Follow My Journey Creating the World’s Best Dog Toys

Thank you for taking the time to show interest in my journey.

We all know dogs love their toys and, as pet owners, the variety of toys available at your local pet store is quite overwhelming.

As a working K9 handler for the last eight years, I learned first that dogs love movement. They like chasing things and making toys/objects “come alive”, it’s how their brains are wired. We’ve all seen our dogs throw a toy in the air with their mouth at one point or another, and every dog loves to play fetch. They do this because they want their toy to mimic something they would chase in the wild.

When you factor in the color spectrum of a dog’s eyesight, everything will appear black, grey, yellow, or blue. So why would we create dog toys in colors the dog can’t see? Is it for the owner’s benefit? Is it for marketing reasons to stand out on the shelf? I believe most dog owners are unaware that some of their dog toys (the reds, oranges, greens, and everything in between) actually can’t be seen by their dogs. If they knew this I think they would be more selective about what they buy for their dog.

This is my quest; To revolutionize how dogs and pet owners play to get the most enjoyment out of playing with our dogs during the short time they’re with us.

Please fill out the form below and follow along as I navigate creating a dog toy brand that puts the dogs first!

-Mathew Pinelli

My pups - Elvis & Seren (GSD)

What Colors Can Dogs See?

Dogs, man’s (and woman’s) best friend, have long fascinated us with their unique abilities and behaviors. One question that often arises is: What can dogs see? Understanding the visual capabilities of dogs not only satisfies curiosity but also enhances our ability to care for them. We will delve into the intricacies of canine vision, exploring how dogs perceive colors differently from humans and the scientific reasons behind these differences.

The Science of Canine Vision

To comprehend what colors dogs can see, it’s essential to first understand the basic anatomy of their eyes. Like humans, dogs have retinas that contain photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones. However, the distribution and types of these cells vary significantly between the two species.

Humans have three types of cone cells, enabling us to perceive a broad spectrum of colors. These cone cells are sensitive to short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) wavelengths of light. Dogs, on the other hand, possess only two types of cone cells, which are sensitive to blue and yellow wavelengths. This difference fundamentally alters their color perception.

Color Perception in Dogs

Due to their dichromatic vision, dogs see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow. Colors that fall within these ranges are more vivid and distinct to them. However, colors like red and green appear as varying shades of gray or brown. This means that a bright red ball might look brownish to a dog, while a green lawn appears yellowish grey.

Blue and Yellow: The Prominent Colors

Dogs’ ability to perceive blue and yellow hues is quite similar to that of a human with red-green color blindness. Blue items appear clearly and brightly to dogs. For instance, a blue toy in a green field stands out sharply, making it easier for the dog to spot and retrieve.

Yellow also stands out for dogs. Yellow toys, balls, or objects will be highly noticeable against backgrounds that are not yellowish, aiding in their recognition and interaction with their environment.

The Role of Rod Cells in Night Vision

While dogs may not see the full spectrum of colors that humans do, they excel in other aspects of vision, particularly in low light conditions. Dogs have a higher number of rod cells in their retinas compared to humans. Rod cells are more sensitive to light and motion, allowing dogs to see better in the dark.

This heightened night vision is an evolutionary adaptation from their wild ancestors, who needed to hunt and navigate in low-light conditions. Therefore, while dogs might not appreciate the vibrant colors of a sunset, they can navigate their environment with ease as the light fades.

Comparing Human and Canine Vision

Understanding how dogs see the world involves more than just color perception. Several other factors contribute to the differences between human and canine vision, including:

Field of View: Dogs generally have a wider field of view than humans, approximately 250 degrees compared to our 190 degrees. This broader perspective allows them to detect movement and potential threats from a larger area.
Depth Perception: While dogs have a wider field of view, their depth perception is not as acute as that of humans. This is because their eyes are positioned more towards the sides of their heads, providing less binocular overlap.
Visual Acuity: Dogs also have lower visual acuity than humans. This means that their vision is not as sharp, and they may perceive objects as blurrier compared to human vision. An object that a human can see clearly at 75 feet may only be distinguishable to a dog at 20 feet.

Practical Implications for Dog Owners

Understanding the limitations and strengths of canine vision can help dog owners make better choices in various aspects of dog care. Here are some practical tips:

Toy Selection: When choosing toys for your dog, opt for blue and yellow items. These colors are more likely to stand out and be visually stimulating for your dog. Avoid red and green toys, as these will not be as discernible to them.
Training and Commands: Utilize visual cues that are easy for dogs to see. Brightly colored training tools in blue and yellow can enhance your dog’s ability to follow commands and participate in training activities.
Home Environment: When designing spaces for your dog, consider their color perception. Blue and yellow bedding, for example, might be more inviting and easier for them to recognize.
Outdoor Activities: If you play fetch with your dog in a park, using a blue or yellow ball will make it easier for your dog to spot the ball against the green grass or brown earth.

Dogs experience the world differently than humans, with a unique color perception that emphasizes blues and yellows while muting reds and greens. This difference is rooted in their retinal anatomy, specifically the types and distribution of cone cells. While they may not see the full spectrum of colors, dogs have adapted to excel in other areas, such as night vision and motion detection.

By understanding the nuances of canine vision, dog owners can enhance their pets’ lives, from selecting the right toys and training tools to designing a more visually engaging environment. Embracing these insights allows us to better cater to the needs of our canine companions, ensuring their well-being and happiness.