5 Mesmerizing Animals With Green Eyes

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: September 4, 2023
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With all of the different eye colors, perhaps you’ve pondered at some point, which eye color is the most uncommon. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has determined that the correct answer is “green.” In fact, the percentage of mammals with green eyes is surprisingly low; only about 2%. Everyone else has either brown or hazel eyes. Several different types of animal species have green eyes. Here, you’ll find some interesting facts about five different kinds of animals with green eyes, as well as some cute photographs of these fascinating creatures!

Border collies contain the merle gene that makes them more likely to have green, blue, or even multiple eye colors.

5 Mesmerizing Animals With Green Eyes

1. Green-Eyed Tree Frogs

green-eyed tree frog

Closeup of a green-eyed tree frog (Litoria serrata) showing its distinct eye color from which it derives its common name. Cairns, Queensland, Australia

©Vision Wildlife/Shutterstock.com

The green-eyed tree frog is a type of tree frog native to the Wet Tropics of Australia. It belongs to the family Pelodryadidae. Their common identifying feature, a thin stripe of bright green across the brows of their enormous eyes, is where the name comes from.

It is because of this lack of a neck that frogs have eyes that are so huge and prominent. That ability to look in all directions is thanks to their unique eyes. The green-eyed treefrog’s pattern of colors serves to conceal it from potential enemies. Colorful frogs are warning potential predators of their toxicity.

2. Lemur

green-eyed lemur

Many lemurs have green eyes.

©Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock.com

The tiny island of Madagascar is home to a unique species of primates known as lemurs. Several of them even have gorgeous green eyes in addition to being really lovely overall! The vision of lemurs is likewise pretty special. All male ruffed lemurs, for instance, have two cones in their eyes and are hence dichromats. They lack the ability to distinguish between the colors red and green, making them red-green colorblind. Their environment is full of various shades of blue, yellow, green, and more.

A large number of women have this view. However, some female ruffed lemurs are trichromats because of a mutation on the X chromosome; they have three cones in their eyes like humans. They have a good understanding of color distinctions between red and green.

Those who are red-green colorblind may have an advantage when trying to locate fossas. This is because they have an advantage over trichromats, whose vision is based mostly on color, in the detection of lines and patterns.

3. American Pit Bull Terrier

american pit bull terrier

One of the few purebred dog breeds with green eyes is the American Pit

Bull Terrier

.

©Juan Pablo Axia/Shutterstock.com

Among purebred dogs, the American pit bull terrier is one of the only ones whose eyes are often green but can also be blue, brown, or hazel. Heterochromia, where one or both eyes are a different color, occurs extremely infrequently. This is because all or part of one eye does not produce enough of the pigment melanin, leading to the condition. Dogs with heterochromia have an eye that is either completely or mostly colorless due to a lack of melanin. In many cases of canine heterochromia, the condition is inherited.

And despite their bulky appearance, these canines are actually huge softies. They have piercing eyes, but they also have a powerful frame and a shiny coat that can be any color from brown to black to brindle to white.

4. Border Collie

border collie pup

Border Collies can have green eyes.

©Bettina Herrmann/Shutterstock.com

Border Collies with vivid green eyes are a rarity but not impossible to find. Border collies were originally designed to herd sheep, and some of them have a “brindle” coat, which means they contain the merle gene that makes them more likely to have green, blue, or even multiple eye colors. A dog’s coat and eyes can be affected by the merle gene. It’s also what causes some canine coats to have blotchy patterns. It’s worth noting that the merle gene does not exclusively result in green eye pigment in dogs. It can also give rise to a variety of eye colors, including blue and amber.

 It’s important to note that the merle gene is neither breed- nor dog-specific. The gene appears in both purebred and mixed-breed animals. Nonetheless, the overall likelihood of being born with green eyes is practically nil.

5. Egyptian Mau

egyptian mau

The Egyptian Mau has unique green eyes.

©Nynke van Holten/Shutterstock.com

The eyes of an Egyptian Mau, or Mau, are always a vivid green. Gooseberry green is a common name for this pastel shade of green. It’s preferable if the green were brighter. Big, almond-shaped green eyes slightly cocked. There aren’t very many of these kitties around. It’s highly unlikely that any of your close friends, neighbors, or coworkers have an Egyptian Mau cat.

Beautiful as they may be these felines do not come cheap. Masculine and female cats, for instance, can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500, with the price varying greatly based on factors such as coat color, overall health, and intended usage in breeding programs. Kittens with silver spots or bronze spots typically cost $1,200 to $1,400.

Summary of 5 Mesmerizing Animals With Green Eyes

NumberAnimal
1Green-Eyed Tree Frogs
2Lemur
3American Pit Bull Terrier
4Border Collie
5Egyptian Mau
Summary Table of 5 Mesmerizing Animals With Green Eyes

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lyonstock/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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