Can Beagles Have Blue Eyes? Reasons For Blue Eyes.
Many of you know that beagles typically have brown eyes, but did you know that some of them can have blue eyes?
While it is not common for beagles to have blue eyes, there are a few reasons why this could happen.
This blog post will explore the reasons why Beagles may have blue eyes. So if you have a blue-eyed Beagle, keep on reading!
Can Beagles Have Blue Eyes?
Yes, a beagle can have blue eyes, but it’s very rare. It can be caused by several things, including genetic mutations, the Blue-Eye gene, and the Marle Gene. Blue eyes in Beagles can also show in puppyhood or be the result of eye disease.
Mixed Beagle in Ancestry
The first thing to determine is if the Beagle is purebred? If he’s not, and there is a chance he has another breed in his ancestry (such as his parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents), then you can rule out some of the reasons.
A Beagle’s eye color is a genetic trait inherited from either parent or both parents.
This is almost always brown. If the Beagle’s eyes are blue, it may not be a pure Beagle.
If it is a pureblooded Beagle, then there are a few possibilities as to why he may have blue eyes.
Suppose the parents of your Beagle both carried a gene mutation for merle.
In that case, there is an increased chance that they will pass it on, and their offspring would be born with at least one copy (or sometimes even two) of these mutated genes present in his DNA code. More info on this below.
Genetic Mutation
Genetic mutations that would cause a Beagle to have blue eyes are rare. They do exist, though, so they shouldn’t be ruled out. To know for sure, you’d have to order a DNA test for confirmation.
Dilute Gene
The most common mutation that would give a Beagle blue eyes is called the “dilute gene.”
The Dilute gene “dilutes” the color and pigment of the dog’s skin. It’s the same gene that gives Dobermans and Dalmations their spots.
It can produce lighter eye coloration, including shades such as lavender and blue.
Merle Gene
Another genetic mutation that can produce Blue eyes in Beagles is the “merle gene.”
It is believed that the Blue eye color in Beagles was originally a genetic mutation from the merle gene.
This same gene affects both eyes or coat and results in lighter pigment-producing shades such as lavender, grayish blue-gray, or light browns that are not common in dogs.
The Merlee Gene gives your Beagles face’s unique markings too. It’s easier to identify than other causes of blue eyes in Beagles.
Blue-Eyed Gene
The rarest of the three possibilities is that they have a blue-eyed gene.
Blue eyes in dogs can either result from an inherited recessive trait or through genetic mutation and breeding with other breeds like Siberian Huskies to create designer puppies.
If your Beagle has the Blue-Eyed gene, then there is a chance they will have other traits like white patches on their coat, or they may not be able to hear.
If the blue-eyed gene is present, then he is likely not a purebred Beagle. This gene is commonly found in the Dalmatian and Bull terrier breeds.
Albino Beagles With Blue Eyes
Yes, Beagles can have albinoism and have blue eyes!
Albino beagles are known for their lack of pigment. They develop blue eyes and noses, but these things can go away with time in some cases.
Albino dogs have a lot of health complications like blindness or even deafness!
Their coat may also discolor over time due to this condition; however, that’s something you want if it helps them find safety from the sunlight. (Getting too much sun exposure is bad for Albino Beagles.)
Albino puppies often get marketed as designer breeds by sellers who ask for higher prices than usual.
This is unfortunate due to the health problems they can have. Many people who purchase Albino dogs from unethical breeders will incur additional costs related to their health issues.
Beagle Puppies Can Have Blue Eyes
Beagle puppies are born with blue eyes. As they grow, their eye color change.
Beagles have a tendency for brown and gold hues, which is why some young pups can appear as if they had crystalline blues at the beginning of life. They will end up having light amber or honey colors by three months to 8 months old.
Eye Disease
Eye disease is another possible cause of blue eyes in Beagles.
One example is a condition called chronic anterior uveitis.
This eye disease can cause inflammation and other complications that may lead to the dog’s eyes turning blue permanently or temporarily, depending on how long it takes for treatment
to take effect.
This illness isn’t always curable- but rather managed over time by your vet. The key to managing it is preventing infection from unsanitary conditions in the environment. A clean house is essential!
Another eye disease that can cause your Beagle to have blue eyes is perinatal glaucoma. This is a condition present at birth that can lead to blindness in the affected dog’s eye if not treated properly and promptly.”
Warning Signs of Peri-natal Glaucoma: The most common sign for this disease are excessive tearing, cloudy eyes, or sensitivity towards the light on one side, but it may also be accompanied by squinting with an enlarged pupil, depending upon which part was damaged.
If untreated, these symptoms usually clear up within four weeks after they appear as long there aren’t any other complications.
Related Questions
Are blue eyes in beagles bad?
No. Blue-eyes in Beagles can be a sign of genetic mutation, usually not a problem. It can also be a sign of eye disease or something more serious. In that case, you should get them checked out by a veterinarian to be on the safe side.
Do Beagle Puppies Have Blue Eyes?
Yes, Beagle puppies can have blue eyes until 6 months of age. Beagle puppies don’t tend to get their adult eye color until they are about six months old or older. The pigment is not fully developed in young dogs’ retinas and irises until then.
What are some reasons Beagles could end up with Blue Eyes?
A few possible explanations for why dogs may develop discolored irises include abnormalities in their ocular blood vessels; injuries from fighting (eye trauma); diseases such as glaucoma, which affect eye pressure affecting retinal circulation resulting color changes due to mismatched pigments between retina/iris tissue layers at different stages during development.
The most common cause is a genetic mutation, while others less often seen signs involve injury-related damage if they’ve been hit across the face by something.
Final Thoughts
These are all of the reasons your Beagle might have blue eyes. It’s not always bad, but it can be a sign of other health issues that should get checked out by your doctor or veterinarian to make sure the dog stays healthy and happy!
Does your Beagle have blue eyes?
Let us know in the comments section!