At some point in our lives, we have all wondered what our beloved canines are seeing, hearing, or thinking. Do all breeds have the same vision? Can dogs recognize all the colors? There are so many questions about dog vision. And today, we bring you a few answers and cool facts about dog vision at Jaldee Vets.
But for starters, why is this topic gaining so much interest from the public? A simple answer is that it helps pet parents and dog lovers understand their furry friends better than usual. Moreover, dogs partner with humans for jobs like search and rescue, law enforcement, and service animals. Hence, studying dog vision and having insights to improve their training, care, and overall well-being will be better. It also helps to understand the evolutionary history of dogs.
Here Are Some Of The Coolest Facts You Didn’t Know!
Dogs Can See Some Colors, But Not All
It is one of the biggest misconceptions that dogs have a black-and-white vision. However, it might not be as colorful as human vision. Scientifically, dogs have fewer color receptors in their eyes than humans. Talking specifically about the colors, they can see shades of yellow and blue.
Dog vision is not as vivid as human because they have only two types of color-detecting cone cells. The cells are more sensitive to blue-violet and yellow-green wavelengths. However, their ability to perceive red and green color bands is limited.
Dogs See Better in the Dark
It’s more than just the bats with excellent night vision. Our furry friends are just a little behind. Dogs have large pupils and many rod cells in their retinas, which enables them to see better in low-light conditions. They also have a reflective layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances night vision.
And we now know why dogs’ eyes glow in the dark. While dogs can see better in the dark than humans, they still need considerable light to see well.
Dogs Have A Wider Field Of Vision than Humans
Now, this is a fact we humans will have to digest. Dogs have a visual field of over 250 degrees, while humans can only stretch up to 190 degrees. It means dogs can see more of their surroundings without tilting their heads. And probably why they are always so alert and aware.
The significant difference is in the positioning of the eyes. While the human eyes are in front of the face, dog eyes are further apart on their skull. Ultimately, dogs can detect movement and objects not directly in front of them more easily.
Dogs Have A Faster Flicker Rate Perception
Our pals are always quicker than us. Now you wonder why? Dogs have a faster flicker rate perception than humans, which means they can detect and process more rapid movements and changes in light. While humans can typically see flicker rates of up to 60 Hz, dogs can detect flicker rates of up to 80 Hz or higher.
Again the rod cells in the retina of a dog’s eye make it more sensitive to changes in light. Dog eyes can detect minimal changes in light and have a relatively faster rate of visual processing information.
Dogs Have A Visual Preference For Certain Shapes
Yes, we are not bluffing. Scientific studies prove that dogs prefer curved or rounded shapes over sharp or angular shapes. The thought is that curved shapes resemble the outline of other animals, which can be potential mates or prey. Another experiment contributes to this, where dogs are more likely to approach a food bowl if it is round.
Altogether, after several experiments by scientists to study the behavior and vision of dogs, the ultimate conclusion is that dogs find round and curved shapes more appealing.
There are several other facts from breed to breed, like huskies do not have blue eyes. But how the light enters and leaves the eyes creates an illusion. And have you ever noticed that your furry friend has no eyebrows? We have much to learn about dog vision, which is an exciting topic. However, it is essential to note that dogs rely more on their sense of smell and hearing to navigate their surroundings.