Have you ever wondered how your dog sees the world? A dog’s eyesight differs from a human’s, affecting how they experience and interact with their environment. In this blog post, I will explore how dogs see, including breed-specific differences, and discuss the role of seeing-eye dogs.
Do dogs see colour?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand the basics of a dog’s visual system. Both dogs and humans can see because of the system of cones (colour) and rods (light). The main difference is that people have more cones, and dogs have more rods. While dogs can see colour, it is not as vivid as what people see. People can detect three colours: red, green, and blue. On the other hand, dogs see a limited range of colours, with blues and yellows appearing more vibrant while reds and greens appear muted.
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What about their peripheral vision?
Dogs also have a wider visual field than humans, with a visual range of 240 degrees compared to our 180 degrees. However, dogs have less depth perception than humans, making it harder to judge distances accurately. One breed-specific visual trait is the shape of a dog’s eyes. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, have rounder, more prominent eyes that give them a wider visual field but can cause issues with depth perception. In contrast, breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets have longer, narrower skulls and eyes, giving them excellent depth perception but a narrower field of vision.
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Do dogs have 20/20 vision?
Veterinary Ophthalmologist Jaycie Reisberg says people see images more sharply than dogs. People with normal or 20/20 vision can clearly see images at a distance of 20 feet. On the other hand, dogs have the equivalent range of 20/40 to 20/50.
Another unique visual trait in dogs is their ability to detect movement quickly. Dogs can spot activity up to 900 feet away, six times further than humans can see movement. This is why dogs are excellent at tracking prey and enjoy playing fetch!
Can dogs see in the dark?
Dogs can’t necessarily see in complete darkness, but they have superior low-light vision compared to humans. This is due to having more rods and tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer in their eyes that enhances their night vision. This is why dogs are often used in search and rescue operations in the dark.
Dogs can navigate with ambient light at night much better than humans. The only exception is older dogs. As dog’s age, their night vision will likely get worse.
What about seeing-eye dogs?
Seeing eye dogs, or guide dogs, are specially trained to assist individuals with visual impairments. These dogs help their owners navigate their environment, avoid obstacles, and travel safely. Guide dogs are usually qualified to work with a particular individual. The training process can take up to two years.
Seeing eye dogs undergo extensive training to learn how to interpret and respond to their owner’s commands. The dog must learn to navigate different environments, including stairs, curbs, and crowded areas. The dog must also learn to stop at obstacles, such as low-hanging branches or uneven surfaces, and navigate around them safely.
But what about the streetlights when crossing a busy street? While dogs cannot distinguish between red and green lights, they can tell the difference in brightness between them. For example, red lights appear darker to dogs, while green lights appear brighter. This helps dogs to distinguish between the two signals and determine when it is safe to cross the street.
Finally, dogs use their keen sense of smell to detect environmental changes. They can smell the exhaust fumes from cars, which can help them determine when it is safe to cross the street. They can also smell other animals or people in the area, alerting them to potential hazards.
Conclusion
Dogs see the world differently from humans, with their visual system adapted to their needs as a species. While they have limited colour vision, they compensate for this through their other senses, such as their sense of hearing and smell. Understanding how dogs see and compensate for their limitations is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being. And for those who require a seeing-eye dog, these specially-trained pups offer a lifeline of independence and support.
