Color vision in the dog

Vis Neurosci. 1989 Aug;3(2):119-25. doi: 10.1017/s0952523800004430.

Abstract

The color vision of three domestic dogs was examined in a series of behavioral discrimination experiments. Measurements of increment-threshold spectral sensitivity functions and direct tests of color matching indicate that the dog retina contains two classes of cone photopigment. These two pigments are computed to have spectral peaks of about 429 nm and 555 nm. The results of the color vision tests are all consistent with the conclusion that dogs have dichromatic color vision.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Color Perception / physiology*
  • Color Perception Tests / veterinary
  • Dogs / physiology*
  • Female
  • Light
  • Male
  • Photoreceptor Cells / physiology
  • Retinal Pigments / physiology
  • Sensory Thresholds

Substances

  • Retinal Pigments