Can Dogs See Colors?

Question

My vet says they dont..my friend says they do..hmm

Answer 1

It is not true that dogs are completely colorblind. While dogs do not have the same color vision as humans, they are able to tell yellow from blue. Like a human with red-green colorblindness, they are unable to tell the difference between red and green.

The reason for this limited range, in both the colorblind human and the dog, is that there are only two kinds of color receptors in the retinas of their eyes. While most humans have three kinds of color cells, with three different receptor molecules sensitive to blue, greenish-yellow, and red, dogs only have receptors for yellow and greenish-blue.

Dogs probably lack the ability to see the range of colors from green to red. This means that they see in shades of yellow and blue primarily, if the theory is correct. Since it is impossible to ask them, it is not possible to say that they see these colors in the same hues that a human would. Whether or not the ability to see some color is important to dogs or not is hard to say.

I hope it is an appropriate answer.

Answer 2

I noticed that as well when I was showing cocker spaniels years ago. I loved the black variety the best. Not so much because of the color, it was because the blacks were nicer in conformation and I really liked the black and tans with the eyebrows. When selling puppies, it was sometimes hard to sell blacks to pet homes. I heard one excuse that their furniture or carpet was a light color and the black hair would show more (silly). I also heard people say they couldn't see the face as well and couldn't see their expression. I don't really have a preference when it comes to a dogs color when owning a pet. Both the dogs I have now are not black, but it wasn't that I didn't want one. There were black pups in my cocker spaniel's litter, however, I allowed the breeder to give me the one she didn't think would turn out show quality and she just happened to be a buff. My mini dachshund was in a litter of mostly reds and one black and tan. After I talked to my kids about having another dog and telling them what was in the litter, they wanted the only black and tan, however, when we went back, the black and tan was already spoken for. So, we got a little red girl (my avatar). I also think the black dogs are more common since the color is a dominant one. So, you will see more black dogs than lighter ones which may have inspired the black dog rescue.

Answer 3

What you are talking about is color blindness which contrary to popular thought doesn't mean things are seen the same but really as shades of gray. It could also mean that certain colors aren't able to be seen.

Dogs can differentiate colors though. I know this because I have taught my dog to pick up yellow versus black blocks. I was planning on going further but never did. Hmm maybe I should keep trying. It is all based on cuing and reward.

I have this theory that language development in dogs is only limited to imagination and patience. I started with verbs which he now knows well and progressed to nouns. He can identify things by name and will do different things based on the verb I use. I am working on adjectives like big and small, black and white. I am hoping to be able to give complex commands based on the English language.

I digress though dogs can differentiate colors.

Answer 4

Your vet is wrong.

Dogs do indeed see colors, but they don't see colors the same way humans see them. To a dog blue-green looks white, and green, yellow, and orange all look alike.

This article explains a little more about this:
http://www.puplife.com/dogcaretips/howdogsseecolors.html

Answer 5

Dogs see some colors but not all of them. Dogs also see best at twilight.

Answer 6

They do not. Though no one can see what a dog can scientists have run tests that come to the sad conclusion that dogs are color blind.

Answer 7

They can, but not how you and I see them. They see colors as more pastels then we do. They have the same rods and cones in their eyes that pick up color as we do, they just have a different number of them.

It is an old myth that they can only see black and white.

Answer 8

Dogs are color blind. Your vet is most likely always right about dog stuff. They went to collage to learn about this kind of stuff.

Answer 9

well i think they can see color..to bad for them..lol..but its also cool..why dont u look it up in a book or something then maybe u would know..

Answer 10

your vet is right. Dog's do not see in color.