We all know how amazing Huskies look with their blue eyes. But what about our Rotties? Do Rottweilers have Blue Eyes?
Rottweilers can have blue eyes due to a genetic variation, but it is extremely rare. This breed is generally seen with brown eyes and very rarely with eyes of any other color. However, the possibility of a Rottweiler with blue eyes is not wildly uncommon.
Further in this article, we will look into various factors that can lead to Blue eyes in rottweilers.
Canine Genetics
When it comes to dogs, two genes, in particular, control their colors. These genes determine the color of your dog’s coat, eyes, nose, etc.
Eumelanin
Eumelanin is known as the gene that codes for black color. It is a pigment gene that codes for a dog’s coat, nose, and eyes and produces the black color in different shades and hues.
When this gene works in harmony with certain other genes, it can produce different colors and shades in the spectrum of the color black, such as blue or light gray. The blue coloring in a Rottweiler’s eyes is directly related to the Eumelanin gene present in their anatomy.
Phaeomelanin
Phaeomelanin is the second gene that controls colors in dogs. It codes for the color red in various shades. Like Eumelanin, this gene can produce other shades in the red spectrum when it works in harmony with other genes.
However, phaeomelanin codes for only the coat of a dog. So, it is needless to say that you will not find any red-eyed dogs running around, frightening people.
Now, this was about canine genes in general. To understand why some Rottweilers are blue-eyed, and others aren’t, we need to dig a little bit deeper.
What Leads to Rottweilers Having Blue Eyes
Genes
Technically, a purebred Rottweiler is not known to have the Eumelanin gene. However, if the rottweiler is not purebred and its parents have passed on the gene, the dog can have blue eyes.
Albinism
Albinism is a disease that results in a drastic reduction in the body’s melanin production. Melanin is a pigment gene, the lack of which can affect the color of a dog’s eyes or even their eyesight. If a dog cannot produce enough melanin in its body, it may impact the color of its eyes and make it look blue.
Merle Gene
This gene is directly linked to hereditary health problems and is often related to blue eyes.
It can cause heterochromia, a disorder that causes a dog’s two different eyes to be of two different colors. For example, a Rottweiler may have one brown eye while its other eye may be piercing blue.
If a Rottweiler does inherit the merle gene, he can have both blue eyes as he approaches adulthood. It shouldn’t be a problem as long as the Rottie has inherited genes from one of its parents. However, if the gene has been inherited from both parents, which is called “double merle,” it can prove extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Cataract
This is a lesser-known fact that has the potential to cause blue eyes in Rottweilers. There have, unfortunately, been several cases wherein some dogs have been given the older version of the hepatitis vaccine that has led to them developing cloudy corneas. Now, this may not always lead to cataracts, but it does increase the possibility. Regardless, the virus in the vaccine can cause pigmentation changes that could result in the color of the dog’s eyes changing.
Rottweilers that have somehow developed cataracts may also seem to have blue eyes suddenly.
Blue-eyed Rottweilers: Cause for Concern?
If you are considering adopting a Rottweiler and finding the one with piercing blue eyes alluring, it only natural for you to want to know more.
Before adopting a blue-eyed Rottweiler, it would be advisable that you ask for a complete medical check-up. This will help you be better equipped to deal with any problems that may arise in the future.
It is always better to check the medical history of the dog as well as the dog’s parents. This applied to adopting any dog. But it should be carried out with extra caution when adopting a rare blue-eyed Rottweiler to ensure that no vital information has been overlooked.
Apart from that, if a Rottweiler’s blue eyes are genetic, it isn’t cause for worry. Yes, it is rare to see Rottweilers with blue eyes, but this only makes them all the more special and unique.
There isn’t any particular need to be concerned if a rottweiler has blue eyes, as long as its parental history proves that there aren’t any signs of trouble. Once you’re sure of that, you are free to take your cute little blue-eyed Rottweiler pup to its new home.
Conclusion
Rottweilers are generally considered worker dogs because of their history. They have been known to have simple brown eyes and are rarely seen with eyes of different colors.
However, if you come across a Rottweiler with blue eyes, then there could be various reasons for it. It could be genetic or caused by several other factors, as we’ve discussed.
Whatever the case may be, seeing a Rottweiler is sure to create a lasting impression on you. Rottweilers, anyway, have a commanding presence because of their sturdy build; add ocean-blue eyes into the mix, and it’s a sight no one would ever forget.
It is important to remember that a blue-eyed Rottweiler is no different than one with black or brown eyes. Unless there is a medical condition, there is no reason to treat your pup any differently. A healthy diet, plenty of exercises, and an abundance of love and care are all your furry friend needs!
