Can dogs see in color? How dogs (and other animals) see

As humans, we are often in our own bubble and sometimes forget that we don’t always see the full picture. This infographic from GAP explains how dogs see compared to how some other animals survey the world.

First, it’s important that we clear up the misconceptions people have about what dogs see compared to humans.

Dogs can see in color

Some people incorrectly believe that dogs see only in black and white.

Although dogs do see color, what they perceive is not the same as what humans see because they have fewer color detecting cells. Like some humans, dogs suffer from red-green color blindness and primarily detect brown, blue, and yellow shades.

When choosing dog toys, opt for ones in those shades rather than red or green. Dogs especially may struggle to find green toys or balls in green grass. 

Because dogs have more rods in their eyes than humans, they can see better in dim light and darkness.

How birds see

Some birds see in much greater detail than humans can because they have four cones versus humans’ three and each cell contains a tiny drop of colored oil that humans lack.

These extra features allow some exotic birds like Cockatoo parrots to see ultraviolet light, something that is completely out of our range of sight.

Check out the infographic for more information about how dogs and other animals see.

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