What are puppy dog eyes?
Puppy dog eyes are a facial expression where a person’s eyes are opened wider than usual, with the eyebrows raised, often accompanied by a small pout. This gives the face an innocent, pleading look, similar to that of a puppy seeking affection or attention (Wiktionary). The look typically features rounded eyes opened to expose more white, raised and curled eyebrows, a tilted head, and an overall childlike appearance meant to elicit sympathy.
The puppy dog eye facial expression conveys a non-threatening, juvenile innocence. It is an appeal for mercy or indulgence, giving the impression of helplessness, harmlessness, and being undeserving of severity (Chewy). The look aims to persuade others to give in to one’s wishes and desires.
The meaning behind puppy dog eyes
Puppy dog eyes refers to a facial expression that dogs (and other animals) sometimes make where their eyes appear bigger, wider, and watery. It’s an involuntary pleading facial expression that is thought to trigger a nurturing response in humans. When dogs make this expression, their eyebrows raise up in the middle and their eyes open wider and appear shiny, which makes them look juvenile and cute like a puppy.
Research has found that this facial expression triggers a caring instinct in people. The wide eyes make the dog appear helpless like a puppy would be, which makes humans feel more compelled to protect and take care of them. So even though dogs don’t consciously make this facial expression on purpose, it has evolved to be an effective form of non-verbal communication that gets human attention and care.
Do dogs give puppy eyes on purpose?
Although it may seem like dogs consciously make “puppy eyes” to get what they want, research shows that this is actually an involuntary expression stemming from their evolution as social animals seeking acceptance from others (Source). When making puppy eyes, dogs raise their inner eyebrows and widen their eyes – part of a submissive expression to avoid conflict. This induces a nurturing response in humans.
So while dogs don’t actually decide to make puppy eyes, they do learn that this involuntary expression leads to positive rewards from owners like petting, treats, and attention (Source). Through this learned behavior, dogs refine the timing of their puppy eyes to maximize the benefits from their human companions. It taps into our instinctive feelings of care towards young, vulnerable animals.
The science behind puppy dog eyes
Research has shown that dogs evolved certain facial muscles and features that allow them to make the “puppy dog eyes” facial expression that humans find so endearing. According to a 2019 study from the University of Portsmouth, dogs have evolved a muscle that allows them to raise their inner eyebrow, which gives them a sad, infant-like look when combined with their broad forehead and large eyes 1. This look mimics infantile facial features that appeal to human caregiver instincts.
Specifically, dogs have a muscle called the levator anguli oculi medialis that no other animal has. This allows them to make dramatic eyebrow movements that enhance the puppy dog look 2. Researchers believe that dogs evolved this ability over thousands of years specifically to better communicate with humans using eye contact and facial expressions.
When humans see puppy dog eyes, it triggers the release of oxytocin and dopamine in the brain. These are caregiving hormones that make us feel affectionate and protective. So the puppy dog eyes facial expression causes a caregiving response in humans that makes us want to nurture dogs 3. It’s an evolved trick that plays on human emotions.
Why do we call it puppy dog eyes?
The expression “puppy dog eyes” refers to a facial expression that involves wide, pleading eyes looking upwards. This look resembles a young puppy begging its owner for food or attention. It is often associated specifically with puppies and young dogs.
The wide eyes and angled eyebrows create a sad, innocent facial expression that triggers a parental nurturing response in humans. We are evolutionarily predisposed to find the signals and facial features of young animals cute and endearing. When dogs make this expression, it subconsciously reminds us of a pleading puppy begging its owner, hence the phrase “puppy dog eyes.”
According to a 2019 study, dogs may have evolved to produce this facial expression specifically to better communicate with humans. By mimicking the appearance of a begging puppy, dogs can take advantage of humans’ innate nurturing instincts to get what they want. So while originally referring to young dogs, the term “puppy dog eyes” is now broadly used to describe anyone making a wide-eyed pleading face.
Do other animals give puppy eyes?
Dogs aren’t the only animals capable of making an expression resembling puppy eyes. Some other mammals like seals exhibit similar expressions, suggesting this ability evolved long before dogs became domesticated[1]. However, dogs are humans’ closest animal companions, so the puppy dog eyes expression is most recognizable and impactful in them.
