7 images prove 'puppy dog eyes' were developed to charm us

According to scientists at the University of Portsmouth, dogs didn’t always have the knack of using those infamous puppy dog eyes to manipulate their humans. The knack reportedly is part of canine evolution.

Scientists have been comparing the behaviour of dogs and wolves and their research suggests that canine facial anatomy has changed over thousands of years. This evolution is specifically to allow dogs to better communicate with their humans.

As reported by the Huffington Post, part of this evolution is the development of a small muscle around the dogs’ eyes. This allows pooches to raise their inner eyebrows more effectively, making that irresistible, “I am sorry – please love and feed me” look we know so well.

According to the authors of the study, this expression triggers a nurturing response in humans, as their pet’s eyes appear to be larger and more “infant-like” when they are feeling (or pretending to feel) sad. They often combine it with that tongue!

Psychologist Dr Juliane Kaminski says the evidence is compelling that after they were domesticated from wolves, dogs have developed a muscle, allowing them to raise their inner eyebrow. Testing out their theory with dogs and wolves they found “dogs raised their inner eyebrows more and at higher intensities than wolves.”

This charming expression is something most dog owners have been faced with at some point and cannot resist.

Here is one more irresistable image from a pekinese. You are welcome!