For years, scientists have studied how dogs see the world, confirming that our four-legged friends don’t see colors the same way we do.
While humans experience a full spectrum of shades, dogs’ vision is more limited, primarily recognizing blues, yellows, and grays.
But a new study from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research suggests that dogs might not just see colors—they could actually have a favorite.
Dogs Pick One Color Again and Again
To test this theory, researchers observed 458 free-ranging dogs in Kolkata, India.
The dogs were given a choice between three bowls—each a different color—but the same food inside.
Surprisingly, the majority picked the same color bowl, even when all options were equal.
Things got even more interesting when one bowl had no food at all, yet many dogs still chose it over a full one. The pattern repeated again and again, hinting that the dogs were drawn to something beyond just the meal inside.
It turns out, the color that kept catching their attention was yellow.
The preference was so strong that, in some cases, the dogs ignored a gray bowl filled with food in favor of an empty yellow one.
Why Yellow?
Researchers have a few theories.
One possibility is that yellow is simply more visible to dogs, standing out more in their blue-yellow-gray color range. Another idea is that many stray dogs have fur with yellowish tones, making the color seem familiar or safe.
The study only looked at street dogs, so researchers are now curious if domestic dogs share the same preference.
Could your pup have a hidden love for yellow? Only time—and maybe a few well-placed bowls—will tell.
