Dogs, known for their expressive tails and ears, may also convey social signals through a more subtle behavior: blinking. A recent study sheds light on how blinking, often overlooked, could play a crucial role in canine communication, helping dogs bond with each other.
Published in Royal Society Open Science, the study reveals that dogs may unintentionally mimic each other’s blinks, much like they mimic other facial expressions such as yawns or playful faces. While facial mimicry in dogs is well-known in certain contexts, such as when they mirror emotional expressions, this study introduces blinking as a lesser-recognized form of social interaction.
Researchers suggest that blinking may serve as an appeasement signal. Dogs, like wolves, have a shared evolutionary background that drives them to display subtle visual cues in social situations, signaling non-aggression to other dogs or humans. Just as blinking is a form of social communication among humans and other primates, this study aims to explore whether it serves a similar role in dogs.
In the study, researchers created video sequences featuring three dogs — a terrier, a cocker spaniel, and a border collie — each displaying different facial signals, including blinking, nose licking, and a neutral stare. The videos were shown to 54 dogs, who were fitted with heart-rate monitors and recorded for facial responses.
The results revealed that dogs blinked 16% more often when watching the blinking video sequence compared to the others, suggesting they subconsciously mimic the blinking behavior. Interestingly, the nose-licking sequence did not evoke a similar response, indicating that blinking, not nose-licking, may be key to establishing social connections.
Despite some dogs dozing off, heart rates remained steady, indicating a lack of stress during the experiment. This reflexive behavior, seen as an automatic reaction, suggests that dogs may be unknowingly engaging in this form of communication. The study paves the way for further research into the timing and synchronization of dog blinks, which could deepen our understanding of this subtle yet significant social behavior.
Related topics:
Five of the Most Expensive Dog Breeds in India
15-Year-Old Shelter Dog Receives First Bath, Grateful for New Home
AI Advances in Recognizing Animal Emotions
