Are Dogs Color Blind?

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like to your dog? Do dogs see colors like we do, or is their vision limited to shades of gray? 

As dog owners, we all want to understand our pets and their experiences, and knowing how they see the world is a fascinating topic … so buckle up, because you’re about to learn the truth about dogs and colorblindness. 

So … Are Dogs Color Blind?

Dogs aren’t color blind in the way that many people believe. For example, if you were told like so many of us that “dogs only see the world in black and white,” that’s not true, and dogs are not color blind in that sense.

Your dog can see colors! 

But even though dogs can see color, their color vision is not as rich and vibrant as a human’s. Dogs have what’s known as dichromatic color vision … meaning that they have only two types of color receptors in their eyes. This means that dogs see a limited range of colors and cannot distinguish between certain hues. So in a way… dogs are color blind, in the sense that they see the world similarly to a color blind human.

Humans who are not color blind have three types of color receptors, which allow us to see a wider color spectrum than dogs and distinguish between different hues more effectively. So the world appears much more colorful to you and me than it does to our furry friends.

Before you get upset, it’s also important to note that this difference in color vision does not affect your dog's quality of life or his ability to navigate and interact with his environment. Dogs have other senses, like their sense of smell and hearing, that are much more developed than a human's and help them navigate their world effectively.

What Colors Can Dogs See?

The two types of color receptors that dogs have in their eyes are sensitive to blue and yellow wavelengths of light. This means your dog can easily see these colors and they appear bright and distinct to him. 

You may even notice that your dog is more interested in toys or treats that are blue or yellow in color, compared to other colors.

What Colors Can’t Dogs See?

Dogs have more trouble when it comes to seeing red, orange, and green hues. These colors appear as shades of gray or brown to them, making them hard to distinguish. 

Again, this is another instance where thinking of dogs as color blind is partially true, because color blind humans traditionally have trouble distinguishing between red and green as well.

Can Dogs See Red?

Dogs can technically see red, in the sense that they can still make out objects that are red in color. However, the color of the object will appear more like a brown or gray to them. Compared to humans, dogs have fewer red receptors in their eyes, so it’s harder to distinguish red from other colors.

Can Dogs See In The Dark?

Humans have better color vision than dogs, but dogs certainly have us beat when it comes to night vision. This is partly because dogs have a structure called the tapetum lucidum, which helps to reflect light back through the retina, improving their ability to see in low-light conditions. 

That said, dogs can’t see in complete darkness. Even though their night vision is much better than humans, dogs still need some light to see. In complete darkness, their vision is limited, so avoid leaving your dog in a pitch-black room where there’s no light at all.

Making The Most Of Your Dog’s Color Vision

So what can you do with the information above? Well, knowing what colors your dog can and can’t see could help you when it comes to choosing toys and other items. Since colors like blue and yellow stand out to your dog, choosing toys in these colors could capture their attention and keep them engaged.

Color could also potentially help with training. If you’re using toys or some other kind of stimulus to help train your dog, choosing ones that are blue or yellow may make it easier for your dog to see and stay focused. 

Bottom Line | Are Dogs Really Color Blind? 

Dogs aren’t color blind in the sense that they only see the world in black and white. Dogs can see colors. But dogs do see similarly to a color blind human … and their color vision is limited compared to non color blind humans. 

Dogs can see shades of blue and yellow well, but red and green hues appear as shades of gray or brown. Dogs also have better night vision than humans, but they still need some light to see. 

Hopefully this info has helped you understand how your dog sees the world. It may even help you provide a more enriching and stimulating environment for him!