15 Dog Breeds With Amber Eyes: Pictures, Facts & History
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Several physical features can make a dog stunning, such as their stature or coat. However, one of the most striking characteristics that a dog can have is their eyes. If you’ve ever truly studied your dog’s eyes, it may seem like you are gazing into their soul.
A dog’s eyes can come in many colors, but not all are as coveted as the stunning amber eyes. A dog’s amber eyes seem to be filled with warmth and intelligence, evoking a feeling that other colors can’t seem to replicate. If you want to know which dogs have such a dazzling eye color, this list will share 15 breeds with amber eyes.
How Are Dogs with Amber Eyes Classified?
While many dogs have brown or dark brown eyes, not as many have amber eyes. But what exactly constitutes an amber eye color?
Amber eyes typically range from a light brown to a yellowish-orangish hue. Brownness isn’t enough for an eye color to be considered amber; instead, there must be a light, rich warmth to the color. In short, a dog’s amber eyes are similar to a human’s hazel eyes.
Top 15 Dog Breeds With Amber Eyes
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
| Origin: | Chesapeake Bay area |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Height: | 23–26 inches |
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, affectionately nicknamed “Chessie,” is a breed with dazzling amber eyes. The breed’s coat colors can be brown, sedge, deadgrass, and tan. The amber eyes and the various coat colors complement each other well, creating an appealing look for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
In terms of personality, they are known to be affectionate and sensitive. They love their families and are eager to please, making them great dogs to train.
2. Weimaraner
| Origin: | Thuringia in Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Height: | 25–27 inches |
Weimaraners are beautiful dogs that originate from Germany. Their coats come in blue, gray, and silver gray, so the color really stands out when they have amber eyes. Due to the breed’s stunning, sleek appearance, they are often referred to as the “Gray Ghost.”
These dogs are fearless and obedient and behave incredibly well around young children. Although they are vigilant, they are also remarkably playful, making them a well-balanced companion for any family dynamic.
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Origin: | Southern Africa |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Height: | 25–27 inches |
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a stunning breed that can weigh as much as 85 pounds. At the same time, this dog is astonishingly nimble, with incredible athleticism and speed. Their coats come in different variations of wheaten colors, such as light wheaten or red wheaten, which complements their amber eyes.
While the Rhodesian Ridgeback is eager to please, training can also be challenging. They have an occasional stubborn streak and a domineering personality, which makes them difficult for novice owners to manage.
4. Australian Shepherd
| Origin: | California |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 20–23 inches |
Australian Shepherds are lean, beautiful ranch dogs. Although they are often photographed with stunning blue eyes, they can also be born with amber eyes. Many people describe the Australian Shepherd’s eyes as piercing, no matter their color.
The breed is well-recognized for their spotted, fluffy coat and floppy ears, and they boast an incredible blend of ruggedness and beauty. The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, work-oriented companion that always yearns for a task, making them great companions for any job.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
| Origin: | Ireland |
| Lifespan: | 12–13 years |
| Height: | 22–24 inches |
The Irish Water Spaniel is easily recognized by their curled coat and thin, mouse-like tail. The breed is an exemplary swimmer popular with sportsmen due to their friendly nature, retrieving skill, and ability to endure the cold. The breed comes in a rich liver color, which makes their amber eyes all the more stunning.
Although hardworking, the Irish Water Spaniel also has a playful side. They love their family and are tolerant of the presence of young children and other dogs.
6. Dachshund
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Height: | 8–9 inches |
Even people unfamiliar with different dog breeds know of the Dachshund. This adorable wiener dog is famous for their short, long bodies that resemble a sausage. Despite their diminutive stature, the Dachshund is typically bold and spunky.
This breed comes in a wide variety of coat colors, most often in different shades of brown, black, or black and tan. A Dachshund’s eyes are often dark brown but can also be amber.
7. Pharaoh Hound
| Origin: | Ancient Egypt |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 23–25 inches |
The Pharaoh Hound is a dignified, athletic sprinting hound that can pursue prey over rocky and unstable terrain. Although they are relentless in their hunting chase, they are settled and friendly at home.
Pharaoh Hounds are typically chestnut, golden, or tan in color, which nicely complements their amber eyes. With their sleek and beautiful stature, it is easy to see why so many dog lovers find the Pharaoh Hound highly appealing. Many lovers of the breed claim that the dog can smile, giving them yet another endearing characteristic.
