Jlantzy (Jamie Lantzy) / Wikimedia
Dogs tend to be jealous when their owners play with other dogs
There is the theory that many people share similarities to their dogs. But the idea that people and dogs resemble is not just a joke.
In an article on, the researcher Renata Romefrom the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) explains that the theory that many people share similarities to their dogs has a real background.
The researcher, who studies the aspects of human-human connection, is based, throughout the article, in a revision in February on ScienceDirect, which synthesizes conclusions of 15 empirical studies, which, in turn, investigated similarities between dog human pairs, both in appearance and in personality.
With regard to personality, the results suggest that dogs and their tutors may have parallel traits, such as extroversion levels, anxiety and sociability.
Even in the physical resemble
Further on, some people seem to choose dogs that physically resemble them, particularly when they choose a pure breed dog.
Interestingly, there seems to be connection between hair length of women and the preference for dogs with ears of similar lengthand women with short hair tend to prefer breeds with short ears.
Another, from 2015, suggests that the similarity between tutors and their dogs can be observed particularly in the eye zone.
Other studies indicate a positive correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of owners and the degree of overweight of their dogspossibly related to a shared lifestyle.
In another 20, a group of investigators asked participants who had never known the tutor dog pairs that associate photographs of dogs and their tutors based on perceived similarities. Interestingly, participants were able to make the correct correspondence of most pairs dog-tutor.
Human-human and Human dog
“But why does this phenomenon happen?” Asks Renata Roma.
A hypothesis is related to our evolutionary history, since We also tend to look for people with similar mentalities.
In evolutionary contexts, being in cohesive and predictable groups increased cooperation and survival. These patterns continue to influence our relationships with others, favoring links with people who seem to align with our values, behaviors or even physical traits. Apparently, similar mechanisms influence the way we relate to dogs.
Similarities are also observed among people living with pure dogs. This can happen because people tend to choose races associated with certain behaviors, with more predictability and behavioral stability in pure dogs due to the standardized characteristics of the breed.
Other explanations for personality similarities may be linked to Emotional exchanges between people and their dogs, mutual regulation, behavioral reinforcement and learning by observation and imitation.
For example, people can reinforce certain behaviors in their dogs as the basis of their own preferences or routines, and sometimes it may not even be intentional. At the same time, emotional exchanges between humans and dogs can also shape the emotional states of both over time.
On the other hand, although perceived similarities can strengthen the relationship, these perceptions can also shape people’s expectations, leading them to design human characteristics in your dogsinstead of seeing them as they really are.
Beyond the resemblance: what unites us
Even when people’s personalities and their dogs are not similar, they can still be perfectly compatible. Imagine a playful and energetic dog, living with someone more reserved or introvert.
A dog energy can encourage the person to be more activewhich can lead to healthier habits such as walking or spending time outdoors.
Sharing moments of joy, frustration or even sadness with a beloved dog can also provide a sense of company and emotional support.
