Introduction
Dogs come in all sorts of eye colors, from chocolate brown to bright blues, but few are as mesmerizing as green eyes. Ranging from emerald to jade, green eyes are uncommon because they are a recessive trait. Unlike brown eyes, which require only one gene, a dog needs two copies of the gene to display green eyes. Interestingly, most green-eyed dogs also share liver or chocolate brown fur and noses due to linked genetics.
While appearance might catch your eye, every green-eyed dog has a distinct personality shaped by breed and individual life experiences. Here’s a guide to 10 remarkable breeds known for their green eyes.
01 American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, or Am Staff, is a muscular, stocky breed with a broad head and prominent cheekbones. Beneath their strong physique lies a loyal and affectionate companion. Their soulful green eyes often reveal their gentle side first. 
- Group: Terrier
- Height: 17–19 in (female/male)
- Weight: 40–70 lbs
- Coat: Short, stiff
- Colors: Black, brown, blue, fawn, red, liver, with possible white/brindle markings
- Life Span: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Courageous, affectionate, protective
- Origin: United States
Am Staffs thrive with daily exercise like walks, fetch, tug-of-war, and puzzle toys.
02 Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are iconic family dogs, often sporting green eyes paired with light brown coats. Originally bred for hunting and retrieving, Labs are energetic, highly trainable, and eager to please. They often serve as service or therapy dogs, showcasing intelligence and sociability.
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 21.5–24.5 in
- Weight: 55–80 lbs
- Coat: Short, dense double coat
- Colors: Black, chocolate, yellow
- Life Span: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Friendly, active, companionable
- Origin: Newfoundland / United Kingdom
03 Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is known for its distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows, which pair beautifully with green eyes. Available in standard, mini, and giant sizes, Schnauzers have wiry coats that are hypoallergenic but require regular grooming.
- Group: Working
- Height: 17–20 in
- Weight: 30–50 lbs
- Coat: Double coat, wiry
- Colors: Black, salt-and-pepper
- Life Span: 13–16 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, devoted, lively, playful
- Origin: Germany
04 Chihuahua
A green-eyed Chihuahua is a tiny yet fiercely loyal lapdog. While initially cautious, Chihuahuas adapt well to new people with proper training and enjoy walks, fetch, swimming, and agility exercises.
- Group: Toy
- Height: 5–8 in
- Weight: ≤6 lbs
- Coat: Smooth short or long hair
- Colors: Multiple, including black, chocolate, cream, fawn, red
- Life Span: 14–16 years
- Temperament: Loyal, alert, lively
- Origin: Mexico
05 Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu are regal dogs occasionally sporting green eyes and a liver-and-white coat. Originating in Tibet as royal house pets of the Ming Dynasty, these companions adapt well to apartment living.
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8–11 in
- Weight: 9–16 lbs
- Coat: Long double coat
- Colors: Multiple, including black, white, blue, gold, liver
- Life Span: 10–16 years
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful, loyal
- Origin: Tibet
06 Dachshund
Also called Dachshunds or “wiener dogs,” these small hunting breeds sometimes have green eyes, especially in merle-coated individuals with heterochromia. Known for stubborn charm, they thrive on lap time but retain strong hunting instincts.
- Group: Hound
- Height: 5–9 in
- Weight: 11–32 lbs
- Coat: Smooth, long, or wire-haired
- Colors: Black, tan, chocolate, red, merle, dapple, brindle
- Life Span: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Clever, playful, stubborn, devoted
- Origin: Germany
07 Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants. Some harlequin Great Danes retain blue or green eyes into adulthood. Despite their size, they are calm, friendly, and adapt well to indoor living if given daily exercise.
- Group: Working
- Height: 28–34 in
- Weight: 99–200 lbs
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Colors: Harlequin, black, blue, fawn, brindle, silver, white
- Life Span: 6–8 years
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, loving, attentive
- Origin: Germany
08 Weimaraner
Weimaraners were bred as elite hunting dogs in Germany. Known for floppy ears and soulful eyes (blue, green, or brown), they require space and exercise, maintaining energy and intelligence throughout their lives.
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 23–27 in
- Weight: 55–90 lbs
- Coat: Short, stiff
- Colors: Gray shades
- Life Span: 11–13 years
- Temperament: Powerful, steady, intelligent, energetic
- Origin: Germany
09 English Springer Spaniel
Green-eyed English Springer Spaniels are cheerful, affectionate, and attentive. Originally hunting dogs, they retain a strong prey drive and need proper introductions to smaller pets.
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 19–20 in
- Weight: 40–50 lbs
- Coat: Medium flat or wavy coat with feathering
- Colors: Black/liver with white, blue or liver roan, tricolor
- Life Span: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Cheerful, alert, intelligent, active
- Origin: England
10 Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd was developed in the American West despite the name. They are herding dogs with intelligence, energy, and striking green eyes. Their merle coats and naturally bobbed tails set them apart visually.
- Group: Herding
- Height: 18–23 in
- Weight: 40–65 lbs
- Coat: Medium double coat
- Colors: Blue merle, red merle, black, red, with white/tan markings
- Life Span: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, active, energetic
- Origin: United States
Dog Eye Care
Regardless of eye color, all dogs need proper eye care. Watch for redness, discharge, or itchiness, and consult your veterinarian if you notice changes in vision or cloudiness as they age.
