New research reveals fascinating insights into how dogs use facial expressions to interact with their human companions. Scientists from the Dog Cognition Centre at the University of Portsmouth have made groundbreaking discoveries about our four-legged friends' communication abilities, showing that dogs are remarkably attuned to human attention.

The Science Behind Your Dog's Expressions

dog facial expressions puppy eyes

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth's Dog Cognition Centre are the first to find clear evidence that dogs intentionally move their faces in response to human attention. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that dogs produce more facial expressions when humans look at them.

Dr Juliane Kaminski, an expert in canine cognition who led the study, explains: "We can now be sure that dogs' facial expressions depend on the audience's attention and are not just the result of their excitement."

The Power of 'Puppy Eyes'

The study identified eyebrow-raising—which creates the famous 'puppy dog eyes'—as dogs' most commonly used expression. This facial movement makes dogs' eyes appear larger and more infant-like, potentially tapping into humans' natural response to childlike features.

Key findings from the research include:

  • Dogs produce more facial expressions when humans look at them
  • Seeing treats alone didn't trigger the same facial responses
  • The expressions appear to be active communication attempts rather than simple emotional displays

How the Research Was Conducted

The study involved 24 dogs of various breeds, aged between 1 and 12 years. Each dog was:

  • Positioned one metre away from a person
  • Filmed during various interactions
  • Studied using DogFACS (Dog Facial Action Coding System)
  • Observed in different scenarios, including face-to-face interactions and when the person was distracted

The Evolution of Dog Communication

how to read dog facial signals

Through domestication, dogs have developed sophisticated communication strategies. Unlike their wolf ancestors, who rarely use vocalisations to communicate, dogs have evolved to use a combination of facial expressions, body language, and vocalisations to interact with humans.

One thing that got me really excited is that we could see that dogs would move their faces more, so show more expression, more facial movement when a person was looking at them.

Dr Juliane Kaminski, Reader in Comparative Psychology

This adaptation shows how dogs have learned to:

  • Respond to human attention
  • Use facial expressions strategically
  • Develop complex social communication skills
  • Form stronger bonds with their human companions

Understanding Your Dog's Communication

Dogs' ability to modify their expressions based on human attention demonstrates their remarkable social intelligence. While some might view this manipulation as manipulation, it's more accurately described as sophisticated social adaptation—a skill developed through thousands of years of human-dog companionship.

Dr Kaminski notes: "The results show that dogs are sensitive to human attention and that expressions are potentially active attempts at communication, not simply emotional displays."

Practical Implications for Dog Owners

Understanding these communication patterns can help strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners:

  • Pay attention to your dog's facial expressions, especially during direct interaction
  • Recognise that your dog may be actively trying to communicate with you
  • Remember that your attention is important to your dog
  • Consider how your own attention affects your dog's behaviour

Conclusion

This research highlights the sophisticated nature of dog-human communication. Rather than simple manipulation, dogs' facial expressions represent a complex form of social interaction developed through centuries of human companionship. Understanding these communication patterns can help us build stronger, more rewarding relationships with our canine companions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Facial Expressions

When dogs raise their eyebrows, they often try to get human attention or show interest. This expression, known as 'puppy dog eyes', makes their eyes appear larger and more appealing to humans.

While all dogs can make facial expressions, brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs might show slightly different expressions due to their unique facial structure.

Research shows that dogs can indeed control their facial expressions and tend to use them more when humans are looking at them.


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