Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through your dog’s eyes? You’ve probably heard that dogs are colorblind, but that’s only partly true. While they don’t see the full rainbow of colours we do, dogs have a unique way of perceiving the world—one that impacts how they interact with their environment, including the toys we choose for them.
How Dogs See Colours
Humans have three types of color-detecting cells in their eyes, called cones, which allow us to see red, blue, and green light. Dogs, however, only have two cones. This means they can see shades of blue and yellow, but red and green appear more like shades of gray or brown to them. Essentially, dogs see the world in a color spectrum similar to someone with red-green colorblindness.
For instance, a bright red ball in a green field may stand out to us, but to a dog, it’s likely blending into the grass. On the other hand, a yellow or blue toy will pop out more distinctly in the same setting.
Why Colour Matters for Dog Toys
When choosing toys, especially ones used for throwing and fetching, understanding how dogs see can make all the difference. The goal is to pick toys that are easy for your dog to spot, especially when they’re running full speed across a yard or park.
Check out how your dog sees the world in this short TikTok clip: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhwa1tBo/
Here are a few tips for selecting toys:
1. Go for Yellow and Blue
Since dogs see these colors most vividly, toys in these shades are easier for them to locate. Whether it’s a ball, frisbee, or rope toy, yellow and blue options are a safe bet.
2. Avoid Red and Green
Toys in red or green shades may blend into natural surroundings like grass, leaves, or dirt. While these toys might look appealing to you, they won’t stand out to your dog in the same way.
3. Test in Different Environments
A toy that works great in a grassy park might be harder to see on a sandy beach or in the snow. Consider the environments where you usually play fetch and choose colours that provide strong contrast.
We have had great luck with these Chuck It Balls in Blue when it comes to playing in the snow! No matter how deep or far it goes, the pups are always able to keep an eye on and find it.
Why Visibility is Important
Playing fetch isn’t just about fun—it’s also great physical and mental exercise for your pup. Toys that are hard to see can lead to frustration if your dog struggles to find them after a throw. Worse, it might result in lost toys (and no one wants to keep replacing that expensive fetch ball!).
By choosing toys in colors your dog can easily see, you make the game more engaging and rewarding for them. They’ll feel more confident chasing and retrieving, and you’ll spend less time searching the bushes for lost toys.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how your dog sees the world helps you make better choices for their playtime. Next time you’re shopping for toys, think yellow and blue to give your dog the best experience possible. After all, fetch is about more than just exercise—it’s about strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.