For many dog owners, it seems like their furry companions enjoy watching TV alongside them, especially when they seem captivated by the screen or react to images of animals. But is it true that dogs are actually engaging with television content, or are they simply puzzled by what they see? Here’s what science has to say about the matter.
Dr. Freya Mowat, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has explored this phenomenon in detail. Working with her Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Tavish, Dr. Mowat has conducted research into canine vision, including a study designed to understand how dogs perceive screens. Dogs’ visual abilities, influenced by their higher number of rods (cells that improve low-light vision), allow them to detect movement better than humans. This makes it plausible that dogs can see and react to what’s happening on the screen.
In a 2022 survey of over 1,200 dog owners worldwide, Dr. Mowat’s team investigated what types of content dogs seemed to favor. The results were clear: dogs predominantly enjoyed watching other dogs. However, they also showed interest in a variety of animals, though humans didn’t attract their attention much (humans ranked ninth among 17 categories). Dogs’ sensitivity to movement likely explains their preference for action-packed and sci-fi shows that feature dynamic visual elements. According to the survey, 78% of dogs approached the TV when intrigued, and 76% vocalized in response to what they saw, with some even attempting to investigate the source of the action by sniffing behind the screen.
Interestingly, Dr. Mowat suggests that dogs are not necessarily watching TV for enjoyment or emotional connection as humans do. Instead, they seem to be trying to determine if what they’re seeing is real. “Dogs are checking if it’s real,” Dr. Mowat explains. “They may sniff the animals on screen, looking for realism.” However, she cautions dog owners against leaving their pets alone in front of the TV, as some dogs can become overexcited or stressed, and in some cases, might even damage the screen.
As for whether dogs enjoy cartoons, Dr. Mowat is skeptical. Despite the viral popularity of videos showing dogs reacting to animated films like The Lion King or The Secret Life of Pets, there’s no evidence to suggest dogs can recognize cartoon animals. While dogs may be drawn to moving animals, animated characters are unlikely to hold the same appeal. Dogs are more responsive to the movement of quadrupedal figures rather than abstract representations.
Training a dog to watch films is also unlikely. Most dogs engage with TV for short bursts of time, typically the length of a commercial. “Some dogs may show interest in short segments, but asking them to watch a two-hour movie is a stretch,” says Dr. Mowat. However, some breeds, particularly sporting and herding dogs, appear more attentive to TV content, especially those featuring animals or action scenes.
Ultimately, the reasons behind dogs’ interest in TV remain unclear. Dr. Mowat speculates that dogs may be drawn to TV because they love their human companions and seek to engage with whatever their owners are watching. “Some dogs may engage with TV simply because it’s a way to bond with their owners, perhaps because they know that reacting to what’s on screen could lead to attention and affection,” she says.
While research into this topic continues, one thing is clear: dogs’ reactions to TV are likely more complex than we might think. Whether they are trying to make sense of the images, seeking stimulation, or simply reacting to the excitement of the moment, their attention to the screen reflects their unique way of interacting with the world.
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