyes in a whippet may be an aesthetic preference rather than something that matters in the overall scheme.
Eye Conditions and Illness
Whippets with blue eyes can be caused by various reasons, some more serious than others. For example, if your whippet has blue eyes but shows no signs of ill health, it is most likely just cosmetic. Blue eyes can also result from injury or illness – if this is the case, you will need to consult your vet to rule out any underlying problems and get treatment advice.
If you are concerned about your whippet’s eye health, you can do various tests to check for problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the blue eye – if it is due to an infection or injury, antibiotics will be prescribed; surgery may be necessary if it is from an inherited gene.
Eye Problems
Several other things can cause puppies’ eyes to turn colors, such as eye tumors, cataracts, or congenital heart problems. For example, if you believe your pup has blue eyes due to one of these conditions, it is best to take him to the vet for an examination. If left untreated, a severe health issue could be involved, and he may require surgery or medication for his vision to improve.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that causes a lack of pigment in different body parts, including the eyes. If your dog has blue eyes, it is likely because of an albino gene. There are different types of albinism, and each results in different eye colors.
Albinism can be inherited, but other causes, such as exposure to UV light, can also cause blue eyes in dogs. Therefore, keeping your dog safe from sunlight is essential since too much sunlight can lead to damage or blindness in dogs with albinism.
Having Merle Variant
Merle whippets are a striped-patterned variety of whippet that is considered rarer than other breeds. This breed has merle genes, meaning some whippets have blue eyes due to a recessive gene. So if you’re curious about whether your whippet has merle genes, ask your breeder!
Other Health Conditions
Whippets can have white patches on their face that can lead to blue eyes. If you notice your whippet has a white patch on his face, it is essential to take him to the vet for an examination as there are other causes of blue eyes in dogs, and it is best to consult a vet if you are not sure what is causing the issue.
If your dog’s eyes are bluish, you must take them to the vet for a check-up. Health conditions can cause blue eyes in dogs, and these should be treated as soon as possible with medication or surgery, depending on the underlying problem. Blue eyes may eventually turn brown or green due to eye strain if left untreated.
Other Dogs That Have Blue Eyes
Siberian Husky
If you’re looking for a dog with blue eyes, it’s best to go with a Siberian Husky. Other breeds of dogs may have blue eyes, but this color is not as standard, making Siberians the only species that naturally possess this eye color. On our website or in one of our articles on the topic, you can learn more about why Siberians are such great choices and what to look for!
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are one of the breeds that have blue eyes. That being said, if your breeder has a pup with this eye color and still needs to be checked out by a vet, it’s essential to do so as soon as possible.
There are many causes of the blue eye, including genetics and environmental factors like hypothyroidism and environmental allergies. If your dog shows any other symptoms, such as lethargy or excessive water intake, it’s best to take them in for an examination immediately!
Weimaraner
If you’re looking for a dog that is both graceful and fierce-looking, the Weimaraner may be the perfect breed for you. Aside from blue eyes, these dogs have long, slender bodies with pointy heads and big eyes- all of which add up to an impressive visual appearance.
Great Dane
If you’re in the market for a tall dog with beautiful blue eyes, then a great dane should be on your list! With dogs typically standing at around 32 inches tall and having eyes varying in color from light to dark blue, there’s no better breed out there regarding eye-catching features.
Shetland Sheepdog
If you are looking for a dog with blue eyes, the shetland sheepdog with a blue merle-colored coat is undoubtedly one of the breeds you should consider. This breed is not only adorable but also very intelligent and playful. They make great family pets as they are gentle and easy to handle. Additionally, their blue eyes will genuinely amaze you!
