No, Jack Russells are not color-blind because they do not see in black and white. However, like other dogs, they don’t see colors like humans do because they only have 2 color receptors in their eyes as opposed to 3 color receptors in human eyes.
What Colors Do Jack Russells See?
Jack Russells have dichromatic vision, which is superior night vision but with poor color discrimination. They only see colors in blue and yellow tones.
How Do Jack Russells See Most Colors?
If you were to hold up a red object and a blue object to a dichromatic-vision dog, the dog may not be able to tell the difference between the two colors. However, once you bring those objects closer to where they are looking at them in an area of high contrast (shadowing), then the objects begin to stand out from each other.
Caring For Your Jack Russell’s Eyes
We have covered a number of different eye problems that can affect your Jack Russell Terrier, but one important thing we haven’t looked at is how often you should be checking on the health of his eyes.
The fact is, there are a number of routine steps you can take to make sure his eyes are healthy and functioning properly. We will look at those as well.
1. Check That The Eyes Are Clear
Some eye problems will be obvious to anyone who looks directly into your dog’s eyes. If there is something in his eye or if his eyes are red, it will be immediately obvious.
2. Check His Eyes Regularly
Ideally, you should examine his eyes on a regular basis, but once a week is a bare minimum.
3. Cataracts
As we have already mentioned, cataracts can be very painful for your dog, and he may even start bumping into things. You should look out for cloudiness in his eyes if you think that there is a problem.
If you notice anything unusual about your dog’s eyes, it is always best to get a professional opinion on exactly what the problem is. Your vet will be able to work out if there is an underlying problem and then recommend treatment.
Can Jack Russells Go Blind?
Yes, Jack Russell Terriers can go blind. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Jack Russell Terriers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Early treatment can prevent vision loss through the use of eye drops or surgery.
Are Jack Russell Dogs Prone To Eye Problems?
Jack Russells are prone to many of the same eye conditions that occur in other breeds. However, it is important to note that they are particularly prone to Glaucoma.
At What Age Can Jack Russells Develop Eye Disorders?
Some eye disorders can occur at any age, but most are fairly common in senior dogs. You should examine your dog’s eyes on a frequent basis so that you can catch any problems before they get too serious. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.
Conclusion
As you can see, Jack Russells are perfectly able to see in color. However, due to their dichromatic vision (2 receptors compared to 3), the colors they can see are limited.
