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Dog eyes evolve to appeal to humans

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Do know a dog that uses its eyes to talk to you?

Well, researchers have found that dogs have evolved muscles around their eyes, which allow them to make expressions that particularly appeal to humans.

A small facial muscle allows dog eyes to mimic an “infant-like” expression which prompts a “nurturing response”.

The study says such “puppy eyes” helped domesticated dogs to bond with humans.

This allows dogs to create what the researchers call “expressive eyebrows” and to “create the illusion of human-like communication”.

This muscle movement allows dogs’ eyes to “appear larger, more infant-like and also resembles a movement humans produce when they are sad”.

Previous research has shown that dogs are more likely to use this “puppy eyes” expression when a human is looking at them – suggesting that it is a deliberate behaviour and intended for human consumption.

22 Responses

  1. That’s amazing I never knew dogs were so smart I have a dog I am trying to teach her to talk (it’s not working

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