We’ve all fallen for the charm of those large, baby-like eyes that dogs display especially when they want something. But who’s manipulating whom?
Puppy Eyes: More Than Just Cute
The ‘puppy dog eyes’ is a trait has actually evolved due to domestication, giving dogs a juvenile appearance that continues into adulthood. Dogs were initially drawn to us, and we began keeping them for various purposes like guarding and hunting.
These features not only appeal to our instincts to care for young, helpless creatures but also enable communication and empathy. Aww those eyes…
@mostlythedoodle I can’t go anywhere with those puppy eyes 🥺 #dogsoftiktok #cutedogs #puppyeyes ♬ Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
But here’s the kicker: dogs can use their eyes to almost “talk” to us. With special muscles, they can raise their inner eyebrow, resembling a human expression of appeal or sadness. This quality allows dogs to almost smile with their eyes, prompting a nurturing response from us.
So, are those expressive eyes manipulating us? Not quite! It’s we who have chosen these captivating features, making us, in a way, the manipulators.
Why Does My Dog Give Me the Side Eye?
Dogs are capable of an expressive side-eye or ‘the shady gaze,’ often interpreted in memes and videos. This expression is more than just a funny look; it’s a complex signal often associated with doubt, scorn, or disapproval.
@taitotheminisausage Criminal offensive SIDE eye 👀🫠 #bombasticsideeye #trending #tiktok #daschundsoftiktok #daschund #sausagedog #viral ♬ Bombastic Side Eye Criminal Offensive Side Eye – CasaDi
Whether it’s the cocker spaniel next door giving that sardonic look of “oh, really?” or your own dog using the ‘half-moon eye’ to convey emotions like protection or territorialism, this expressive capability adds to the rich communication between dogs and humans.
So why do dogs have this unique ability to communicate with their eyes? Most likely, our ancestors inadvertently selected for dogs with white sclera (the whites of their eyes), enhancing our ability to understand one another. And hey, the funny videos are a delightful bonus!
@stanthehotdawg #dog #cutedog #fyp #foryou #fypシ #dogs #dogsoftiktok #xyzbca #dogsoftiktok #puppydogeyes ♬ original sound – Ctess68
