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A question I often get asked is ‘can dogs see colour?’. The short answer is yes but not quite the way humans do. Dogs' vision is a fascinating topic that has long intrigued pet owners and researchers alike. The question of whether dogs can see in colour has been a subject of study and discussion for quite some time.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HUMAN AND DOG SIGHT
Despite this limitation, dogs have a heightened ability to perceive motion and detect subtle changes in light intensity, which might be due to their evolutionary history as predators. This unique visual system has its own advantages, allowing dogs to excel in low-light conditions, such as during dawn or dusk, when their superior motion detection and night vision capabilities come into play.
The human visual system is equipped with three types of cone cells in the retina that allow us to perceive a wide spectrum of colours. These cones are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, which our brain processes into the rich and vibrant colour palette we see every day. However, the canine visual system differs to ours.
Dogs possess only two types of cone cells in their retinas, which are sensitive to blue and yellow-green wavelengths of light. This means that their colour perception is limited compared to humans. The absence of the third type of cone, sensitive to read wavelengths, leads to a form of colour blindness known as dichromate vision. While humans can perceive a wide range of colours, dogs’ colour perception is limited to shades of blue and yellow, with an inability to distinguish between reds and greens.
THE IMPACT ON DOGS VISION
Despite this limitation, dogs have a heightened ability to perceive motion and detect subtle changes in light intensity, which might be due to their evolutionary history as predators. This unique visual system has its own advantages, allowing dogs to excel in low light conditions, such as during dawn or dusk, when their superior motion detection and night vision capabilities come into play.
In terms of the real-world impact of dogs' colour vision, it's important to note that their reliance on other senses, like their highly developed sense of smell and acute hearing, far outweighs the significance of colour perception in their daily lives. Dogs have evolved to interpret the world primarily through their noses and ears, which are crucial for tasks such as tracking scents, detecting predators or intruders, and communicating with other dogs.
The difference between human (left) and canine (right) vision
VISION FACTS
It was once believed that dogs can only see in black and white, this has been proven to be false. There have been studies conducted to better understand dogs' colour perception. One common method involves training dogs to associate specific colours with rewards or commands. These experiments have shown that dogs can indeed differentiate between certain colours, particularly blue and yellow. However, their ability to discriminate between colours is not as refined as that of humans.
Dogs can make out yellow and blue well along with a combination of these colours. Other colours translate differently to dogs which is why they have more issue finding them in certain environments, such as grass.
That’s not to say you should completely exclude toys or training items of other colours as they can still be fun for them and make training more complex.
While dogs cannot see the full spectrum of colours that humans can, they still possess a unique and functional visual system. Their dichromatic vision, characterized by sensitivity to blue and yellow-green wavelengths, is adapted to their evolutionary and ecological needs. While colour perception might not be a dominant aspect of their sensory experience, dogs more than compensate for this limitation with their exceptional olfactory and auditory capabilities. So, while the world might appear less colourful to our canine companions, their ability to navigate and interact with it is still rich and meaningful in their own unique way.
