Can pugs see in the dark? When a pug stares at you with their squishy face and those big popped-out eyes, do they see the same way humans see?  Is this really the case?

Well, there is only one way to find out, read along.

Pugs just like other dogs have larger pupils and a special tapetum that ensures the structure of their eyes adapt perfectly seeing things in the dark better than humans.

However, dogs are not privileged to enjoy the entire color spectrum that humans do. This limited in color acuity is called dichromatic vision. Dogs have only two types of cones that can discern yellow and blue colors.

Read Also: Are pugs smart

Can pugs see in the dark?

Yes, pugs have the ability to see in the dark because of how their eyes are structured. Normally, dogs have larger pupils so more light accesses the eye. They also have lots of rods that are light sensitive in the retina that allow the dog to pick movements in the dark.

Nevertheless, most dogs don’t have perfect night vision and Pug falls into that category. They are not able to see in complete total darkness. Though compared to humans, pugs will see objects way much better in low levels of light.

A dog vision in dimmer settings is five times better compared to humans for reasons we are going to learn later on in this article. But you must understand this will depend mostly on the dog’s eye health and age.

Pugs Eye Structure

Whenever you are out with your pug at night, you’ll notice he’s quick to respond to especially moving objects faster than you do.

Of course, he has a better sense of smell than you, but pugs can see movements in poorly lit places. Better than humans for that matter.

The scotopic vision is powered by the numerous numbers of light-sensitive rods available within the eye’s retina.

Unlike dogs, the human retina mostly detects color and is adaptive for daylight vision. On the contrary, pug’s rods pick dim light which helps in supporting night vision.

But the whole dog’s night vision concept is tied down to one special eye part known as the tapetum lucidum.

This special layer of reflective cells is placed behind the retina and works as a mirror in the eye. It reflects the light entering the eye and offers the retina another chance to pick that light.

The process magnifies and boosts visual sensitivity in poorly lit conditions which allow dogs to see objects.

How Do Pugs See in the Dark?

Well, by now we have a glimpse of a dog’s eye structure, so let’s delve into some physical features that allow dogs to maneuver around dark areas.

Lens Position

Unlike humans, the ocular lens normally is placed near the retina in a dog’s eye. This brightens the image in the retina when light accesses the eye. The whole process is still efficient even in poorly lit places.

Tapetum Lucidum

The tapetum lucidum is another important membrane in dogs’ eyes that helps them to see in the dark.

I’m sure you have seen a dog’s eye glow in the dark, well this membrane is the reason behind it. It’s placed at the back of the eye and pretty much works like a mirror.

If you happen to take your pug a photo, the tapetum will reflect light back and forth that results in a spooky sort that appears in an array of colors. That’s why you’ll notice their shining eyes at night or in dark areas.

We’ll have an in-depth look at why dogs’ eyes glow in the dark later on in this article.

Nevertheless, humans’ eye doesn’t have a tapetum lucidum, it’s most common in animals like dogs, cats, and also birds.

Flicker Fusion Frequency

Flicker Fusion Frequency, abbreviated as FFF is simply the rate at which the recurrent frames of light are alleged as a steady, continuous image.

In a simple theory, species that move faster in their habitats tend to have higher FFF. So, when watching television, your eyes will record continuous motion while your pug will appear to flicker.

And it’s in this dogs’ perfection to perceive flickering light that allows them to pick even the slightest movements in poorly lit places.

Pupils Size

A dog’s cornea diameter is def|iantly bigger compared to that of humans. As a result, they got a larger iris and pupil that allows excess light to enter the eye.

It’s known that some dogs’ lenses will expand up to four-time bigger than the size of human beings’ pupils.

Light-Sensitive Rods

Pugs’ eyes are similar to most dogs since they feature a greater number of light-sensitive rods within the retina. The role of the rods is to collect light and help differentiate shadows and light even in poorly lit places.

As for humans, the retina is designed differently in that it has more cone as opposed to rods. The reason why we see colors better than dogs in lit up places.

Why Dog’s Eyes Glow in The Dark

Well, you must have spotted the greenish-yellow glow in dogs’ eyes when a beam of light hits them during the night.

The tapetum is the reason behind this. The process of reflecting light back and forth will differentiate in a blue, green, orange, or yellow hue.

 

Dogs with blue eyes will not have a tapetum so you’ll get a red eye reflection when you take them a picture. This is caused by red blood vessels that are found at the back of your furry friend’s eyes.

Should Pugs sleep with lights on or off?

Well, from the experience with my pug Buddha, sleeping in the dark or with the light switched off is just fine and safe.

So, if you happen to always be sleeping when the light is off, your pug will be just fine to do the same.

But if the dog had a traumatic experience in the past, chances are he freak out in dark areas. Find out what works best for your pug.

Wrapping Up

Pugs just like most canines have a decent night vision which means a healthy dog can see in the dark.

The night vision ability is powered by the numerous light sensitive rods in their retina that help them pick dim light and see in poorly lit places.

However, though pugs can view things in the dark they cannot see in total darkness or places with completely no light.