Can dogs only see in black and white?
They see the world differently from us but it's not a grey area.
It’s a pretty common belief that dogs can only see in black and white but it is in fact a myth. While it’s true that dogs don’t see the full spectrum of colours that we do, they aren’t limited to just shades of grey either. In fact, dogs have a unique way of seeing the world, and while it’s different from human vision, it’s far from colourless.
How do dogs see the world?
Humans have three types of colour receptors in their eyes, called cones, which allow us to see a wide range of colours. These cones are sensitive to red, green, and blue light, meaning we can distinguish between many different hues. Dogs, on the other hand, have only two types of cones. This means that their colour vision is similar to a person who is red-green colourblind, they can see shades of blue and yellow but struggle to differentiate between reds and greens.
This is why, for example, a red ball may look like a dull brownish-grey object to your dog, while a bright blue toy will stand out more clearly. Dogs see the world in shades of yellow, blue, and grey and while their colour vision is more limited than ours, it still allows them to perceive the world with some level of vibrancy.
The benefits of canine vision
Though dogs may not see the same array of colours that we do, their vision is perfectly suited to their needs. Dogs have evolved to prioritise other visual abilities, such as detecting motion and seeing in low-light conditions. In fact, dogs have far superior night vision compared to humans, thanks to a higher number of rod cells in their retinas, which are responsible for seeing in dim light.
This enhanced ability to see in the dark would have been crucial for dogs’ ancestors, who were often active at dawn and dusk, hunting for food. So, while dogs might not appreciate the bright red ball you bought them, they can still spot it easily when it’s moving, even in low-light conditions.
Why the myth of black-and-white vision?
The idea that dogs see only in black and white likely comes from early assumptions about animal vision. Before modern research methods allowed scientists to examine how animals perceive the world, it was widely believed that most animals had very limited colour vision. However, advancements in our understanding of animal biology have shown that many species, including dogs, see more colours than previously thought, though not to the same extent as humans.
How can I use this knowledge?
Understanding how dogs see the world can help us make better choices for them, whether that’s picking out toys or creating a more enriching environment. Since dogs are more responsive to blue and yellow hues, opting for toys in those colours can help them engage more fully with their surroundings. Similarly, if you’re working on training exercises, choosing tools or equipment that are in shades of blue or yellow will likely make them easier for your dog to see and interact with.
While dogs don’t see the world in the full spectrum of colours that we do, they certainly don’t live in a black-and-white world either. Their vision is adapted to their needs, allowing them to see well in dim light and detect motion more easily. So, the next time you toss a bright yellow ball for your dog to fetch, you’ll know they’re seeing it in their own unique way, and their world is anything but grey.