Can dogs see colour?

It’s commonly believed that dogs can't see any colours and only perceive black and white. But scientists have conducted many studies on this subject and have proved that a dog's eyesight does enable them to see colours, just not all the same ones as us. Could this be the reason why they struggle to find brightly coloured balls in the bushes?

Why do dogs see differently from us? 

The retina is the part of the eye that contains the cells working as light sensors. Within retinas are cones. Both dogs and humans have cones in their eyes that enable us to see colours. In each eye, humans have three cones. Our eyesight is known as trichromatic. Dogs have only two cones in each eye, making them dichromatic. This is why humans see more shades of colour than dogs. An extra cone gives us humans a greater depth of colour and intensity.

Are dogs colourblind?

Dogs are not completely colourblind, but their colour vision is limited compared to humans. They experience a world of colours in a much narrower spectrum. They can distinguish some colours, particularly blues and yellows, but not the full rainbow. Their perception of colours like red and green is absent, with these appearing as shades of grey or yellowish tones. Although their colour range is limited, dogs rely on other strengths, such as excellent motion detection and a heightened sense of smell, to navigate their environment effectively.

When is a dogs’ vision at its best?

Dogs have better eyesight than humans during dawn and dusk. If dogs didn’t live in a domestic situation, they would choose to hunt at this time of day when they can see best.

They have excellent peripheral vision too, almost a panoramic view of their local environment. Your dog's eyes are placed more on the sides of their head. It enables them to view things we would need to turn our heads to see.

How do dogs make up for their limited colour vision?

Dogs rely more on their super sense of smell to detect what’s going on in the distance. Objects further away become more blurred to dogs as they are near-sighted. But they can detect movement far better than us humans. Combining better motion detection with the ability to see well in dim light turns dogs into hunting machines in the evening and early mornings.

What colour do dogs see best?

Dogs see shades of yellow and blue most clearly. These colours are the most vibrant within their visual spectrum and are easiest for them to detect. This is why toys in these colours are recommended for dogs. For example, a bright yellow ball or a blue frisbee is much easier for them to find in the park than a red or green one. Their ability to discern these colours also plays a role in their daily interactions, as they are more likely to notice objects or movements that fall within this colour range. Keep this in mind when selecting accessories or toys for your dog to ensure they can see them clearly.

Can dogs see colour at night?

A dogs' ability to see colour at night is minimal, as their night vision relies less on colour and more on light sensitivity. While their cones allow them to see some colours during the day, their rod cells take over in low light, focusing on brightness and movement rather than distinguishing hues. At night, they excel at detecting motion and navigating dim environments but are unlikely to perceive the subtle differences between colours. Their impressive ability to see in the dark is an evolutionary adaptation that made them excellent hunters during dawn and dusk, but colour recognition becomes less significant in these conditions.

Which dog breed has the best eyesight?

Sighthounds are the breed with the best eyesight! They have incredible panoramic vision with a 270-degree field. Their eyes set more towards the sides of their heads increases their view, allowing them to spot movement on the horizon. Strangely, this extra visual ability is found in dogs with longer noses, but not shorter-nosed breeds. Short snouted dogs, like French Bulldogs, do not have this improved peripheral vision. 

So, there’s the difference between your eyesight and your dog’s eyesight. If you find your dog keeps losing their toys in the undergrowth, consider buying a bright yellow or blue toy. They’ll definitely have a better chance of finding them again!

FAQs about dogs’ colour vision