Seals and sea lions can widen their eyes and raise their eyebrows to make themselves appear more infant-like. This expression triggers a nurturing response in humans similar to what we feel when dogs give us puppy eyes. Studies show that the facial musculature allowing seals to make these expressions is very similar to dogs[1].
While other domesticated mammals like cats and horses can also make endearing facial expressions, the puppy dog eyes look seems to be most strongly developed in dogs. This is likely because dogs have been selectively bred as companions for thousands of years. Humans chose the dogs that made the most appealing facial expressions, leading to the irresistible puppy eyes dogs give us today[1].
[1] https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/animals/pets/dogs-puppy-eyes/
Puppy eyes as a compliment
When someone says you have “puppy dog eyes,” it’s often meant as a compliment. This phrase refers to a sweet, endearing gaze that people find appealing.
According to a Quora answer, “It’s often used as a compliment to describe someone’s endearing and expressive gaze.” (Source). The puppy eyes look typically implies innocence and kindness. When someone says you have puppy dog eyes, they are commenting that your eyes look kind, caring, and expressive.
The phrase can be used both genuinely and sarcastically. If said sincerely, it suggests the person finds your gaze sweet and lovable, like a puppy’s. However, it could also be said mockingly to imply someone is trying to get their way by looking innocent.
Ultimately, being told you have puppy dog eyes is usually meant as a positive compliment about your kind appearance and endearing gaze. It means your eyes convey a sweetness and warmth that people find charming.
Responses to puppy dog eyes
People often feel compelled to nurture and care when they see puppy dog eyes, according to researchers. The wide eyes and raised brows trigger a parental instinct to want to comfort and protect (https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/animals/pets/dogs-puppy-eyes/). However, some people may resist puppy eyes if they dislike being emotionally manipulated. The response depends on the context and relationship with the person or dog giving the puppy eyes.
According to one study, humans are less likely to say no to a request if a dog gives them puppy eyes first (https://dogzen.com/why-you-cant-resist-your-pets-puppy-dog-eyes/). The wide eyes and tilted head activates the human caregiving system. People report feeling compelled to give dogs treats or pets if they make puppy eyes. However, if a person feels the puppy eyes are a deliberate manipulation, they may consciously resist the effect.
When a guy gives a girl “puppy eyes,” she may feel compelled to nurture him by giving affection or attention. But if she dislikes being manipulated, she may resist the tempting eyes (https://www.quora.com/Why-would-a-guy-look-at-you-with-puppy-eyes-or-soft-eyes-I-dont-know-how-to-explain-it). The response depends on the context of the relationship and how genuine the eyes appear.
Puppy eyes in relationships
Puppy dog eyes can be playful and affectionate between romantic partners when used appropriately. It can be a way to convey warmth, get attention, or ask for something from your significant other. However, overusing puppy eyes in a relationship can come across as manipulative if the intentions aren’t made clear.
According to relationship experts, it’s important for partners to communicate when using puppy eyes expressions.Clarifying the meaning behind the look helps set clear expectations. For example, saying “I’m giving you puppy dog eyes because you’re so cute and I adore you” expresses affection. Whereas saying “I’m giving puppy eyes because I really want ice cream” conveys a request.
Being open about the motivations and intentions behind puppy eyes helps deepen understanding in relationships. It transforms the expression from a potential manipulative tactic to a playful form of communication.
Conclusion
In summary, “puppy dog eyes” is generally considered a compliment. This phrase refers to a pleading, sad look with wide, innocent eyes, often given when someone wants attention, food, or affection. It’s an expression mostly unique to dogs and young puppies, hence the name. When people say someone has “puppy dog eyes,” it means their eyes are big, round, and soulful like a puppy’s.
The reason this look seems so imploring to us is due to evolution. The facial muscles cause the eyes to appear larger, sadder, and more infantile, triggering a nurturing response in humans. We can’t help but want to care for someone giving us puppy dog eyes. So when this term is applied to a person, it suggests they have sweet, endearing eyes that can persuasively “beg” for what they want. It’s considered an attractive quality and a compliment on the innocence and sincerity of one’s eyes.
In summary, “puppy dog eyes” connotes a positive meaning. It means someone’s eyes are innocent, cute, and good at eliciting sympathy or affection. When used genuinely, it’s a sweet compliment on the person’s kind and endearing nature reflected in their eyes.