18/06/2019 17:12
Dogs' eyes evolve to appeal to humans
If a dog has eyes that seem to be telling you something or demanding your attention, it could be evolution's way of manipulating your feelings.
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.
Previous studies have shown how such canine expressions can appeal to humans, but this research from the UK and US shows there has been an anatomical change around dogs' eyes to make it possible.