Cross Eyed Dog Breeds: Why Some Dogs Are Cross Eyed and What It Means

If you've noticed your dog's eyes don't quite align — one drifting inward toward the nose or outward toward the ear — you're not alone. A cross eyed dog is more common than many owners realize, and in most cases, the condition (medically called strabismus) is cosmetic rather than dangerous. But understanding why your dog is cross eyed, which breeds are predisposed, and when the condition signals something more serious is essential for responsible ownership.

This guide covers the veterinary science behind strabismus in dogs, the breeds most commonly affected, how to distinguish harmless congenital crossed eyes from acquired symptoms requiring urgent care, and practical daily-life considerations for living with a cross eyed dog.

What Causes a Dog to Be Cross Eyed?

Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement (the extraocular muscles) or the nerves that signal them don't function symmetrically. The result is one or both eyes deviating from normal alignment. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, strabismus in dogs falls into two broad categories:

Congenital (Inherited) Strabismus

Present from puppyhood, usually noticed between 6 and 12 weeks of age as the eyes fully open and begin tracking. This type results from:

• Anatomical muscle attachment differences — the extraocular muscles attach at slightly abnormal positions on the eyeball
• Neurological wiring variations — the brain's signaling to eye muscles develops asymmetrically
• Skull structure — brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds with shallow eye sockets have less room for proper muscle alignment

Congenital strabismus is typically non-progressive, meaning it doesn't worsen over time, and the dog's brain adapts to the visual input difference early in development.

Acquired Strabismus

This develops later in life in a dog that previously had normal eye alignment. Causes include:

• Vestibular disease — inner ear or brainstem dysfunction affecting balance and eye position
• Trauma — head injury damaging nerves (particularly cranial nerves III, IV, or VI) or eye muscles
• Orbital tumors or abscesses — space-occupying lesions pushing the eye out of position
• Neurological conditions — brain tumors, inflammatory diseases like granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME), or myasthenia gravis
• Muscle fibrosis — scarring of extraocular muscles after inflammation or injury

Breeds Most Commonly Affected by Strabismus

While any dog can develop strabismus, certain breeds have well-documented predispositions. The condition is particularly prevalent in brachycephalic breeds and some toy breeds due to their skull conformation.

The American Kennel Club notes that brachycephalic breeds' compressed skulls create shallow orbital cavities, meaning the eyes sit more prominently and the extraocular muscles have less space to function optimally. This is why crossed eyes appear so frequently in flat-faced breeds.

Types of Strabismus in Dogs Explained

Understanding the direction of your dog's eye deviation helps veterinarians pinpoint the cause:

Esotropia (Convergent Strabismus)

The eye turns inward toward the nose. This is the most common form in brachycephalic breeds. Both eyes may appear to "cross" when the dog looks straight ahead. In Boston Terriers and Pugs, mild esotropia is so common it's almost considered a breed characteristic.

Exotropia (Divergent Strabismus)

The eye turns outward toward the ear. More commonly seen in Chihuahuas and some larger breeds. Sometimes called a "wall eye" when severe.

Hypertropia and Hypotropia

The eye deviates upward (hypertropia) or downward (hypotropia). These are rarer and more often associated with acquired neurological conditions or trauma rather than congenital causes.

Dorsolateral Strabismus

The eye deviates upward and outward — this is a hallmark sign of vestibular disease and should always prompt immediate veterinary evaluation.

Does a Cross Eyed Dog Have Vision Problems?

This is the most common question owners ask, and the answer depends on the type and severity:

Congenital Strabismus and Vision

Dogs born with strabismus typically have excellent functional vision. Here's why:

• Brain adaptation: A puppy's developing brain learns to process the slightly different visual input from each eye. Unlike humans, dogs rely less on binocular (two-eye) depth perception and more on monocular cues like motion parallax and head movement.
• Compensatory mechanisms: Dogs use their whiskers, hearing, and sense of smell to supplement any minor depth perception gaps.
• No pain or discomfort: Congenital strabismus doesn't cause eye strain or headaches the way it might in humans.

That said, severely affected dogs may have slightly reduced depth perception at close range. You might notice a mildly cross eyed puppy occasionally misjudging the distance to a tossed treat — they adapt quickly by using their nose to locate it.

Acquired Strabismus and Vision

When strabismus develops in an adult dog, vision may be affected because the brain has already established its normal processing patterns. Double vision (diplopia) can occur temporarily, though dogs often suppress the image from the deviated eye over time. The underlying cause (tumor, trauma, vestibular disease) is usually a far greater concern than the vision impact itself.

Diagnosing Strabismus: What to Expect at the Vet

If you bring your cross eyed dog to the veterinarian, here's what the diagnostic process typically involves:

For a Puppy With Congenital Strabismus

A basic ophthalmic exam is usually sufficient. Your vet will:

• Perform a Schirmer tear test ($15–$30) to check tear production — important in brachycephalic breeds prone to dry eye
• Apply fluorescein stain ($20–$40) to check for corneal ulcers, which are common in prominent-eyed breeds
• Assess menace response and pupillary light reflexes to confirm neurological pathways are intact
• Evaluate overall eye position and range of motion

Total cost for a routine ophthalmic exam with these tests: $75–$150 at a general practice.

