Traces of friendship between dogs and humans can be traced back to very ancient times in history. In this context, we see that domesticated dogs help people in different ways, especially hunting, just like today. As a result, a strong bond is formed between the two parties.
Although dogs were fed for their functionality in the times we mentioned, today they can be seen as a friend. Those who want to add a different voice to their lives go to shelters to adopt their lovely friends. At this point, that sad look on their faces draws attention. So is this look intentional? Or is it something like when we think hyenas are laughing?
The muscles around the eyes make this possible: So how?
Dogs have muscles that support the eye area to move left/right and up/down when opening their eyes. We can say that these muscles, known as RAOL (retractor anguli oculi lateralis) and LAOM (levator anguli oculi medialis), are responsible for the look that brings out that feeling of pity inside us.
But if a wolf looks at you like this (which he won’t), don’t be fooled anyway:
During the interaction of humans and animals, wolves and domestic dogs diverged, forming the two species we know at this time. Juliane Kaminski from the University of Portsmouth, who played a major role in our knowledge of the above findings, says that dogs separated from wolves after domestication and developed these muscles to raise their eyebrows in the process.
The absence of these muscles in the Husky breed, which is more like wolves, supports this:
So, in a way, can we say that they do this on purpose?
According to a study by Juliane Kaminski, the answer to this question is yes. In this study, the relationships between dogs and humans were examined. In this context, it was observed that dogs moved their eyebrows more when people were interested in themselves. In other words, we can say that this way of looking was a kind of trigger for people.
As a result of studies, it has been seen that drooping ears, sad eyes and many other features arouse positive emotions such as compassion in people. In this context, the relationship between humans and animals with these characteristics became stronger, and over a long period of time, with the support of evolution, these muscles were more common in domestic dogs.
Since the wolf relatives of dogs are excluded from this ligament, there is not much difference in the muscles in the eye area. That’s why we look at them not with compassion, but with fear:
When we go to shelters, we think that those who have this view need our help more, and we can give priority to them:
We should not forget that this look we are talking about is something we are used to from people. In other words, we can also infer that what really attracts us is its human-like features. These deep and sad eyes, their sizes and other different features are similar to our human babies in a way.
Whether you’re the one seeking attention in a relationship or a baby in the cradle, you give some signals when you want attention…
Taking your lover’s arm, leaning on his shoulder is an example of this. It is a separate example for babies to go to their parents’ lap and snuggle there or to continue the movements that they are interested in. In the same way, we come across this in domestic dogs, as this gaze of dogs acts as another stimulant that attracts our attention.
There is an important point: we can call this look ‘sad’. But people from another culture can make different inferences about this:
Let’s say the middle point anyway. Of course, dogs don’t do this because they’re sad or happy. This is a method that emerges from a long-term relationship between humans and dogs and provides dogs with the attention they crave. As research assistant Alexandra Horowitz points out, this is akin to our constant search for smiles on dogs’ faces.
Finally, another important point:
If you have a pet dog and you see that it is unhappy or you observe below-normal activity, do not think that it wants attention. If this affects your pet’s daily routine, consult a specialist.
Bonus: All the information we counted aside…
Sources: 1, 2
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