JOURNAL ARTICLE

Move over, Sparky—coyotes may be able to make 'puppy dog eyes,' too.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Bittel, Jason 3 of 3

Abstract

A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science challenges the assumption that "puppy dog eyes" originated with dog domestication. The study found that wild coyotes also have the anatomical ability to make the expression, suggesting that dogs are not the only canid species capable of communicating through this look. The key to puppy dog eyes is a muscle called the levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM), which is underdeveloped or absent in the gray wolf, the closest living relative of domestic dogs. The researchers conclude that puppy dog eyes likely arose early in canid evolution, rather than more recently with the domestication of dogs. However, it is still unclear whether coyotes actually make puppy dog eyes in the wild. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/10, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:180032237
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