The Complete List of Dark-Eyed Dog Breeds

This list contains 58 dog breeds that typically have dark eyes and follows kennel standards such as the AKC, FCI, and leading breed clubs. Dark-eyed means well-pigmented brown or dark brown eyes rather than blue, amber, or mismatched eyes. Most entries come from Europe and Asia and include many gundogs, mastiffs, spitz, and sighthounds. Columns show the breed name, scientific name (Canis lupus familiaris), typical eye color, and origin (region/country).

Below is the complete list with columns: Breed name, Scientific name, Typical eye color, and Origin (region/country).

Do puppies’ eye colors change as they grow?

Yes. Puppies often have bluish or gray eyes at birth. Pigment builds up over weeks and months. Most dogs show adult eye color by 8–16 weeks. Breed standards (AKC, FCI) judge adult eye color for conformation. Genetic factors like merle or dilute genes can cause lighter or blue eyes in adults. See a vet if an eye stays cloudy, red, or looks painful.

Does dark eye color affect a dog’s health or vision?

No. Dark eyes themselves do not change sight or cause health problems. Eye color comes from melanin pigment. Some color-related genes (merle, extreme white) can link to eye or ear issues. Choose breeders who follow health testing and breed-club guidance. Consult your veterinarian for any signs of eye disease or sudden vision change.

