What Are the Best Colors for Dog Toys? Canine Color Spectrum & Considerations

We want our dogs to enjoy the toys we offer them, and part of that enjoyment is based on their visual affinity for it, meaning the toy’s color and shape. Dogs can see shapes just as well as we can, but colors are a different story.

Read on below to find out more.

How Dogs See Color

Since it’s usually assumed that dogs are colorblind, we think of them as only being able to see black, white, and variations of gray, but in reality, they can see in color, but their color vision is not as rich as ours.

Humans have three types of cone photoreceptors, which allow us to see variations of colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow; however, dogs only have two types of cones that allow them to see variations of blue and yellow, leaving them with a red-green color blindness. Human retinas also have a larger proportion of cone photoreceptors than those of dogs, so our color vision is richer than theirs.

Even though dogs don’t rely on color vision as much as we do, when choosing a new toy for your dog, you could get one with a color that they can see and differentiate from other environmental factors, like grass, for example. It’s better to choose the colors that stand out more, so they can find the toys easier and enjoy them more.

Which Colors Are Best for Dog Toys?

Toys for Outside

If you’ll be playing outside, opt for a blue toy. Since dogs have a hard time seeing reds and greens, a blue ball will stand out more for them because the colors will be different. Reds and greens come across as a yellowish-gray color to dogs, and blues, yellows, and purples are more of a range of blue colors.

Toys for Inside

Indoor toys have more wiggle room as to what color they can be, because it depends on the carpet or flooring in your house as to how well your dog can see them. If your carpets are purple and you choose a purple toy, it won’t stand out as much as one that has more colors in it, so choose multi-colored toys or toys with contrasting colors to the décor in your house.

Other Factors to Consider

Because dogs don’t have a wide range of color vision, other elements are important as to whether a dog will enjoy a toy. Smell plays a huge role in a dog’s enjoyment. It also helps them find the toy if they can’t see it very well. A dog can smell themselves on it or their owner’s scent. Smells can be masked if you’re in a public or outdoor setting, though, as there are many smells to compete with.

Sounds also play a role in your dog’s enjoyment of a toy. Squeakers or other noises help them find toys or be able to differentiate one from another if they look alike.

Last Thoughts

Although color does play a role in how a dog enjoys their toy, there are other factors that affect their enjoyment as well. Just remember that dogs don’t see color the same way we do, and considering a toy within the environment where they’ll be playing with it can help you choose the color that will work best for your dog.