Despite common misconception, dogs are not actually color blind! However, they do have a reduced range of color vision compared with us, much like red-green color blindness in people. So, dogs can see shades of yellow and blue clearly, but struggle with red and green. Understanding your dog’s color perception can help you make good choices around toys, environmental enrichment, and training.

The Dog Vision Spectrum 

Both dogs and humans have a thin layer of nerve cells lining the back of the eye, called the retina. The retina captures images by detecting light, processing the information, and then transmitting signals to the brain. 

The retina is made up of neurons and photoreceptor cells. There are two types of photoreceptor cells:

  • Rods, which detect light levels and allow vision in dim light
  • Cones, which differentiate colors

Humans are trichromatic, meaning they have three types of cones in their retina. These filter blue, red, and green light. However, dogs are dichromatic, meaning they have only two types of cones. This makes it hard for them to differentiate between red and green, much like red-green color blindness in people. 

Dog Vision vs Human Vision

It’s important to be careful when comparing dog and human vision, not to look at it from an anthropocentric (human-centered) perspective. While there is research on canine vision (including color vision), we don’t have all the answers (yet!). 

Aside from reduced color vision, there are some other visual differences between dogs and humans. 

Night Vision

Dogs have several adaptations that allow them to see better in the dark than we can:

  • a larger corneal surface and lens
  • a ‘tapetum lucidum’
  • more rods

The ‘tapetum lucidum’ is a reflective membrane located behind the retina that reflects light back to the retina, thereby increasing the efficiency of light capture. It essentially allows a second chance to ‘capture’ the light.

Clarity of Vision

While dogs have better night vision than we do, the trade-off is that dogs don’t have the same clear vision that we do. Dogs need to be closer than we are to an object to see it clearly. It is estimated that dogs are up to 15 times worse than humans when it comes to clear vision under bright light conditions; however, this ratio falls to only 2.5 times worse in lower light levels. 

Field of Vision

Dogs also tend to have a greater peripheral field of vision than we do because their eyes are set farther to the sides of their heads, whereas ours face forward. Our field of vision is around 180°. Dogs generally have a wider field of vision, ranging from 150° to 240°, depending on the breed. 

Let’s not forget the height difference. A dog’s visual field of view and perception of the world depend on their height, which differs from humans and varies between dog breeds.

Combining Senses

We know that dogs have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. They can pick up more subtle scents and also detect smells from a greater distance. A study in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2022 reported a direct connection between a dog’s olfactory lobe (the part of the brain processing smell) and their occipital lobe (the part of the brain processing vision). This means that the sense of smell and sight may be uniquely linked in dogs. They may use these senses together to process information about their surroundings.

Are dogs color blind?

There is a common misconception that dogs can only see in black and white. This idea is outdated, and we now know that dogs can indeed see color! However, they can’t see all the colors that we can. A dog’s color vision is thought to be similar to that of a human with red-green color blindness.

What colors can dogs see well?

Dogs struggle to differentiate between red and green, much like humans with red-green color blindness. 

Key findings from studies so far would indicate that dogs see:

  • Blue and yellow clearly
  • Red and green as shades of grey
  • Various brightness levels

We believe that they see shades of yellow and blue more than other colors. 

What colors a dog sees (simulated image).
How a dog may be seeing a blue and a red ball in a green park (simulated image).

Why has dog vision evolved this way?

Dogs have evolved with vision optimized for the needs of their ancestors, as predators in the wild. So, while their color vision may be limited, they have other visual qualities that benefit these needs. For example, the fact that dogs have vision that is better at detecting motion than visual acuity would help them to spot small moving prey. Their superior night vision would help them hunt at night, at dawn, and at dusk. Their wide field of vision lets them scan the horizon and spot potential prey. 

Best Toy Colors for Dogs

So, how do we use this information to enrich our dogs’ lives? Well, you can use your understanding of your dog’s vision in their training, to enrich their environment, and to choose toys. 

While a red ball may seem appealing to you, your dog will struggle to see it amongst the green grass! Blue and yellow toys are the easiest for dogs to see. Similarly, consider using blue, yellow, and color contrast for agility training or training tools.

Some behavior experts hypothesize that color may not be the most important factor in dogs’ choices. Remember, dogs have a keen sense of hearing and smell, and are finely tuned to detect motion. Using scent training and auditory cues alongside toys will ensure your dog remains mentally stimulated, with all their senses at work.

Looking After Your Dog’s Vision

You can help keep your dog’s eyes healthy with a good-quality, nutritionally complete diet. Taking them for regular wellness check-ups will also enable your vet to detect any issues early on.

There are various eye conditions that dogs can suffer from. Some of these are inherited from their parents, and others can develop over their lifetime. If you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, eyelids, or vision, the sooner you take them to a vet, the better. Many conditions have a better outcome when treated early on. 

Seeing the Big Picture

Dogs were historically believed to only see in black and white. We now know that they can see colors, albeit a reduced range compared with most people. A dog’s color vision is thought to be similar to that of a person with red-green color blindness. So dogs can see shades of yellow and blue clearly, but struggle with red and green.

Dogs have other visual advantages that have evolved to support their role as predators. These included superior motion detection, a wider field of view, and better low-light performance. 

Help keep your dog’s vision healthy with a good-quality diet and regular veterinary wellness exams.