8. Poodle
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10–18 years |
| Height: | Over 15 inches |
We would be remiss to leave the Poodle out of consideration when discussing beautiful dogs. No matter whether the Poodle in question is of the Toy, Miniature, or Standard variety, they are known for their exemplary appearance and poise.
They come in predictable colors such as black and white but can also show off unique shades of apricot, silver beige, and cafe au lait. With such a wide range of coat colors, plenty of beautiful combinations can be made with amber eyes.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
| Origin: | Asia Minor |
| Lifespan: | 11–13 years |
| Height: | 29 inches |
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is the definition of a rugged breed. This imposing dog was put to work as a guardian of the flock, making the breed territorial, vigilant, and protective. In addition, owners of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog love the undying loyalty of the breed, but they can also be relatively independent.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog can come in many colors, such as brindle, fawn, and liver, which pair excellently with amber eyes.
10. Bluetick Coonhound
| Origin: | Louisiana |
| Lifespan: | 11-12 years |
| Height: | 22–27 inches |
The Bluetick Coonhound is tenacious and bold when chasing prey, yet they are charming when surrounded by family. This breed was developed to pursue quarry as a scenthound or a sighthound. They have changed little since the early 20th century and remain a staple of the southern region of the United States of America.
The two main colors that the Bluetick Coonhound can display are blue ticked and blue ticked and tan. Combined with amber eyes, the result is an arresting canine with a unique appearance.
11. Siberian Husky
| Origin: | Siberia |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 21–23.5 inches |
A Siberian Husky is an undeniably beautiful sight. These thick-coated dogs often come in white, with various shades sprinkled into the coat. Likewise, they usually boast striking blue eyes but can also have warm, amber eyes.
Regarding family life, the Siberian Husky is tough to compete with. They love their family and enjoy the presence of young children and other dogs. Since they’re outgoing, loyal, and mischievous, they’ll ensure that there is never a dull moment. Just be ready to clean up a lot of fur!
12. Catahoula Leopard Dog
| Origin: | United States |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Height: | 22–24 inches |
Catahoula Leopard Dogs were bred to be a multi-purpose working breed. They are renowned for their musculature and power, but at the same time, they can be nimble and quick. Their stamina makes them excellent companions for working, while their playfulness makes them wonderful friends in the downtime.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog comes in several colors, such as black, blue, yellow, and red. They also can be seen in brindle and other variations of merle, which can pair strikingly with amber eyes.
13. Great Dane
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
| Height: | 30–32 inches |
There are few breeds as imposing as the magnificent Great Dane. This dog is occasionally called the “Apollo of Dogs,” and for a good reason. They can stand at 32 inches and weigh as much as 175 pounds, making them among the largest breeds in the world. Despite their imposing stature, they are known for their gentle, patient, and loving natures.
The Great Dane is often seen in variations of brown, but it can also have a striking black or blue appearance. Either way, this breed creates a noble figure, especially when they have amber eyes.
14. Akita
| Origin: | Japan |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Height: | 26–28 inches |
Akitas are muscular, thick-coated dogs developed in ancient Japan. They are prized for their dignity and courage, making them exceptional guard dogs. They are venerated as protectors of the family and are even considered a sign of good health.
The Akita comes in many colors, but the breed is most recognized in a fawn coat. With their luxurious fur and noble appearance, the Akita’s amber eyes only add to their appeal.
15. Shetland Sheepdog
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 13–16 inches |
Shetland Sheepdogs are also known as “Shelties.” They are adored for their beauty and luxurious fur, but they may be mistaken for their close cousin, the Collie. However, the Shetland Sheepdog is smaller and rough-coated compared to the Collie.
The Shetland Sheepdog can come in various color combinations, such as sable and white or black, white, and tan. They are often seen with dark brown eyes, but amber eyes are also possible.
Conclusion
Amber eyes are a dazzling feature that few dogs possess. From the massive Great Dane to the tiny Dachshund, amber eyes grace canines of all shapes and sizes. Even amongst those who can have such a color, other eye colors are more common, making amber comparatively rare. While all dogs have their unique appeal regardless of eye color, it is impossible to deny that amber eyes provide a special sort of beauty.
Featured Image Credit: Vizslafotozas, Pixabay
