Dogs, like humans, can be afraid of many things. However, when it comes to colors, dogs tend to be most fearful of loud or bright colors. Understanding what colors dogs are afraid of and why can help owners better accommodate their pets.
Do Dogs See Color?
Before examining what colors dogs are afraid of, it’s important to understand what we know about dogs and color vision. For many years it was believed dogs saw only in black and white. However, more recent studies indicate dogs do perceive color, just not the same way humans do.
Humans are trichromats, meaning we have three types of color receptor cones that allow us to see the colors red, green, and blue. The varying levels of stimulation of these cones allows us to see the full spectrum of colors. Dogs, on the other hand, are dichromats – they only have two types of color receptors. This means they can only see blue and yellow, and combinations of those two colors.
So while dogs can see some color, their color vision is much more limited than humans. This is important to keep in mind when considering dog vision and their perception of color.
Bright and Neon Colors
While we don’t know exactly what dogs see when they look at bright or neon colors, these types of colors are often those that dogs react to fearfully. Bright colors like neon yellow, orange, green, and others appear to be alarming when dogs look at them.
There are a few possible reasons for dogs’ adverse reactions to bright and neon colors:
- The colors may seem unnaturally bright, causing fear or uncertainty
- They cannot distinguish the colors clearly, finding them confusing
- The bright colors appear flashing or moving to them
For dogs with more limited vision, bright or neon colors can seem distorted in ways that make the dogs unsure or frightened. It’s likely that from their visual perspective, bright colors take on an alarming appearance.
Black
Black is another color some dogs seem afraid of. In darker conditions, black objects or clothing can appear distorted to dog vision, seeming larger or misshapen in some cases. Black may create dark spots or voids that dogs find worrisome when they cannot see clearly what the dark area is.
Experts think this may be why some dogs bark ferociously at black plastic garbage bags or become afraid of people wearing black coats or dark clothing. The lack of discernible shape or identity triggers their fear response.
Why Dogs May Fear Certain Colors
In addition to the visual distortions some colors may cause, there are other reasons why dogs may be afraid of certain colors:
- Associating the color with a past negative experience or trauma
- Being startled by or unable to clearly see the source of a color
- Instinctual fear of bright or unusual colors as possible threats
- Vision difficulties related to breed or medical issues
Dog behavior experts believe that genetics influence about half of a dog’s personality traits. The remainder are shaped through life experiences. So while breed tendencies may play a role, fear of colors can also be learned from frightening or painful experiences. Proper socialization at a young age can help prevent these negative associations.
Color Preferences
While dogs tend to react fearfully to bright, neon, or black colors, they also seem to have preferred colors that they find comforting. Studies show dogs gravitate toward blue and yellow more than other colors. Blue is likely preferred because of its association with water sources and calmness. Yellow captures dogs’ attention effectively as well.
This color preference may stem back generations to pre-domesticated dogs associating blue with safety – things like streams, lakes, and open sky. Yellow contrasts well against natural backgrounds like dirt, trees, and brush, an advantage for wild canines.
So when choosing toys, leashes, or bedding for your dog, opt for darker or more natural blues, yellows, or greens to appeal to their visual abilities and color preferences.
Minimizing Fear of Colors
While some dogs by nature will be more afraid of certain colors, owners can take steps to try to minimize the fear and associated stress for their pets. Here are some tips:
- Avoid using neon or very bright colors for pet items when muted versions are available
- Select naturally-colored toys and accessories for your home
- Slowly desensitize fearful dogs to troublesome colors using treats and play
- Comfort your dog and distract them if they encounter alarming colors when out
- Consult your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication for chronic fear of colors
With patience and by paying attention to colors that seem to stress your dog, you can help protect them from fear and anxiety. Their quality of life will benefit from accommodating their visual abilities and instincts.
Breed Differences in Color Perception
All dogs only have dichromatic vision, but some breeds may have better color perception or be more bothered by certain colors. Here are a few breed differences that influence color vision and response:
| Breed | Color Perception Notes |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retrievers | Excellent color perception except limited ability to distinguish blues and greens |
| German Shepherds | Keen perception of dark colors but limited ability with light colors like yellow |
| Yorkshire Terriers | Poor color perception overall due to genetic predisposition to retinal issues |
| Staffordshire Bull Terriers | Good color perception but more fearful reaction to bright or neon colors |
In addition to breed tendencies, individual dogs’ life experiences greatly impact whether they fear specific colors. Training and socialization when young can prevent issues.
Vision Tests for Color Blindness
If you are concerned your dog struggles with color perception or has unusual phobias around certain colors, your veterinarian can perform vision tests to assess their vision and examine the cause.
Two common tests used are:
- Maze obstacle courses – These assess navigational ability through a maze with colored objects. Inability to recognize or avoid certain colors may indicate color blindness.
- Color recognition tests – Typically uses colored paddles or cards to see if a dog can accurately identify a color through locating or fetching an object. Wrong choices point to possible blindness.
Your vet may also evaluate the retina and other eye structures for abnormalities indicating color blindness. Addressing any vision deficits or color issues early maximizes your dog’s ability to take in visual information accurately.
Considering Dog Perspectives
Research continues to reveal dogs see color and perceive the world much differently than humans. This understanding allows us to better provide for our pets by considering their visual experience.
While we don’t know if dogs experience fear in colors precisely like people do, paying attention to colors that distress your dog and altering their environment when possible demonstrates compassion. A few simple changes to minimize contact with colors they seem frightened of can greatly reduce anxiety for dogs.
Remember that what we perceive as a perfectly pleasant pale yellow, happy pink, or cool gray may register on doggy vision as eerie, overwhelming, or disorienting. We owe it to our four-legged friends to keep their limitations and perspectives in mind as we decorate their world.
Conclusion
Colors can absolutely trigger fear in dogs if the colors appear distorted, intrusive, or alarming. Bright neons, black, and very light shades seem most problematic. Preferred colors of blue and yellow are likely more comfortable for dogs.
Breed tendencies, genetics, past experiences, and specific vision difficulties may all influence how a dog perceives and reacts to colors. Owners can utilize vision tests and implement changes to create an environment suited for their dog’s visual abilities and color sensitivities.
With a little adaptation and understanding, we can accommodate our dogs’ dichromatic vision. This allows them to feel at ease and avoid undue stress caused by their limited ability to distinguish the colors all around us that we take for granted each day.