What Colour Toys Are Best for Dogs? The Surprising Answer!

As a dog parent, I know how much joy a simple toy can bring to our furry companions. But here's the thing - not all toy colours are created equal in the eyes of our canine friends, as they so don't see colours the same way we do. So, what colour toys are best for dogs?

I've done some digging and I'm excited to share what I've discovered. Turns out, there's a whole science behind how dogs perceive colour and it can make a big difference in how much they enjoy their playtime. Ready to find out what colour toys are best for dogs?

Table of Contents:

• How Dogs See Colour
• Best Colours for Dog Toys
• Popular Dog Toy Colours and Styles
• Enhancing Playtime with Colour-Appropriate Toys
• FAQs in Relation to What Colour Toys Are Best for Dogs
• Ian's Wrap

How Dogs See Colour

There's a common misconception that dogs only see the world in black and white. But that's not true. Dogs actually can see colours, just differently than human eyes do.

It was once thought that dogs could only see shades of grey. But it's now known that although they don't see colours the way we do, they do notice differences in colours by the shade intensity.

Humans have three colour detecting cells called cones. They can identify red, blue, green, and yellow wavelengths. Dog's eyes have only two cones that allow them to only see the blue and yellow wavelengths.

Differences Between Human and Dog Colour Vision

Instead of seeing the rainbow as violet, blue, blue-green, green, yellow, orange, and red, dogs see it as dark blue, light blue, grey, light yellow, darker yellow, and very dark grey.

They see the colours green, yellow, and orange as yellowish, and they see violet and blue as blue. Blue-green is seen as grey.

So while dogs may not appreciate all the colours in their favourite toys, they can still see some colour - just not as vividly or in the same way we do.

Best Colours for Dog Toys

When it comes to choosing pet toys for our furry friends, colour matters. But with dogs' limited colour perception, what shades should we go for?

High Contrast Colours

Look for toys in the range of colours dogs can see. High-contrast colours such as dark blue and bright yellow will stand out to your dog.

Also, keep in mind that our canine companion's vision is less vibrant and a bit blurrier than ours, so larger patterns will be more visible to them. Although they have better peripheral and night vision, dogs have worse eyesight in general than humans, with as much as 20%-40% more blur than humans. This may vary depending on the breed.

Avoiding Red and Green Toys

Dogs see red as brown and green as shades of yellow. For outdoor toys, choose blue, which contrasts well with green grass. For indoor toys, select a colour that contrasts with your flooring.

Popular Dog Toy Colours and Styles

When it comes to dog toys, there's no shortage of options on the dog toy market. But have you ever stopped to consider the colours of those toys? It turns out, the colour of your dog's toy might matter more than you think.

Studies have shown that dogs are more attracted to blue and yellow toys than any other colour. This is likely because these colours stand out the most due to their dichromatic vision. Blue and yellow toys are especially popular among working dog breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds.

Orange and Purple Toys

While orange and purple may not be as visible to dogs as blue and yellow, they can still make for engaging toys. Many toy manufacturers use these colours in combination with blue and yellow to create visually stimulating designs.

My Cavoodles absolutely love their orange and grey donkey teething toy. The bright colours excite them, and the woven fabric helps massage their sore puppy gums during teething.

Plush Toys

Plush toys are a classic choice for many dog parents, and for good reason. They're soft, cuddly, and often come in various colours and shapes. However, it's important to choose a plush toy that's durable enough to withstand your dog's chewing and tugging so look for toys with reinforced seams and high-quality materials to ensure they'll last.

Rubber toys are another popular choice, especially for dogs who love to chew. Some rubber toys even have unique textures or shapes that can help keep your dog engaged. I like to choose rubber toys with a strong squeaking ability to keep my dogs interested.

Rope Toys

Rope toys are a great option for dogs who love to play tug-of-war or fetch. They're durable, easy to clean , and come in a variety of colours and sizes. I've found that rope toys with multiple knots or textures are especially engaging for my dogs as the different sensations keep them interested and excited to play.

Enhancing Playtime with Colour-Appropriate Toys

Now that you know a little more about how dogs perceive colour, you can use that knowledge to choose toys that will keep your furry friend engaged and excited to play.

When choosing a toy for your dog, it's important to consider all of their senses, not just their vision. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and touch, so toys with interesting textures or scents can be just as engaging as brightly coloured ones.

The All For Paws Meta Ball Squeeze is another favourite toy of my pups.

Mixing and Matching Toy Colours

While blue and yellow toys may be the most visible to your dog, that doesn't mean you should avoid other colours altogether. In fact, mixing and matching different coloured toys can help keep your dog engaged and interested in playtime. Try choosing a few toys in different colours to see which ones your dog gravitates towards.

Dogs can get bored with the same old toys day after day, so it's important to rotate their toy selection regularly. Try keeping a few different types of toys on hand and switching them out every few days or weeks. This will help keep your dog interested and excited to play, even if they've seen the toy before.

Tailoring Toys to Your Dog's Personality

Every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Some dogs prefer soft, plush toys while others love rubber or rope. Some dogs need the excitement of a squeaker while others prefer the challenge of a puzzle toy.

Pay attention to your dog's preferences and choose toys that cater to their individual personality and play style. After all, the best toy is one that your dog loves and wants to play with again and again.

FAQs in Relation to What Colour Toys Are Best for Dogs

What colour dog toys are best?

Blue and yellow toys stand out because dogs see these colours more clearly than others.

What colours stand out the most for dogs?

Dogs spot blue and yellow more easily, making toys in these shades pop against other colours.

Do dogs prefer brightly coloured toys?

Dogs may prefer brightly coloured toys like blue and yellow over dull colours because they are more visually stimulating.

What colour is most relaxing for dogs?

Muted blues or soft yellows can be calming, but it's the toy's texture that often matters more to relaxation.

Ian's Wrap

So, what have we learned about what colour toys are best for dogs? It's all about understanding their unique vision and choosing toys that will stand out and engage their senses. Bright blues and yellows are the way to go, while reds and greens might blend into the background.

But it's not just about colour - texture, size, and squeakers all play a role in the perfect dog toy. The key is to experiment and find what your pup loves most.

At the end of the day, the best toy is the one that brings a smile to your dog's face. So go ahead, grab that bright blue ball or yellow rope, and get ready for some tail-wagging fun with your furry best friend!

About Ian

With an impressive track record of nearly 15 years, Ian has been supplying high-quality pet products to Australians, earning their trust and loyalty.