3.7K Views 3 years ago

How Eye Size Influences Human Communication with Dogs

Few fictional characters can claim to be as irresistibly cute as Puss in Boots. Known for his signature boots and large, expressive eyes, this charming feline has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Interestingly, a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Lincoln has unveiled an intriguing phenomenon known as the “Puss in Boots Effect.” This effect sheds light on how human communication with dogs is influenced by the size of the animals’ eyes, particularly in the case of women.

The ‘Puss in Boots Effect’ emerged from a study conducted by researchers who sought to understand the nuances of human communication with dogs. It has long been recognized that people tend to use an exaggerated tone when communicating with infants and dogs, a behavior known as infant-directed speech. However, this study aimed to unravel how this speech pattern varies based on the size of a dog’s eyes.

The study involved 21 male and 24 female participants who were instructed to speak to photographs of dogs representing 12 different breeds. These images were manipulated to show the dogs with eyes that were 15 percent smaller, 15 percent larger, or 30 percent larger than their normal size. Additionally, over 400 individuals participated in an online survey to assess the perceived sex, age, and ‘cuteness’ of these images.

The study’s results yielded fascinating insights into the way men and women interact with dogs based on eye size. Notably, women, but not men, consistently used a higher-pitched voice when addressing dogs with larger eyes. Additionally, women tended to perceive dogs with larger eyes as younger than those with smaller eyes.

The researchers attribute these findings to a phenomenon known as neoteny, wherein animals with bigger eyes are often perceived as more juvenile and, consequently, ‘cuter.’ Dr. Holly Root-Gutteridge, a co-author of the study, suggests that “the research tells us a new fact about how men and women respond differently to ‘cuteness,’ even at an unconscious level, as men responded less to the changes in eye size than women. It also confirms that as humans, we do respond more to the perceived youthfulness of animals.”

While the ‘Puss in Boots Effect’ is a captivating observation, the researchers also identified limitations to this phenomenon. Jemma Forman, another co-author from the University of Sussex, points out that when the size of a dog’s eyes becomes excessively large, it can trigger an “uncanny valley” effect. This unsettling feeling occurs when something appears almost human but not quite, making it less pleasant to view. Consequently, women tend to speak with a less exaggerated vocal range when encountering dogs with excessively large and ‘uncanny’ eyes.

This effect is particularly noticeable in breeds such as pugs or Pomeranians, which inherently possess relatively large eyes in proportion to their head size.

The ‘Puss in Boots Effect’ offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of human-animal communication and the perception of cuteness. It highlights the role of eye size, neoteny, and unconscious biases in shaping our interactions with dogs.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!