For an Adult Dog With Acquired Strabismus

Expect a more extensive (and expensive) workup:

• Complete neurological exam — assessing cranial nerves, proprioception, and vestibular function
• Blood work (CBC, chemistry panel, thyroid): $150–$300
• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI of the brain/orbits): $1,500–$3,500
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap if inflammatory or infectious disease is suspected: $500–$1,000
• Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist: consultation fee $150–$300

Treatment Options for Cross Eyed Dogs

Congenital Strabismus: Usually No Treatment Needed

The vast majority of dogs born with strabismus require no treatment whatsoever. The condition doesn't cause pain, doesn't progressively worsen, and doesn't significantly impair quality of life. Surgical correction is technically possible — a veterinary ophthalmologist can reposition the extraocular muscles — but it's rarely recommended because:

• The risks of general anesthesia outweigh the cosmetic benefit
• The dog has already adapted neurologically
• Post-surgical scarring can create new alignment issues
• Cost ranges from $1,500–$3,000+ per eye with no functional improvement guarantee

Acquired Strabismus: Treat the Underlying Cause

Treatment depends entirely on what's causing the eye deviation:

• Vestibular disease (idiopathic): Often resolves on its own within 2–4 weeks with supportive care (anti-nausea medication, assisted feeding). Prognosis is generally good.
• Ear infection (otitis media/interna): Antibiotics or antifungal medications for 4–8 weeks. Cost: $100–$400.
• Orbital tumor: Surgical removal, radiation, or palliative care depending on tumor type. Cost: $2,000–$8,000+.
• Myasthenia gravis: Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., prednisone) and pyridostigmine. Ongoing medication costs $50–$150/month.
• Trauma: Anti-inflammatory medications, time, and in severe cases, surgical repair. Prognosis varies with injury severity.

Always consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Never attempt to treat acquired strabismus at home without professional guidance.

Living With a Cross Eyed Dog: Daily Care Tips

Caring for a cross eyed dog is remarkably similar to caring for any other dog, with a few breed-specific considerations if your dog is brachycephalic:

Eye Protection and Maintenance

• Daily eye wiping: Use a sterile, vet-recommended eye wipe or damp gauze to remove discharge from the inner corner of the eyes. Brachycephalic breeds with prominent eyes accumulate tear staining quickly.
• Corneal protection: Dogs with prominent eyes are at higher risk for corneal scratches from branches, grass, and cat claws. Consider Rex Specs or similar protective eyewear ($80–$130) for off-leash hiking.
• Avoid irritants: Keep shampoo, flea sprays, and household cleaners away from the eye area. Use a damp cloth to clean around the face rather than spraying directly.

Exercise and Enrichment Adaptations

A cross eyed dog with congenital strabismus can participate in virtually any activity. However, a few practical adjustments help:

• Treat tossing: Toss treats closer and at chest level rather than high arcs — this compensates for any minor depth perception differences.
• Agility and sports: Most cross eyed dogs can compete in agility, rally, and nose work without any disadvantage. Many Boston Terrier owners compete successfully in AKC performance events.
• Stair navigation: Puppies with pronounced strabismus may initially hesitate at stairs. Use positive reinforcement and a treat lure to build confidence. Never force or carry them — let them learn at their own pace.

Brachycephalic-Specific Health Monitoring

If your cross eyed dog is a flat-faced breed, the eye condition is just one piece of a broader health picture. Monitor for:

• Proptosis (eye displacement from the socket) — this is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Keep a gentle restraint harness rather than a neck collar to avoid pressure on the jugular veins and orbital area.
• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) — exercise intolerance, snoring, and heat sensitivity. Avoid strenuous exercise in temperatures above 75°F (24°C).
• Dental crowding — compressed jaws mean teeth overlap, increasing periodontal disease risk. Budget for professional dental cleanings ($400–$800) every 1–2 years.

Cost of Owning a Cross Eyed Dog

The strabismus itself doesn't add significant cost to dog ownership. Your expenses will primarily reflect your dog's breed and any associated health conditions rather than the crossed eyes specifically.

Budget-conscious owners should strongly consider pet insurance, particularly for brachycephalic breeds where a single emergency (proptosis repair, BOAS surgery) can exceed $3,000–$8,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Eyed Dogs

Is a cross eyed dog in pain?

No. Congenital strabismus is painless. The dog's eye muscles aren't strained — they're simply attached or signaling differently. If your dog is squinting, pawing at the eye, or has redness and discharge alongside the deviation, that indicates a separate problem (corneal ulcer, infection, glaucoma) requiring veterinary attention.

Can a cross eyed dog live a normal life?

Absolutely. Dogs with congenital strabismus have normal lifespans, normal activity levels, and normal quality of life. The condition is cosmetic — it bothers owners far more than it bothers dogs. Many champion show dogs and performance sport competitors have mild strabismus.

Will my puppy grow out of being cross eyed?

Generally, no. If strabismus is present at 8–12 weeks, it's likely permanent. Some very mild cases in young puppies may appear to improve as facial bones grow, but significant congenital strabismus persists throughout life. This isn't a concern — just a permanent characteristic.

Should I avoid breeding a cross eyed dog?

Responsible breeders typically avoid breeding dogs with pronounced strabismus, as it can be heritable. If you adopted a cross eyed dog and are considering breeding, consult a veterinary ophthalmologist and review the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) eye certification (CAER) program. Spaying/neutering is the recommended path for most pet dogs with congenital strabismus.

Can strabismus in dogs be fixed with surgery?

Technically yes — a veterinary ophthalmologist can perform extraocular muscle surgery. However, it's almost never recommended for congenital cases because the risks (anesthesia, scarring, overcorrection) outweigh the purely cosmetic benefit. For acquired strabismus, treating the underlying cause sometimes resolves the eye deviation without direct eye surgery.

Is my cross eyed dog more likely to go blind?

Strabismus alone does not cause blindness. However, brachycephalic breeds prone to strabismus are also at higher risk for conditions that can threaten vision — including corneal ulcers, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and proptosis. Regular veterinary eye exams (at least annually) are the best protection.