Why do dogs and owners sometimes look alike? Dog lovers, without even realizing it, look for physical features as well as personality traits that resemble their own. More often than not, dogs and their owners do tend to look alike. Moreover, it’s not just a coincidence of twinning with your dog. There’s actually scientific research to back it up.
Doppelgänger
A researcher in Japan, Sadahiko Nakajima, found evidence to support why dogs are “twinning” with their owners. In 2009, he conducted an experiment to see if strangers were able to match up dogs with their owners through photographs alone. Surprisingly, the study identified the pet parents with 80% accuracy.
Matchmaker
Additional research supports the fact that dog lovers are responsible for their mirror image dogs. Similar to selecting a human partner, people opt for pups that are more familiar. Without even realizing it, the look for physical features as well as personality traits that resemble their own.
Samesies
In addition to looking similar, dog moms and dog dads tend to share personality traits as well. Do you own a goofy, slobbery Labrador? Are you an extrovert? Do you own a laid back, calm Mastiff? Are you a chill person? Are you timid and sensitive? You might be a Greyhound owner. Are you all bark with no bite? A Chihuahua might own you.
A paper published in the Journal of Research in Personality, says a dog’s personality directly reflects the personality of its owner. In addition, your dog will experience personality changes similar to how humans do over their lifetime. “The dog you rescue from the shelter isn’t going to be the same dog you will have in 10 years,” said William Chopik, a psychology researcher.
Mirror Image
Gerrard Gethings, an animal photographer, photographed 25 pairs of humans and their dogs that look alike. This book is a fun read and includes a fun memory card game that will get you smiling. If you are dog codependent, there’s a good chance that you resemble your furry best friend!
