Do dogs see colors? What do they really see in the world around them?

Every tutor has asked themselves: dogs see colorsWhen we throw a red ball or place a blue bed in the corner of the room, do our four-legged friends perceive these colors the same way we do?

The answer is no—but it's not quite that simple either. Dogs don't see the world in black and white, as many believe.

They do see colors, but with a more limited palette than we do. Understanding this helps you choose better toys, environments, training, and even facilitate communication with your pet.

In this article, we'll delve into the canine gaze and discover how they truly see the world around them. Ready to see through your dog's eyes?

How does dog vision work?

Dogs' eyes are similar in structure to humans', but with some important differences. They have fewer cone cells—responsible for perceiving color—and more rod cells, which detect light and movement.

While we have three types of cones (trichromatic), dogs only have two (dichromatic). This means that humans see a wider range of colors, while dogs perceive the world with less chromatic variety.

But that doesn't mean they have poor vision. On the contrary: canine vision is adapted to function very well in low-light environments and to capture movement quickly, skills inherited from their predatory ancestors.

Read also: How to Correct Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

After all, do dogs see colors?

Yes, dogs see colors, but not like us. They can distinguish some hues, especially blue and yellow. Colors like red and green, on the other hand, are confused with shades of gray or light brown.

To put it simply: the color spectrum seen by dogs is similar to what a human with red-green color blindness sees.

Red can appear brown, green can appear beige, and blue stands out as one of the most visible colors to them.

In other words, that red toy you throw at the park might disappear into the grass before your dog's eyes. But a blue ball? He'll find that one easily.

A practical example in everyday life

Joana always complained that her dog, Tobi, didn't play with the little red ball in the yard. She thought he was disinterested or tired.

Until one day, he swapped the toy for a blue ball—and Tobi started running and fetching it enthusiastically. The problem wasn't his desire to play, it was simply the color.

This kind of observation can completely change the way we interact with our pets. Knowing how they see allows us to better choose the visual stimuli we offer.

Another important perception: brightness and contrast

In addition to limited color perception, dogs also perceive fewer visual details. Their visual acuity is lower—as if they see the world slightly out of focus. On the other hand, they have excellent perception of brightness, shadows, and contrast.

That's why they perform better than us in dark or dimly lit environments. At night, the world still makes sense to a dog. To us, however, everything becomes a blur.

This ability is enhanced by a structure called the tapetum lucidum, located behind the dog's retina. It reflects light and enhances night vision—that's why dogs' eyes appear to glow in the dark when illuminated.

A simple analogy to better understand

Think of old-school analog television. You still see images, basic colors, and movement—but with less sharpness, less brightness, and a duller palette.

This is roughly how dogs see the world. They do see, but with less definition and less vibrant colors. Still, it's more than enough for what they need.

A surprising statistic

According to a study from the University of California, dogs can distinguish shades of blue with up to 80% accuracy, even when placed next to colors that humans would perceive as very different.

But when testing the colors red and green, the hit rate dropped to less than 25%.

This fact reinforces how selective their perception is when it comes to colors — and therefore, it makes sense to adapt the environment and objects according to this canine palette.

How to apply this knowledge in practice

Now that you know that dogs see colors, but not in the same way as you, see how to apply this knowledge in your daily life to improve your pet's experience.

1. Choose toys with visible colors

Choose toys in blue or yellow. These are easier to spot, especially in areas with grass, dirt, or light-colored floors.

Avoid red or green toys if playing outdoors. They simply blend in with the environment and make it difficult for your pet to find.

2. Adapt the environment to facilitate recognition

If your dog has beds, bowls, or toys that are always in the same place, using visual contrasts can help you identify them more easily.

A dark rug with light-colored pots, for example, improves visibility for the animal.

This tip is especially useful for older dogs or those with early visual impairment.

3. Visual training must be adapted

If you use colored cards or objects to teach visual commands, choose shades like blue, white, or yellow. They'll be easier to identify, especially if used against contrasting backgrounds.

Avoid commands based solely on color differences when the animal needs to choose between similar objects.

4. Respect visual limitations

Dogs don't rely on vision as much as humans do. They primarily use their sense of smell and hearing to interact with the world. Therefore, even with limited vision, they remain confident and attentive to their surroundings.

But knowing these limitations helps you better understand certain behaviors. A dog that doesn't "see" a toy on the floor may simply be having difficulty with contrast, for example.

Another real example that shows this difference

Carlos always used a green Frisbee to play with his dog in the park. He noticed that every time the object fell onto the grass, the dog would get confused, look away, and give up.

After Carlos started using a blue Frisbee, the games flowed better. The difference? Visibility.

Sometimes the problem isn't the dog's training, interest, or behavior—it's the way we view the world without considering how the dog sees it.

And do cats also see colors?

Although this article focuses on dogs, it's worth noting: yes, cats can also see colors, but with less clarity and intensity than humans.

They have good perception of blue and green, but less good vision of red. Like dogs, they have excellent night vision thanks to their tapetum lucidum.

Conclusion

Dogs see colors, but with a limited palette different from ours. They perceive shades of blue and yellow clearly, but have difficulty with red and green.

Understanding this difference is essential to improving communication, enriching the environment, and making visual experiences more effective.

More than just a curiosity, knowing your dog's vision is a form of respect and care.

After all, when you adapt his world to what he actually sees, you show that you're attentive to the details that make all the difference.

So, have you looked at the world through your dog's eyes today?

Common Questions About Dog Vision

1. Do dogs see everything in black and white?
No. That's a myth. They see colors, but with a more restricted palette, mainly blue and yellow.

2. Why doesn't my dog see the red ball?
Because for him, red blends with shades of brown or gray, especially on dark lawns or floors.

3. Do dogs see better at night?
Yes. Dogs' night vision is superior to that of humans, thanks to the presence of the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light.

4. Can I use colors to train commands with my dog?
Yes, as long as you use colors that are visible to him, such as blue or yellow, and combine them with sound and olfactory reinforcements.

5. Do dogs perceive images on TV?
Yes, especially on modern TVs with higher frames per second. They recognize motion and sound, and can react to certain visual stimuli, despite the color limitations.