It’s no secret that “Bluey,” the charming Australian animated series, has captured the hearts of its young audience and their parents alike since its debut in 2018. What might come as a surprise, however, is another devoted demographic: dogs. Amanda Farah, the National Training & Behavior Coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society, sheds light on why our canine companions are just as enchanted by Bluey and her adventures.
“Bluey,” centered on a Blue Heeler puppy and her family, isn’t just a hit with humans; dogs too find themselves glued to the screen. Farah, who is not only deeply involved with canine behavior but is also furthering her education with a master’s in Animal Welfare & Behavior, offers a multi-faceted explanation for this phenomenon.
A Visual and Auditory Feast Tailored for Canine Senses
One of the standout features of “Bluey” that might appeal to dogs is its vibrant use of colors. Farah explains that dogs primarily see the world in shades of blue and yellow, making the show’s color palette particularly engaging for them. “Though we can’t know for sure which colors dogs see exactly as we do, they can distinguish between blue and yellow. This might make ‘Bluey,’ with its blue-and-yellow dominance, visually appealing to them,” she says.
Moreover, the show is a hive of activity, with constant and predictable movement that captures and holds a dog’s attention. “Dogs are particularly drawn to movements, especially those that follow a predictable pattern,” Farah notes. “Shows like ‘Bluey’ that utilize clear, sharp movements can captivate dogs more than static images or slow-moving visuals.”
The sounds of “Bluey” also play a crucial role. The high-pitched voices of the characters and the background noises can grab a dog’s attention. “High-pitched sounds often attract dogs. This could be an evolutionary trait, as the high pitches mimic those of small prey animals,” Farah suggests.
Novelty and Narrative Structure
The accents in “Bluey,” distinctly Australian, might also intrigue American dogs, providing a novelty factor that piques their curiosity. “Dogs can be drawn to unfamiliar sounds, and accents they’re not used to might make them more attentive,” Farah comments.
Additionally, the brief duration of each “Bluey” episode, typically around seven minutes, aligns perfectly with the short attention spans of dogs. “This timing ensures that dogs can stay engaged without losing interest, making each episode just the right length for canine consumption,” she adds.
Canine Characters: Seeing Themselves on Screen
Perhaps one of the simplest reasons dogs may love “Bluey” is the presence of canine characters. “Research suggests dogs can recognize other dogs on screen, and ‘Bluey,’ being a show about a dog family, provides familiar shapes and movements that dogs can relate to,” says Farah. Even though the characters are animated, their dog-like silhouettes and behaviors are enough to resonate with real-life dogs, who might see them as kindred spirits.
In conclusion, “Bluey” isn’t just a delightfully entertaining show for kids; it’s also a study in how to capture the canine audience. With its dog-friendly visual and auditory cues, engaging storylines, and relatable characters, it’s no wonder dogs around the world are tuning in. Whether it’s the color, the movement, the sounds, or simply the sight of other dogs, “Bluey” offers a little something that every pup can enjoy.
