Are Dogs Colorblind? Understanding How Your Dog Sees the World

When your dog excitedly chases a red ball across the lawn or tilts their head at the sight of a brightly colored toy, you might wonder—how much of that color are they actually seeing? There’s a long-standing belief that dogs are completely colorblind, but the truth is more nuanced—and even more fascinating.

In this blog, we’ll explore how dogs perceive the world around them, which colors they can actually see, and what this means for the toys, accessories, and environments you choose for them.

🧠 The Science Behind a Dog’s Vision

Humans have three types of color-detecting cells in our eyes (called cones), which allow us to see a wide spectrum of colors: red, blue, and green. Dogs, on the other hand, only have two cones—blue and yellow.

This condition is called dichromatic vision, and it means that dogs perceive the world in shades of:

• Blue

• Yellow

• Gray

• With reds and greens appearing as brown or dull grayish hues

So no—dogs aren’t completely colorblind. They simply see a different range of colors than we do. In fact, their world is somewhat similar to a person with red-green color blindness.

🎨 What Colors Do Dogs See Best?

Dogs can distinguish:

• Blues and purples (these stand out strongly)

• Yellows and shades of gray

• Combinations of blue and yellow, like teal or some greens

They struggle with:

• Red (may appear dark brown or black)

• Green and orange (may blend into surrounding grass or become muted)

This explains why your dog might ignore that bright red toy on the lawn—but go crazy for a faded yellow ball instead.

🧸 How This Affects Toy and Gear Choices

At Bella & Pal, we thoughtfully design our products with both function and visibility in mind. While we love a pretty color palette, we also know how important it is for your dog to actually see and respond to their accessories.

Here’s how you can use this knowledge:

✅ Choose Toys in Dog-Friendly Colors

Opt for toys in blue or yellow tones if you want your dog to spot them easily, especially during fetch or training in grassy areas.

✅ Select Walk Gear That Stands Out

Reflective details are essential, but so is color contrast. A blue or yellow harness may help your dog be more visually aware of their own gear—especially during training or social walks.

🛒 Check out our breathable OxyMesh Step-In Harness—available in blue and lavender (which appears more blue-toned to dogs!).

✅ Avoid Red or Green Toys for Outdoor Play

These may blend into grass or fall completely outside your dog’s color range, making them harder to locate or less engaging.

👁️ Dogs See Differently, But Not Worse

While dogs may not see the full rainbow like humans do, their vision is adapted for survival:

• Better motion detection (they can spot movement from far away)

• Superior night vision (perfect for dusk and dawn walks)

• Wide field of view (great for outdoor exploration and spotting squirrels)

So while their color spectrum is limited, their overall visual system is perfectly suited to their needs—especially with your support in choosing gear that enhances their experience.

Understanding how your dog sees the world is more than just a fun fact—it’s a way to connect better with your furry friend. By choosing colors and products that work with their natural vision, you can make their world clearer, more engaging, and a whole lot more fun.

At Bella & Pal, we design every product with your dog’s comfort, behavior, and senses in mind. From vibrant blue toys to breathable, visibility-friendly harnesses, everything we create supports a life of joyful discovery.