A study found that people could successfully pair purebred dogs with their owners just by looking at their photos. CNN
Many dog owners have noticed that their furry companions sometimes bear a striking resemblance to them. This is not just a coincidence. Scientists and psychologists have studied this phenomenon and found that people often choose dogs that look like them, whether in facial features, hair type, or even expressions.
A study in 2015 revealed that women with long hair were more likely to prefer dogs with long, floppy ears, while those with short hair leaned toward dogs with pointed ears. This suggests that people subconsciously seek familiarity when selecting a pet.
The Power of Familiarity
Psychologists believe this happens because humans are naturally drawn to things that feel familiar. We see our faces in the mirror every day, so when we come across a dog with similar features, it feels comforting.
Art Markman, a cognitive scientist at the University of Texas, explained that when people visit an animal shelter, they don’t analyze each dog's features in detail. Instead, they rely on a gut feeling about which dog feels right. That feeling is often influenced by familiarity.
“There’s lots of ways that something can begin to feel familiar to you, one of which is you might have had a dog just like that as a kid,” Markman said. “But another thing that could make something feel familiar is that it resembles something that you’ve encountered before – like, say, yourself.”
Studies Show the Connection
A 2004 study provided more proof of this theory. Researchers showed photos of dogs and their owners separately to strangers. The participants successfully matched the purebred dogs with their owners at a higher rate than chance.
Michael Roy, a psychology professor who co-authored the study, explained that purebred dogs have consistent looks and temperaments, making it easier for people to pick a dog that matches them physically and personality-wise.
“The resemblance between dog and owner can be at a physical level – they look similar – or at an overall level – this looks like the type of person who would own that type of dog,” he said.
For instance, someone who appears athletic and outdoorsy might be matched with a Labrador, while a Chihuahua might suit someone with a more delicate frame.
The Mere-Exposure Effect
Experts also link this to the "mere-exposure effect." This psychological principle states that people develop a preference for things they see frequently.
Markman compared it to music. “When you go to a rock concert, the crowd goes wild when the band plays their hit song. It’s not necessarily their best song, but it’s the one people recognize the most.”
This same principle applies to pet choices. If Labradors are popular in a community, people may naturally develop a liking for them simply because they see them more often.
However, this effect doesn’t apply when choosing working dogs, such as police or farm dogs, where functionality is prioritized over appearance.
A Pattern in Human Relationships Too
Scientists say the same pattern appears in human relationships. Klaus Jaffe, a researcher from Venezuela, noted that people tend to choose partners who resemble them in some way. This can extend beyond physical looks to include habits, experiences, or even taste in fashion.
Roy echoed this idea, saying, “The best indicator for sustained friendships and romantic relationships is similarity. We surround ourselves with people that are like us in some way.”
No Reason to Worry
If someone chooses a dog that looks like them, it’s not something to overthink. Markman reassured pet owners, saying, “If your decision gets driven in part because the pet feels familiar, and that happens because it looks a little bit like you, that’s not a bad thing.”
