Have you ever seen a golden retriever with blue eyes?
What did you think?
There are lots of rumors and misunderstandings about blue-eyed golden retrievers, but this post will clear it all up for you.
Here’s a sneak preview of what you’ll learn:
- Whether or not golden retrievers can actually have blue eyes
- Why golden retriever puppies are born with blue eyes (and what happens as they get older)
- A big warning about getting a blue-eyed golden retriever from a breeder
- What medical problems cause goldens to have blue eyes
- And much more
Let’s dive in!
Can Golden Retrievers Have Blue Eyes?
Yes, golden retrievers can have blue eyes, but not in the traditional sense.
Young puppies may have blue eyes, old goldens with cataracts may appear to have blue eyes, and golden retriever mixes may have blue eyes.
However, purebred adult golden retrievers won’t have blue eyes.
So the answer to, “can golden retrievers have blue eyes?” is a little more complicated than it might seem.
To start out, let’s talk about “typical” golden retrievers.
Golden Retriever Breed Standard: Brown Eyes
Here’s what the AKC golden retriever breed standard says about what color a golden retriever’s eyes should be:
“Color preferably dark brown; medium brown acceptable.”
And here’s what the KC golden retriever breed standard (UK’s kennel club) says about what color a golden retrieve