These 6 Green-Eyed Dogs Are Rare & Seriously Cute, Say Vets

When it comes to dogs, you’ve probably noticed that most of them have brown eyes, which is why meeting one sporting a different shade really makes them stand out. While you’ve probably seen a few pups with blue eyes over the years, did you know that one of the rarest dog eye colors is green? Because of this, when you spot a green-eyed dog, you usually remember them.

“Green eyes in dogs are quite rare compared to the more common brown or amber shades,” says Nita Vasudevan, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. So, how is a dog’s eye color determined? “Eye color is influenced by genetics, coat color and pigment distribution,” she states.

The same unique genetic combinations that impact that pretty green eye color also tends to affect a dog’s coat, says Abel Gonzalez, DVM, clinical director at Dutch. “Green eyes are more common in breeds with merle or dilute coloring and can shift slightly with age or light exposure,” he says. While the eye color is rare, he points out that if a dog does have a green eye color, it doesn’t impact a dog’s vision.

While there are no breeds that universally all have green eyes, there are some beautiful dog breeds that tend to be more likely to have green eyes than others. So, what dog breeds have green eyes? Check out all the adorable breeds with this rare dog feature below to find out. Trust us, these dog have striking eyes and also make amazing pets.

Related: Beautiful, Blue-Eyed Babes! 35 Dog Breeds With Blue Eyes

6 Dog Breeds With Green Eyes

American Staffordshire Terrier

One dog breed that can have unusual eye colors, like green, are American Staffordshire Terriers. “Occasionally, you’ll see green or light hazel eyes in Staffies, especially in dogs with certain coat colors like blue or liver,” says Vasudevan.

Aside from being one of the few rare green-eyed dog breeds around, our experts reveal they are lovable pets. “These dogs not only have striking hazel-green eyes, but they are loyal, courageous, and affectionate, often nicknamed ‘nanny dogs’ for their gentle, people-focused nature when well-socialized,” Gonzalez says. “They do best with positive reinforcement and early training to channel their strength and enthusiasm productively.” He also calls this green-eyed breed “confident and loyal,” noting that they’re happiest when they’re by your side.

Breed Stats

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are also a dog breed with unique eyes that are memorable. “Aussies are known for their dazzling eyes, which can be green, blue, amber, brown, or even two different colors,” Vasudevan says. While green is a rare color, she adds it’s more common in Australian Shepherds with a merle pattern, which is a coat color with patches of diluted pigment.

But this breed is so much more than their gorgeous eyes. “These dogs are brilliant problem-solvers who need both mental and physical jobs to avoid boredom,” Gonzalez says. “They bond intensely with their humans and excel in agility, obedience and herding tasks.”

Breed Stats

Related: 6 Low-Energy Dog Breeds That Act As Emotional Anchors, Say Experts

Great Dane

Another dog breed with green eyes? Great Danes! They can have a merle patterns and that can result in them having stunning green eyes. While not all Great Danes have green eyes, Great Danes with harlequin patterns, which is when a pup has black or gray patches on a white coat, tend to have them more.

Great Danes aren’t just pretty, they make great pets. They are all about their humans, regardless of eye color. These dogs look intimidating, but are softies in disguise. They’re known as loyal people-pleasers, making them great companions.

Breed Stats

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The stunning fur pattern that Catahoulas are well known for is due to their merle gene—and that raises the odds this breed will have a rare dog eye color, like green. Catahoulas can also have blue, amber, or brown eyes, along with eyes of two different shades. How fun is that?

This active pup is playful and energetic, and highly trainable, making them great pets. They’re also affectionate, gentle and ride-or-die breeds. However, these pups also need to be trained and socialized early. That being said, a well-trained Catahoula is an excellent companion.

Breed Stats

Border Collie

One of the first things people notice about Border Collies is how busy they tend to be. This is true as they are a high-energy breed that’s known for their “workaholic” nature. But their eyes are the second most noticeable thing and also makes them a beautiful dog breed.

Border Collies have almond-shaped eyes known as “herding eyes” that are a hallmark of the breed. Those eyes come in all shades, including green. But while Border Collies like to have a busy schedule, they’re also eager to please, love to play and enjoy spending quality time with family.

Breed Stats

Dachshund

It’s hard to miss a Dachshund, with its signature dog breed appearance of an adorably long body and stubby legs. However, they can also have other cute, rare dog features as their eyes can be green, which are usually associated with pups with a lighter or dappled coat.

While these dogs with green eyes are known for their spunk, they’re also known for being genuinely curious dogs, making playtime fun, says Sarah Rutten, a canine behaviorist and author of The Canine Perspective. Dachshunds love to be around people, whether it’s family members or strangers, making them great social—and loyal—dogs.

Breed Stats

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.