Have you ever walked past a dog walker and noticed they looked just like dogs? If a park scene from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians movie doesn’t convince you, it’s actually more common than you might think. Even the Huffington Post backs up psychological science—humans perceive their peers to be similar to themselves, and that applies to picking your dog as well. As a professional dog trainer at Paw & Order Dog Training for over 10 years, this is what I see often. It’s actually ridiculous, because many pet parents don’t realize it!
So why do pet parents look like their dogs?
First, people may do it on purpose. They want dogs who can live well with them and have a similar lifestyle. If one is physically active, having a dog that likes to nap all day may not be very fulfilling for humans. What makes the most sense is that potential pet parents will choose dogs who want the same thing — lots of places to walk, run, and play. The best way to bond and be good partners to each other is to find one or more people who fit in perfectly with their lives.
Additionally, dogs have learned to behave. Dogs who regularly see humans outside will also enjoy being outside. Likewise, dogs cuddled in bed by people who see them all day are likely to have the same fun. It’s like monkey watching, monkey watching — but with dogs. That’s why through training, you want to teach them proper behavior. Behaviors such as loud noises can lead to a lot of barking; or inconsistent routines can make training difficult because they don’t see consistent behavior from their parents, so why be consistent?
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Some people may own or be associated with dogs that they are unconsciously similar to. It’s a human construct that gravitates toward things that feel familiar and safe. Pet parents may find comfort in having similar physical characteristics or personalities, which may lead to a natural inclination toward a particular breed. A short person might have a corgi or a dachshund, and a taller person might opt for a German Shepherd or Great Dane, to name a few.
You might even be looking at your dog right now, wondering if you consciously or subconsciously chose a dog that looks like you? A British photographer even took a photo of a human identical to their dog, highlighting the real connection between the two. Studies have shown that people with long hair may prefer dogs with long or drooping ears, while people with short hair may choose puppies with pricked ears. There may be hundreds of traits that could justify why someone might choose one dog over another, but it all boils down to being familiar and comfortable with your partner.
Even if beloved dogs don’t physically look like their humans, they can definitely act like them. Dogs can almost absorb the atmosphere and take on our emotions and feelings. This is what I see every day in training. Our furry companions can feel anxiety and fear as well as excitement and joy, and they can accept any human expression. I recommend that my trainees always pay attention to their emotions when they are around their dogs. Especially as a puppy, personality develops and shapes around its environment. This is a big reason why therapy dogs exist. Have you ever noticed that the dog curls up next to you when you cry? They understand human emotions and cues and have a natural tendency to help.
Just like any other family member, apples don’t fall from trees. Who doesn’t want a little mini me? Now, go see all the man-canine duos you can’t see.
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