White pitbulls, also known as American Pit Bull Terriers, are a popular dog breed known for their muscular build, loyalty, and intelligence. One of the most distinguishing features of white pitbulls are their eye colors, which can vary dramatically between each dog. Understanding the common eye colors for white pitbulls can help owners better appreciate the unique appearances of their pups.
Common Eye Colors in White Pitbulls
While pitbulls are most commonly associated with brown eyes, white pitbulls actually display a wider spectrum of possible eye shades. Here are some of the most often seen eye colors for white pitbull dogs:
- Ice blue
- Pale blue
- Blue-grey
- Hazel
- Green
- Amber
- Brown
The blue shades are considered the most striking eye colors for white pitbulls and are a sign of a true lack of melanin pigment. However, there can be significant variation even within each eye color category. The blue hues can range from a very pale ice blue to a deeper grey-blue. Greens and hazels have a similar depth of tones. The key is that for white pitbulls, no matter the exact hue, their eyes will stand out vividly against their snow-white coats.
What Causes the Different Eye Colors?
Eye color in any dog breed, including white pitbulls, comes down to genetics. More specifically, it is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment produced. Melanin occurs in two forms:
- Eumelanin – A brown/black pigment
- Pheomelanin – A red/yellow pigment
The more melanin present in the iris, the darker the eye color will appear. Brown eyes have a lot of eumelanin, while blue eyes have almost no melanin at all. Green eyes fall somewhere in the middle with modest melanin levels. Since white pitbulls lack darker eumelanin, they are unable to physically produce brown eyes. However, the exact hue that manifests is dependent on their genetics.
How Genetics Determine Eye Color
Several different genes play a role in controlling eye color in dogs. The primary ones are:
- SILV gene – Causes a loss of pigment in the coat and eyes when mutated. This mutation is common in white pitbulls and is what causes their pale blue eyes.
- TYRP1 gene – Produces brown eumelanin. Normal function results in brown eyes, but when mutated, less eumelanin is present allowing lighter shades to show through.
- CBD103 gene – Specifies whether eumelanin or pheomelanin pigment gets produced. Variations cause a range in blues and greens.
The interactions between these genes explain why white pitbulls can have such varying eye colors, even within the same litter. However, the blue hues are most commonly connected to the SILV mutations which prevent overall pigment production.
Do Eye Colors Change as They Age?
Many people wonder if white pitbulls are born with their final eye color, or if it develops and deepens over time. The answer is that while subtle changes can occur, most white pitbulls are born with their mature eye shade already present. Here’s some more information about the timeline:
- Newborn pups – The eyes are sealed shut, so colors cannot be determined. However, genetics have already set the initial eye color that will appear.
- 2 weeks – The eyes open and the pigment begins to show through. The final hue is usually present.
- 4-6 weeks – Some lightening or darkening of the eyes may continue as melanin levels adjust.
- 3-4 months – Eye color is fully set and finalized, barring any minor changes.
While subtle shifts are possible, if a white pitbull is born with ice blue eyes, they will remain blue. Some development happens those first few months, but genetics determine if they stay light or become speckled with flecks of darker color. The change is more pronounced in other breeds like Dalmatians that transition from blue to brown.
Do Eye Colors Indicate Anything About Health or Temperament?
There are a few myths and stereotypes that blue or green eyes in a white pitbull signals health or behavior problems. However, no firm evidence supports this. Eye color itself has no impact on vision or health. The only exception would be if a dog had complete heterochromia (one eye brown, one blue). This can signal underlying genetic conditions. But in white pitbulls, varying eye colors are entirely normal.
There are also stereotypes that blue-eyed pitbulls have more aggressive tendencies. Again, there is no proof this eye color itself affects temperament in any way. With proper training and socialization, white pitbulls with pale eyes can make very devoted gentle pets.
Common Eye Color Combinations
Now that we’ve covered the main eye colors for white pitbulls, let’s look at some typical eye color pairings seen:
| Eye Color Combo | Description |
|---|---|
| Ice blue and ice blue | This uniform pale blue eye shade is the most sought after and unique. It gives an almost husky-like appearance. |
| Pale blue and pale blue | Slightly darker blue tones, but still uniformly blue eyes. Very striking against white fur. |
| One blue, one partially blue | One eye fully blue while the other has some flecks or marbling of brown/green. |
| Blue and green | Varying levels of melanin between the eyes leads to one eye appearing more blue and the other more greenish. |
| Blue and amber | One eye has less melanin producing blue while the other has higher pheomelanin producing amber tones. |
As you can see, heterochromia with varying shades between eyes is common in white pitbulls. Uniform ice blue or pale blue eyes is considered the most aesthetically striking by many, but all combinations make for a beautiful pup!
Caring for Blue and Green-Eyed White Pitbulls
Are there any special considerations for white pitbulls with light-colored eyes when it comes to care? A few things owners should keep in mind are:
- Use a doggy sunscreen – Blue and green eyes are more sensitive to UV damage from the sun. Keep their eyes protected.
- Watch for eye stains – Light eyes show tear stains more easily. Gently wipe the area daily.
- Supplement with L-Carnitine – This amino acid has been shown to improve pigmentation and reduce staining in some dogs.
- Provide eye lubricants – Dogs with pale eyes are prone to dry eye. Use moisturizing eye drops if needed.
- Consider a doggie pair of sunglasses – For very light-sensitive pups, sunglasses can help reduce eyestrain and squinting in bright light.
While stunning, the unique eye colors of white pitbulls do require some minor extra maintenance. But most owners agree the beautiful blue, green, amber, and hazel eyes are well worth it!
In Conclusion
White pitbulls display a stunning range of possible eye colors ranging from pale ice blues to hazels and greens. This is caused by a lack of melanin pigment production allowing lighter hues to show through. While some subtle development may occur, most white pitbulls are born with their mature eye color already in place based on their genetics.
Contrary to some myths, the eye shade itself has no bearing on vision, health, or temperament. With appropriate training and socialization, white pitbulls with pale eyes can make very affectionate and loyal companions. Their eye color just provides them with a uniquely beautiful appearance that owners can treasure for years to come.
So if you’re considering adding one of these striking white pitbulls to your family in the future, expect an adorable puppy with mesmerizing eyes. With the right care and affection, they will return the love back tenfold regardless of their eye color.