The Truth Behind Your Dog’s Colour Vision

Have you ever wondered if your dog can see the same colourful world that you do? Do they look at a rainbow and see the same vibrant hues or are they more like a confused art critic, staring at the sky and wondering what all the fuss is about? Spoiler alert: your dog’s world of colours is a bit different from yours—but it’s still pretty fascinating. Let’s dive into what colours dogs can actually see, with a splash of humour, some science, and plenty of tail wags along the way.

1. Dogs Don’t See a Full Rainbow

First off, let’s bust a common myth: dogs do not see the full spectrum of colours that humans do. You’ve probably heard that dogs are “colourblind,” but that’s not entirely accurate. While they don’t see in black and white, their colour vision is far more limited than ours.

According to Dr. Fiona Duffy, a UK vet and vision expert, dogs see the world in shades of blue and yellow, but they have difficulty distinguishing between colours like red and green. It’s kind of like having a world with fewer crayons in the box. Imagine only being able to see the blues, yellows, and some shades of grey, with everything else blending together. Not exactly a vibrant masterpiece, right? But still, your dog is likely enjoying their own version of a colourful world.

2. They See Blue (And Love It)

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog seems to be especially attracted to blue toys or blue objects, that’s because blue is one of the colours they can see clearly and vividly. Kate McQueen, a dog behaviour expert, explains on her blog “Canine Colours” that blue is one of the primary colours in a dog’s palette. So, when you toss them that bright blue ball, they’re probably able to see it much better than any other colour.

This explains why many dog toys are blue—they’re designed to be easier for your dog to spot, especially in grass or water. In fact, dogs tend to be more attracted to blue objects, so if you want to give them a colourful treat, try a blue frisbee or ball next time!

3. Yellow: Another Favourite Hue

Along with blue, dogs can also see shades of yellow quite well. Dr. Lucy Clarke, a well-known UK vet, notes that yellow is one of the colours dogs can distinguish with relative ease. So, if your dog is running around after a yellow tennis ball or sniffing around a yellow flower, they’re probably enjoying the view just fine.

However, just like with blue, the intensity of yellow might not match up with what you’re seeing. Dogs see a softer, less vibrant version of yellow compared to the dazzling golden tones humans can appreciate. So while their world may lack the sharp contrast of your vibrant red roses, they still have a bright yellow world to explore!

4. Red and Green? Not So Much

Here’s where things get a bit tricky: dogs have a much harder time distinguishing between red and green. In fact, James Smith, a pet trainer, explains in his blog Paws and Plates that dogs essentially see reds and greens as shades of grey or brown. So, while you might be admiring the rich green leaves on a tree or the fiery red petals of a flower, your dog is seeing something a lot duller.

It’s like their version of colour vision is dialed down, with the more vibrant colours being lost in translation. But don’t worry—dogs don’t seem to mind too much. They’re more concerned with the smells, textures, and movements of objects around them. So, while they might not appreciate the full colour of your garden, they’re definitely enjoying the scents!

5. Why Dogs Don’t Need to See All the Colours

Now, you might be thinking: Why don’t dogs need to see all the colours we do? The answer lies in their evolutionary history. Dr. Fiona Duffy explains that dogs, like many other animals, have developed a colour vision system that’s designed more for detecting motion than appreciating beautiful sunsets. Dogs’ eyes are built to notice movement in low light conditions, so they’re more attuned to seeing shapes and objects, particularly in blue and yellow, rather than identifying a rainbow of colours.

In fact, dogs’ vision is very much adapted to hunting and survival. Their ability to spot movement, even in dim light, was key to their ancestors’ ability to track prey. So, while they might not be able to pick out every colour in your wardrobe, they’ve got a well-developed eye for motion and detail.

6. What About the Myth of "Colourblind Dogs"?

The myth that dogs are colourblind isn’t entirely accurate. Colourblindness in humans typically means seeing only shades of grey, but dogs still have functional colour vision—they just don’t see the full spectrum. So while they might not appreciate the vibrant red sweater you’re wearing, they’re not entirely colourblind either. Instead, their world is more like a pastel version of yours—dominated by blue, yellow, and a lot of shades in between.

In Conclusion: A Colourful World, Just in a Different Way

So, what colours can dogs see? In short: blue, yellow, and some shades of grey, while red and green tend to blend together. While their vision isn’t as rich and varied as ours, dogs have adapted to see the world in a way that works for them. Their colour vision is perfectly suited to their needs, from hunting to sensing motion.

The next time you throw a blue ball or buy a yellow toy, just know that your dog is seeing it in all its glory—just in a more subtle, yet still meaningful, way. It may not be a full spectrum of rainbows, but it’s their own version of a colourful world, and that’s enough to keep them happily wagging their tails.