Border Collies are known for their striking appearance, and their eye color is one feature that often captures attention. There are primarily three eye colors seen in Border Collies: brown, blue, and bi-eyed (heterochromia). The most common eye color in Border Collies is brown. Blue eyes are less common and are primarily associated with merle-colored Border Collies.
While brown is the predominant eye color, Border Collies can also have blue eyes, or heterochromia, which means each eye is a different color. A good quality Border Collie typically has eyes that are well-spaced, medium-sized, and oval in shape. Border Collies, renowned for their intelligence and ranked number one among dog breeds, possess the cognitive abilities of a 6-8 year old child. Their high intellect, combined with a strong ability to learn and a great desire to please, makes them a very popular breed for training and companionship.
Are Blue Eyes a Defect in Black and White Border Collies?
In standard black and white Border Collies, blue eyes are considered a fault. Such dogs are disqualified from competitions and breeding programs. The presence of blue eyes in black and white Border Collies might indicate an underlying genetic health issue and are not suitable for breeding. A checkup with a veterinarian to assess their vision is recommended.
However, blue eyes are acceptable in merle-colored Border Collies. The merle gene impacts eumelanin, not pheomelanin. This results in random dilution of coat color, creating patches of different colors on the coat. The patches can be of any size and in any location, often with jagged or torn edges. The same gene affects eumelanin in the eyes and nose, sometimes resulting in blue eyes or a ‘butterfly’ nose. Therefore, blue eyes are within the breed standard for merle border collies.Trusted by:Pet Naming
Comments