Introduction: Understanding the Phenomenon of Different Colored Eyes in Dogs

Heterochromia, or having different colored eyes, is a phenomenon that occurs in many animals, including dogs. It can be a striking and unique feature that makes a dog stand out from the rest. But what causes heterochromia in dogs? Is it genetic, a result of an injury or environmental factors, or simply a cosmetic quirk? This article aims to explore the various causes of heterochromia in dogs and shed some light on this fascinating trait.

Genetic Causes: How Genes Determine Eye Color in Dogs

Genes are the primary determinants of eye color in dogs. Different genes control the production and distribution of pigments that give eyes their color. Dogs inherit two sets of genes, one from each parent, that can either be dominant or recessive. The dominant genes are the ones that determine eye color, while the recessive ones only affect eye color if both are present. The most common eye colors in dogs are brown, blue, amber, and green. Some dogs, however, have one eye that is a different color than the other, a condition known as heterochromia iridis. This can be caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production or distribution of pigments in one eye, resulting in a different color.