Debunking Common Pet Myths: Are Dogs Really Color Blind?

‘Dogs are color blind’ is one pet-related phrase which is cited so often, you might relate it to a ‘common proverb’, but alas - it is yet another myth. Have you thought if it has any basis?

On this seventh day of my common pet-related fact check, I am here to help you with a fun fact. Dogs actually are not able to see with the full spectrum of colors.

Let’s explore how dog vision works and discriminate the scientific reality from extraordinary belief.

What Does "Color Blind" Really Mean?

People tend to use the term ‘color blind’, and often believe that it translates to seeing a black and white world. The simplest explanation for color blindness in itself does have an interesting angle.

It is always about the number of colors visible; in this case, it is lower than expected.

A person having three categories of color receptors (cones) can see:
– Red,
– Green and
– Blue
Therefore, they view the world with various colors, wide enough.

With dogs, the answer is simpler. They possess only two types of color or light receiving elements, (possible restrictions to) the following:
– Blue,
– Yellow.
They cannot perceive red and green the way we do. Hence, they view the world in blue, yellow, gray, and varying shades of those colors.

What Colors Can Dogs See?

Have you ever thought about how your dog's perspective is? Imagine dogs perceiving the world like this:

🔵 Blues seem bright and joyous
🟡 Yellows are simple and clear to perceive
🔴 Reds could be dark brown or grey
🟢 Greens could be a bit yellowish

Dogs may not see the world like we do, but the colors that dogs see, is just different!

Why Are Dogs’ Eyes Different?

The reason why dogs eyes are shaped the way they are is due to dogs depend less on vision and more on identifying motion and seeing in the dark.

In the wild when dogs needed to track prey, they used to require fast paced vision. Hence, dogs are designed to:

🐶 Detect motion far better than humans do
🐶 See well in the dark
🐶 Really depend on drafts and silhouettes instead of colors

The special inner layer of their eyes dubbed the ‘tapetum lucidum’ aids in night vision by reflecting light and enhancing visibility in darker areas.

That is tailored to meeting their requirements, though they might not be able to see the full spectrum of colors.

How Does This Affect Your Dog?

Dogs depend on blue and yellow to a greater extent, which could explain a preference towards blue or yellow toys.

🐾 Have you ever wondered why dog toys are usually blue or yellow? It is due to those colors being clearly visible!

🐾 A red or green ball placed on the green grass may look the same for a dog.

🐾 Choose toys or training aids in blue and yellow to enhance your dog's ability to see them.

Now you know why your pooch has been struggling to find the red ball!

Dog Vision vs. Human Vision: The Key Differences

Let’s quickly summarize the most notable differences in dog vision versus human eyesight:

Dogs use other advantages in dark vision help them on daily life.

Common Myths About Dog Vision - Busted!

🐶 Myth 1: Dogs only see in b and d.

Dogs can see in blue and yellow not red or green.

🐶 Myth 2: Dog eyesight is bad

🚨 Incorrect! While not perceiving colors the same way humans do, they have superior motion detection and night vision.

🐶 Myth 3: Dogs Can’t See TV

🚨 Incorrect! Dogs do see TV, but images are processed faster than humans. This may explain why some dogs react more to fast-paced images!

🐶 Myth 4: For your dog, you should purchase red toys.

🚨 Incorrect! To a dog, a red toy might appear dull gray. Instead, go for blue or yellow!

Now that we know dogs perceive the world differently, here’s how to make the most of your dog’s vision:

✔ Selecting blue and yellow toys—They are more likely to be spotted by dogs.

✔ Using contrast in training—Bright colors against dark backgrounds aid understanding of cues.

✔ Playing fetch in well-lit areas—Lighting is important in helping dogs track movement.

✔ Avoid using red or green objects—They may blend into the background.

Knowing how your dog sees the world enhances training, playtime, and everyday life.

Final Verdict: Busted! 🚨 Dogs are NOT color blind for everything! 🚨

They may not view everything in a rainbow like humans, but they do see colors, just blues, yellows, and grays.

Next time someone tells you “Dogs can’t see color,” you can tell them with confidence:

🐾 Myth Busted! 🐾

Indeed, dogs perceive the world in a way that best fits their requirements. And although they won’t appreciate the sunset like we do, every dog is sure to locate their blue or yellow toy, and that’s what matters! 💙💛🐶