This past Halloween, I was asked a question by an astute little trick or treater who appeared at my door. "Why does your dog have two different colored eyes?" she asked.
I explained to the little girl, who was dressed as a bunny, that I thought it was all that God had in his parts bin the day he created him. The little bunny looked at me and smiled, commenting with a pleased "Oh that's cool" - and off she went down the driveway.
The official definition of heterochromia iridis is that it is a condition characterized by abnormalities of the iris (the colored part of the eye). In those affected by complete heterochromia, the iris of one eye is a different color than the iris of the other eye. Seen more often in dogs, cats and horses, it is a condition that may be present in humans as well, though not as often.
There are a few legends floating around about dogs with two different color eyes. One myth says that dogs with two different color eyes can view heaven and earth at the same time. Another story goes that heterochromatic dogs are natural protectors, while brown or red eye dogs are considered spirit dogs. Legend says it that sled dogs with heterochromia are faster than dogs with the same color eyes. Whether the tales are true or not, it does make for interesting speculation.
It's also interesting that Riser's older half-brother, and Riser's grandfather on his Mom's side also have heterochromia. While I don't know enough about genetics, there is speculation that this may be a breedable trait; meaning that it may be bred on purpose (to my knowledge, our breeder does not).
If you are planning to show your purebred dog at conformation shows, keep in mind that heterochromia iridis is considered a defect by some dog show associations - huskies are the exception. A husky with heterochromia will still be allowed to show in the ring.
There is nothing physically wrong with the dog - dogs with one blue eye often suffer from the misconception that eye must be blind. This generally isn’t the case. Dogs living with heterochromia generally have accurate canine vision, which is much different than that of a human’s vision, and nothing will develop in the future because of this genetic issue. This is an incredible looking “defect” that gives any dog a unique look about them - embrace the uniqueness of your dog with two different colored eyes!!
I explained to the little girl, who was dressed as a bunny, that I thought it was all that God had in his parts bin the day he created him. The little bunny looked at me and smiled, commenting with a pleased "Oh that's cool" - and off she went down the driveway.
There are a few legends floating around about dogs with two different color eyes. One myth says that dogs with two different color eyes can view heaven and earth at the same time. Another story goes that heterochromatic dogs are natural protectors, while brown or red eye dogs are considered spirit dogs. Legend says it that sled dogs with heterochromia are faster than dogs with the same color eyes. Whether the tales are true or not, it does make for interesting speculation.
It's also interesting that Riser's older half-brother, and Riser's grandfather on his Mom's side also have heterochromia. While I don't know enough about genetics, there is speculation that this may be a breedable trait; meaning that it may be bred on purpose (to my knowledge, our breeder does not).
Most cross breeds (mixed breeds) have the genetic potential to breed heterochromatic offspring, but purebred dogs are more often afflicted (like the Australian Shepherd, Dalmatians, Cathoulas, or Huskies), however, no breed is immune to it.
If you are planning to show your purebred dog at conformation shows, keep in mind that heterochromia iridis is considered a defect by some dog show associations - huskies are the exception. A husky with heterochromia will still be allowed to show in the ring.
There is nothing physically wrong with the dog - dogs with one blue eye often suffer from the misconception that eye must be blind. This generally isn’t the case. Dogs living with heterochromia generally have accurate canine vision, which is much different than that of a human’s vision, and nothing will develop in the future because of this genetic issue. This is an incredible looking “defect” that gives any dog a unique look about them - embrace the uniqueness of your dog with two different colored eyes!!
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