🐾 Are Dogs Really Colorblind? The Truth About Canine Vision in 2025

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Introduction

You've probably heard that dogs only see in black and white—but that's a myth! While their vision is different from ours, dogs do perceive certain colors. In this 2025 guide, we’ll uncover what your dog can really see and how understanding their vision can improve their daily life.

🎨 What Colors Can Dogs See?

Dogs have two types of cones in their retinas, making them dichromatic. This means they primarily perceive:

• Blue
• Yellow
• Gray tones

They have difficulty distinguishing:

• Red
• Green

This color vision is similar to red-green color blindness in humans.

🧠 Vision Strengths Beyond Color

Though their color vision is limited, dogs have impressive visual strengths:

• Motion Detection: Dogs are excellent at noticing quick movements, even at a distance.
• Low-Light Vision: Thanks to the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer in their eyes, dogs can see well in the dark.

🧩 Why This Matters for Dog Owners

Understanding your dog’s vision helps with daily choices, such as:

• Choosing Toys: Pick toys in blue or yellow—colors that your dog can clearly see.
• Training Tools: Use high-contrast colors within their visible spectrum to aid learning.
• Home Safety: Avoid relying on red or green objects for visibility or signaling, as your dog may not perceive them.

📱 Use Tech to Support Your Dog’s Needs

• Ask A Vet App: Get expert guidance on canine behavior and sensory support.
• Woopf: Offers sensory-friendly training plans adapted to how your dog sees the world.
• Purrz: Tracks your dog's behavior and sets up reminders for check-ins and enrichment.

Conclusion

Dogs aren’t colorblind—they just see the world differently than we do. By understanding their unique perspective, you can choose better toys, design safer environments, and strengthen communication with your furry friend. Embrace their world of yellows and blues, and enhance your bond through smarter, science-based care.

For expert insights and tailored pet wellness support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today! 🐾📲