We all know dogs are colorblind—or do we? Many people assume pups see the world in black and white, but that’s actually a myth. While their vision is different from ours, it’s far from colorless. In fact, dogs can see some colors, it's just not the full rainbow human eyes experience every day.
“Dogs see and experience colors differently from people. While we have three types of cones (photoreceptor cells in the eye responsible for differentiating color), dogs only have two, allowing them to see yellow and blue,” explains Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian with Embrace Pet Insurance. “This is known as dichromatic (two-color) vision.”
So what does that mean for your pup’s view of the world? Ahead, Dr. Cahn breaks down what colors dogs can see, how their vision compares to ours, and why it matters when you’re picking out toys, training tools, or even just trying to understand your pup a little better.
Are dogs really color blind?
The old idea that dogs only see in black and white isn’t true—but their view of color is still limited compared to ours. As Dr. Cahn explains, “Canine vision can be likened to that of someone who is red-green color blind.”
That means they don’t see the full spectrum, but they’re not living life in gray either. Dogs still pick up on certain colors vividly, while others appear muted or dull.
So, what colors can dogs see?
When it comes to color, blue and yellow shine brightest for your pup. “Dogs have dichromatic vision, which enables them to see blue and yellow clearly,” explains Cahn. “Other colors may appear to them as varying shades of grey, beige, and brown. They cannot distinguish between green and red hues.”
This explains why a yellow ball in a grassy yard is easy for your dog to spot, but a red one might seem to disappear. When choosing toys, bedding, or training tools, keep in mind that anything in shades of blue or yellow will pop against most backgrounds, while reds and greens may fade into a blur.
How is a dog’s vision different from a human’s?
Not only are dogs limited in the colors they see, but their overall vision is also a bit different from ours. “Dogs cannot see as clearly as people, so the world may appear slightly fuzzy or blurry to them,” says Cahn. Studies suggest their vision is closer to 20/75, meaning what a person with normal vision can see at 75 feet, a dog would have to be at 20 feet to see as clearly. But dogs make up for that in other ways. “Dogs have several adaptations giving them superior night vision, including a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum,” Cahn explains.
Their wider-set eyes also give them a broader field of vision. So while your dog might not see every detail, they’re much better at spotting motion in dim light and noticing things in their periphery that you likely wouldn't catch. At the end of the day, your pup may miss out on some colors, but their vision is just right for the way they live and play!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
