Its In The Eyes

One of the most striking features of the breed is of course their eyes.  Many people, however, still believe the Siberian can only have blue eyes.  Or that brown eyes indicate the dog is a mixed breed.  This information is incorrect.  We are blessed to have a breed that hosts a wide variety of eye colors and combinations.  None are particularly rare, and none have any weight on the purity of the lines.  All of the following are correct- Per the written standard, Eyes may be brown or blue in color; one of each or parti-colored are acceptable.

Where eye color is immaterial, what is less so is the shape and set of the eye.  The Siberian should have an almond shaped eye with a slightly oblique set.  This helps protect the eye in severe weather.  A round buggy eye will freeze faster than an almond shaped eye will.  As a northern breed, this is an important feature and lends to the overall appearance and expression.

Eyes too round and protruding- may indicate a medical issue

Parti-Eye presentation, also nicely shaped eye with a slightly oblique set

While color is immaterial, what is less so is the importance of health testing the eyes.  With the number of heritable eye health disorders within the breed, it is recommended that all Siberians considered for or in breeding programs be annually tested for heritable eye disease.  Testing must be done by an ACVO licensed veterinarian and preferably submitted to OFA's CAER program or the SHCA's SHOR program.