No colors?
Dogs can’t see colors! Is this true, or is it a myth? In this blog we take a closer look at this question. The answer might be different from what you expect.
Human vision
It is true that dogs perceive colors differently than humans. Humans have what is called trichromatic vision. This means that we have three different types of sensory cells, the so‑called cones, which allow us to distinguish colors. We see red, green, and blue, which together enable us to perceive a wide range of colors.
Dog vision
Research has shown that dogs perceive fewer colors. They primarily see shades of blue, violet, and yellow. Dogs cannot perceive red and green; these colors appear more like grey and brown tones to them. This is because dogs have only two types of sensory cells for color perception. This is known as dichromatic vision.
The effect of this difference
This explains why a dog may spot a yellow ball in green grass much faster than a red one. So yes, dogs can see colors — just fewer of them. This does not mean their vision is inferior!
Seeing in the dark
Dogs can see four to eight times better in the dark than humans. This is because they have more rods — sensory cells sensitive to light — on their retinas. Their pupils can also open wider, allowing more light to enter. This makes them very skilled at detecting movement and contrasts in the dark.
In conclusion
If you’re curious about how your dog sees the world, there are several apps available, such as Chromatic Vision Simulator. This app shows you exactly what your four‑legged friend sees!