Dark Eyed Dog Breeds

Breed	Scientific name	Typical eye color	Origin (region/country)	Description
Labrador Retriever	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Canada/United Kingdom	Medium–large gundog with an “otter” tail and weatherproof coat. Famous for friendliness and trainability. AKC calls for brown eyes; darker preferred. Yellows can show slightly lighter hazel, but dark eyes remain the typical look in adults.
Golden Retriever	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Scotland	Medium–large, feathered coat, soft expression, and eager-to-please temperament. AKC/FCI standards prefer dark brown, well-pigmented eyes that give a gentle look. Very occasional lighter shades appear, but dark eyes are standard for mature dogs.
German Shepherd Dog	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Large, athletic herding dog known for intelligence and versatility. Breed standards prefer dark brown, almond-shaped eyes for a confident, keen expression. Some individuals show lighter brown, but dark eyes are typical and preferred for the classic look.
Rottweiler	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Robust, medium–large guardian with a short black-and-tan coat and calm confidence. AKC/FCI specify medium to dark brown eyes; lighter or yellow eyes are undesirable. Expect dark eyes in well-bred dogs, though intensity can vary slightly with individuals.
Doberman Pinscher	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Sleek, medium–large protection dog, alert and loyal. Breed standards call for eyes in shades of brown; darker eyes preferred for a dignified expression. Dilute coat colors can bring slightly lighter hues, but dark eyes are the norm.
Boxer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Muscular, medium-sized companion, playful and people-oriented. AKC requires dark brown eyes to maintain the characteristic soft, alert expression; blue or very light eyes are a fault. Most adults present distinctly dark eyes across coat colors.
Poodle	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany/France	Highly intelligent, hypoallergenic-coated companion in three sizes. Breed standards prefer very dark, oval eyes conveying an alert, eager expression. Cafe-au-lait and silver may show marginally lighter tones, but typical adult Poodles have notably dark eyes.
French Bulldog	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	France	Compact, bat-eared charmer with a clownish personality. Standards favor dark, round eyes set wide apart; lighter tones can appear in diluted colors but aren’t typical. Expect dark eyes in most adults, enhancing their famously expressive face.
Bulldog	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Stocky, affectionate companion with a wrinkled face and distinctive underbite. AKC calls for very dark eyes, set low and wide; light eyes detract from breed type. Most Bulldogs display dark brown eyes, occasionally shading slightly with coat color.
Beagle	Canis lupus familiaris	brown to dark brown	England	Merry, medium-small scenthound with long ears and big personality. Breed standards describe brown to dark brown eyes for a soft, pleading expression; hazel appears in some lighter coat shades but dark brown remains common in mature dogs.
Dachshund	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Long-bodied, confident hound in smooth, long, or wire coats. Standards call for dark brown, oval eyes; dapple/merle dogs can carry one lighter or blue eye, but that’s not typical. Most adult Dachshunds, especially solids, show distinctly dark eyes.
Great Dane	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Giant, elegant guardian with a gentle temperament. Most color varieties require dark brown eyes; in harlequin/mantle, standards allow lighter shades, and blue can occur. Still, dark eyes are typical across non-merle colors and preferred for expression.
Mastiff	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Giant, massive guardian with a calm, dignified nature. Breed standards prefer medium to dark brown eyes; light eyes are undesirable. Expect dark eyes that complement the heavy head and black mask, though subtle shade differences can occur.
Bullmastiff	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Powerfully built yet steady family guardian. Standards require medium to dark brown eyes; lighter hues are faults. Adults typically show rich, dark eyes that match their black mask, reinforcing the breed’s alert but trustworthy expression.
Cane Corso	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Italy	Athletic, large Italian mastiff with a protective, loyal temperament. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; lighter eyes can appear particularly in gray coats but are not ideal. Most mature Corsos present distinctly dark eyes with strong facial pigment.
Bernese Mountain Dog	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Switzerland	Large, tri-colored Swiss farm dog, gentle and affectionate. AKC/FCI call for dark brown, slightly oval eyes; light eyes are undesirable. Most Berners display notably dark eyes that soften their expression, though minor variation exists between lines.
Saint Bernard	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Switzerland	Giant alpine rescuer, calm and devoted. Breed standards favor dark brown eyes; slightly lighter browns occur but aren’t typical. Proper eye shape and pigment maintain the classic kind expression owners expect in well-bred adults.
Newfoundland	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Canada	Giant, water-loving working dog, famously sweet-natured. Standards require dark brown eyes; lighter browns may appear in some landseers. Most Newfs have rich, dark eyes that emphasize their gentle demeanor and hallmark “nanny dog” reputation.
Great Pyrenees	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	France/Spain	Majestic, large livestock guardian with a calm, independent streak. Standards call for dark brown eyes; light or staring eyes are penalized. Adults typically show deeply pigmented, dark eyes that contrast their white coats.
Akita	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Japan	Large, powerful spitz guardian with a dignified, loyal temperament. Standards specify dark brown, triangular, deeply set eyes; lighter shades detract from correct expression. Most Akitas present notably dark eyes in adulthood.
Shiba Inu	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Japan	Compact spitz with a foxlike face and spirited independence. Breed standards prefer dark brown, triangular eyes for a keen look. Occasionally, very slight lightening occurs in certain coats, but dark eyes remain typical in mature dogs.
Chow Chow	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	China	Lion-like spitz with a blue-black tongue and aloof dignity. Standards call for dark brown, deep-set eyes; light eyes are undesirable. Adults typically show strong pigment and dark eyes, enhancing their serious, scowling expression.
Chinese Shar-Pei	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	China	Medium-sized wrinkled dog with a devoted, reserved demeanor. Breed standards prefer very dark eyes; lighter amber may occur in dilute coats but isn’t typical. Expect dark eyes and heavy pigment in most Shar-Pei, especially non-dilutes.
Alaskan Malamute	Canis lupus familiaris	brown	United States	Large, powerful sled dog bred for endurance. Standards specify brown eyes; darker is preferred, and blue is a disqualification (AKC). Adults overwhelmingly have brown eyes, supporting a warm, wolfish expression distinct from blue-eyed Husky cousins.
Samoyed	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Siberia	Smiling, medium-large spitz with a sparkling white coat and affectionate nature. Standards require dark eyes; blue is disqualifying (AKC). Most adults show dark almond eyes that create the characteristic “Sammy smile.”
Norwegian Elkhound	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Norway	Hardy, medium spitz hound with a gray coat and curled tail. Standards call for dark brown eyes that are not protruding; light eyes are faulty. Adults generally present dark eyes that match their keen hunting expression.
Keeshond	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Netherlands	Medium, silver-and-black spitz with spectacles markings and a friendly disposition. Standards require dark brown eyes; lighter tones would spoil the characteristic expression. Expect uniformly dark eyes in well-bred adult dogs.
Basenji	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Central Africa	Elegant, lightly built sighthound that yodels instead of barking. Standards favor dark, almond-shaped eyes; lighter shades occur but are not preferred. Adults typically present rich, dark eyes that contribute to the breed’s quizzical, wrinkled forehead look.
