![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dogs_1x65-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSince the inception of time, humans have developed deep bonds with their four-legged, furry friends. They are often our running partners, lifeguards, best friends, and sometimes our \u2018fur babies\u2019 \u2013 naturally, they would resemble us. For years, people have speculated that some dogs look like their owners. It turns out there may be a scientific reason behind this\u2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Considering the theory of evolution from ape to homo sapien, it might not be that hard to imagine a world where canines resemble humans. But, the reason why some dogs look like their human is much simpler and actually mirrors our preference for appearance, right down to the romantic partners we choose.<\/p>\n
In 2016, psychologists, Michael M. Roy and J.S. Christenfeld Nicholas, decided to put the dog-resembles-human theory<\/a> to the test by photographing forty-five different humans and their dogs, separately. Random participants were then tasked to match the owner with one of the two pictures of dogs they were given and the results were astonishing. While the observers couldn\u2019t accurately match all forty-five dogs with their respective owners, they were able to correctly pair the purebred dogs with their humans \u2013 supporting the theory of assortative mating.<\/p>\n Humans are a tad vain, especially those who subconsciously or knowingly select partners based on similar physical traits they find desirable \u2013 a phenomenon best described as assortative mating…<\/p>\n Assortative mating essentially means \u2018self seeks like\u2019 in layman’s terms. Individuals might choose mating partners that resemble themselves based on similar characteristics or physical traits, this is one example of assortative mating. In fact, it goes both ways, some humans might be attracted to those with dissimilar physical traits \u2013 as the saying goes \u2018opposites attract\u2019. Interestingly, the same can be said for dogs that look like their owners.<\/p>\n Individuals might choose mating partners that resemble themselves based on similar characteristics or physical traits, this is one example of assortative mating.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Perhaps you have long shaggy hair and that\u2019s why you have an Afghan Hound, maybe your overgrown moustache is the reason you imprinted on a Schnauzer at the dog pound, or your muscular build explains why you adopted an American Bully.<\/p>\n Since the domestication of dogs, which occurred nearly 25 000 years ago, humans have created dog breeds far removed from their wolf origins. Today, we have all types of dog breeds thanks to assortative selection, from tiny rat-like Chihuahuas to stallion-esque Great Danes \u2013 humans have found a way to create almost any dog breed based on selected traits.<\/p>\n But, as much as assortative mating and artificial selection may be motivation for certain dog owners, the perceived resemblance between owners and their dogs is also skin-deep. Humans undoubtedly build strong emotional bonds with their dogs. If you\u2019re one of those owners that talk to their dog like they\u2019re a literal baby, you probably already knew this.<\/p>\n Another theory explaining the resemblance between owners and dogs is known as the \u2018mere-exposure effect\u2019…<\/p>\n The mere exposure effect is the phenomenon whereby people develop preferences for things that are familiar to them. In other words, the more exposure someone has to a stimulus, the more they tend to like it. If you have had curly hair your entire life, you could either knowingly or unknowingly have a preference for curly-haired dogs.<\/p>\n The mere exposure effect is the phenomenon whereby people develop preferences for things that are familiar to them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n As for the selection of romantic partners, the mere exposure effect can also play a role. People may be more likely to choose partners with familiar physical features, either because it\u2019s what they see when they look in the mirror \u2013 therefore having been consistently exposed to similar physical traits \u2013 or because they share similar backgrounds or interests.<\/p>\n After spending some time with friends or our partners, we naturally adopt behavioural patterns, and the same goes for our dogs.\u00a0So, while we don\u2019t actually grow to look like our dogs, others might notice a distinct or vaguely familiar resemblance between you and your dog, either based on similar traits or behavioural similarities<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our furry friends are undoubtedly smart and extremely loyal. Dogs who share a long relationship with their owners might appear to mimic their owner\u2019s stance or even their facial expressions. Of course, there\u2019s always the question of whether those behaviours might have been there to begin with, and simply became more apparent with time.<\/p>\n Some of the most famous people in history were believed to resemble their dogs, including U.S. ex-president, Richard Nixon, and his dog \u2018Checkers\u2019. Food icon, Martha Stewart, has often been likened to her Chow Chow, Genghis Khan; while some say pop icon, Lady Gaga, looks similar to her dog, Asia. Whether dogs look like humans due to artificial selection, the mere-exposure effect or inherent personality traits remains a conundrum. But, if one thing is certain, it\u2019s that we sure don\u2019t deserve dogs!<\/p>\n
\nAssortative Mating and More Theories<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/couple_drinking_coffee_1x65-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bearded_man_4x6-1.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/bearded_dog_4x6-1.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div>\n
\nCould It Be an Illusion?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/long_hari_4x6-1.jpg\")
<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dog_long_hair_4x6.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dog_and_human_1x65.jpg\")
<\/p>\n