How good is my dog’s vision?

Dogs have different visual abilities than humans, and their vision is adapted to their evolutionary needs as predators. Here are some key points about dog vision:

1. Color perception: Dogs see the world in fewer colors than humans do, because they have only two types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes, while humans have three. Dogs can see shades of blue and yellow, but they have difficulty distinguishing between red and green.

2. Visual acuity: Dogs have lower visual acuity than humans, meaning their ability to see fine details is not as good. The visual acuity of an average dog is around 20/75, which means that what a dog can see at 20 feet, a human with perfect vision can see at 75 feet.

3. Field of view: Dogs generally have a wider field of view than humans, which helps them detect movement and potential prey. Depending on the breed and the position of their eyes, a dog's field of view can range from about 240 to 270 degrees, while humans have a field of view of about 180 degrees.

4. Night vision: Dogs have better night vision than humans, thanks to a larger number of rod cells in their eyes and a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which helps to collect and amplify available light.

5. Motion detection: Dogs are highly sensitive to movement, which is an essential skill for tracking and hunting prey. Their ability to detect motion is much better than humans, especially at a distance.

Keep in mind that these are general characteristics of canine vision and may vary between individual dogs and breeds. If you are concerned about your dog's vision or notice any changes in their behavior or visual abilities, consult a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.