What Do Dogs See? A Comprehensive Guide

Most people usually marvel at the incredible prowess of a canine’s sense of smell, but when it comes to sight, we tend to forget all about the mischievous pup’s natural abilities. But inquiring minds want to know; what do dogs see? Let’s dive in.

The Short Answer

The simple answer to the “what do dogs see?” question is this; dogs can see color, but they don’t see it in the same way humans do. Dogs see the world through a palette of yellows, blues and grays. Canines have fewer cone cells in their retina than humans. This means that their color vision is not quite as good as ours, but they still appreciate and enjoy a beautiful sunset or flower garden in their own unique way.

The Long Answer

Our four-legged friends may not be able to see the intricate details that human eyes can, but they do have their own unique ability to pick up on subtle cues and body language. Dogs have far better night vision than us, thanks to the higher quantity of rods in their eyes. The large pupils of a canine’s eye also allows more light to enter their eyes, giving them greater visibility in low-light environments.

In terms of perception of size and distance, studies have shown that dogs use both visual and audible cues to determine the size and shape of an object. The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information, known as the occipitotemporal region, is bigger in canines than in other animals. This means they are better equipped to recognize an object before they are able to identify it as seen in humans.

When it comes to the sense of smell, however, dogs have us beat by a hundredfold. Receptors in the nose of a dog are much larger than ours, and a single canine breath can bring 10,000 to 100,000 times more information about a particular smell.

What About Infrared?

Besides their enhanced vision in the dark and exceptional scent abilities, rumors often circulate about how dogs actually have a form of infrared vision as well. Infrared (can also be referred to as “night vision”) is, essentially, the heat signature that all living creatures emit day-in and day-out. So, do dogs have infrared vision?

While the infrared capability of dogs is still largely misunderstood, it appears as though they do, in fact, have some level of infrared vision that goes beyond the capabilities of human eyes. This means that animals who primarily rely upon infrared radiation to identify the presence of predators and prey aren’t just limited to cats and rats; they also include canines.

Conclusion

Now, you know the answer to the age-old question, “what do dogs see?” While their color perception isn’t quite as good as ours, they certainly have enhanced night vision, an excellent sense of smell and an uncanny ability to pick up on subtle cues and body language. As for infrared vision, dogs appear to have a form of “night vision” capability as well, which is an interesting and unique gift that’s still shrouded in mystery.