It's a common misconception that dogs only see in shades of black and white. In reality, dogs primarily see colors in shades of blue and yellow. This type of color vision is often called "blue-yellow color blindness" or "dichromatic vision." The two types of cones in a dog's retinas are sensitive to different ranges of light, allowing them to differentiate between blues, yellows, and grays.
Here's a breakdown of how dogs see some colors:
1. Blue and Violet: Dogs can see these colors but may confuse them with gray or purple hues.
2. Yellow, Orange, and Red: These colors are perceived as varying shades of yellow. Dogs may not distinguish between red and green, as these colors can appear similar to them.
3. Green, Brown, and Gray: These colors can appear as varying shades of gray or as a yellow-greenish color.
4. Black and White: Dogs can distinguish between black and white clearly.
While dogs have limited color perception compared to humans, it's important to remember that they still rely on their senses of smell, hearing, and body language to navigate and communicate within their environment.