Introduction: Why are some dogs’ eyes brown?

Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds and sizes, with a range of different eye colors. While some dogs have blue or green eyes, the majority of dogs have brown eyes. But why do so many dogs have brown eyes? The answer lies in genetics and the production of a pigment called melanin.

The Science of Eye Color: What Determines Eye Color in Dogs?

Eye color in dogs is determined by the amount of melanin in the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells called melanocytes. The more melanin a dog has in its iris, the darker its eye color will be. Dogs with no melanin in their iris will have blue eyes, while dogs with a small amount of melanin will have green or yellow eyes. Brown eyes are the result of a high concentration of melanin in the iris.

Genetics: How are Eye Color Traits Inherited in Dogs?

Eye color is a hereditary trait that is passed down from a dog’s parents. The specific genes that determine eye color are not yet fully understood, but it is known that there are multiple genes involved in the process. In general, if both parents have brown eyes, their offspring are likely to have brown eyes as well. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and eye color can be influenced by a variety of factors.