How Do Dogs See Color
In the eyes of a dog the world is in white and in various shades of grey. This is due to the fact that dogs are believed to have no ability to see colors. Dogs are acclaimed for their heightened senses. A dog’s sensitive scenting and hearing abilities is what makes them outstanding guard dogs. Excellent vision is what makes sighthounds outstanding hunters. One of the advantages of dogs over humans is the ability to see well in the dark . As long as a dog is on guarding duty, people can sleep soundly at night.
With these ultrasensitive senses, it is surprising to note that dogs are believed incapable of seeing colors. Dogs can see color but the colors they can distinguish are fewer than what humans can see. Canine vision was studied in the University of California and it was proven that although a dog’s capability to see colors is not as detailed as human’s, dogs can indeed see colors. Yes, Fido cannot appreciate the new bright red ball as to the eyes of the dog the new toy would appear to be a hard to see black or dark brownish gray ball.
It is said that the genetics of dogs and humans are similar. The cone photoreceptors that catch light and control color sensitivity in human eyes are found in dog’s eyes too. A dog’s eye only has two cone photoreceptors while humans have three. The three cones in our eyes delivers 100% full range vision while dogs have approximately 20% range of color vision as they lack on cone. This makes a dog’s vision about six times inferior than what we humans have.
The violet, blue, blue green, green, yellow, orange and red colors of the rainbow would be seen by a dog as blue, light blue, grey, light yellow, brownish yellow and dark grey. The world, as seen by the dog will be in yellow, grey and blue colors. Surprisingly, dogs have the ability to see the subtle differences in the shades of blues and violets.
Humans cannot see the slight change in the shades of violet and blues because of the yellow pigmentation that obstructs short wavelengths and lessens the eyes’ sensitivity. Dogs have an enhanced ability to see various shades of light and blue as the eyes of dogs do not have this yellow pigmentation.
Find out more about how dogs see color and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.
