15 Dog Breeds With Amber Eyes: Info, 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 dazzling eye color, this list features 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. In short, a dog’s amber eyes resemble 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 include 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 from Germany. Their coats come in blue, gray, and silver gray, which really stands out when they have amber eyes. Due to the dog’s stunning, sleek appearance, they are often called the “Gray Ghost.”
Weimaraners are fearless and obedient and behave incredibly well around young children. Although they are vigilant, they are also remarkably playful, making them well-balanced companions 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. They are also astonishingly agile, 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 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 Australian Shepherd is well-recognized for their spotted, fluffy coat and floppy ears, which boast an incredible blend of ruggedness and beauty. They are intelligent, work-oriented companions who always yearn for a task, making them great 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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 tolerate 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 breeds know of the Dachshund. This adorable wiener dog is famous for their short, long bodies that resemble sausages. Despite their diminutive stature, the Dachshund is typically bold and spunky.
The Dachshund can display various 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 exclude the Poodle from consideration when discussing beautiful dogs. 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 occur with amber eyes.
9. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Origin: | Asia Minor |
Lifespan: | 11–13 years |
Height: | 29 inches |
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged breed. This imposing dog was used as a guardian of the flock, making them territorial, vigilant, and protective. In addition, owners 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 primary colors that the Bluetick Coonhound can display are blue ticked and blue ticked and tan. Combined with amber eyes, this combination creates 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.
Siberian Huskies 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 multi-purpose working dogs. They are renowned for their musculature and power, but they can also be nimble and quick. Their stamina makes them excellent companions for working, while their playfulness makes them wonderful friends in their downtime.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog comes in several colors, such as black, blue, yellow, and red. They can also have 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 |
Few breeds are as imposing as the magnificent Great Dane. They can stand 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’s coat often has various shades of brown but can also have a striking black or blue hue. Either way, they are stunning canines, 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 revered as family protectors and are 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 often have 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