Rhodesian Ridgeback	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Southern Africa	Athletic, medium–large hound with a trademark ridge. Standards match eye shade to nose: black nose usually dark brown eyes; liver nose often amber. Dark eyes are common, but liver-nosed dogs may show amber—still within standard.
Greyhound	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Sleek, large sighthound built for speed and calm companionship. Standards call for dark eyes enhancing a gentle, intelligent expression. Some individuals show medium brown, but dark brown is typical in mature dogs across most coat colors.
Whippet	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Medium sighthound, affectionate and athletic. Standards prefer large, dark eyes; very light or staring eyes are undesirable. Adults predominantly present dark brown eyes that soften their sweet, biddable expression at home.
Saluki	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown to hazel	Middle East	Graceful, feathered-eared sighthound with a gentle, sensitive nature. Standards allow dark to hazel eyes; dark brown is common. Expect slight variation across colors, but mature dogs typically show well-pigmented, expressive eyes.
Irish Wolfhound	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Ireland	Giant, rough-coated sighthound known for a kind, dignified temperament. Standards prefer dark eyes; yellow or light eyes are faults. Adults usually present dark brown eyes that complete the calm, soulful expression fans adore.
Scottish Deerhound	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Scotland	Tall, rough-coated sighthound with a gentle, dignified demeanor. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; lighter browns occur but aren’t ideal. Most adults have distinctly dark eyes complementing their wiry coat and soft expression.
Dalmatian	Canis lupus familiaris	brown to dark brown	Croatia	Athletic spotted companion with a cheerful outlook. Breed standards favor brown eyes; blue or mismatched eyes are discouraged or disqualifying depending on registry. Most adults display brown to dark brown eyes that fit the classic expression.
German Shorthaired Pointer	Canis lupus familiaris	medium to dark brown	Germany	Versatile, medium–large gundog, energetic and trainable. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; yellow is undesirable. Adults typically show medium to dark brown eyes across liver or liver-and-white coats.
German Wirehaired Pointer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Rugged, bearded hunting dog with a weatherproof coat. Breed standards call for dark brown eyes; light eyes are faults. Mature dogs generally present dark eyes that reinforce their keen, intelligent look in the field and at home.
Pointer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Elegant, athletic gundog with a noble head and graceful lines. Standards require dark eyes; lighter shades detract from expression. Adults commonly show deep brown eyes that harmonize with their sleek, short coat.
Flat-Coated Retriever	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Cheerful, medium–large retriever with a glossy black or liver coat. Standards call for dark brown eyes; yellow or piercing eyes are faults. Expect a warm, dark-eyed expression in mature dogs across both accepted colors.
Curly-Coated Retriever	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Distinctive tight curls on a tall, athletic retriever. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; lighter shades can appear in liver but aren’t ideal. Most adults show dark eyes that contribute to the breed’s confident, friendly expression.
English Springer Spaniel	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Medium gundog, eager and biddable, with a merry tail. Standards favor dark brown eyes; light eyes are faulty. Liver/white dogs may show slightly lighter brown, but dark eyes remain typical and preferred.
English Cocker Spaniel	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Compact, merry gundog with flowing ears. Standards require dark brown eyes; very light or yellow eyes are faults. Liver-roan dogs can trend a bit lighter, but the typical adult expression is distinctly dark-eyed and soft.
American Cocker Spaniel	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	United States	Smallest sporting spaniel with a cheerful, affectionate nature. Standards call for dark brown eyes; very light or blue are penalized. Merle lines can show atypical eye colors, but typical, well-bred Cockers have rich, dark eyes.
English Setter	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Elegant, feathered gundog with a sweet, friendly temperament. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; light eyes spoil expression. Most adults present well-pigmented dark eyes across the Belton color patterns.
Gordon Setter	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Scotland	Substantial black-and-tan setter with endurance and loyalty. Breed standards require dark brown eyes; light or yellow is undesirable. Expect a rich, dark-eyed expression typical of mature dogs in correct color and pigment.
Irish Setter	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown to hazel	Ireland	Glamorous red-coated gundog, lively and affectionate. Standards allow dark brown to hazel; darker is generally preferred. Many adults show dark brown eyes, though some lines lean hazel—still within standard.
Belgian Malinois	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Belgium	Agile, medium herder prized for drive and trainability. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; yellow or light eyes are faults. Most adults have dark eyes that enhance the intense, alert expression Malinois are known for.
Belgian Sheepdog	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Belgium	Black-coated, elegant herder (Groenendael) with keen intelligence. Standards call for dark brown eyes; light eyes detract from expression. Adults characteristically present dark, almond eyes that match their rich pigment.
Standard Schnauzer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Medium, bearded multipurpose dog, spirited and smart. Breed standards require dark brown eyes; light eyes are undesirable. Most adults show dark, oval eyes that enhance the classic keen, whiskered expression.
Giant Schnauzer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Powerful, large working schnauzer with a commanding presence. Standards call for dark brown eyes; light eyes are faulty. Expect strongly pigmented, dark eyes in mature dogs, complementing black or pepper-and-salt coats.
Miniature Schnauzer	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Germany	Small but sturdy terrier-type companion, lively and trainable. Standards prefer dark brown eyes; light eyes spoil expression. Most adults have distinctly dark eyes across color varieties, including salt-and-pepper, black, and black-and-silver.
American Staffordshire Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	United States	Muscular, affectionate companion with steady temperament. Standards favor dark, round eyes; very light or pink rims are undesirable. Adults typically show dark brown eyes that balance a broad head and strong cheek muscles.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	England	Compact, athletic “Staffy,” famously people-oriented. Breed standards prefer dark brown eyes; lighter shades may appear in some coat colors but aren’t ideal. Mature dogs commonly present rich, dark eyes that fit the breed’s warm expression.
Border Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	United Kingdom	Hardy, small terrier with an otter-like head and a friendly, game attitude. Standards require dark eyes; light or prominent eyes are faults. Most adults have notably dark brown eyes that enhance the keen, kind expression.
Cairn Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Scotland	Small, shaggy earthdog with a bold, cheerful spirit. Standards call for dark brown eyes; light eyes detract. Expect compact adults with bright, dark eyes peeking beneath brows, regardless of typical coat shades.
West Highland White Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	Scotland	Small, sturdy white terrier, confident and affectionate. Standards require dark brown, wide-set eyes for a lively expression. Very rarely a lighter brown appears, but dark is the norm in mature Westies.
Boston Terrier	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	United States	Compact, tuxedo-coated companion with a friendly, lively temperament. Standards favor large, dark round eyes; very light eyes are undesirable. Most adults display dark eyes that suit the breed’s expressive, people-focused nature.
Pug	Canis lupus familiaris	dark brown	China	Small, charming companion with a wrinkled face and curly tail. Standards call for large, dark eyes; light or protruding eyes are faults. Mature Pugs typically show very dark brown eyes that emphasize their comic, loving expression.