Light Eyes

[HeatherD92]

Hello! I'm curious of everyone's opinion on "light eyes," in the English Mastiff. My Remi has light eyes and I think it makes her look unique and beautiful. I've never received anything but compliments about her "amazing eyes." But, they are frowned upon by the AKC. I whole heartedly trust the AKC but I would like to know why "light eyes" are frowned upon? I've researched and can't find any reason that they would effect their health negatively, do they just not "like" the look?


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[Nik]

Hello! I'm curious of everyone's opinion on "light eyes," in the English Mastiff. My Remi has light eyes and I think it makes her look unique and beautiful. I've never received anything but compliments about her "amazing eyes." But, they are frowned upon by the AKC. I whole heartedly trust the AKC but I would like to know why "light eyes" are frowned upon? I've researched and can't find any reason that they would effect their health negatively, do they just not "like" the look?


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In my understanding most of the physical breed standards for any breed are about consistency. A lot of breed standards will include rules about coloring or markings which definitely doesn't have any impact on health. It's just a consistent standard for that particular breed. I believe it's just a way of making sure all the breed enthusiasts are working toward the same common goals and that nobody is experimenting by mixing in other breeds etc. If you aren't showing or breeding though then I don't see any problem with having a unique pup who doesn't meet the standard. I am curious to see a pic of the light eyes. I bet they are beautiful. <3

 

[HeatherD92]

In my understanding most of the physical breed standards for any breed are about consistency. A lot of breed standards will include rules about coloring or markings which definitely doesn't have any impact on health. It's just a consistent standard for that particular breed. I believe it's just a way of making sure all the breed enthusiasts are working toward the same common goals and that nobody is experimenting by mixing in other breeds etc. If you aren't showing or breeding though then I don't see any problem with having a unique pup who doesn't meet the standard. I am curious to see a pic of the light eyes. I bet they are beautiful. <3

That does make sense, and I agree, but I plan to show Remi. Because though "light eyes" are frowned upon, they are not a disqualification. I believe she makes up for that fault in demeanor and confirmation. Remi is hopefully expecting atm, but I was careful to breed her to a non "light eyed" , non carrier male. Any puppies that inherit Remi's light eyes will be homed on a "pet-only contract." These are pictures of Remi as a puppy, and Remi as an adult!

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[Nik]

Remi is just gorgeous. I agree her eyes are very pretty. It sounds like you have a good handle on the situation in regards to the breeding and showing. I have never shown dogs as my only pure bred (a standard poodle) was pet quality not show quality. I have shown cats (bengals) many years ago so I do understand the trade offs when evaluating how they will do in the ring and temperament is so very important. I had one bengal that was a perfect example of the breed physically but she just didn't have the temperament for the show ring. I had another that had slightly less than perfect ears (a little bigger then they should have been) but was perfect in every other respect and had the best temperament you can possibly imagine. She did beautifully in the shows as a result. So as you say one "fault" can often be made up in other areas.

 

[HeatherD92]

Thankyou! She's my best friend. I can't wait to experience what the future holds with her. Thankyou for your input, it means a lot!


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[Smokeycat]

I've got a light eyed mastiff and I do love how they look in his dark face. As far as I've been able to discover it is just a cosmetic issue with breed standard.

 

[Cher]

I just got a beautiful male English Mastiff with light eyes. I think they are hazel. They change colors depending on where he's near. They turn gold green when he lays on grass, for example. I love it. I'm not going to show him because I don't have a clue on how to do it, but I think he's simply gorgeous. He has a unique mask that makes him look like he's wearing a batman mask. So funny.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

I just got a beautiful male English Mastiff with light eyes. I think they are hazel. They change colors depending on where he's near. They turn gold green when he lays on grass, for example. I love it. I'm not going to show him because I don't have a clue on how to do it, but I think he's simply gorgeous. He has a unique mask that makes him look like he's wearing a batman mask. So funny.

This Puppy Is The Cutest....Oh, I just want to snuggle him up. But pretty soon he won't be a lap puppy, he'll own the couch. But how can you not want one? So cute!