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What Colors Can Dogs See?

As you stare into the eyes of your furry friend, you may wonder how they see you and the world around them. Do they see color? And if so, which colors do they see?

A common misconception we have about our canine companions is that they are completely color blind. While this is partly true, it doesn't give you a full understanding of how your dog sees the world. When we think of color blind, we think of a black-and-white movie — only seeing the world in black, white and various shades of gray. But the way your dog views different colors actually resembles the way humans with red-green color-blindness see.

A World of Blues and Yellows

The colors your dog sees are blues, yellows, and shades of gray. The reason for this is a basic biological difference. Unlike us, most mammals, including dogs, are dichromats. This means they possess two types of cones, or color receptor cells, in their retina. Humans have three cones, allowing us to enjoy an assortment of tinges and tones. Dogs only perceive about one-tenth of the color concentration we do, which limits them to the blue-violet and yellow color spectrums, as well as blends of these colors.

dogs see blue and yellow

However, we don't need to feel too bad for our pooches. They have an acute sense of smell which boggles the mind. In fact, it's believed that their noses are a 100 million times more sensitive than humans' noses. And they do have a few visual advantages, such as:

  • Increased sensitivity to motion
  • Ability to differentiate between different shades of gray
  • A wider field of vision, seeing at a 240-degree angle versus our 180 degrees
  • Larger pupils that allow them to see better at night or in low light

Choosing Dog Products Your Pup Can See

Surprisingly, the most popular dog toys and products are bright red and safety orange. As pawrents, we love these colors because they allow us to spot their ball out in a distant field or find their harness quickly. But these colors are some of the most difficult for dogs to distinguish as they either appear black or a dark, brownish gray.

So, when you are tempted to feel frustrated with your doggie for running past their toy, remember, they probably aren't acting obstinate. They may not be able to see it among the green grass. Next time you're at the pet store, try to find toys you know will stand out in their world, like bright blues and yellows. This will add a whole new dimension of fun for both you and your pet.

choose toys your dog can see

And when you're away from home, your dog can still get the attention and love they crave with Furbo Dog Camera. We've designed Furbo with your dog's best interest at heart. Every time you use Furbo to take a peek at your pooch or toss them a goodie, an indicator light turns blue, letting them know you're watching. When you're not using your app, the light turns yellow so they know it's break time. Before you know it, your dog will be a bundle of excited energy every time they see that light turn blue.

To have fun with your pup even when you're not at home, purchase Furbo Dog Camera today.

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